The parties discussed regional security issues, including the role of the United Nations in the current international environment.
Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin met with UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari.
The discussion focused on regional security, including the role of the United Nations in the current international environment, as well as the crisis in Ukraine and developments in the South Caucasus and the Middle East.
Grigory Karasin noted that the United Nations is facing a challenging period, with its role in international affairs increasingly under scrutiny. “The collective West is seeking to sideline the UN and international law from the conduct of real-world politics. We will not allow that to happen,” the senator stressed.
Addressing the crisis in Ukraine, the parliamentarian recalled that in 2014, the UN Secretariat adopted a biased position by failing to condemn the actions of the authorities in Kiev. He also noted that, in February 2022, senior UN officials made unfounded accusations directed solely at Russia. “We understand that the United Nations has become a hostage to efforts by a small group of Western states to shape its agenda and actions in accordance with their own interests. We will continue to oppose such attempts,” he said.
Grigory Karasin also informed Khaled Khiari about the crimes committed by the Kiev authorities in Starobelsk, Kherson, Yenakiyevo in the Donetsk People’s Republic, and other regions of Russia.
“Russia will never retreat from its position. The protection of the people of Donbass and Novorossiya is not a subject for negotiation,” Grigory Karasin stressed.
Turning to the South Caucasus, the senator highlighted the important role of the Geneva International Discussions on security and stability in the South Caucasus, in which Khaled Khiari serves as one of the UN co-chairs. “The relative stability that exists in the region today is directly linked to the launch of the Geneva International Discussions in 2008. This format remains an effective mechanism for preventing violence and provocations in the South Caucasus,” he said.
Khaled Khiari agreed that the United Nations is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. At the same time, he stressed that in times of crisis, the importance of international law, the UN Charter, and UN resolutions becomes even more pronounced.
According to the UN official, international dialogue on Ukraine remains essential to ensuring respect for the rights of civilians and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
Khaled Khiari also expressed support for the Geneva International Discussions on the South Caucasus, describing them as a valuable platform for addressing complex issues and bridging differences between the parties. He noted that the UN stands ready to draw on its experience and resources to help resolve both regional and international challenges.
In addition, Khaled Khiari emphasised the importance of maintaining dialogue and listening to one another, adding that continued engagement with Russia at various levels, including through parliamentary channels, is crucial for strengthening mutual understanding.