Russia: Arbitrary interpretation of UN principles threatens world order

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has highlighted the importance of relying on what he called "accepted rules of conduct" in responding to threats to global stability.

 

In his speech to the UN General Assembly on Friday,  Lavrov urged world leaders not to allow what he characterized as "irresponsible actions dictated by expedient interests" to override international law.

Speaking through an interpreter, Lavrov said arbitrary interpretation of principles such as the non-use or threat of force and the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, is threatening the world order.

"These are the key principles of the UN Charter which confers the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security on the Security Council.  In advancing reform of the UN, it is necessary to preserve the capacity of the Security Council to perform these functions. Their erosion would deprive the international community of an essential mechanism for developing joint approaches to the settlement of crisis situations."

(Duration: 22 secs)