SA concerned by escalating conflict in Ukraine, welcomes peace talks with Russia

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South Africa says it remains deeply concerned by the escalating conflict in Ukraine and welcomed the commencement of talks with Russia.

That was the message delivered by the country’s Ambassador Mathu Joyini to the Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

She warned that at a time when the world was struggling to emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this conflict would further delay the world’s recovery.

Joyini failed to echo an earlier statement from the Department of International Relations calling on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter.

She urged a diplomatic solution that addressed the security concerns of all parties.

Joyini says, “South Africa always appreciates the value the dialogue has in averting a crisis and de-escalating conflict. This is in line with our strong commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict in this regard we also urge the Security Council to utilise existing tools at its disposal in support of the pacific settlement of disputes.”

“We also believe that the Good Offices of the UN Secretary-General could make a positive contribution in finding a lasting solution to this conflict and should be utilised. We urge all parties to approach this situation in a spirit of compromise, with all sides upholding human rights abiding by their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law,” she adds.

Security Council reform

Joyini also indicated that the current conflict reminds the world of the urgent need for Security Council reform, while endorsing the African Union’s position on the treatment of third-country nationals seeking to leave Ukraine.

She says, “South Africa endorses the statement issued by the African Union Commission expressing concern at the treatment given to African nationals and people of African descent at the borders of Ukraine, some of whom are not allowed to cross and move to safety. We urge European countries to take steps to resolve the situation as all people have a right to cross international borders during times of conflict .”

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