The Cuban government turned against the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy be judged, exceptionally by video to the United Nations General Assembly.
Other countries that opposed the request were Belarus, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Nicaragua, which aligned with Russia’s interests, AFP explained in detail.
With the backing of 101 nations backing the proposal, Zelenskyy will be able to address the United Nations remotely on September 21, according to the scheduled agenda, although there may be changes as many leaders will travel to London to attend to participate in it the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Countries like the United States, South Korea or Colombia argued to make the decision Ukraine’s war against Russia is an exceptional situationwhich allows the President not to appear before the General Assembly.
Russia tried to veto the proposal, counting on its ally Belarus, who tabled an amendment supported by Nicaragua and Venezuela, but it was defeated by 67 countries, with 23 abstentions and just 27 votes in favour.
“If the General Assembly is willing to consider the possibility of pre-recorded statements during the general debate, that right should be granted to all who need it,” Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polianski said in his favour.
The approved text highlighted that there are situations where Heads of State or Government “are unable to attend meetings of the General Assembly in person for reasons beyond their control, such as ongoing foreign invasion, aggression and military hostilities”; although the exception has not set a precedent for future discussions.
For the past two years and as a result of the coronavirus, speeches at the UN General Assembly have been partially or fully virtual.
Zelenskyy spoke via video message to the UN Security Council, most recently at the end of August.
The 77th session of the General Assembly began on September 13th and the general debate will take place from Tuesday to Saturday and will end on Monday 26th September.
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