Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomes the meeting and briefers, and provides a detailed appraisal of the Ukraine conflict now in its fifth year. He emphasizes that the war has taken a heavy toll on civilians, livelihoods, economies, and regional stability, deepening divisions and straining multilateralism, thereby complicating prospects for a peaceful resolution. He highlights the humanitarian crisis, noting ongoing civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of homes and infrastructure, and calls for upholding human dignity, protecting civilians, and prioritizing a peaceful settlement. Pakistan’s long-standing stance is reaffirmed: there is no military solution, and lasting peace can only emerge from sustained, structured, and meaningful dialogue. He recalls Pakistan’s advocacy for dialogue dating back to Istanbul in 2022 and its support for subsequent initiatives, including UNSCR 2774 and the U.S.-facilitated negotiations. Ahmad also notes that an independently arising crisis in the Middle East has affected Ukraine negotiations but expresses hope that the next round of talks will occur soon. He urges all parties to show political will, mutual understanding, and constructive engagement to achieve a negotiated settlement, beginning with an immediate cessation of hostilities, while agreeing that a durable peace must align with the UN Charter and security interests of all sides. Concluding, Pakistan commits to supporting efforts that bridge divisions and promote peaceful settlements globally, upholding international law and the UN Charter, and reiterates calls for restraint and de-escalation through dialogue.
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