The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed “grave concern” about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and called for the need to return to diplomacy and resort to dialogue and peaceful negotiations between the parties to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
The GCC issued a statement before the United Nations general assembly’s emergency session on Ukraine, reaffirming that “GCC states are following up with deep concern the deteriorating situation in the Republic of Ukraine.”
The statement was delivered by Saudi Arabia's deputy representative to the UN Mohammed Al-Ateeq.
Al-Ateeq stressed that GCC countries are following with great concern and regret the repercussions of the situation in Ukraine, especially on humanitarian affairs, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The representative said GCC countries are committed to well-established principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations that govern relations between states and are based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Al-Ateeq reiterated that the GCC states have friendly relations with all parties, and appreciate and encourage the efforts made by all actors to spare civilians more suffering, noting that in this regard, the GCC commends the efforts made by the countries that hosted those fleeing conflict areas without discrimination.
On behalf of the GCC, he called on all parties to abide by their obligations towards international law and international humanitarian law, especially with regard to the protection of civilians and refraining from targeting or destroying any vital installations.
He praised the tireless efforts spent by the UN and humanitarian organizations to respond urgently to humanitarian needs, most notably dispatching a humanitarian aid convoy to the city of Sumy, which took place after an agreement between the parties to the conflict.
GCC states hope that this initiative will be a step in the way of reaching a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis, said Al-Ateeq.
