New York - "Jerusalem" dot com - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that "the rule of law is the essence of achieving a just and comprehensive peace, based on the two-state solution, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements."

This came in his briefing during the open debate held today, Thursday, at the ministerial level, under the title "Encouraging and strengthening the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security: the rule of law among nations."

Guterres stressed in his speech that "the expansion of settlements by Israel, as well as home demolitions and evictions, lead to anger and despair," expressing "grave concern about the unilateral measures that we have witnessed in recent days."

He stressed that "any annexation of the lands of a country by another country as a result of the threat or use of force constitutes a violation of the Charter and international law."

Guterres stressed that ending impunity is essential.

He said that United Nations entities and mechanisms are working to strengthen the rule of law and its implementation through the International Court of Justice, the Human Rights Council and its fact-finding missions and commissions of inquiry.

In this context, he explained, the International Court of Justice, with its unique mandate, occupies a special place.

It noted the importance of accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court and called on all Member States to do so without any reservations.

He said that the members of the Security Council had a special responsibility here and should play a leadership role.

He also stressed that "the rule of law is the foundation of the United Nations and our mission of bringing peace," noting the vital role of the Security Council in supporting it.

The Secretary-General has made it clear that the cornerstone of the rule of law is that all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are held accountable to the law.

Quoting from the UN Charter, he said, "We the peoples of the United Nations have sworn to ourselves...to show conditions under which justice and respect for obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained."

He added that today's debate in the Security Council sends a powerful message that "ensuring the rule of law is our priority, and that all countries must abide by international standards."

"Stakeholders, including Member States, regional organizations, civil society and the private sector - have a responsibility to contribute to building and supporting the rule of law," he added.

He pointed out that "the international situation shows that we still have a lot to go," warning of the rule of chaos, "as civilians in every region of the world suffer from the effects of devastating conflicts, loss of life, and increasing poverty and hunger."

The meeting, which is a highlight of Japan's presidency this month, was chaired by Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa.

In addition to Secretary-General António Guterres, ICJ President Joan Donohue and Oxford University professor Dabo Akande briefed during the discussion, which aims to reaffirm the meaning and role of the rule of law among nations and the shared understanding that rules agreed upon by all member states must To be observed by all, according to a United Nations statement.