Czech President Petr Pavel delivered an impactful speech at the UN General Assembly in New York, marking the first such address by a Czech president since 2017. The speech focused on critical international issues, with a particular emphasis on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Pavel stressed the importance of Ukraine achieving a peace settlement on terms set by Kyiv, emphasizing that it must not be based on an unjust compromise or dictated by Russia, the aggressor in the conflict. He also highlighted the global consequences of the Russian invasion, particularly in terms of food security due to the Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports.

In his address, President Pavel firmly stated, “The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to constitute a manifest violation of the UN Charter and international law we all subscribed to. Russia must unconditionally withdraw all troops from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Russia’s leaders must be held accountable for the crime of aggression against its neighbor.”

He underscored the need for a peace settlement that reflects the defender’s terms rather than the aggressor’s, drawing parallels to the Czech Republic’s historical experience with Moscow’s military aggression during the Soviet army’s occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

President Pavel declared Czechia’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s just defense, emphasizing the Czech Republic’s assistance to Kyiv since the beginning of the war, including the provision of arms, ammunition, humanitarian aid, and welcoming Ukrainian refugees.

Furthermore, he condemned China’s military activities in the Taiwan Strait, calling for peaceful resolution of disputes in the region to prevent negative consequences for the world.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky praised President Pavel’s speech for highlighting the interconnectedness of global security and the importance of addressing Russian aggression. Lipavsky expressed satisfaction with the unity in Czech foreign policy and the consistent message conveyed by both the president and the government.

Political science professor Petr Kaniok noted the significance of a unified foreign policy message between the president and the government. He described President Pavel’s speech as a return to the traditions of Havel’s foreign policy, emphasizing clear values and human rights, departing from the economic realism of previous administrations.

President Pavel’s address to the UN General Assembly marked a significant moment in Czech foreign policy, reasserting the country’s commitment to international principles and human rights on the global stage.

Article by Prague Forum