Malta stands firmly with other EU members in believing that the “strongest possible pressure” must be kept on the Russian economy, Robert Abela told the United Nations on Friday.
Addressing the UN’s general assembly in New York, the prime minister said this pressure must be applied to force the Russian government to see sense and engage in dialogue after its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine over three years ago.
The prime minister said Malta remains as resolute as ever in demanding a lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty.
He said this is the only solution which will adhere to the spirit of both the UN Charter and international law.
This, Abela continued, can only come about following a full and unconditional permanent
The prime minister said the world must not turn its back on the conflict in Ukraine or Gaza, nor tackle them with double standards.
“We must never wring our hands and consign any conflict to the too difficult to deal with pile,” Abela said.
Abela demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
“The suffering of so many thousands of innocent civilians must come to an end. Now. The remaining hostages must be released immediately by Hamas. International humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow, without impediment,” Abela said.
Malta was among several countries that officially recognised the Palestinian state earlier this week at the UN.
Abela said that despite Malta’s small size, it has a role to play on the global stage thanks to its reputation as a respected and knowledgeable fair-broker.
Coupled with the country’s neutrality and geographic location at the crossroads of two continents, Malta is the ideal location to come together to try and find solutions to even the most intractable of disputes, Abela said.
“So, today, I renew my open offer to the warring parties of the world and those working to bridge those divides. Malta stands ready to welcome you, to facilitate, and to support you in finding ways forward.
“Nobody disputes how deeply entrenched are the barriers to peace. But that doesn’t mean that the search for solutions should ever be paused,” the prime minister said.