Mr. Chair,
At the outset, I would like to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election and assure you of my Delegation’s full support.
My Delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Mr. Chair,
1. We have witnessed with concerns on various challenges to the UN Charter that have serious implications on the international peace and security and the international rules-based order.
In this context, Viet Nam has time and again underscored the importance of respect for the UN Charter and the principles of international law. It is important that all member States, large and small, bear the primary responsibility in the adherence to UN Charter. Our actions, both individually and collectively, must be guided by and in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
2. At this session, we would like to make the following points:
First, on the “Maintenance of international peace and security”, my Delegation believes that sanctions should only be used as a measure of last resort and are not an end in itself. For sanctions to contribute to facilitating a long-term settlement and sustainable peace and security, their objectives must be clearly defined, based on tenable legal grounds, and with a clear time frame. Sanctions should be also subject to monitoring and periodic review and be lifted as soon as their objectives are achieved.
It is important to recall that sanctions must be accurately targeted at the threats to international peace and security and implemented in accordance with the UN Charter and principles of international law, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference. In this connection, my Delegation remains concerned about the adverse impacts of sanctions on the economic activities and people’s livelihood, especially vulnerable populations, in the affected States.
We urge the sanction committees, panels of experts to take into full account the impact of sanctions on third States as mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report on implementation of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations related to assistance to third States affected by the application of sanctions. We continue to support the proposal of Cuba on strengthening the role of the UN and enhancing its effectiveness.
Second, on “Peaceful settlement of disputes”, my Delegation is committed to the principle of the UN Charter on the peaceful settlement of disputes and strongly supports the important and effective role of all means specified in Article 33 of the Charter. In this regard, we welcome the Explanatory Note by the Non-Aligned Movement on the Identification of “other peaceful means” of pacific settlement of disputes in Article 33(1) of the Charter of the United Nations and call on all concerned parties to explore all peaceful means to settle their disputes. Relevant partners, including regional organisations’support to these efforts is needed.
Regard to this year’s subtopic “Exchange of information on State practices regarding the resort to regional agencies or arrangements”, we are convinced that by learning from each other's experiences, States can gain a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of resorting to regional mechanisms for dispute settlement. By sharing information and engaging in joint activities, States can build trust and reduce or prevent the risk of conflict.
At regional level, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been at the forefront of these efforts, working to establish several effective regional mechanisms, including ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS). Through these mechanisms, ASEAN countries and our partners have been able to discuss and address a range of regional security issues. In addition to continuing to strengthen foundational instruments for friendly cooperation and peaceful settlement of disputes such as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia of 1976 (TAC), we also work together in the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the ongoing negotiation of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.
In conclusion, my Delegation reaffirms its commitment to actively contributing to the successful outcome of this session.
I thank you./