DENIS RONALDO MONCADA COLINDRES, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua, said that the current global health crisis undermines efforts to overcome poverty, hunger, inequality, unemployment, and climate change produced by the “irrational and oppressive system of capitalist exploitation”.  The “dehumanized hoarding” of COVID-19 vaccines by developed countries is unacceptable as it prevents fair and equitable distribution to all of vaccines, which are a common good of humanity.  The pandemic has shown the need to create a new international economic model, based on inclusion, equity, and social justice, he stated.  The refugee crisis must not be forgotten.  The interventions promoted and carried out by the Western Powers violate the sovereignty of people, many of whom are forced to seek refuge in countries of the West, where they become victims of the unjust neoliberal model and their human rights are violated, he said.

The United Nations must ensure peace, justice, security, and comprehensive responses for the benefit of humanity, he continued.  In addition, he expressed Nicaragua’s support for the common African position contained in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.  Nicaragua will continue to defend multilateralism and non-interference in internal affairs.  His Government advocates general and complete disarmament and is in favour of the total elimination of nuclear weapons.  “It is unacceptable that in the midst of this pandemic, weapons of mass destruction continue to be modernized,” he stated.  Turning to the situation in Afghanistan, he stressed that peace there must prevail.  The United States and Europe must act rationally and responsibly.  The lessons of Afghanistan are clear, he said, stating that neither intervention nor unilateral sanctions worked.  Expressing solidarity with the people of Cuba, he called on the United States to lift its commercial and financial blockade.

“We must not forget the challenges of climate change and its devastating impact, particularly in developing countries,” he went on.  The major emitters need to acknowledge that they are responsible for global warming.  Underlining full support for the Palestinian people, he called for a two-State solution, including creation of a State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.  He supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and said that all aggression against the people and Government of that country must stop.  His Government supports the end of all sanctions on Iran and calls for the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as this agreement demonstrates that dialogue and diplomacy are the most appropriate means for peaceful resolution.  In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to apply the principle of universality so that Taiwan can participate in the corresponding mechanisms and meetings of the United Nations system, he said.  He concluded by condemning the United States’ “hegemonic political aggressions that threaten the peaceful solution of conflicts”.