Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, denounced the urgent UN Security Council meeting convened in response to Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel as a parade of hypocrisy and double standards.
Addressing the Security Council, Nebenzya asserted, "You are well aware that an attack on a diplomatic mission constitutes a casus belli under international law. If Western missions were under attack, you would not hesitate to retaliate and present your case in this chamber. Anything concerning Western missions and citizens is deemed sacred and worthy of protection in your eyes."
"In this Security Council session today, we are witnessing a blatant parade of hypocrisy and double standards by the West, which is frankly uncomfortable to witness," the diplomat remarked.
Nebenzya also underscored that Iran's attack did not occur in isolation but was a response to the UN Security Council's failure to act following Israel's assault on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus.
"What happened on the night of April 14 did not unfold in a vacuum. Iran's actions were a reaction to the shameful inaction of the UN Security Council, a response to Israel's brazen attack on Damascus, which is not an isolated incident. Syria is continually subjected to Israeli airstrikes," Nebenzya emphasized.
The Russian representative reiterated Russia's repeated warnings regarding the unresolved crises in the Middle East, often exacerbated by unilateral, provocative actions.
"We have consistently emphasized that the unresolved crises in the Middle East, fueled by irresponsible unilateral provocations, will inevitably escalate tensions in the region," Nebenzya recalled. "It is imperative that none of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa become arenas for regional or international confrontations or settling political vendettas," he concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS