Article author:
Reuters
Michelle Nichols and Emma Farge
UN/Geneva — Dozens of people from Africa gather under the chandelier of the Russian UN mission in New York on a June night. UN Ambassadors to the Middle East, Latin America and Asia attended receptions to mark the National Days of their countries. This is less than four months after Ukrainian forces invaded neighboring Ukraine.
Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, said, "Thank you for your support and principled stance against the so-called anti-Russian crusade." ” Russia and its culture.
The throng of ambassadors rallies Western diplomacy to maintain international resolve to diplomatically isolate Russia after the first storm of UN condemnation over the attack on Ukraine.
Some Western diplomats say the war has been in the global spotlight for nearly half a year with no prospect of the United Nations ending it. Wary of dissatisfaction and concerns between countries, they target Russia to a greater extent than hold conferences acknowledging that they are limited in what they can do.
"As the war drags on, it becomes harder to find meaningful ways to punish Russia," said Richard Gowan, UN director of the independent International Crisis Group.
In some cases, Western countries avoid certain moves for fear of low approval ratings. It planned to appoint a UN expert in May to investigate human rights abuses in Russia, but nearly half of the 47-member UN Human Rights Council in Geneva raised concerns, shelving the idea. You may object.
"Countries are asking: 'Is it really wise to be among those who defeated Russia? Winzek said.
Costumes and Chocolates
The Russian delegation to the United Nations in Geneva stated that the West "would not be able to isolate Russia because it is a global power." I know very well," he said.
Diplomatic isolation did not extend to a secret vote at her June reception to determine the best "folk dress" in Geneva. The Russian diplomat won and video showed she was awarded a box of chocolates.The Ukrainian delegation left.
As a veto power over the 15-nation UN Security Council, Russia can protect itself from substantive actions such as sanctions, but it does so against Western diplomatic moves elsewhere. It is also campaigning to dampen support.
Ahead of April's vote by the 193-state UN General Assembly to suspend Russia's participation in the Human Rights Council, Moscow told countries that votes for or abstention would be considered "unfriendly".
The US-led move was a success, garnering 93 votes in favor, 24 against and 58 abstentions.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Her Thomas Greenfield said Russia had a "false narrative" that Western sanctions were the cause of the global food crisis. said it could upset some countries. He argued that while he was agitated by Russia's war, it did not translate into greater support for Russia. , we need to be aware of that," she told the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in July. Within nearly three-quarters of the General Assembly voted to reprimand Russia and demand the withdrawal of its troops. Three weeks later, they again overwhelmingly accused Russia of creating a "dire" humanitarian situation.
“As the March resolution is a high water mark, approval ratings will drop. Unless the red line is crossed, there will be no appetite for further action.” A senior Asian diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity.
Some diplomats have suggested that such a red line could be a nuclear or chemical attack, mass civilian deaths, or annexation of Ukrainian territory. there is
The West has successfully focused on the election of UN agencies. For the first time since UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency, was created in 1946, Russia failed to win re-election to the board in April and was unable to retain seats in other agencies.
However, at the May meeting of the World Health Organization, about 30 countries, half of them from Africa, did not attend the vote on the Ukraine resolution, prompting some delegates who were present to vote. joked that they must be missing the party.
"The most puzzling thing for us is the idea that conflicts like this are essentially encouraged to go on indefinitely," said a senior African diplomat. He spoke on condition of anonymity, citing Western weapons. The supply of goods to Ukraine and the lack of real talks to end the conflict peacefully.
Ukraine appealed to expel Russia from the United Nations. But the unprecedented move requires Security Council recommendations and could be blocked by Russia. After that, a General Assembly vote is required.
Another option is to revoke the credentials of representatives of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but that would require the support of at least a majority of the General Assembly. Reported by Phage, edited by Mary Milliken and Grant McCool)