UNGA 78: Ukraine; Tajani, “Italy supports Zelensky’s 10 points peace plan”

NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 20 – At the high level UN Security Council debate on Ukraine, Italy’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani confirmed the condemnation of the Russian aggression and Italy’s support to Ukraine, a priority of its G7 Presidency in 2024. The Italian Government is at the forefront of reconstruction efforts, particularly of Odessa and its cathedral.

“Italy supports President Zelensky’s 10-point peace formula”, said Tajani: “The position of the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is clear and well-known. We stand with Ukraine, a invaded people fighting to defend their freedom and sovereignty”, hoping for “a just peace for Ukraine, which means freedom for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people know that Italy is with them and will stand with them. For them, but also for Italy itself.”

Tajani noted that the entire world is experiencing the consequences of this war, which has affected global societies “with a domino effect”: an energy crisis, rising commodity prices, inflation, and refugees. “A growing migratory pressure from Africa, particularly towards Italy, exacerbated by the food crisis caused by Russia’s grain blockade. The international community has not given in to these difficulties, despite the weariness of our public opinions.”

The minister expressed renewed concern for the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, “with poses the risk of a new Chernobyl,” and strongly condemned Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain agreement. Italy’s third priority is to support the Vatican’s initiative to exchange prisoners and allow Ukrainian children to reunite with their families.

The reconstruction of Ukraine will be among the main points of the Italian G7 presidency, starting with the restoration of the Odessa Cathedral, one of over 120 Ukrainian religious sites damaged by the war, according to UNESCO. Behind all of this is the need to reform the UN Security Council, especially in light of Russia’s vetoes in recent months: “We must admit that something has not worked. We thought that peace and international security were taken for granted. The Security Council has been locked for decades. The position of the Italian government is very clear. We need a Security Council that is fairer, more representative, and inclusive,” the minister said, according to whom “greater representativeness means giving more opportunities for African, Asian, Latin American, and island states to have a seat on the Council, without creating new hierarchies and privileges.” (@OnuItalia)