China urges Ukraine, Russia to exercise restraint, return to talks

China has called on Ukraine and Russia to exercise restraint, protect civilians and resume negotiations, saying a lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and adherence to international law.

Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Sun Lei said Beijing urged all parties to remain calm, comply with international humanitarian law and avoid attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports. 

“China once again calls on parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law, refrain from attacking civilians or civilian infrastructure and work for de-escalation so as to cease hostilities at an early date. We call on relevant parties to speedily resume negotiations, demonstrate political will to each other, and dedicate themselves to eliminate the root causes of the conflict based on full and complete compliance with the principles of the UN Charter, with a view to reaching a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement,” Sun said.

He also said China condemns all attacks targeting civilians and stressed that civilians must never be the target of military operations.

“China condemns all attacks against civilians. Under no circumstances should civilians be targeted in attacks,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli