(REUTES) - Leaders of Bolivia, Iran and Zimbabwe strongly condemned the United States' hegemonic behavior in the form of wanton interference in other countries' affairs and unilateral sanctions on other nations in their respective speeches at the General Debate of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Bolivian President Luis Arce strongly denounced the U.S. for attempting to destroy Bolivia's stability in order to control the South American country's vast lithium resources, which are key to moving the world away from oil, natural gas and coal in the fight against climate change.
"We oppose any form of interference and any attempt to sabotage our country's democracy and stability for seeking to control our lithium mineral resources. Just as the U.S. SOUTHCOM Commander said months ago, the U.S. is targeting the so-called 'lithium triangle' in Latin America, which consists of Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. The United Nations must take actions on those countries who don't respect other countries' sovereignty and interfere in other countries' affairs," he said.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reaffirmed that his country does not seek to manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons and lashed out at the United States for imposing unilateral sanctions on other countries.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran with goodwill accepted an agreement in 2015. And in the first phase, we did live up to all of our commitments without any exceptions. But the result of that was the trampling upon by America on that agreement. And as they themselves said in so many words, there were many unprecedented oppressive sanctions in history. Sanctions are a punishment on the people of Iran for being freedom-seekers. Weapons of mass destruction is what these sanctions are," he said.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa again called for the unconditional removal of Western sanctions against his country, noting that the repressive measures are hindering his country's development.
"As my government continues to entrench democracy, good governance and the rule of law, we are committed to vibrant, competitive and peaceful political contestations. Notwithstanding our success, the ongoing deleterious effects of the illegal sanctions continue to hamper and slow down our progress and the realization of sustainable and inclusive development," he said.