Vietnam calls for ceasefire, dialogue to resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict

Dang Hoang Giang, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, speaking at the 11th emergency special session of the U.N. General Assembly on the Russia-Ukraine conflict Thursday, said Vietnam is concerned about the impact of the war in Ukraine on civilians and information about many people killed in recent days, Vietnam News Agency reported.

It objects to all activities that violate international humanitarian and human rights laws, but information about them need to be verified with the cooperation of related parties, he said.

Vietnam calls on the warring parties to reduce tensions, declare a ceasefire, resume dialogue, and find long-term solutions to disagreements by taking into account their legitimate rights and interests, he said.

He underlined Vietnam’s consistent stance on settling international disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law, the U.N. Charter, especially the principle of respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, non-interference in others’ internal affairs, and non-use of force in international relations.

He also emphasized Vietnam’s view that exchanges between and decisions by international agencies and organizations need to scrupulously comply with procedures.

All exchanges in and decisions by the General Assembly should be based on verifiable, objective and transparent information obtained with the cooperation of stakeholders and in broad consultation with countries, he stressed.

He called on the U.N. and the international community to continue to encourage and create favorable conditions for dialogue and diplomatic negotiations between relevant parties to seek a peaceful and comprehensive solution.

On April 7 Russia denied responsibility for civilian deaths and claimed Ukraine had staged them, with President Vladimir Putin accusing Ukrainian authorities of “crude and cynical provocations” in Bucha, AP reported.

The General Assembly adopted a resolution to suspend Russia’s membership of the U.N. Human Rights Council by a vote of 93 to 24 with 58 abstentions.

Many countries expressed concern at the current situation in Ukraine and stressed the need to respect international law.

But many also said with an international investigation into the human rights situation in Ukraine, including an investigative mechanism established by the Human Rights Council, currently under way, the resolution is hasty in the absence of clear and objective information.

It would negatively affect negotiations and dialogue efforts, cause division and reduce the credibility of the U.N., they warned.

After the passage of the resolution, the Russian representative announced the country’s withdrawal from the 47-member council.

This is the third resolution on the Russia-Ukraine conflict adopted by the General Assembly since Russia launched its military operation on February 24.