Around 130 heads of state and government traveled to the UN general debate. It was US President Biden's last speech at the United Nations. Secretary General Guterres turned his attention to the Middle East: Lebanon is on the brink.
One topic is dominating the United Nations General Assembly this year: the war in Gaza and the danger of further escalation in Lebanon.
Right at the beginning of his speech, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned of a conflagration in the Middle East. The Gaza war is a “continuous nightmare” and now Lebanon is on the brink. “The Lebanese people, the Israeli people and people around the world cannot afford for Lebanon to become another Gaza,” he warned.
Guterres sees “world of impunity”
Guterres once again condemned Hamas' October 7 attack as “despicable.” And then added, to the applause of many heads of state and government: However, there is “no justification for the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”
With a view to further wars in Ukraine or Sudan, Guterres lamented a “world of impunity.” A growing number of governments are trampling on international law and undermining international law: “They can invade another country, devastate entire societies or completely disregard the well-being of their own people. And nothing will happen.”
Biden: Enemies can become friends
A little later, Joe Biden gave his last speech as US President to the global community. It was the legacy speech of a politician who helped shape the foreign policy of the United States and the fortunes of the United Nations for more than 50 years.
In contrast to the UN Secretary General's rather gloomy speech, Biden also tried to convey hope. Yes, he knows about the problems of the world. But enemies can also become friends, said Biden, citing America and Vietnam as examples. Or South Africa: The apartheid regime there has disappeared – and many new democracies have emerged around the world.
Biden gave his final speech as US president to the United Nations. He also warned of an escalation in the Middle East: “Nobody has an interest in an all-out war,” he said. “Even if the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible.”
“Putin has failed”
That is why the international community must now continue to support Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia. “The good news is: Putin failed,” said Biden. “He wanted to destroy Ukraine. But it is still free. He wanted to weaken NATO, but it is bigger, stronger and more united than ever.”
Biden also warned of an escalation in the Middle East and appealed to all parties to the conflict to continue working on a diplomatic solution.
At the end of his speech, Biden warned the more than 100 heads of state and government in the United Nations hall: “Let us never forget: There are more important things than staying in power. These are your citizens!” And despite all the crises and challenges, nothing is impossible if the global community works together: “Let's work together!”
Martin Ganslmeier, ARD New York, tagesschau, September 24, 2024 6:14 p.m
