Joe Bidenthe forty-sixth president of the United States, spoke on Tuesday his last speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He did so at the high-level meeting taking place this week in New York, which the focus is on the Middle Eastwhere tensions have soared following Israeli attacks in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Throughout his speech, Biden briefly reviewed what has happened in recent years (like the pandemic), but he also warned of major challenges that lie ahead, like artificial intelligence or rivalry with China. But the president spoke above all about the conflicts currently open. His tone, however It was pretty lukewarm..
A traditional ally of Israel, the American president asked his partner and Hamas to find an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages. “It is now time for the parties to finalize the terms, return the hostages and ensure the security of Israel and Gaza, alleviate the suffering in Gaza and end this war“, he stressed in reference to the international negotiations that have been underway for months, but which have not yet been concluded.
Similarly, amid tensions between the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah and the Jewish state stemming from the conflict in the Palestinian enclave, Biden defended that “a diplomatic solution to the conflict is still possible,” without giving further details on how to stop the spiral of violence in which the two countries are plunged.
In this sense, the president devoted a few brief words to Iran, a regime that finances and arms the paramilitary group in Lebanon and other terrorist organizations in the region. “We must ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons,” he demanded.
“We will not abandon Ukraine”
Economic and military support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression has been one of the major milestones (and challenges) of the Biden administration. That is why, in his speech, the Democrat asked the international community to “not look the other way” or “not lower our guard” in supporting kyiv until the country achieves the desired results. “a just and lasting peace”.
“Are we going to continue our support to help Ukraine win this war and preserve its freedom, or are we going to withdraw, allowing the resumption of aggression and the destruction of a nation?” Biden asked the audience.
World leaders participate in the annual high-level debate of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
“I know my answer. We cannot tire ourselves out. We cannot look away. And we will not stop supporting Ukraine“Not until he wins with a just and lasting peace,” Biden responded, also recalling how the Russian invasion strengthened NATO with Finland and Sweden joining the alliance.
“More important than power”
Finally, in a rare comment, Biden addressed his decision to drop out of the general election race next November and support the candidacy of Kamala Harris, who has held the vice presidency for four years.There are more important things than power“What matters most is the people. Never forget that we are here to serve the people and not the other way around,” he said.“It is time to make way for a new generation of leaders,” he concluded.
