News Desk Report
NEW YORK: Pressure mounted on Pakistan from western countries and their allies to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine as Islamabad maintained a fine balance in neither denouncing Moscow nor explicitly supporting Kiev.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and Norway urged Pakistan to join the west in condemning what they said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and voice support for upholding the UN Charter and founding principles of international law.
The joint statement was signed by heads of missions of EU and other Western countries posted in Pakistan.
“The situation in #Ukraine is unacceptable in #Europe, as it is anywhere in the World.
In these extreme times, the international community must work in solidarity to uphold the UN Charter & the rules-based international order,” read a joint statement
“As Heads of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we urge Pakistan to join us in condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and voice support for upholding the UN Charter & founding principles of international law,” said Lis Rosenholm, the Ambassador of Denmark in Pakistan while sharing the joint statement.
“As we are writing this, there is a war in Europe. We deplore the loss of life and humanitarian suffering as innocent lives are being targeted as a mass exodus of women and children is underway into the neighbouring countries from Ukraine, an independent and sovereign state and the member of the United Nations. This is unacceptable in Europe, as anywhere else in the world,” the joint statement read.
It noted that Russia launched an unprovoked action against Ukraine that posed no threat to it.
“This constitutes a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations, and presents a serious risk to global peace and security.”
In these extreme circumstances the international community must work in solidarity and support and uphold the rules-based international order.
The statement comes ahead of the vote in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution condemning Russia’s action as well as seeking an end to its aggression.
Pakistan, diplomatic sources said, might abstain from the UN General Assembly session in order to avoid taking sides in the Russia, Ukraine conflict.
“This constitutes a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations, and presents a serious risk to global peace and security.”
In these extreme circumstances the international community must work in solidarity and support and uphold the rules-based international order.
The statement comes ahead of the vote in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution condemning Russia’s action as well as seeking an end to its aggression.
Pakistan, diplomatic sources said, might abstain from the UN General Assembly session in order to avoid taking sides in the Russia, Ukraine conflict.
