French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday took to the podium at the United Nations General Assembly and reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine, but also called for Israel to end its “escalation” in Lebanon and suggested that the UN Security Council limit veto power in certain cases. Here are the main takeaways from Macron’s address in New York.
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The war in Ukraine
“France will keep on doing all it can to help Ukraine hold firm ... France supports the remarkable resistance of the Ukrainian people,” he said.
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The war in Gaza
The Gaza war “has gone on too long”, Macron said, demanding a ceasefire “as soon as possible”.
He added that “there is no explanation possible” for the thousands of civilian deaths.
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Lebanon
“We urge Israel to cease this escalation in Lebanon, and Hezbollah to cease these missile launches on Israel. We urge all of those who provide (Hezbollah) with the means to do so – to stop doing so,” he said.
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UN veto
“Reform of the composition alone of the Security Council is not sufficient to make it more effective. I also wish for reform to change the operational methods to limit the right to a veto in case of mass crimes.”
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, Reuters)