‘Friends of Peace’ Communiqué Presents Roadmap for a ‘Lasting Peace’ between Russia and Ukraine
Sept. 29—The Sept. 27 meeting hosted by China and Brazil on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly produced a nine-point Joint Communiqué that directs the Permanent Representatives to the UN of the attending nations to form a “group of friends for peace,” with a view to foster common understandings to support the global efforts for achievement of a lasting peace" between the governments of Ukraine and Russia.
Last May, representatives of the Brazilian and Chinese governments, meeting in Beijing, issued a six-point program of “Common Understanding,” noted in point 4 of yesterday’s communiqué, which calls for support for a “comprehensive and lasting settlement by the parties to the conflict through inclusive diplomacy and political means based on the UN Charter.” Most of the six points are included in the communiqué, including “refraining from the use or the threat of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons and chemical and biological weapons,” in point 7. Especially relevant is the admonition that: “All efforts must be made to prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid a nuclear war.” It pointedly states that “all parties must comply with relevant international laws and agreements and resolutely prevent man-made nuclear accidents.” Kiev has, of course, threatened to unleash nuclear catastrophe with its suicidal attacks on the Russian-controlled Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and threats against the Kursk NPP, after it invaded the Kursk region of Russia.
That paragraph of the joint statement is being falsely portrayed as an attack on Russia for having made “the threat of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons,” but this reading ignores the totality of the document.
Of note, the communiqué emphasizes the “importance of peaceful solutions for all international conflicts, whilst continuing to promote the spirit of solidarity and partnership between nations, as emphasized by the Bandung principles, inter alia.” Among the core principles discussed at the 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia were political self-determination, respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs and equality. That gathering’s final communiqué reiterated, among other things, the importance of self-determination.
The Sept. 27 Joint Communiqué affirms that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be upheld, including the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.” The risk of further escalation is a real concern. “We are worried about the risks and crises arising from this conflict which has caused repercussions affecting many countries, including those of the Global South.” In that context, it calls for greater humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, mediation efforts, and prisoner exchanges.
The 13 signatory nations to the document agree “to continue engagement and consultations at different levels and with all parties.” They include ministers of Foreign Affairs and senior diplomatic representatives of Algeria, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Türkiye, and Zambia.
