24 April 2025, 09:40

Diplomat at UN: Belarus opposes coercion and domination in international relations

Pavel Yevseyenko. Photo from mfa.gov.by

MINSK, 24 April (BelTA) – Belarus opposes the policy of coercion and domination and attempts to unilaterally rewrite international rules, Belarus' Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Pavel Yevseyenko said at the UN Security Council Arria-formula Meeting in New York, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian diplomat noted that unilateral egocentric actions of some states and the policy of pressure are highly detrimental to the entire system of international relations, as this undermines stability and sustainable development.

“It is becoming more common when individual states, pursuing their parochial interests, resort to unilateral coercive measures in the form of economic sanctions, trade barriers and pressure devoid of any legitimacy and inconsistent with the basic principles of the UN Charter. Under the guise of the so-called 'national security' and a fictitious 'fair' approach, illegal trade restrictions are introduced, international agreements are rescinded, global supply chains are disrupted, and the sovereignty of states is violated,” said Pavel Yevseyenko.

According to him, one of the obvious consequences of such a policy is the escalating war of trade duties and tariffs, which has already shaken the multilateral trade system and poses much greater risks for the stability of world markets.

“Such actions have nothing to do with the protection of interests! This is sheer blackmail! And it must be called by its name,” said the representative of Belarus.

He recalled that the UN General Assembly Resolution 78/135 of 19 December 2023 clearly and unambiguously expressed serious concern about the use of unilateral coercive economic measures that run against the principles of international law and the provisions of the UN Charter. These measures hurt the economy and development efforts, and have a negative impact on international economic cooperation.

“It is obvious that developing countries and regions are at the biggest risk. However, the current developments in the world demonstrate that no one is immune to the threats of selfish protectionism - neither large highly developed states, nor vulnerable and small countries. Belarus supports international efforts to eradicate unilateralism and coercive measures that are used as instruments of international relations. We strictly adhere to the principles of the UN Charter - the equality of states, non-interference in internal affairs and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means,” Pavel Yevseyenko emphasized.

The diplomat noted that Belarus opposes the policy of force and domination, it speaks against the unilateral attempts to rewrite international rules in the interests of a small group of states. “This is a direct threat to the multilateral system that the UN is obliged to protect. Belarus remains open to mutually beneficial and respectful cooperation with all states without exception,” Pavel Yevseyenko remarked.