Iran war: China asks UNSC to back unconditional ceasefire

BEIJING: China on Monday urged the UN Security Council members to support a resolution that calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to stop the spread of Iran-Israel war, amid a worsening situation after the US strikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities.

Guo Jiakun, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, was talking about a draft resolution, which China, Russia and Pakistan have moved jointly.

He told a daily press briefing that China, Russia, and Pakistan proposed a draft UN Security Council resolution on the situation in Iran.

The document, the foreign ministry says in a post shared on X, calls for “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law and engagement in dialogue and negotiation”.

“We call upon Security Council members to support the draft resolution, and enable the Council to play its due role for the maintenance of international peace and security,” the post mentioned.

 ‘CANNOT STAND IDLY BY’

When a reporter asked a question on the issue at the press briefing, Guo said, “The US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East. The Security Council cannot stand idly by.”

He added, “Together we sent out the message of justice, which reflected the strong call from the international community. We hope that Council members can jointly support the draft resolution and enable the Security Council to play its due role for the maintenance of international peace and security.”

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About the US strikes on the nuclear installations of Iran, the spokesperson said, “Attacking nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA seriously violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law.”

PREVENT THE SITUATION FROM SPIRALLING UP

He said, “China urges parties to the conflict to prevent the situation from spiralling up, make sure the fighting will not spill over, and return to the track of political settlement.

At the same time, Guo said, “China stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with various parties to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and play a constructive role for restoring peace in the Middle East.”