During his speech on the United Nations platform on Tuesday, Emmanuel Macron accused Russia of having caused a “return of imperialism” in Europe by invading Ukraine in late February.
“What we are witnessing since February 24 is a return to the era of imperialism and colonies. France rejects it and will obstinately seek peace,” insisted the French president, who called on Moscow to “stop the annexation of Ukraine.”
According to the President of the Republic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has opened the door to “other wars of annexation, in Europe, but perhaps tomorrow in Africa, Asia or Latin America. We have to make a simple choice, that of war or peace.” “.
Call to position
During this speech, the Head of State also called for the countries “that have maintained a form of neutrality with respect to this war” to take a stand, considering that “they are wrong and assume a historical responsibility.”
“Ceux que se taisent aujourd’hui servent malgré eux ou secrètement avec une certaine complicité la cause d’un nouvel imperialisme, d’un cynisme contemporain que désagrège l’ordre international sans lequel la paix n’est possible”, at- he launches .
For him, this position is not a choice “between East and West or between North and South, but a choice of responsibility for all those who are attached to peace”, pointing to a risk of “division of the world” that would have “direct and indirect”.
Dialogue with Putin assumed
On the other hand, Emmanuel Macron also assumed “the dialogue carried out with Russia” that began before the start of the invasion, and which should continue in the coming days with a new meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I will continue to assume it,” he insists.
On the other hand, the latter was very clear, a possibility of peace negotiations between the two countries will only take place on the conditions of Ukraine:
“We all know that only an agreement that respects international law will restore peace. The negotiation will only be possible if Ukraine sovereignly wishes it and Russia accepts it in good faith. The negotiation will only be successful if Ukraine’s sovereignty is respected.”
Returning to the Russian accession referendums organized in four Moscow-controlled regions in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron once again denounced “a farce” and a parody, assuring that no annexation by Moscow would be accepted.
In conclusion, he called on UN members to “refuse to stutter history” and “do everything possible so that this division does not occur.”
Source: BFM TV
