Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE supports every move aimed at a peaceful settlement of the crisis, and was keen to provide assistance to affected civilians in Ukraine, reports Asian Lite Newdesk
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Friday held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Sheikh Mohamed was briefed by the Ukrainian President on the latest developments and stressed the importance of finding peaceful solutions through negotiation, dialogue and understanding.
“Had a conversation with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed. Informed about the counteraction to the ongoing Russian aggression. Some topical issues of cooperation were discussed. The support of partners is important,” Zelenskyy tweeted after the conversation.
Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE supports every move aimed at a peaceful settlement of the crisis, and was keen to provide assistance to affected civilians in Ukraine, based on its longstanding humanitarian approach.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed the importance of continuous and serious communication to find a political solution to the crisis that ensures the interests of all parties and safeguards their security.
‘N-plant situation concerning’
UAE, who is holding the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of March, expressed its concerns on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, especially the recent events at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which had previously been taken under the control of the Russian military.
UAE stressed that the council must make “every possible effort to avoid a nuclear disaster, whether from direct attack on a nuclear facility or as an unintended consequence of conflict.”
It said the humanitarian and environmental catastrophe resulting from a serious nuclear incident would be hard to contain and recovery would be difficult.
UAE urged all relevant parties involved to cooperate with the IAEA to ensure and protect the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, and to establish a stable framework on the ground.
“The parties therefore must ensure the safety of the plant as well as its reactors. They must also ensure that the plant and the surrounding area are not a target and remain protected from conflict, as damage to the plant could lead to dire consequences for the entire region,” said Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN.
She said nuclear safety is a critical issue for the UAE.
“Our participation on the IAEA’s Board of Governors is a recognition of that concern, and we will continue to make every possible effort to promote and maintain nuclear safety, and support the Director-General of the IAEA’s proposal for negotiations between the parties around this matter, and the implementation of agreed protocols. We also welcome the 2nd round of bilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia yesterday,” she added.
Recently, the UAE had voted in favour of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on the situation in Ukraine.
On this, Lana Nusseibeh stated, “We voted for this resolution, and we join the Member States in appealing to peace. A just peace that endures by recognising all parties’ legitimate concerns and abides by the UN Charter’s principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
Nusseibeh added that resolving the conflict will require dialogue and effective diplomacy.
On 1st March, the UAE announced a US$5 million contribution to the UN’s Humanitarian Flash Appeal and the Regional Refugee Response Plan for Ukraine. The assistance will benefit all civilians impacted by the ongoing hostilities. It also reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to humanitarian solidarity – ensuring the protection of civilians, unimpeded access for humanitarian agencies and actors, and safe passage for anyone seeking to leave the country without discrimination or obstacles.
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