ASTANA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan calls for maximum restraint and responsibility in order to prevent further escalation of violence amid tensions in the Middle East, the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday.
In a statement, the ministry expressed condolences to the people of Iran over the deaths of civilians, including children, as well as members of the country's leadership in recent tragic events. It also expressed regret over strikes on civilian facilities in Arab countries.
International humanitarian law requires special protection for civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts, the ministry noted, reaffirming its consistent position that international disputes should be settled exclusively through political and diplomatic means in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
According to the Kazinform news agency, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had a series of diplomatic contacts with Arab regional leaders on Sunday, expressing concern over the regional situation and calling for refraining from actions that could lead to escalation of the situation. ■