Delivered By: Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing, and we listened carefully to Mr. Sachs and Mr. McGovern.
Acts of sabotage against energy infrastructure, such as explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea last September, are unacceptable. They pose a significant threat to international security, stability, and prosperity. They may also disrupt markets and undermine the predictability of energy supplies, and, as we have seen in this case, they can carry a significant risk of environmental damage.
Last year’s explosions had devastating consequences for our planet, leading to the worst methane gas leak ever recorded. As we work together to address climate change, such events only make our collective efforts more difficult.
Mr. President,
The UAE takes this incident extremely seriously. When we met last September to discuss this issue, the exact cause of the explosions was unknown. What was clear was the importance of conducting an investigation into the causes of the explosion and preventing the situation from escalating further. The imperative for thorough and credible investigations, alongside the need to reduce tensions, is as relevant today as it was last fall.
It is important that the investigations are grounded in science and facts, not politics and posturing. The gravity of the situation demands a serious and sober approach and requires holding those responsible accountable. It is vital that we send a loud and clear message that these types of acts cannot be tolerated.
While several investigations are ongoing, we urge all concerned parties not to resort to unilateral measures or escalatory actions. At a time of considerable regional and international uncertainty, we can ill-afford any steps that could inflame tensions.
Mr. President,
We await the establishment of the facts around the incidents, the identification of those responsible, and proper steps to ensure accountability.
Thank you, Mr. President.