Gonsalves explains SVG’s abstention on Russia/Ukraine resolution at the UN
The decision of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on Monday, February, 24, 2025 to abstain from voting at the United Nations (UN) on two resolutions in relation to the Russia/Ukraine war represents a change in context, said Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.
He said on radio this week that the decision also speaks to SVG’s balanced approach to global conflicts as the country’s position remains consistent with the nation’s diplomatic stance of promoting peace and dialogue.
Speaking on NBC Radio’s Morning Cup programme on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in response to an article headline, “SVG abstains on resolution condemning Russia as an aggressor”, Gonsavles said when one reports, one must report all the facts.
“…if you going carry a story, carry everything. Let me first of all begin by saying this- there have been at the United Nations General Assembly, six previous resolutions which have been adopted, four of them specifically denouncing Russia as an aggressor.
“On March, the third, 2022- 141 countries, St Vincent and the Grenadines was among them, including the United States. On March the 24th (2022), a similar resolution, but with variations, 139 voted yes and St Vincent and the Grenadines was among them. Then October 2022, another one, 143, yes, St Vincent among them. Then February 2023, 141, St Vincent made the denunciation, and in each of those, the United States of America was among the countries which was proposing the resolution,” Gonsalves stressed.
He said the war is now three years old and there is a different context, and some negotiations are taking place, and that abstentions are indicative of a broader shift in global sentiment.
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