At UN, Pakistan pushes for Iran normalization, slams outside meddling
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has told the UN Security Council that it hopes for an early normalization of the situation in Iran, warning that the UN Charter and international law prohibit external interference in the internal affairs of States.
“The UN Charter prohibits threat or use of force against other States’ territorial integrity or independence, or to interfere in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told an emergency meeting of the 15-member Council on Thursday evening.
The United States convened the Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in Iran, with the country’s Ambassador Mike Waltz criticizing the actions taken against Iranian protestors and assuring them of President Donald Trump’s support.
In his remarks, the Pakistani envoy said, “We have been carefully observing developments in Iran and the region in recent days”, pointing out that new threats to regional peace and stability remain a serious cause of concern.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad described Iran as a “brotherly country”, saying that the people of the two nations share deep-rooted historical, friendly, cultural and religious bonds.
“A stable and peaceful Iran is in the interests of Pakistan, the region and beyond,” he said, adding that his country has “full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leadership”, rooted in the country’s culture, history and resilience.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad highlighted that the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter are “inviolable and sacrosanct”, noting that the Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of States.
Any external interference in the internal affairs of States, he added, is inconsistent with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
“We strongly believe that all disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international law,” the Pakistani envoy affirmed, warning that continued hostilities, use of force and unilateral actions will only deepen crises and cause unnecessary suffering.
“We sincerely hope that the situation in Iran will soon return to calm and normalcy, free from any internal turmoil or external pressure, and all relevant parties will return to the negotiating table to find a lasting solution to their differences, based on mutual respect and understanding,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad said in conclusion.
Opening the debate, UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee, briefing the Security Council members, called for restraint by all parties to prevent further escalation.
Ms. Pobee described the situation in Iran as “fluid and deeply concerning”, noting that “protests continue, albeit reportedly at a smaller scale than last week.”
She voiced alarm, however, over public statements suggesting possible military strikes on the country.
“This external dimension adds volatility to an already combustible situation. All efforts must be undertaken to prevent any further deterioration,” she said.
Moreover, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “remains convinced that all concerns regarding Iran, including those related to the nuclear issue and ongoing protests, are best addressed through diplomacy and dialogue.”
He also “urges maximum restraint at this sensitive moment and calls on all actors to refrain from any actions that could lead to further loss of life or ignite a wider regional escalation.”
The protests erupted on 28 December after shopkeepers in the Iranian capital Tehran took to the streets to rail against the collapse of the national currency, soaring inflation and worsening living conditions.
Ambassador Waltz, the US envoy, accused the Iranian government of actions against its own citizens and its own people that have repercussions for international peace and security. APP
