Joint Nordic Statement: Veto Debate
Joint Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Janne Taalas,
Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations,
81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Veto Debate
November 10, 2026
President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
The Nordic countries deeply regret the use of the veto by the Russian Federation in the Security Council on October 30th, preventing the renewal of the mandate for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.
The draft resolution enjoyed broad support, with 11 Council members in favor of renewing the mandate. It is regrettable that some Security Council members would not engage in earnest negotiations. The use of veto undermines the confidence in the Security Council, to deliver on its primary responsibility for maintaining peace and security.
The failure to renew the mandate sets a dangerous precedent. The Council has in the past decades – despite its differences – managed to find a solution when it comes to peacekeeping missions’ and special political missions’ mandates. As a result of this failure, the public trust in the United Nations peacekeeping as an instrument for international peace and security is hampered.
President,
Since its establishment in 1991, MINURSO has contributed to stability and security in the region. The Nordic countries pay tribute to the dedicated service of the MINURSO personnel and its leadership. The Mission has worked to reduce tensions, to monitor the situation on the ground, and to support the ceasefire.
No peacekeeping mission can be eternal, and UN peace operations must be regularly reviewed and adjusted. They must also evolve over time to reflect changing realities. The abrupt ending of the MINURSO mandate risks a disorderly drawdown of the Mission, and leaves a gap in the region’s security arrangements.
We call on the parties to respect the ceasefire, to exercise maximum restraint and to uphold their commitments to maintain peace and stability in the region in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
We urge the parties to continue to engage in negotiations to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the dispute, in accordance with the UN Charter. We express our full support for continuing the political negotiations under the auspices of the UN. We also support the efforts of the Secretary-General´s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura, with a view to bringing the parties closer to a final political solution that provides for the meaningful self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
We expect the Security Council to address the future of MINURSO promptly and to remain seized of the situation in Western Sahara.
President,
The Nordic countries underline the significance of the veto initiative contained in the General Assembly resolution 76/262. The veto initiative is a vital tool for strengthening transparency and accountability and reinforces the General Assembly’s capacity to uphold the principles of the UN Charter when the Security Council is unable to act.
Thank you.