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That the pandemic is a threat to international peace and security was one of several messages in the Prime Minister’s digital speech to the leaders of the United Nations.
“The illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia and the aggression in eastern Ukraine constitute grave violations of international law, challenge world security and cause human suffering,” Löfven said.
He also demanded that Russia investigate the poisoning of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
– The Russian government must investigate the assassination attempt thoroughly and openly. Those responsible must be brought to justice.
Löfven also said that Sweden is concerned about the situation in Belarus after the August 9 elections.
– Which was neither free nor fair. The increased repression against peaceful protesters, journalists and opposition leaders is unacceptable.
The Prime Minister said that the corona pandemic illustrates the importance of strengthening international cooperation and the UN, while increasing polarization in the world.
– Times like these put the resilience of our societies and our international cooperation to the test. More than ever, we need to work together in solidarity.
At the same time, the pandemic has created opportunities to strengthen cooperation towards a modern and inclusive UN, continued the Prime Minister.
– We now have the rare opportunity to build better societies. Societies that are more resilient. We have the opportunity to jointly address common challenges. The pandemic, the climate crisis, increasing inequality, violations of international law, and threats to international peace.
Löfven highlighted climate change as one of the world’s most urgent problems.
– We must reshape our societies and reduce emissions. Sweden strives to be the first fossil-free welfare nation, but welcomes all competition to win us over there.
The Prime Minister also seized the opportunity to declare that Sweden supports the WHO leadership against covid-19 and cooperation between world leaders from various nations to ensure fair and global access to a future vaccine.
– No one is safe until everyone is safe. Ensuring access to vaccines is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and solidarity.
The blue-yellow speech also referred to the follow-up to UN 75, the General Assembly resolution adopted this week in connection with the UN’s 75th anniversary, which Sweden and Qatar have negotiated. Its aim is to pave the way for UN reforms, as well as sustainable development and conflict resolution.
