South Africa has expressed concern at the deteriorating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, warning that the situation could have regional and global ramifications unless an urgent diplomatic solution is found.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said South Africa urges Russia, Ukraine and other parties involved in the conflict “to devote increased efforts to diplomacy and to find a solution that will help de-escalate tensions and avert armed conflict.”
“All parties have much to gain from a negotiated outcome and much to lose from an unnecessary and violent conflict,” Pandor said on Thursday.
The tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated in the past few days, with both sides deploying troops along their common border in a conflict that has sucked in world powers such as the United States, United Kingdom, China and the European Union.
Pandor called on the UN Security Council to play a central role in the search for peace.
“The UNSC is the body given the mandate for maintenance of international peace and security and it must exercise its role fully. As South Africa, we believe all the issues of concern to any of the parties must be addressed in inclusive talks led by the UNSC.” she said.
JN/APA