UNCPGA calls for de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in the Middle East

The Presidency Council of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNCPGA) has called for de-escalation of the conflict and an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East. It also called on all parties to return to negotiations under UN auspices. In a statement released on Monday, 2 March, the council expressed deep concern over the outbreak of military hostilities among the United States, Israel, and Iran, and condemned the use of force by all sides in the conflict, as well as its serious impact on neighbouring countries across the Middle East region. “This is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law and poses a serious threat to international peace and security,” the UNCPGA said. The Charter clearly prohibits “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations,” the statement said, urging all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law, in particular the UN Charter. The UNCPGA reiterated the principle of self-determination enshrined in Article 1(2) of the UN Charter, which recognises the right of all peoples to freely determine their political status and to pursue development in political, economic, social, and cultural terms without external interference. The statement also urged all parties to resolve their disputes peacefully through diplomatic means in line with the relevant provisions of the UN Charter. The UNCPGA urged the Security Council to fulfil its obligation to maintain international peace and security, and to take the necessary steps to ensure an end to hostilities as soon as possible. The Presidency of the UN General Assembly was asked to consider convening an emergency special session to address the crisis and all its aspects. The statement further called on the UN Secretary-General to use his diplomatic authority to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict as soon as possible. The statement expressed the UNCPGA’s full readiness to support the entire UN endeavour to realise this objective.