Lithuania Demands Resignation of UN Secretary-General

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, is facing serious calls for his resignation from a small European Union member, Lithuania. 

This comes after he went to the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, but missed an important peace conference for Ukraine last summer.

Calls for Accountability and Change

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis voiced strong criticism of Guterres, claiming he has lost his credibility. Landsbergis referred to Guterres’s decision to attend the BRICS summit as “pathetic” and “incomprehensible.” 

He emphasized that Guterres should step down for his actions, particularly for meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Lithuania's Prime Minister, Ingrida Simonyte, also expressed her disapproval. She criticized Guterres for shaking hands with both Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during the summit. 

Simonyte called Guterres's behavior “pathetic,” adding that it is confusing how he can engage with leaders linked to serious international issues.

The BRICS summit lasted three days and included representatives from 36 countries. Guterres’s office highlighted that these nations represent nearly half of the world’s population, making the summit important for the UN’s work. Guterres defended his trip by saying it was crucial to engage with such a large group of nations to address global issues.

In contrast, the peace conference for Ukraine was held in June, focusing on President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan. Guterres declined the invitation to this conference, a decision that many now criticize. A UN spokesperson said that the organization was represented at the “appropriate level” during the conference, even though Guterres himself did not attend.

During the BRICS summit, Guterres held various discussions with global leaders about pressing issues. He urged BRICS members to unite as a “global family” to seek solutions for conflicts, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the need for peace.

Landsbergis highlighted the contradiction in Guterres’s actions, arguing that he is “no longer accepted as an honest broker” in the Ukraine conflict. He said that Guterres must take responsibility for his decisions, particularly for not attending the Ukraine peace summit.

While in Kazan, Guterres met privately with several leaders, including Putin. Many view these interactions as problematic, especially given Putin's status as a wanted war criminal.