ISLAMABAD – As the Russian army continues to move deeper into Ukraine,representatives of 22 countries in Islamabad, including the European Unionmission, urged Pakistan on Tuesday to join the international condemnationof the Russian “aggression”.
As the US and Western allies step up a diplomatic campaign to isolateMoscow, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emergency session on theRussian invasion of Ukraine began on Monday.
Russia vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution on Friday that wouldhave deplored Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. China abstained from the vote —a move Western countries view as a win for showing Russia’s internationalisolation.
The United Arab Emirates and India also abstained from the vote on theUS-drafted text. The remaining 11 council members voted in favour. Thedraft resolution is now expected to be taken up by the 193-member UNGeneral Assembly.
“As Heads of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we urge Pakistanto join us in condemning Russia’s actions and to voice support forupholding the UN charter and the founding principles of international law,”the EU mission in Pakistan said in a statement.
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Hours after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, Pakistani Prime Minister ImranKhan met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last Thursday.
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In a post-meeting statement by the PM office, Khan said he “regretted thelatest situation between Russia and Ukraine,” and “hoped diplomacy couldavert a military conflict”.
“The Prime Minister stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest,and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economicallyin case of conflict. He underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes shouldbe resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to Ukraine’s ForeignMinister Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday and “underscored Pakistan’s belief thatdisputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Russia is a Security Council veto power, along with the United States,China, France and Britain.
China’s abstention comes just weeks after Beijing and Moscow declared a “nolimits” partnership, backing each other over standoffs on Ukraine andTaiwan with a promise to collaborate more against the West.
