Explanation of Vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK
Chargé d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting
on the Middle East.
The United Kingdom's priority is restoring regional stability in
the Middle East as soon as possible and preventing this crisis
escalating further.
Iran's ongoing reckless attacks against countries across the
region threaten to expand the conflict.
That is why the UK voted in favour of the resolution tabled by
Bahrain condemning Iran's attacks against the territories of its
neighbours.
That text was grounded in the facts and backed by the region,
responding directly to the needs of our partners in the Gulf and
Jordan.
It focused squarely on protecting civilians and restoring
regional stability.
And we are pleased that this Council was able to send a clear
condemnation of Iran's reckless attacks by adopting this
resolution.
By contrast, this Russian resolution does nothing to address the
concerns of those in the region who have faced unprovoked and
unjustifiable attacks.
And it is impossible to overlook the hypocrisy of Russia
presenting itself here as a guardian of international peace and
security.
It continues to reject Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire.
It attacks Ukraine's civilian infrastructure night after night
with the very same Iranian-designed Shahed drones that are now
striking targets across the Middle East and beyond.
In return for Iran's support, Russia has provided Iran with
advanced military capabilities, increasing the threat that Iran
poses to the region.
We should be in no doubt where Russia stands in this
conflict.
So Russia's resolution would have only served to distract this
Council from the serious work required to end the conflict.
That is why the UK did not support the resolution.
Our collective priority must be to secure stability in the region
and the protection of civilian life.
That is what the UK government has been focusing on, and will
continue to do, alongside our allies, including in this Council.
