BY
H.E. DR. MICHAEL IMRAN KANU
AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you for convening this meeting at the request of Algeria, China and the Russian Federation.
I thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for her briefing.
Sierra Leone takes note of the identical letter dated 31st July 2024 from the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran addressed to the Secretary-General and President of the Security Council, informing of an attack in the Iranian territory, that led to the death of Mr. Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of Hamas.
Sierra Leone remains deeply concerned about this recent development, bearing in mind the overall situation in the Middle East that already poses a serious threat to regional stability and international peace and security.
We reaffirm the principles of the United Nations Charter including the principle enshrined in Article 2 paragraph 4 which provides that “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations”. We therefore condemn the action of the killing of Mr. Haniyeh on Iranian territory which clearly violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
As a State Party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, we have followed with interest proceedings at Pre-Trial Chamber I of the Court following the announcement by the Prosecutor Karim Khan KC on 20th May 2024 of the filing of applications for warrants of arrest in the Situation in the State of Palestine including against Ismail Haniyeh based on his findings that he bears criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of Israel and the State of Palestine (in the Gaza strip) from at least 7 October 2023. If there was ever a quest for justice, that is the justice and accountability process our multilateral system based on the rule of law allows for, and not by unlawful killing.
To this end, we call for a comprehensive investigation into the attack as reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure those responsible will be held accountable for any violation of international law.
Mr. President,
An assessment of the situation in the Middle East indicates that the Israel-Palestine conflict which remains unresolved, continues to fuel tensions and violence that could not only be detrimental to the civilians already facing a dire humanitarian crisis, but could also lead to a wider regional conflagration.
On this note we condemn the reported attacks by Hezbollah in the Occupied Syrian Golan and Israel’s strike on Beirut both of which claimed the lives of innocent civilians. Such actions violate international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law, as applicable.
In our tireless effort to pursue peace in the Middle East, especially in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Sierra Leone reiterates its call for the parties to the conflicts in the region to exercise restraint and avoid all acts of retaliation that may cause further civilian harm and an expanded war in the entire region.
We emphasize the need for parties to the conflict to honor their obligations as outlined in the UN Charter when they pledge to join the global community and abide by its tenets that require its member States to settle disputes by peaceful means, refrain from threat or the use of force, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
Sierra Leone reiterates the demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the entire Middle East in order to prevent further aggression, civilian casualties and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation. A ceasefire at this stage is not only imperative, but also a moral obligation and a practical necessity. States with influence on all sides must apply the necessary pressure to prevent a pending catastrophe.
In closing, we demand that parties to the conflict respect all the resolutions passed by this Council including but not limited to resolutions 2728 and 2735, as well as 1701, as they are a reflection of our collective call for a peaceful and lasting solution to this decades-long conflict.
I thank you.
