Right of Reply to Belarus on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine
As delivered by Ambassador Michael Carpenter
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
March 24, 2022
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
So, with regards to the intervention, just now, from the Belarusian representative, where he says that his country has no plans to attack Ukrainian territory: I guess then we all have to infer that Belarus has no more sovereignty, or at least limited sovereignty. Because how else can you explain the fact that your country was a staging ground for tens of thousands of combat troops who floated into Ukraine, have been attacking its cities, killing civilians, engaging in looting and numerous other activities that are in complete violation of international humanitarian law? You facilitated it. You engaged in it. You participated in it.
So, I guess I have to conclude therefore, that your country has either limited sovereignty, or I mean, you tell me: how much is left? Is this approved by the leadership of Belarus? I’m curious. I’m glad to hear that you claim to support peace. You also say that your information space is contested and that actors are trying to draw you into the conflict. Are you referring to the Russian Federation? I will say that we hope the Belarusian troops do not enter Ukraine. I hope that that statement is true. But I’m a little bit confused by your phraseology because it doesn’t seem consonant with any of the basic facts of what we’re all seeing. So perhaps next time you take the floor, you might want to explain a little bit more detail what you’re talking about because it doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t add up. I don’t think anyone here believes it. Over to you.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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