A New India
Chapter 210 - 210: So called Defender of Peace - II

Lodge looked to Dixon, his face unreadable. "Ambassador Dixon, perhaps it's time Britain and France consider a diplomatic resolution. We risk alienating the global community if we press for a resolution that only favors one side."

Dixon's jaw clenched. "This isn't about favoring one side. It's about preserving order."

Menon leaned forward, his voice steady. "Then let's create order by respecting the rights of all nations involved. A ceasefire that demands the withdrawal of foreign forces from Egypt, including Israel's, is the only path to genuine peace. Anything less will be seen for what it is: an attempt to control."

Alphand, feeling cornered, made one last push. "If Egypt continues to wield the canal as a weapon, we'll see more instability, not less. A neutral force is the only way forward."

Loutfi, unyielding, spoke with finality. "We will never accept foreign control of our canal, disguised or not. Egypt will fight for its sovereignty, and the world will know who the real aggressors are here. This isn't about stability or neutrality it's about power, plain and simple."

The hall echoed with murmurs of agreement and dissent, but the energy was undeniable.

Loutfi's words struck a chord, especially among the representatives of recently decolonized nations.

They knew well the language of "neutrality" used as a mask for control, and they nodded as Loutfi took his seat, his face resolute.

Abba Eban leaned forward, frustration evident. "With all due respect, Ambassador Loutfi, Israel has its right to security as well. We are surrounded by hostile forces, and Egypt's actions are not just an internal matter. They have implications for us that cannot be ignored. Nasser's rhetoric has been anything but peaceful toward Israel. How can you ask us to stand by while he builds his influence at our expense?"

Loutfi turned, his expression unyielding. "Mr. Eban, Egypt's alignment has been clear: we do not recognize the expansionism your state has engaged in since its formation. Our actions are within our borders and under our rights. Israel's supposed 'security' does not entitle it to invade and disrupt the sovereignty of others."

Eban's voice sharpened. "Expansionism? Israel has repeatedly defended itself against forces far larger than its own. This isn't aggression it's survival. You've built alliances and rhetoric around eliminating Israel, and now you expect us to sit idle while you control the canal? The canal that our trade also depends on?"

Lodge interjected, trying to keep the debate on track. "Gentlemen, let's bring this back to the matter at hand the question of an immediate ceasefire. We can debate Israel's security and Egypt's sovereignty, but if we can't agree on de-escalation, this crisis will only spiral further."

Sobolev seized on the moment, his tone assertive but calm. "The Soviet Union supports a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, and we demand that all foreign troops be withdrawn from Egypt. This includes Israeli, British, and French forces. Any peacekeeping force must be under UN control, not directed by those who are parties to the conflict."

Dixon was visibly irritated, his voice rising. "A UN-controlled force? So that it can be manipulated to favor Egypt and its Soviet backers? No, Mr. Sobolev, we know what that would mean. The British and French must have a role in stabilizing the region. We can't just walk away and leave this in the hands of Nasser."

Menon, ever composed, shook his head slightly. "Ambassador Dixon, if your interests are indeed to stabilize the region, then why did Britain and France wait until Israel's attack to call for peace? You were silent when Israel crossed into Egyptian territory. Yet now, when Egypt defends itself, suddenly there is a rush for 'stability.' The timing is… remarkable."

Alphand leaned forward, his face tightening. "India can criticize, but you are not the one responsible for ensuring Europe's energy security. The canal is vital to our economies, and we cannot afford to have it at the mercy of a regime that may cut it off on a whim. This is not just about Egypt it's about safeguarding global trade."

Loutfi interrupted, his voice unwavering. "And there it is. Ambassador Alphand, you just admitted it. This is not about peace or stability it's about control. Egypt's sovereignty and rights are secondary to your economic convenience. The world is listening, and they can see through your words."

Lodge raised his hand, calling for a pause. "If we're to make any progress, we need to address the immediate issue. There's a crisis on the ground that requires intervention, and the United States is prepared to support a ceasefire resolution if it respects Egypt's right to the canal. Ambassador Sobolev's suggestion of a UN peacekeeping force, if carefully managed, could allow for a fair and neutral solution."

Dixon shook his head. "With respect, Mr. Lodge, a purely UN-operated force under these circumstances would be disastrous. We need stability that only established powers can guarantee."

Menon's voice rang out, clear and firm. "And that, Ambassador Dixon, is precisely the problem. The so-called 'established powers' believe they have the inherent right to dictate what stability looks like. But Egypt's actions have shown the world that sovereignty is not a privilege granted by certain nations it's a right that all nations must defend. The UN cannot be a tool to impose control; it must be a platform for genuine peace."

Sobolev, clearly emboldened by the support of Menon and Loutfi, leaned forward. "Let's not forget that the UN Charter supports the principle of sovereignty. Egypt has done nothing outside its own borders, and now it is Britain, France, and Israel who have crossed into Egyptian territory. If there is to be a ceasefire, it must come with the full withdrawal of all foreign troops."

Alphand's frustration was evident, his voice strained. "And if we do that, what's to stop Nasser from turning the canal into his own bargaining chip, using it as leverage against every nation that depends on it? This is more than just sovereignty, Mr. Sobolev. It's about protecting global interests."

Loutfi's gaze hardened. "Global interests? Or Western interests? Egypt has not closed the canal, nor has it threatened to do so. You accuse us of intentions we haven't acted upon. The canal was nationalized to serve our country's needs, yes, but that doesn't mean we intend to disrupt the world economy. Britain and France are manufacturing a crisis to justify their aggression."

The room erupted into murmurs, many delegates nodding in agreement with Loutfi's assertion.

The growing consensus among decolonized nations and non-aligned countries was clear: the West's motivations were suspect, and the defense of sovereignty had struck a deep chord.

Lodge, trying to bring the room back to focus, looked around. "The United States is open to supporting a ceasefire resolution under the condition that it includes a phased withdrawal of all troops, beginning with Israeli forces. If the British and French require time to secure their interests, perhaps we can negotiate a limited period for their forces under UN oversight. But a long-term occupation is unacceptable."

Dixon, sensing the tide turning, fought back. "A phased withdrawal without guarantees? Mr. Lodge, that approach would leave the canal in a state of chaos. We need assurances that the canal won't be weaponized by Egypt or any other power in the region."

Menon's tone was unyielding. "The canal has remained open throughout this crisis. It is Britain and France who have escalated it, not Egypt. We must remember who has crossed borders here. We support a UN peacekeeping force to monitor the withdrawal, and we believe that anything beyond that would be an imposition on Egypt's rights."

Alphand, visibly frustrated, turned to the assembly. "So, you expect us to simply leave and trust that Nasser won't take advantage of the situation? This is madness. A resolution that allows Egypt unrestrained control over the canal is a disaster waiting to happen."

Sobolev's eyes gleamed, sensing victory. "What you call a disaster, Ambassador Alphand, we call independence. The days when certain nations could dictate the terms of another's sovereignty are over."

Loutfi added, his voice steely with conviction, "Egypt will not surrender its rights to appease those who fear losing control. We have stood alone, and we will continue to do so if necessary."

The Chairman, sensing that no consensus was in sight, banged his gavel, calling for order. "Delegates, we have heard many perspectives. It is clear that a ceasefire resolution will require compromise from all parties involved. We will proceed to vote on a proposal that demands an immediate ceasefire and the phased withdrawal of all foreign troops under UN supervision."