United Nations should assume its role in maintaining world peace and security, says Zhang Jun

New York, (ST) – China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, stressed that the UN Security Council should assume its primary responsibility in maintaining international peace and security. He added that UN also should play its presumed role in the field of the humanitarian issue in Ukraine.

Xinhua quoted Zhang as saying after yesterday’s vote that China hopes the Security Council will play an important and meaningful role in addressing the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. He added that China’s vote in favor of the Russian draft resolution “was based on our call on the international community to attach great importance to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

 ” Ukraine as well as all parties concerned to enhance coordination on humanitarian issues in order to effectively ensure the protection and safety of civilians, in particular women, children and other vulnerable groups, and to facilitate the evacuation of people, rescue missions and humanitarian assistance,” Zhang Jun said.

The China’s permanent representative affirmed his country’s commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy and its constant call to preserve and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and to follow the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter. He added that China is taking into consideration seriously the legitimate security concerns of all countries and that all efforts should be devoted to and support for a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian issue.

Yesterday, the Security Council failed to pass a Russian draft resolution calling for ensuring the evacuation of civilians, providing full protection for them and medical personnel, and facilitating humanitarian access, after 13 abstentions, while Russia and China voted in favor of the project.

Raghda Sawas