Russian and Chinese envoys said at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council that attacks on civilian populations of any country are unacceptable.
Addressing the council, the Russian representative expressed regret over the present situation in the Middle East and called for an immediate halt to attacks on Iran.
He said strikes on civilian populations in Arab and Gulf states were unacceptable, adding that the Russian president was making efforts to stop bloodshed in Iran and surrounding areas.
The envoy said Iran had repeatedly stated that the United States should not use bases in Arab countries against it. The situation in the Middle East deteriorated when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, he added.
He said anyone reading the resolution might believe that Iran had launched attacks without cause, while aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran formed the basic reason for the conflict.
Speaking at the council, the Chinese envoy said disputes could only be resolved through negotiations. War served no one’s interests and the use of force did not resolve problems, he said, adding that force only fuelled hatred.
The Chinese representative called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian populations in the Middle East.
Earlier, the United States vetoed Russia’s ceasefire resolution in the Security Council. Four votes were cast in favour and two against, while nine members remained absent.
Meanwhile, the council approved a separate resolution against Iranian attacks on neighbouring countries, calling on Iran to halt strikes on Gulf states. The draft prepared by Gulf countries received 13 votes in favour, while China and Russia remained absent during the vote.
Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution presented by Gulf states against Iran. The resolution stated that Iranian attacks violated international law and posed a serious threat to international peace and security.
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