Ambassador Robert Wood
Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs
New York, New York
July 6, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam President. I apologize for taking the floor so early.
The United States urges fellow Council members to vote to allow Ukraine to speak under Rule 37 during this briefing on UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
Both Iran and Russia have violated their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 by participating in the transfer of UAVs without obtaining advance approval from the UN Security Council.
Iranian UAV development has direct implications for Ukraine. Over the last several weeks, we have seen Russia repeatedly use UAVs in attacks that have killed Ukrainian civilians and destroyed Ukrainian public works.
This is a matter of life or death for the Ukrainian people. It would be unconscionable to deny Ukraine the opportunity to speak at this meeting, when it is experiencing the devastating effects of Iran’s violation of Resolution 2231 firsthand.
Thank you, Madam President.
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