Threats to International Peace and Security incident involving Ryanair Flight

Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to thank you for convening this briefing which borders on the important matter of aviation safety and security.
 
I also thank the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano for his briefing and for sharing with the Council the conclusions of the ICAO Council’s discussions on the fact-finding investigation report on the May 2021 incident involving Belarus’ unlawful interference with Ryan Air flight FR 4978.
Mr. President,
The Security Council in resolution 2309 (2016) recognized the vital importance of a secure global aviation system to the economic development and prosperity of all States. Like other forms of international transportation, air travel, has for decades, enabled the movement of people across national borders and served as a bridging factor for trade, education, culture, science and several other aspects of human interaction.
 
The disruption of air travel by unauthorized authorities therefore poses grave danger not only for those passengers involved in a specific travel but for the wider global community and the many States that rely on the predictability of air travel for managing inter-State exchanges.
 
We therefore welcome ICAO’s final fact-finding report, which established accountability for Belarus actions for the landing of RyanAir Flight FR 4978 in Minsk on 23rd May, 2021. The actions, the report indicates, were in contravention of the of international aviation regulations including, the preamble and article 4 of the Chicago Convention of International Civil Aviation (1944) of which Belarus is a State Party.
 
The landing of Fight FR 4978 which was enroute to Vilnius from Athens, together with preceding incidents of state and non-state orchestrated attacks on international civil flights, some of which have been tragic, are incompatible with norms of international behaviour and deserve international condemnation.
 
In reminding all States Parties of their commitments not to use international Civil Aviation for purposes that are inconsistent with the aims of the Chicago Convention, we stress the urgent need for enhanced cooperation among States Parties and ICAO to secure the aviation environment from all forms of threat including, terrorist attacks, piracy, hijacking and such other threats presently derailing maritime and other international transportation sectors.
 
Finally, Mr. President,
We reaffirm our full commitment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and stand ready to support further Council action aimed at securing safer skies in the interest of our international community.
 
I thank you.