Azernews.Az

Azerbaijan will continue its utmost efforts as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and observer at the League of Arab States, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told the United Nations on Wednesday, according to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's website.

Addressing the UN Security Council's high-level meeting on peace and security in the Middle East, Mammadyarov said the meeting is taking place at an important time "in the sense that the Middle East region experiences historic changes that testify to the desire and determination of the societies to shape their destiny".

"The transformation process has yielded encouraging trends towards ensuring respect for human rights and guaranteeing economic and social well-being for everyone," Mammadyarov said. "At the same time, there is an obvious need for in-depth analysis into the root causes and eventual implications of this complex process for regional and global security architecture."

According to Mammadyarov, while international response to those developments in the Middle East has varied in its essence and intensity, the primary role in maintaining adequate international reaction is played by international and regional organizations, particularly the United Nations and the League of Arab States.

"It should be noted that not all regional organizations may boast of their ability and political will to understand the root causes of security problems and to contribute effectively to their resolution. The League of Arab States has proved to be one of those regional organizations that are able to take the lead in promoting peace, security and stability in its region," he said.

Mammadyarov said Azerbaijan was pleased to see that the cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States was motivated by the common objective of enhancing peace and security and helping the countries of the region through this difficult period of their history. Their participation and presence have been instrumental in carrying out important tasks in such areas as conflict prevention and resolution, crisis response and management, fight against terrorism and organized crime.

"Against the background of regional fragilities that go hand in hand with the challenges of the transformations experienced in the region, maintaining high profile and further active involvement by the United Nations and the League of Arab States has acquired increased importance. Therefore, mutually reinforcing cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States has become ever more essential for maintaining peace and security in the region and working out sound strategies to assist the States in transition," he stressed.

Mammadyarov said the role of the League of Arab States as an insider to the region is particularly valuable in terms of bringing out the regional specificities to the global scale, and interacting with the United Nations and its specialized agencies.

"The United Nations and the League of Arab States should further galvanize their efforts for the achievement of best results for the States and peoples of the region. In that regard, we commend the appointment of the Joint Special Representative for Syria of the United Nations and the League of Arab States as an important step forward in the cooperation between the two organizations and reiterate our full support for his activity," he said.

Mammadyarov said the international community must continue to be consistent in its efforts to facilitate solutions to regional crises and conflicts based on the principles of international law as well as on the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. "This approach is strongly supported by Azerbaijan with regard to the resolution of protracted conflicts in different parts of the world," he said.

"While recognizing historic opportunities that recent waves of transitions bring about for the Middle East, we should not neglect the long-standing security problems, solution to which is a no less important prerequisite for maintaining peace, stability and sustainable development in the region," he said.

Mammadyarov noted that all stakeholders in the Middle East should regard the latest developments as a unique chance and an urgent call to make courageous steps for achievement of tangible results in the Middle East peace process.

"The comprehensive, just and lasting settlement is long overdue in this conflict, which undermines the security, stability and well-being of the entire region, and has an impact that stretches well beyond the regional boundaries. We consider it essential having cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States on this issue of paramount importance for all of us," he said.

Mammadyarov expressed deep concern over the recent escalation provoked by blasphemy against Islam.

"We strongly condemn all assaults against religions. At the same time, attacks on civilians, in particular diplomatic personnel, cannot be justified under any circumstances. We truly would like to believe that irrespective of all the challenges and difficulties, the pursuit of peace and progress in the Middle East will never be abandoned, and endeavors of its peoples to build stable, secure and democratic states will be continuously bolstered by the international community," Mammadyarov stressed.

Mammadyarov said in this context, Azerbaijan is confident that the continued engagement by the United Nations and the League of Arab States, and strengthened cooperation between them will effectively contribute to peace and security in the region.

"In conclusion, I would like to express our full support of the draft Security Council presidential statement, aimed at helping develop effective cooperation between the two organizations," he said.