Pakistani representative to the Security Council, Asim Iftikhar, strongly condemned Israeli aggression against Iran.
New York: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, has said that Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s unjustified and illegal aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Addressing the UN Security Council meeting on Iran, Asim Iftikhar said that Pakistan expresses complete solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran and expresses its sympathy and condolences for the loss of life and property as a result of these heinous attacks.
He said that the Israeli airstrikes are a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a blatant denial of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Asim Iftikhar said that we strongly condemn these provocative actions which pose a serious threat not only to the entire region but also to global peace, security and stability. Iran has the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The Pakistani Permanent Representative said that these attacks are a dangerous and continuous example of Israel’s irresponsible behavior, which is being manifested through the ongoing military operations in Gaza, and repeated cross-border attacks in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. These Israeli actions in the Middle East are a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations and constitute aggression under General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974). Israeli attacks flout international law and seriously undermine the international order.
Asim Iftikhar said that such aggressive actions and blatant violations of international law have already had devastating consequences. Thousands of innocent civilians have been martyred as a result of Israeli military attacks in Gaza and the illegal blockade there for the past 15 years has caused a humanitarian tragedy. Israeli airstrikes in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon have increased tensions and instability in the region by violating sovereignty.
He said that these attacks were carried out at a time when talks were underway to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. This act is highly reprehensible from a moral perspective and is against international norms. Such actions are tantamount to eroding confidence in the negotiation process.
Asim Iftikhar said that Pakistan supports peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and continuous dialogue to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. The illegal use of force against Iran and the resulting situation could sabotage the ongoing diplomatic efforts and further destabilize a region that is already under severe pressure. The ongoing negotiations and all efforts to promote peace and security in the region must be protected.
The Pakistani delegate said that it was regrettable that these attacks were carried out at a time when the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) was continuing its verification activities in Iran. Such actions hinder the technical work of the agency.
Asim Iftikhar said that Israel targeted IAEA protected facilities in violation of international law, the IAEA Statute and its numerous resolutions. These attacks are not only a grave violation of international law but also set a dangerous precedent and pose a serious threat to the security of the people of the region as well as the world. Pakistan, which is a neighbor of Iran, is deeply concerned about these developments. Security Council Resolution 487 has described such attacks as a grave threat to the UN Charter, international law and the IAEA safeguards regime.
The Pakistani Permanent Representative said that we call on all parties to fulfill their responsibilities and avoid escalation. Diplomacy and dialogue should be prioritized even in these difficult circumstances. The international community desires peace and stability in the region. Next week, UN member states are coming together to chart a path for the establishment of a Palestinian state that can usher in a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.
Asim Iftikhar said that Israel cannot be allowed to endanger the stability of the region and endanger international peace and security. The Security Council has a fundamental responsibility to ensure international peace and security and to immediately stop this aggression. We must hold the aggressor accountable for its actions.
Pakistan demanded that the Security Council not give Israel a free hand in its violations of the law and impose restrictions on its reckless actions. The Security Council should take decisive action in full compliance with the UN Charter.
