Pakistan Condemns Attacks on Iran & Gulf Nations, Calls for Halt to Violations, United Nations Security Council

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank the Secretary General for his sobering presentation and assessment of the unfolding situation in the Middle East after concerning developments in the region. We concur with his view that there is no viable alternative to a peaceful settlement.

Pakistan condemns the initiation of unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law. Yet again, these attacks come at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a peaceful and negotiated solution. Such a course of action will undermine the peace and stability of the entire region, with far reaching consequences.

Pakistan also condemns the attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and stands in solidarity with all these brotherly countries and underscores the need to exercise maximum restraint.

This is extremely unfortunate since several brotherly Arab countries were in fact supporting dialogue and emphasizing the need to avoid escalation. We particularly laud Oman’s role in facilitating and mediating dialogue between Iran and the United States. These unprovoked attacks constitute blatant violations of the sovereignty of the brotherly Gulf states. Pakistan also condemns the unfortunate death of a Pakistani national in the UAE during this dastardly attack. We urge all sides to refrain from any further actions that may undermine the security and territorial integrity of other regional countries.

Mr. President,

We regret the fact that diplomacy has once again been derailed as these attacks have happened right in the middle of negotiations. These military actions undermine dialogue, and further erode trust that was already in short supply.

We offer our condolences and sympathies to civilians caught in the middle of these violent acts. Our thoughts go out to school children in Iran and many civilians elsewhere; and the family of the Pakistani national who was killed during attacks on the United Arab Emirates earlier today.

Mr. President,

The purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter are inviolable and sacrosanct. The Charter prohibits threat or use of force against territorial integrity or political independence of states.

Pakistan reiterates the call for full respect for International Law, including the UN Charter, as well as International Humanitarian Law.

We are deeply alarmed at the risk of regional conflagration. Safety and well-being of millions of our compatriots in the countries of the region is also our top priority. Pakistan is maintaining close contact and coordination with brotherly neighboring countries including at the leadership level. We are ready to extend our support towards peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.

Pakistan has consistently advocated the primacy of peaceful resolution of disputes and the imperative of avoiding confrontation and conflict in a region already beset by tensions and volatility, as the Secretary-General has also noted.

Diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for achieving negotiated settlement of all contentious issues in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned. Pakistan calls on all sides to immediately halt escalation, and urgently resume diplomacy with a view to achieving a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis.

I thank you President.