Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for reform within the organization. He stated that the world is at a crossroads, marked by increasing conflicts, decreased dialogue, and rising tensions. Attaf highlighted the danger of wars becoming normalized and international law being applied selectively based on the perpetrator's identity.
Attaf stressed that restoring trust in the multilateral system requires starting with the UN itself. He called for a deep reform of the organization, particularly the Security Council, to make it more representative, just, and effective. Algeria supports the African common position for permanent, equitable representation with full prerogatives on the Security Council. Attaf argued that correcting historical injustices to Africa is crucial for the credibility of the international system.
The Algerian minister also focused on regional crises, expressing concern over escalating tensions in the Gulf region. He condemned attacks on the sovereignty of Gulf states and called for de-escalation and respect for international law. Algeria also denounced continued aggression by Israel against countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon, as well as attempts to divide Somalia.
Attaf reaffirmed Algeria's full support for the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent and fully sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital. He denounced ongoing suffering of Palestinian civilians and colonization policies, viewing the Palestinian issue as a daily test of international law's credibility.
On the Western Sahara issue, Attaf reiterated Algeria's support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and praised direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front under UN auspices. He outlined three conditions for successful negotiations: commitment in good faith, adherence to UN doctrine on decolonization, and avoiding marginalization of the Sahrawi people and their representative.
In the Sahel region, Algeria advocates for an approach combining security and development. Attaf echoed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's stance that terrorism cannot be fought through a purely security-focused approach, nor can poverty and marginalization be addressed without considering the environment that enables terrorist groups and criminal networks to expand.
Attaf concluded his address by linking stability to development challenges. He presented Algeria's national choices for sustainable development, highlighting their constitutional consecration since 2020 and the submission of a voluntary national report on implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in July 2026.
Key points
- Algeria's Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf calls for UN reform to address global conflicts and unequal application of international law.
- Attaf emphasizes the need for the UN Security Council to be more representative, just, and effective.
- Algeria reaffirms support for Palestinian rights and Sahrawi self-determination.
