New York, 23 February 2022
Mr. President,
I am honored to make these brief remarks on behalf of the delegation of the Federated States
of Micronesia. The brevity of these remarks does not in any way indicate any diminishment
of concerns ascribed by my delegation towards the situation in Ukraine.
Mr. President,
To some – especially those of us from countries that are in more geographically distant
locations — the dangers faced by the Ukrainian people may seem remote. To those who live
in Ukraine, the dangers are all too real and vastly encroaching. But we all joined this great
organization as we strongly believe in the purposes and principles enshrined in its Charter.
To protect and preserve its integrity, member states, small and large alike, must abide by its
tenets.
It is in this light, Mr. President, that the delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia
shares the growing concern among many of us here today over the deteriorating situation in
Eastern Ukraine. Hardly a speaker in this Hall has failed to voice its profound concerns with
the recent escalation by the Russian Federation aimed to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and
territorial integrity. Micronesia strongly condemns the acts of aggression against a UN
member state and calls for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of
hostilities. In so doing, we reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial
integrity, and independence.
We know the dangers and risks well enough; I respectfully plead that we seize the
opportunity NOW to deescalate the situation, and call for continued dialogue to settle this
conflict through diplomatic and political means.
I thank you!