UNGA: 35 countries abstain from voting to condemn Russia

 Pakistan, using cautious words on the Ukraine crisis, in a statement to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) called for the protection of the territorial integrity of any state without endangering the national interests of any other country. Stressed

Although the General Assembly voted in favor of the resolution by a majority of 141 countries, it is still “non-binding” until it is approved by the UN Security Council.

Apart from Russia, four other countries also voted against the resolution while 35 countries including Pakistan did not participate in the voting for the resolution.

In the first two days of the emergency meeting on Ukraine, Pakistan took a close look at the proceedings of the session, during which several countries accused Russia of invading Ukraine and demanded immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops from the occupied territories.

Addressing the emergency session of the General Assembly, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram said that Pakistan adheres to the basic principles of the UN Charter, which include the right of the people to self-determination, use of force or threat of its use. State sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes are discussed.

Pakistan adheres to the principle of equal and indivisible security for all and these principles must be consistently and universally respected.

He said that in addition to violence and casualties, there was a need to avoid further escalation of military, political and diplomatic tensions which could pose a major threat to international peace and security and global economic stability.

“We hope that the talks that have begun between the representatives of Russia and Ukraine will lead to a return to normalcy and an end to hostilities,” he said.

He further added that in accordance with the relevant multilateral agreements, international law and the provisions of the United Nations Charter, a diplomatic solution to the dispute is inevitable. He said that Pakistan also supports all efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the citizens in the affected areas.

Apart from Russia, 4 other countries also voted against the resolution while 35 countries including Pakistan did not participate in the voting of the resolution.

The other three South Asian countries, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, also abstained, while Nepal voted in favor of the US-backed resolution.

China, a major world power and one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, also abstained.

The decision by many countries not to participate in the voting will eliminate the risk of Pakistan being left alone on an issue which was seen as Islamabad not voting with the US while Pakistan is with Russia. Wants to improve its economic relations

On March 1, Pakistan’s Foreign Office received a very unusual letter from top diplomats from 22 countries urging Islamabad to adopt a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s aggression. Support and demand its immediate return.

Recipients were signatories to EU member states and major non-European powers, such as Australia, Canada and Japan.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Imran Khan discussed the situation in Ukraine and Pakistan’s position on the conflict at a meeting of his aides in Islamabad.

The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Asad Umar, Energy Minister Hamad Azhar, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Chiefs of the three Armed Forces. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood briefed the participants on the Ukraine conflict.

Talking to Dawn after the meeting, the Information Minister said that the text of the speech of the Permanent Representative of Pakistan in the meeting has been approved.

He said that it had been decided that Pakistan would reaffirm its stand against aggression and emphasize diplomacy in resolving disputes. What is it.