Islamabad, 2 March 2022 (TDI): 23 envoys based in Islamabad ask Pakistan to condemn Russia for its Ukraine invasion. The group of envoys, mostly from the European Union (EU) made a joint statement in this regard.  

The group of envoys demands Pakistan to do so as the UN is holding an Emergency Special Session, 11thh ESS, on the Ukraine issue aimed to pass a resolution against Russia.

However, Russia on 26 February, blocked the UN Security Council to pass a resolution against the Russian invasion by using its veto power.    

The envoys also demand to support the voices for upholding the UN Charter and the founding principles of international law. The official statement was jointly signed by the Ambassadors of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France,  and Germany.

Representatives of Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Japan, Norway, and Switzerland as well as the head of the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan also signed the document.

Likewise, the High Commissioners of Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), as well as the Chargé d’affaires of Australia also signed the official joint statement.

Pakistan has decided that it will not take part in the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session as Islamabad wants to be neutral. However, the joint letter urges Islamabad to condemn Russia for its violation of international law.

The letter also quotes the statement of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying “The UN Charter has been challenged in the past, but it has stood firm on the side of peace, security, development, justice, international law, and human rights.”

Antonio Guterres also urged the international community to do everything in its power so that the aforementioned values prevail in Ukraine and for all humanity.

Neutral Role of Pakistan

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi clearly told the world that Pakistan wanted a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine issue. Pakistan didn’t want to be a part of any camp politics.

“We want to have good relations with all”, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Prime Minister of Pakistan also cleared before his official trip to Moscow “this time, Pakistan will not join any camp”, he told news channels. The Foreign Minister makes it clear that Pakistan wants an independent foreign policy.

He said that Islamabad had good relations with Washington and quoted the US spokesman as calling Pakistan its ‘strategic partner’. Talking about the ‘independent’ foreign policy of Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged to have close relations with all.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR