UNITED NATIONS, Jun 20 (APP): Pakistan Friday told an emergency session of the UN Security Council that continued deadly Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and other targets have “aggravated” regional tensions and threatened peace and security.
“Dialogue and diplomacy in full adherence to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, remain the only viable path to resolving the crisis,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said in the debate, convened by Guyana, which holds the Council’s presidency for June, and supported by Pakistan, among others.
“This is a pivotal moment,” the Pakistani envoy said, and urged the Council to fulfill its responsibility and facilitate peaceful resolution of disputes.
“Military means and coercion cannot bring about a lasting settlement,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.
Regrettably, he said, Israeli unlawful strikes against Iran came at the time of intense diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear issue, underscoring that these illegal actions must not be allowed to scuttle that dialogue.
“Parties must swiftly return to the path of negotiations, which is the only viable means to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear programme,” the Pakistani envoy said, noting the United States’ willingness to keep the door for negotiations open.
“We hope that the diplomatic efforts and engagements will bear fruit.”
At the outset, the Pakistani envoy condemned the Israeli strikes which began on 13 June and said that these strikes violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel. We stand in solidarity with the people of Iran,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.
“We offer our sincere condolences and sympathies to the brotherly people of Iran on the loss of life as a result of these unprovoked attacks,” he said, adding that the ensuing humanitarian and civilian toll is “deplorable”.
“The latest crisis has aggravated the existing tensions in the region arising from Israel’s continuing ruthless assault on Gaza, that has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe for the innocent Palestinians, as well as its recurring violations of international law in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen”.
The attacks against nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes contravene international law, the charter of the UN, Statute of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and relevant IAEA General Conference resolutions on the issue, he said.
In this regard, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar called on the Council to:
— Categorically reject and condemn Israel’s attacks on the Iran since June 13;
— Play its due role to end the hostilities and promote de-escalation for achieving a comprehensive ceasefire before the situation spirals out of control and threatens the peace and stability of the entire region;
— Clearly denounce the targeting of IAEA-safeguarded nuclear facilities against the provisions of international law and the UN Charter, and,
— Call for dialogue and diplomacy to promote a peaceful settlement and lasting resolution of this crisis.
“Diplomacy must be given a chance,” the Pakistani envoy added.
Opening the debate, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for “immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire.”
Hanging over the conflict is the possibility of the United States joining Israel’s campaign to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would decide whether to bomb Iran within two weeks.
Russia and China, also permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran.