UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called on the parties concerned to de-escalate the Ukraine conflict by building on the current momentum of engagement.
The Ukraine issue is approaching a critical moment for a negotiated settlement and calls from the international community for peace through negotiations are growing stronger. Recently, a flurry of engagements and interactions among key stakeholders have sent some positive signals. China supports efforts conducive to peace and hopes that the parties concerned will meet each other halfway, maintain the positive momentum, and promote an early political settlement of the crisis, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.
Not long ago, Russia and Ukraine conducted a new swap of prisoners of war and agreed on a localized humanitarian ceasefire. These developments deserve recognition, he told the Security Council.
"We call on the parties to put people's lives first, exercise calm and restraint, and effectively protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially women, children, and other victims of the conflict. At the same time, humanitarian relief efforts should be intensified to help those affected by the crisis overcome their hardships," he said. "The parties concerned should strictly comply with applicable international law and ensure basic living conditions, medical treatment, and dignity for prisoners of war and detained persons."
Recently, the parties have expressed their views on how to achieve a political settlement of the crisis. The international community has made extensive diplomatic efforts to promote peace and talks. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States will hold a new round of trilateral talks. The parties concerned should demonstrate political will, maintain contact and communication, build consensus step by step, and work together toward a comprehensive, durable, and binding peace agreement, said Sun.
China's position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent. It has always stayed committed to promoting peace and talks and a political settlement. China has maintained close communication with Russia, Ukraine, and other parties concerned, actively conducted shuttle diplomacy, and worked tirelessly to create conditions for peace talks and build consensus for peace. China stands ready to work with the international community and continue making unremitting efforts toward an early ceasefire, cessation of hostilities and lasting peace and stability in the region, he said. ■
