ALEJANDRO GIAMMATTEI FALLA, President of Guatemala, noted that the world has observed with horror the war against Ukraine started by the Russian Federation, which violates the principles on which the international order was built following the Second World War.  “And you know what is the worst still?  It seems like we have got used to it,” he continued, urging to have a renewed Organization that seeks solutions and countries that are willing to look beyond their ideological positions and overcome ancestral conflicts.  “For this to be achieved, every country must raise its voice, and every country must say enough is enough.  Today, my country joins the cry to say enough is enough.  My country joins the global call for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, respecting the territorial integrity and unity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” he emphasized, elaborating that disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, is one of the most important pillars of the United Nations.  “Imagine what a catastrophe it would be for the world if the illegal and unprovoked aggression of the Russian Federation destroyed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, which is in danger in terms of integrity and operation and which could cause a disaster of immeasurable proportions,” he underscored, demanding that the five permanent members of the Security Council achieve total nuclear disarmament.

He reiterated his country’s firm commitment and solidarity with the development and prosperity of the Haitian people, who are at risk due to a multidimensional crisis.  “As an international community, we must react and address catastrophes before they become even more devastating,” he added.  Turning to Asia, he expressed his support for Taiwan [province of China], noting that “its citizens” have been excluded from having a voice to represent them in this forum.

“Four years ago, I took possession of the position of President of the Republic of Guatemala, and since then, I have heard great speeches, great treaties and commitments have been signed up to stop climate change.  I want to tell everyone that today, the world is worse than it was four years ago.  Because more than speeches, commitments and treaties, the world needs action,” he underscored, saying that the Caribbean and Central American region suffers the most from climate change.  Despite his group of countries producing a low percentage of greenhouse gases, they suffer the most damage year after year.

He also said that the serious threat of drug consumption, especially synthetic drugs, should be a topic of great concern for the international community, as transnational crime must be fought transnationally.  Also, Guatemala is committed to the promotion of food security and the goal of zero hunger.  In this regard, he noted with alarm the suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.  “We condemn the use of hunger as a weapon of war, as this represents a violation of human rights and international humanitarian law,” he added.  He cited the case of the territorial, maritime and island dispute between Guatemala and Belize, which both countries are committed to resolve in a peaceful and respectful manner through the International Court of Justice — “in contrast to war due to international conflicts and the consequence of the foolishness of human beings”.  He also said that one of the greatest and alarming threats to life and freedom is human trafficking, which is a true crime against humanity, linked to slavery, since it practices the purchase and sale of human beings.