Unilateralism in an era of multilateralism
“GOVERNMENTS have come to the conclusion that they can neither solve their problems by themselves nor can they prevent others’ transgressive actions. So, they adopted multilateralism,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said.
Covid-19 is a bitter phenomenon that urges us to co-operate with each other. As witnessed, Cuban doctors came to South Africa to provide assistance, Iran sent fuel and foodstuffs to Venezuela; there are so many other examples of solidarity within international society.
According to Article 1 of the Charter of the UN, the purposes of the UN are: to maintain international peace and security, and to that end, to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace; to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace.
Thirdly, to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character. And finally, to be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.
It is not hard to understand from the first article of the most accepted legal instrument in the world that multilateralism is the only true way of reaching UN ends, and it requires everyone’s endeavour.
While the lives of people are in danger because of Covid-19, the US and Israel, in a unilateral manner, announced the “Deal of the Century”. In this futile attempt for a so-called deal, Palestinians won’t have anything.
The US, instead of finding ways to help humanity get rid of Covid-19, are seeking a chance to increase the pressure on Iran, Venezuela and other independent countries.
The US has already started designating Iranian individuals by name. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo named Iran’s sanctions as the toughest ever US sanctions against Iran.
As Minister Zarif mentioned, “In today’s world, the West cannot take all decisions for international development; governments cannot decide for the world unilaterally, because they have lost their monopoly over international decision-making.”
The time for bullying is over. Iran, as an independent country in all aspects, believes in multilateralism. Even for the security of the Persian Gulf, the HOPE initiative has been offered from Iran’s side to countries of the region. Iran believes that security is not reachable unless all of the influential players do their best to that end.
Fortunately, many of the independent countries in the world, like South Africa, also believe in multilateralism as the only solution to end the world crisis. As President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his telephone conversation with President Hassan Rouhani: “I believe that it is extremely unfortunate that at a perilous time like this, when people are dying and when we should all be working together, sanctions are still enforced. This should be a time of solidarity and compassion.”
People of the world need solidarity, affection and kindness – there is no place for hostility. Iran’s foreign minister believes that unilateralism is “dangerous” and “doomed to failure”.