Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the situation in the Middle East

Madam President,

On behalf of Ambassador Žbogar and our entire team I would like to thank you sincerely and the other members for your kind words and I also wish to congratulate you and your team for assuming the Presidency of the Council in October and wish you all the best.

We thank the Secretary General for his briefing.

Madam President,

In the last two weeks, we have met several times to discuss the situation in the Middle East. It has become increasingly clear that the current escalation is gaining its own, ever more dangerous momentum. The actions and reactions of actors involved are dragging the region further away from peace and closer to an all-out war. No single party can absolve itself of blame for the chaos that is unfolding.

This has become a crisis of retaliation and vengeance, where each strike fuels the next. Let me be clear: the region needs full and immediate de-escalation. For this to happen a ceasefire on all fronts is urgent.

We condemn the recent escalation in the Middle East. This includes Iranian attack on Israel. It includes Israeli attacks in Lebanon and the escalation between Hezbollah and Israel. We call on Israel to revoke their ground operation in Southern Lebanon. It also includes continuous Israeli military operation in Gaza and it includes yesterday’s terror attack in Jaffa. We see deeply troublesome parallels: escalation from any side only leads to further violence, not security or peace.

We want to underline: more violence cannot bring more stability and security in the region or beyond. War is not a solution to the problems in the Middle East. There is no military solution to the crisis.

We call on all countries and actors to show restraint. Everyone with influence must exert it.

To Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and others: the circle of violence must stop. Retaliations must stop. Escalations must stop.

We call on all parties to respect international law, particularly international humanitarian and human rights law. Respect for and compliance with international law are a must. Protection of civilians must be ensured at all times. We are dismayed by the impact of the escalation in Lebanon on civilians and condemn the high number of civilian casualties. Massive displacement in Lebanon will add an additional strain on a country which is already facing numerous challenges. Equally, this intensification of the conflict will not bring thousands of displaced Israelis back to their homes. And we must not forget about the entire population of Gaza, being displaced repeatedly.

There is a dire need to recommit and fully implement resolution 1701. This Council must stand united in its call for de-escalation and ceasefire. We repeat our call for safety and security of UNIFIL to be ensured at all times. We also take this opportunity to express our full support to the work of the United Nations and its Secretary General in this crisis. We appeal to Israel to reconsider today’s announcement.

It is high time to strengthen the role of diplomacy and to prioritize peace. We support all initiatives which could bring stability about peace: ceasefire negotiations related to Lebanon and to Gaza are utmost needed. We underline this Council has primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security. The region is standing at a precipice – we are a step away from an all-out war that threatens not only the region but global peace and stability. In the complex history of the Middle East, the Council has made various attempts to shoulder its responsibility. It is now on us, this 15 countries seating by this table, to unite and call out for an all-out ceasefire.

I thank you, Madam President.

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