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' (Minsk Agreements)

Thank you, Mr. President,

I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and took careful note of Mr. Waters’ contribution to our discussion today.

Last week marked 10 years since the adoption of resolution 2202 which endorsed the “Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements” and reaffirmed that the resolution of the situation in the eastern regions of Ukraine could only be achieved through peaceful means. Yet in just one week from today we will be marking another anniversary, three years of the brutal war in Ukraine.

Although some may lament the failure of the Minsk Agreements and suggest that the ensuing conflict could only be settled on the battlefield, Guyana insists on drawing the right lessons from the past. 

There are no shortcuts; enduring peace demands a firm commitment to addressing and resolving the root causes of the conflict. It means ensuring justice and promoting reconciliation. It also means having a common understanding of the provisions of the agreement and the expectations of all sides. It requires political will.

Guyana maintains its steadfast support for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We also join the international community in reaffirming the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and in calling for full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

The failed implementation of the Minsk Accords cannot be the reason to prolong this war. Guyana reiterates its call for an immediate end to the hostilities and the withdrawal of Russian military forces from the territory of Ukraine. 

We urge the parties to commit to a serious political and diplomatic process toward ending the conflict. We take note of the ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable peace and welcome the continued engagement of the international community to this end. 

I thank you.