Briefing reporters on the United States priorities for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “We have never given up hope to find a path to peace.”
Speaking today (17 Sep) at the UN, Thomas-Greenfield addressed key international issues including the Middle East conflict and the war in Ukraine.
On the situation in Gaza, the US ambassador emphasized the US commitment to peace, highlighting President Biden's efforts over the past year. She reiterated the US support for Israel’s right to self-defense but made it clear the US seeks an end to the ongoing war. “President Biden has put every ounce of effort that he has in his power to try to find a solution, to get us to a ceasefire,” she said, advocating for a two-state solution as the ultimate goal.
On Ukraine, the Ambassador was critical of Russia’s role in the Security Council, citing the use of veto power as an impediment to peace. “It’s been a problem,” she said, adding that Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, “has broken every single tenant of the charter by invading a neighbor.” Thomas-Greenfield also expressed support for Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Peace Plan, calling it a viable strategy that the US is committed to promoting during engagements with world leaders attending the UN General Assembly.
Asked about a Palestinian resolution being proposed, Thomas-Greenfield expressed significant concerns. She pointed out that the resolution contains "a significant number of flaws," particularly in its interpretation of the International Court of Justice's decisions and its failure to acknowledge Hamas as a terrorist organization. The Ambassador warned that the resolution could "complicate the situation on the ground" and hamper efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
