Statement by Ms. Varduhi Melikyan, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Open Debate: Situation in the Middle East

30 April, 2025

Mr. President,

We thank the Presidency of France for convening the Security Council open debate on the theme of the situation in the Middle East with the view to respond to new realities. We thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his comprehensive presentation, which outlined the activities of the UN in addressing numerous challenges in the region, particularly the provision of humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflicts and crises.

The Republic of Armenia is genuinely committed to establishing peace and stability in the Middle East, notably achieving a peaceful, just and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with the "two-state" solution. Reaffirming its commitment to international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of peoples, on 21 June 2024, the Republic of Armenia recognized the State of Palestine and established diplomatic ties with hope that existence of the viable Palestinian state will turn the page of decades long violence between the Arab and Jewish peoples in the Middle East and pave the way for peaceful coexistence and ensuring a brighter future for the entire region.

Protection of civilian population, including children and women, unconditional release of all the hostages and humanitarian assistance to those in need is an important priority for Armenia. After the outbreak of hostilities following October 7, 2023, Armenia has been persistently advocating the basic rights of civilian victims of the conflict and has been joining all recent resolutions of the UN General Assembly calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza demanding the parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure humanitarian access.

Being deeply concerned over the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, back in 2024 Armenia has provided humanitarian assistance to address the critical humanitarian needs of the civilian population in Gaza. Acknowledging the indispensable role of UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in addressing the humanitarian plight of the Palestinian refugees Armenia has provided financial assistance to the UNRWA to facilitate its humanitarian tasks in Gaza.

We hope that the upcoming “High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” will serve as a platform to discuss in good faith the resolution of the long-standing conflict and achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.

Mr. President,

Armenia has consistently supported the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and the right of the Syrian people to define their own future. During the visit of the Delegation of Armenia to Damascus in January this year Armenia has pledged its support in humanitarian, socio-economic and other areas. It has already materialized by provision of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people. We appreciate the assistance of the Government of Türkiye in temporary opening of the closed border with Armenia for the passage of humanitarian consignment.

For many years the Armenian mission of medical personnel and humanitarian deminers has contributed to humanitarian response to the needs of the Syrian people, including through implementation of projects in cooperation with the UN Mine Action Service. Armenia stands ready to renew humanitarian demining activities in Syria in cooperation with the Syrian authorities and UNMAS.

Armenia welcomes achievement of ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel in November 2024. Despite the security challenges and the recent escalation in Lebanon, Armenian peacekeepers in the UNIFIL, alongside their international partners continue fulfilling their peacekeeping duties, demonstrating Armenia’s commitment to international peace and security in the region.

Armenia places great importance to protection of the cultural heritage of the region. In this context, Armenia has made a financial contribution to the Blue Shield International to implement projects in Lebanon to restore the damaged cultural monuments. The experts of Matenadaran, Armenian Institute of Ancient Manuscripts continue to support capacity building and restoration activities of the Center for the Digitization of Oriental Manuscripts in Erbil within the UNESCO flagship program "Revive the Spirit of Mosul”.

Thank you.

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