Khomenko: Sanctions are a major obstacle to sustainable development
MINSK, 24 September (BelTA) — Sanctions represent one of the most serious obstacles to sustainable development on the planet, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic, National Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals Sergei Khomenko said at the UN Summit of the Future in New York, BelTA has learned.
“Belarus is confidently moving forward despite the huge obstacles that the Western countries are creating for us through unprecedented sanctions. There is no doubt that sanctions represent one of the most serious obstacles to sustainable development on the planet. Sanctions violate the UN Charter. Sanctions undermine food and environmental security, especially in the least developed countries. Sanctions restrict access to financial and commodity markets and transportation infrastructure. Sanctions are a path to stalemate. Finally, sanctions contradict common sense,” Sergei Khomenko said.
Due to the ever-growing interdependence on the planet, sanctions have a global negative effect, impacting everyone, including their initiators. “One of the most important outcomes of the summit should be the conclusion that a civilized future is categorically incompatible with illegal sanctions,” the vice speaker said.
“There is another pressing aspect. Billions are spent by individual states on the purchase and supply of weapons to fuel conflicts. Why not spend these funds on eradicating hunger, poverty, achieving other Sustainable Development Goals in the countries that most urgently need assistance? There can be no development without peace. We call on Western countries to abandon neocolonial policies. Otherwise, all responsibility for the failures in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the outcomes of the Summit of the Future will lie with you,” Sergei Khomenko added.
