Statement by Political Coordinator of Slovenia to the United Nations Klemen Ponikvar at the Arria-formula meeting on the Kursk incursion convened by the Russian Federation

Thank you very much.

Let me begin by expressing deep regret over loss of innocent civilian lives. Slovenia is devastated over the impact conflicts are having on civilians around the globe.

Mr. Chair, the only way to prevent this from happening is by fully and unselectively respecting international law.

And this brings me to the very first point my delegation wishes to make.

We cannot accept selective references to international law violations. Slovenia condemns any attempts at setting double standards for application of international humanitarian law.

Pointing out and discussing only a fraction of alleged violations is counterproductive and brings us further away from our primary responsibility – to maintain international peace and security. Omitting to mention the levelling of apartment blocks in Kyiv and bombing schools and hospitals across Ukraine in overnight large-scale aerial attacks, is diminishing the credibility of such discussions.

Secondly. And we do agree on this point – accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity needs to be ensured at all cost. We will not have a just and lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine if we fail to ensure accountability, regardless of the perpetrator, and including for the crime of aggression, and bring justice to all victims of this war.

Mr. Chair, Slovenia will continue to call for timely, effective and comprehensive accountability measures. In this context, Slovenia supports the activities of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and calls on all countries to cooperate with it. Slovenia also supports the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

And let me end with these words: After three years of this senseless war, we believe we need to move away from events as this one today and rather start with concrete discussions on a ceasefire – leading towards a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

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