From Maduro to Palestine.. Lavrov Attacks the West from New York

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attacked Western and American policies on several issues on Saturday, considering the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro "illegal," while announcing Moscow's readiness to contribute to resolving the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

Lavrov's statements came during his speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which this year is dominated by Middle Eastern crises, Ukraine, and the rapid transformations in international relations.

Lavrov stated that Maduro is being held in the United States "without trial," and considered his arrest illegal.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced in his speech before the General Assembly on Tuesday that U.S. forces carried out a military operation in Caracas that ended with Maduro's arrest and transfer from Venezuela.

In the Middle East file, Lavrov emphasized the importance of working towards resolving the crisis in the region, announcing Russia's readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at reaching a settlement.

The Russian Foreign Minister stated that the time has come to achieve stability by establishing a Palestinian state, reiterating Moscow's position supporting the two-state solution.

Lavrov's statements come at a time when the escalation in the Middle East occupies a significant space in the meetings of the General Assembly, particularly the war between the United States and Iran, developments in the Palestinian territories, and the escalation in Yemen and Lebanon.

Lavrov had discussed regional issues during his meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations sessions with several Arab foreign ministers. In his meeting with Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two sides discussed the situation in the Gulf and the Palestinian territories, while Lavrov and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi addressed regional developments and the Palestinian issue.

In another context, Lavrov stated that Cuba is facing "unprecedented pressures," at a time when relations between Washington and Havana are experiencing increasing tension.

Trump had stated before the General Assembly that his administration is seeking a "fundamental change" in the situation in Cuba, noting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is handling the negotiations with it. He also described Cuba as a "failed state," a characterization that Havana rejects.

Lavrov expanded his criticisms to include the security situation in Europe, accusing the West of undermining the European security system.

His remarks come days after his meeting with Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations meetings, where both sides discussed the war in Ukraine. Rubio later stated that Russia and Ukraine had expressed interest in a limited ceasefire related to energy and grain facilities, while Lavrov's subsequent statements indicated ongoing deep disagreements regarding the path to resolution.