IUNW Sends Letter to UNSG about Persian Gulf oil tanker attacks
On Saturday, 22 June, 2019, International United Nations Watch sent a letter to UN Secretary General António Guterres, noting its concern at recent oil tanker attacks in the Persian Gulf. IUNW Spokesperson Maya Garner noted the organisation’s concern at the current situation, which could easily escalate into greater violence between member states.
“I would like to note IUNW’s concern at recent oil tanker attacks in the Persian Gulf, which have led to a flurry of accusations between Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States,” wrote Garner in the one-page letter. “IUNW is concerned about the tone, and character, about the accusations, and their potential to escalate.”
Garner wrote that the United Nations is uniquely qualified to investigate the attacks, and that Guterres should instruct it to do so, in a manner similar to past investigations of poison gas use in Syria.
“In Syria, the UN responded to particularly sensitive allegations of gas attacks, with investigation teams, that were established by the UN Secretary General’s office. This move was appropriate, given the number of countries involved in Syria, and the potential for any wide attack to escalate into greater violence.”
Garner went on to note the UN’s unique ability to shape the situation in line with the values of peace and stability, finishing by conveying IUNW’s collective hope for a peaceful resolution.
“IUNW believes that the United Nations is uniquely qualified to see past the narrow interests of individual member states, that in this situation, are likely to further narratives that are in line with their own strategic objectives, rather than the broader interests of the international community.”
“It is my hope that the United Nations is able to lead the world into a peaceful outcome to this situation.”
IUNW is hopeful that the UN will play a critical role in avoiding further violence in the Persian Gulf, and ensuring that tensions between involved states will ease, in the future.
