Moscow: Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has put forth a series of proposals aimed at establishing a new U.N. grouping dedicated to defending the sovereignty of nations, enhancing multilateralism, and resisting unilateral coercive measures. The proposals were presented during a ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations held in Moscow.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Gharibabadi emphasized the importance of prioritizing peaceful and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts, supporting reforms in the United Nations system, especially the Security Council, and promoting international law and justice. He also proposed the creation of a legal committee tasked with investigating violations of the U.N. Charter and preparing documented reports.

In his address, Gharibabadi criticized the excessive unilateralism by certain international actors, which he claimed has undermined international principles and norms, leading to the isolation of the U.N. Charter. He argued that the United Nations and its institutions have been manipulated by some countries to impose their political agendas.

Highlighting specific instances, Gharibabadi pointed to the U.N. Security Council's perceived failure in addressing issues such as 'the genocide of the Zionist regime and its allies in the Gaza Strip.' He also suggested that the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations should produce an annual report on the 'status of adherence to the U.N. Charter.'

Gharibabadi further stressed the importance of inviting like-minded countries to join the group, which initially began with 16 U.N. member states in 2021 and has now expanded to 20 nations. He urged the group to seek ways to bolster South-South cooperation and unity among developing nations.