Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UN, at the UN Security Council Open Debate

Mr. President,

At the outset, we would like to thank the presidency of Somalia in the UN Security Council for holding this year's first Open Debate with the focus on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security. We also express our gratitude to the briefers for their engaging contributions.

Last year, the world celebrated the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations and the adoption of the UN Charter, which, inter alia, highlights the determination "to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained".

Nowadays, we witness proliferation of situations endangering international peace and security, emerging humanitarian crises, grave violations of human rights, deepening inequalities and a staggering lack of trust engulfing global affairs, further exacerbated by instrumentalization of emerging technologies for unlawful purposes. As emerging technologies increasingly shape conflict dynamics, safeguarding the rule of law in digital and information spaces has become an urgent task. Malicious use of artificial intelligence, disinformation, and hate speech can fuel instability and erode social cohesion. International cooperation is required to ensure that technological innovation remains aligned with international law, human rights, and ethical standards.

Against this sobering backdrop, steadfast compliance at both national and international levels with the principles of supremacy of the law, equality before the law, accountability, fairness, legal certainty, and legal transparency is in the fundamental interests of all nations living within a shared legal order.

Mr. President,

The rule of law in international relations cannot be maintained without full respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, in particular the sovereign equality of all Member States, the obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State and to settle international disputes by exclusively peaceful means.

Armenia has consistently supported international legal mechanisms to prevent violations of international law and to ensure accountability and access to justice. In light of deepening security crises and the recent history in our region, where Armenia has faced serious challenges concerning the maintenance of peace and upholding of international law, functional mechanisms for early warning and early action are as urgent as ever.

Mr. President,

Political will, coupled with sustained efforts, has translated into tangible progress toward peace in our region, as evidenced by signing of the Joint Declaration between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan witnessed by the President of the United States, and the initialing of the Peace Agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, on 8 August last year. "The Crossroads of Peace" initiative of the Government of Armenia and its integral component TRIPP connectivity project will boost stability, prosperity and people-to-people contacts, by unlocking the transit potential of the South Caucasus and expanding trade and connectivity in the region and beyond.

Further to the agreements reached last year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on January 13, in Washington, where they signed the TRIPP Implementation Framework document, which underscores the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, national jurisdiction and reciprocity to the overall success of the TRIPP project and its ultimate objective of institutionalization of peace in the region of South Caucasus.

Mr. President,

Experience has shown that respect for the rule of law is not an abstract concept, but a practical foundation for sustainable peace. Where legal principles are upheld - including sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of internationally recognized borders and peaceful dispute settlement - confidence-building becomes possible, dialogue advances, and peace agreements gain durability.

I thank you.