Manila, March 4, (dpa/GNA) – The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Wednesday expressed “serious concern” over the heightened tension in the Middle East, urging the “immediate cessation of hostilities.”
In a statement, the top diplomats said ASEAN is closely monitoring developments, following airstrikes launched by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday, and the subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran against several countries in the region.
“We emphasize the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and call on all parties concerned to exercise utmost self-restraint, avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the bloc said.
ASEAN warned that the events pose a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability.
The ministers described the escalation as particularly regrettable because, it occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by Oman aimed at advancing a negotiated solution to the crisis.
“We reaffirm the obligation of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, in line with international law, including the UN Charter,” the ministers said.
“We further reiterate the obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures in armed conflicts consistent with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement added.
GNA