Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Arab League Calls for Diplomacy, Dialogue Over Ukraine Crisis


Tue 01 Mar 2022 | 08:18 PM
Ahmad El-Assasy

The Arab League expressed "grave concern" about the situation in Ukraine and called for support for all attempts to settle the crisis via dialogue and diplomacy.

The League said it supports "all efforts aimed at resolving the issue via conversation and diplomacy in a manner that respects the security and safety of peoples in this crucial region of the world," after holding an emergency meeting on Monday at Egypt's request.

Kuwait presided over the conference, which emphasised the need of "following the principles of international law and the UN Charter," as well as supporting attempts to de-escalate tensions.

The AL expressed concern about the worsening humanitarian situation, emphasising the importance of continued cooperation and coordination among Arab countries in order to ensure the security and safety of Arab communities in the region, as well as to make conditions easier for those wishing to flee to neighbouring countries.

The League further emphasised the importance of maintaining the "security and safety of Arab diplomatic mission members."

The League suggested that an Arab group be formed at the ministerial level to follow up and conduct the required consultations with the parties involved in the situation in order to find a diplomatic solution.

The League evaluated the current situation and its consequences on world peace and security, as well as its direct impact on Arab countries, during the conference.

During his opening remarks, Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki stated that the General Secretariat is closely monitoring the developments in Ukraine and their grave military and humanitarian repercussions.

Zaki emphasised the importance of stepping up efforts to negotiate agreements that satisfy everyone without resorting to armed force, noting that wars have unavoidably high consequences.

"We believe that all peace-loving countries and organisations must act promptly to stop the escalation, not fuel it, to restore discussion, and to seek a resolution of the crisis through necessary diplomacy to avoid a worsening of the situation and conflict expansion."

Being in the Arab world "may make us more aware than others of the destructive repercussions of conflicts and the use of military force and its ramifications, particularly the tremendously severe humanitarian consequences," Zaki said.

The official advocated for international action to end the current political and diplomatic crisis, claiming that it is the most effective method to manage the problem, restore stability, and ensure everyone's safety.

"We hope that, in these dangerous conditions, each party takes responsibility for their actions and that all efforts are directed toward protecting civilians from the consequences of the deteriorating security situation," the assistant said.

He highlighted the need of everyone abiding by international humanitarian law and ensuring that humanitarian help reaches those in need, particularly in view of the continued influx of Ukrainian refugees into neighbouring countries.