New York: Gulf Cooperation Council nations have called for adherence to international law's and the UN Charter's tenets, particularly the principles of a state's sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in that state's internal affairs, and respect for good neighbourliness, ahead of the anniversary of the beginning of the war on Ukraine.
The GCC nations, which include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, are concerned about the developments in the Ukraine, particularly the humanitarian crisis "in light of the increase in the number of refugees and displaced people, the loss of civilian lives, particularly women and children,
in addition to the damage inflicted on infrastructure," according to Mohamed Al-Hassan, Oman's permanent representative to the UN.
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At a special UN General Assembly meeting called to commemorate the war's start-anniversary, he spoke on behalf of the GCC. A resolution highlighting "the need to achieve, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace" is up for vote among member states.
The EU-drafted resolution demands that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine and calls for an end to hostilities. After a series of speeches by representatives from more than 80 countries on Thursday, voting is most likely to take place.
Al-Hassan drew attention to UN Charter Article 2, which mandates that member states must resolve their differences amicably and abstain from using or threatening to use force in interstate affairs.
Al-Hassan said, "The GCC countries affirm that resorting to dialogue and negotiations and resolving disputes and differences through peaceful and diplomatic means is the solution to disputes and disagreements.
The Omani envoy stated that all parties have friendly relations with the GCC member states.
We support efforts on a global and regional level to resolve this conflict in accordance with international law and in accordance with the principles of the UN and its charter.
The GCC called on "all parties to abide by their obligations in accordance with the international law and the international humanitarian law with regards to the protection of civilians by refraining from targeting, or destroying any civilian facility" while applauding efforts made by nations hosting refugees as well as the "relentless efforts of the UN and humanitarian organisations to promptly respond to urgent civilian needs."
Al-Hassan also demanded respect for medical and humanitarian workers as well as adherence to international humanitarian law regarding wounded prisoners of war and missing people. He also urged facilitating quick and secure access to humanitarian aid for everyone in need.
Al-Hassan also expressed gratitude to the UN secretary-general "as well as all parties involved for their significant and valuable efforts to ensure the success of the Black Sea Grain initiative, which helped in restoring stability to prices and food security for many countries, primarily developing countries, who are in dire need of these grains and crops."
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In his closing remarks, the Omani ambassador expressed optimism that the initiative would be revived in March.
