CAIRO: The Arab League on Monday said it is following with “great concern” developments in Ukraine and “their serious military and humanitarian consequences.”
The organization, which held an emergency meeting on Monday at Egypt’s request, said it supports “all efforts aimed at resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy in a manner that preserves the security and safety of peoples in this important region of the world.”
At the meeting, chaired by Kuwait, the Arab League stressed “the importance of respecting the principles of international law and the UN Charter.”
It also emphasized “the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between Arab countries to maintain the security and safety of the Arab communities currently in the region, to facilitate the crossing of those wishing to cross to neighboring countries, and to maintain the security and safety of members of Arab diplomatic missions.”
Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki said during the meeting: “We believe it is imperative for all peace-loving countries and organizations to move quickly in order to stop escalation and not fuel it, restore dialogue, and seek to settle the crisis through indispensable diplomacy to avoid deterioration of the situation and expansion of the conflict.”
He added: “Our belonging to the Arab region may make us, more than others, aware of the devastating effects of wars and the use of military force … We hope, under these dangerous circumstances, that each party will bear its responsibility, and that all efforts will be focused on sparing civilians from the consequences of the deteriorating security situation, while emphasizing everyone’s commitment to the need to respect international humanitarian law, and to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it, especially in light of Ukrainian refugees continuing to arrive in neighboring countries.”
