Pakistan asks Russia to reduce tension without condemning invasion
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on behalf of his government, demanded on Saturday that Russia ease tension in Ukraine, but did not condemn the invasion despite international pressure.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistani government, during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, Qureshi “highlighted the need for a diplomatic solution in accordance with relevant multilateral agreements, international law and the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.” (United nations).
Qureshi expressed Pakistan’s concern over the “recent situation in Ukraine”, stressed his country’s adherence to the basic principles of the UN Charter and “called for de-escalation” without condemning the Russian attacks.
Qureshi also informed Lavrov about recent telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Hungary and the High Representative of the European Union, in which he “shared Pakistan’s principled position and highlighted the importance of finding a solution through dialogue.” Continue the statement.
According to the press release, Lavrov shared Russia’s view of the situation, noted the opening of the “humanitarian corridor, and highlighted preparations for the next round of talks with Ukrainian envoys.”
Representatives from at least 22 countries this week urged Pakistan to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine and express its support for defending the United Nations Charter.
Pakistan, like most South Asian governments, has limited its statements to demanding a diplomatic solution to the conflict, without condemning or taking a position on Russia’s actions.
The Russian military action coincided with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow to meet the Russian President, the first such visit in decades.
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