Iran urges end of hostilities in Ukraine

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Iran's ambassador to the UN, Takht Ravanchi, emphasized Iran's principled position on the necessity for peaceful resolution of problems in Ukraine in accordance with international law.

The ambassador also defended Iran's decision to abstain on a United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking aid access and civilian protection in Ukraine, claiming that the resolution lacked viable methods for dealing with the humanitarian aspects of the crisis.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in and around Ukraine,” he said.

The ambassador added that "Iran reiterates its principled position regarding the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and underlines the necessity of full respect by all parties for the well-established provisions of the United Nations Charter, international law, including international humanitarian law."

The Iranian envoy further highlighted that all governments' sovereignty and territorial integrity must be completely maintained, as well as the safety and security of all citizens and civilian infrastructures.

Ravanchi added that "Iran reiterates its call for the urgent cessation of hostilities and de-escalation of tensions in the current conflict and encourages all parties to pursue their concerns through dialogue."

According to the ambassador, Iran considers that the current draft of the resolution before the General Assembly goes beyond the bounds of the humanitarian crisis on the ground and lacks practical methods for dealing with the humanitarian aspects of the war.

He explained that Iran stresses that the humanitarian nature of help must always be maintained and that the supply of humanitarian assistance should only be governed by the principles of humanism, neutrality, and impartiality."

"Iran urges all parties to cooperate in advancing humanitarian response to the situation, and in this regard emphasizes the need for the provision and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need including the refugees," he said.

“We call for the immediate facilitation of safe, voluntary, and dignified transfer of all civilian refugees and IDPs from conflict-affected areas,” he said, adding, “My government supports the ongoing negotiations between the parties and reiterates its call for an urgent peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law.”

Ravanchi explained that humanitarian issues are a priority in Iran's foreign policy, adding that Iran expresses its readiness to cooperate, coordinate, and facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance. 

On Thursday, nearly three-quarters of the UN General Assembly voted to demand aid access and civilian safety in Ukraine and to condemn Russia for creating a "dire" humanitarian situation in Moscow.

The resolution, proposed by Ukraine and allies, gained 140 votes in favor and five votes against (Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea, and Belarus), with 38 nations abstaining, including Iran.