Foreign Minister Kotzias’ statement on the 70th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter

Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias issued the following statement on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter:

“The 70th anniversary, today, of the signing of the UN Charter, on 26 June 1945, in San Francisco, is an opportunity for us to consider the invaluable contribution of the UN to humankind, as a global institution – of unique range and standing – for peace and equal international cooperation amongst peoples.

The United Nations Organization was and continues to be the repository of international law and international legality – necessary prerequisites for the peaceful coexistence and cooperation of states and peoples – carrying out a unique mission for ensuring global security and prosperity.

The 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN is not an occasion for complacency. It should, in fact, fire our concern and vigilance. The Organization is being called upon every day to do its vital work in the midst of rapidly shifting conditions, as humanity faces new challenges and threats, such as international terrorism, humanitarian crises, global inequities and natural disasters.

Torn by the courageous struggle against fascism, and with festering wounds from the huge human and material losses, Greece was a founding member of the United Nations. Seventy years later, our country remains dedicated to the Organization’s ends and ideas, especially with regard to safeguarding the human dignity, peace and prosperity of all peoples.

In the context of exercising a multifaceted and proactive peace-loving foreign policy, Greece participates constructively in the UN proceedings, as well as in the specific processes for the further democratization and upgrading of the UN’s role, with the ultimate goal of strengthening its ability to serve international law and promote the vision of its founders; a vision of a peaceful and just world, to the benefit of younger generations.”