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Lavrov urges Guterres to start arbitration procedure against US over breach of obligations

The Russian foreign minister the UN secretary-general also discussed in detail the UN’s reforming for the organization to adjust to present-day developments

MOSCOW, September 22. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has directed the attention of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to US violating its obligations, including refusal of visas to Russian diplomats for UN events, adding that such a situation requests starting the arbitration procedure against Washington shortly.

"The minister directed Secretary General’s attention to the fact that the US continues violating its obligations on the United Nations Headquarters Agreement from 1947, including refusal of visas to diplomats from Russia and a number of other countries for participating in the UN events," according to a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry following the talks between the parties on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. "[Lavrov] noted again that the current situation requires starting the arbitration procedure against the United States by Guterres as soon as possible," the statement reads.

Lavrov and Guterres also discussed in detail the UN’s reforming for the organization to adjust to present-day developments. "The issue of reforming the UN for its adjustment to present-day developments, with Guterres’ initiative Our Common Agenda in focus, was discussed," the ministry said, adding that Lavrov noted the importance of considering the whole range of views of UN member states in the implementation of any reforms.

Moscow will take an active part in respective discussions within the Summit of the Future in September 2024, including the work on its final document, a Pact for the Future, the ministry concluded.