A ‘Pancada’ Ineperada de Lavrov na UNESCO

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused UNESCO’s secretariat of favoring interests that seek strategically weakening the country and supporting the Ukrainian government and its Western allies. The statements were made during a general meeting of the Russian Commission for UNESCO.

“The UNESCO Secretariat, led by Audrey Azoulay-French citizen and director-general-essentially defends the interests of those who have declared a strategic defeat to Russia as their goal, to cancel all Russian things, starting with Russia’s participation in lawsuits. International and ending with culture, education and religious values, ”said Lavrov.

He also accused the organization of ignoring the destruction of Russian historical and cultural monuments in Ukraine and Baltic countries, including those protected by UNESCO itself.

According to Lavrov, the silence of the secretariat in relation to these destruction is “shameful.” He pointed out that these events happen amid attempts to marginalize the Russian presence in international organizations.

Challenges for international cooperation

Lavrov described the year as difficult for Russia and the world, including relations with international organizations such as UNESCO. He stated that the current situation requires a realistic view of the organization’s political course.

“We have seen for ourselves once again that we should not have illusions about the current situation at UNESCO or the political course of its director general and his closest colleagues,” Lavrov said. He also accused Western countries to explore international secretariats to advance their own interests, including the politicization of UNESCO activities, in disagreement with their letter.

Specific criticism and double patterns

Lavrov highlighted what he considers as politicization of UNESCO activities and accusations directed to Russia. He mentioned decisions of the organization’s executive board of the organization and Ukraine that, according to him, exceeds the mandate of the institution.

“The aspiration of using the agenda of all the structures of this institution is obvious and certainly double patterns constantly appear when the UNESCO Executive Council makes anti -Russian decisions,” he said.

Lavrov also stressed that, in the past, UNESCO enjoyed “deserved universal respect”, but that its recent actions reflect a different trend. He suggested that the organization moved away from its founding principles.

Context of tense relationship

Relations between Russia and international organizations, including UNESCO, have faced tensions since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. Moscow has criticized what he considers a predominant western stance in several global institutions, accusing them of bias.

On the other hand, UNESCO has condemned the destruction of cultural heritage in conflict contexts, including attacks in Ukraine, but avoids pointing directly. The organization has reiterated on previous occasions its commitment to cultural and educational preservation around the world.

Lavrov’s criticism reflects Russia’s broader concern about its influence on multilateral organizations and the impact of sanctions and diplomatic pressures on the country on international forums. UNESCO, in turn, continues to affirm its commitment to the neutrality and principles of its founding letter.