ASEAN foreign ministers urge parties in Middle East conflict: Resolve issues through peaceful means

The foreign ministers of ASEAN on Wednesday urged parties involved in the Middle East conflict to respect international law and settle the conflict through peaceful means. 

In a statement, ASEAN's foreign ministers expressed serious concern over the escalation of tension in the Middle East following the attacks initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran.

''We call on all countries to respect international law, including the Charter of the United Nations (UN Charter),'' they said.

''This escalation is particularly regrettable as it occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by the Sultanate of Oman aimed at advancing a negotiated solution,'' the foreign ministers added.

Further, they reaffirmed the obligation of all states to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, in line with international law such as the UN Charter. 

''We further reiterate the obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures in armed conflicts consistent with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,'' they said.

The ASEAN foreign ministers also underscored the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities as they urged all parties concerned to exercise utmost self-restraint. 

They also called on the parties to avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Further, they affirmed commitment to provide emergency assistance to ASEAN nationals, especially during this time, in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on the Guidelines on Consular Assistance by ASEAN Member States’ Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of Other ASEAN Member State and the Guidelines for the Provision of Emergency Assistance by ASEAN Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN Member Countries in Crisis Situations.

The United States and Israel on Saturday launched attacks on Iran, accusing the country of developing nuclear weapons intended for use against them.

Retaliatory attacks have been launched by Iran against several countries in the region, particularly in areas with US bases in the Middle East.  —RF, GMA Integrated News