Asean calls for restraint in Middle East conflict

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called yesterday for restraint and immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, triggered by US and Israeli military strikes on Iran which retaliated hitting targets across the region.

- By HELEN FLORES

In a statement, the ASEAN foreign ministers expressed serious concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East as coordinated US and Israeli strikes against Iran aimed at regime change continue.

Iran's retaliatory attacks spanned several countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

“We call on all countries to respect international law, including the Charter of the United Nations,” the ministers said.

“This escalation is particularly regrettable as it occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by the Sultanate of Oman aimed at advancing a negotiated solution,” they said.

The ministers called 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.”

All states, the ministers said, have the obligation 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.”