Mister President,
Italy fully aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and would like to add some considerations in its national capacity.
On the third tragic anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we stand together with the Ukrainian people to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our shared values and the UN Charter. The Eleventh emergency special session of the General Assembly is convened today to reaffirm the need to ensure that the fundamental principles of international law prevail, not just in Ukraine but wherever they are challenged. Italy remains committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We firmly believe that the full implementation of these principles is not only in the interest of Ukraine and Europe, but also of the entire UN membership, since they are the foundations that hold the international community together.
We are not at war with Russia, but we defend Ukraine’s right to be an independent State. We must work together to restore peace in Europe. We need diplomacy: there is no military solution to this conflict, but only diplomatic, to be achieved through negotiations and we appreciate the US diplomatic initiative aimed at bringing Russia to the negotiating table. For that reason we decided to support both Resolutions “Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine” and “The Path to Peace” as amended. At the same time, We believe that only the full involvement of Ukraine and Europe in these negotiations can guarantee a lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations.
I thank you.