Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on 'Threats to International Peace and Security' (Iran)

I thank Under-Secretary-General, Rosemary DiCarlo and Director General of the IAEA, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi for their important briefings.

Colleagues,

Guyana is deeply concerned about the attack carried out by Israel against facilities in Iran. My delegation has noted the reports that the attack has resulted in the loss of lives including civilians. It has also, reportedly, resulted in retaliatory drone strikes by Iran against Israel. 

Israel’s latest attack on Iran contravenes the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. At a particularly volatile period in the region, the attack risks exacerbating existing tensions in the Middle East and escalating the ongoing crisis.

Guyana is concerned about the recent military escalation in the region and calls for maximum restraint from Member States.

In a region that is becoming increasingly combustible with each passing day, we appeal for dialogue, diplomacy and good sense to prevail and for all parties to commit to no further military escalation in the region.

Colleagues,

Guyana reiterates its appeal to both Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any further maneuvers that could plunge the entire Middle East into further turmoil, or worse, result in a nuclear catastrophe. The world simply cannot afford any miscalculations. The consequences for civilians could be catastrophic.

Guyana, therefore, urges both Israel and Iran to fully comply with their obligations under international law and relevant resolutions adopted by this Council.

We further call on the two parties to uphold the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, to adhere fully to international law and the United Nations Charter, and to settle their differences peacefully.

Guyana also stresses the importance of accountability for all violations of international law and to avoid creating a culture of impunity for such actions.

Finally, Guyana will act constructively to support any Security Council measure that is in keeping with its mandate aimed at preserving international peace and security. The Council must take a united approach to these developments to confront the prospects of outright war in the region and the devastating consequences that would follow for the region and beyond.

The maintenance of international peace and security requires us all to take decisive action, and now is the moment to redouble our collective efforts to prevent a wider conflagration.

I thank you.