Deputy Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Made Statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on «Situation in the Middle East»

Mr. President,

We extend our gratitude to the Presidency of Somalia in the United Nations Security Council for convening this Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East and thank the briefers for their insightful remarks.

Due to its geographic proximity to the Middle East, historically friendly relations with the countries of the region, as well as the sizable presence of Armenian communities across the region, Armenia has always closely followed developments in the Middle East and contributed to international efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace and security to this important part of the world through tangible engagement, including peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.

In this context, we are deeply concerned by the reports of recent escalation in the south of Lebanon, despite the ceasefire of November 2024. We call on all sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to address issues of concern through peaceful means. Armenian peacekeepers in UNIFIL, alongside their international partners, continue to fulfill their peacekeeping duties with professionalism and dedication to maintain peace and security in the region.

Mr. President,

We reiterate Armenia's position in support of achieving a peaceful, just and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with the "two-state" solution.

Armenia emphasizes the necessity of protecting civilians, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and upholding international humanitarian law as indispensable elements of any lasting peace. Currently, the Government of Armenia is working with WHO to organize the treatment of dozens of children from Gaza in the hospitals of Armenia, in solidarity with those facing acute humanitarian crises.

We also stress the importance of consolidating the ceasefire and preventing further regional escalation that could undermine fragile stability across the Middle East.

In this vein, Armenia participated in the Middle East Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. We appreciate President Trump's personal contribution and continued efforts aimed at establishing peace in Gaza and addressing humanitarian issues. We also value the contribution of the mediator states, in particular Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye and others, to advancing dialogue and facilitating steps towards a sustainable settlement.

Armenia welcomes the UN Security Council resolution 2803 on Gaza, adopted on 17 November last year, and our Government stands ready to contribute to the Board of Peace (BoP) and the International Stabilization Force (ISF). In this regard, Armenia signed the Charter of the Board of Peace as a founding member, reaffirming its principled commitment to post-conflict stabilization, reconstruction, and peace consolidation. Armenia stands ready to actively engage within the Board of Peace, in close coordination with international partners, to contribute constructively to sustainable peace on the ground.

Mr. President,

We reiterate Armenia's consistent support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of friendly Syria. Syrian-led and Syrian-owned post-conflict rehabilitation and peacebuilding process is crucial to ensure durable peace in the country. Armenia stands ready to contribute to post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts including through further provision of humanitarian and medical assistance and the renewal of humanitarian demining activities.

The Republic of Armenia looks forward to working with all international partners genuinely interested in achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and in establishing prosperity for all.

I thank you.