Vietnam calls for ceasefire, maritime security and dialogue to resolve Middle East crisis
WVR - On April 16, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the General Assembly held a plenary session to discuss the Middle East situation after a draft resolution on the protection of maritime security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was vetoed by the Security Council on April 7.
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| Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, Ambassador Do Hung Viet. (Source: Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations) |
The session attracted significant attention and participation from numerous UN member states. Most of the 66 speeches expressed concerns about the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, voicing disappointment over the Security Council's inability to implement effective measures to end the conflict, prevent escalation, and ensure security and freedom of navigation on international maritime routes in the region.
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, affirmed that Vietnam supports ASEAN's common stance and concerns regarding the Middle East situation, as reflected in the recent two Special Foreign Ministers' Meetings and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement on this issue.
The Head of the Vietnamese Mission expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions, including complex developments in the Strait of Hormuz, which have caused numerous casualties, disrupted trade and energy supply chains, and severely impacted the global economy, particularly affecting developing countries.
The Vietnamese representative also regretted the Security Council's inability to take unified and objective action to address the current crisis.
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| Ambassador Do Hung Viet speaking. (Source: Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations) |
Ambassador Do Hung Viet affirmed that Vietnam opposes military attacks on sovereign nations, especially those that have declared non-involvement in the conflict. He emphasized the responsibility to protect civilians and essential civilian infrastructure under international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2573.
The Vietnamese representative called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that escalate tensions, refrain from threatening or using force, and resolve disputes through peaceful means based on international law and the United Nations Charter.
The Head of the Vietnamese Delegation also affirmed the importance of ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Emphasizing that sincere dialogue is the only path to sustainable peace, Ambassador Do Hung Viet welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement and urged parties to seize this opportunity to promote dialogue and seek long-term solutions. He also acknowledged and supported international efforts to maintain communication channels and create space for diplomacy.
*The April 16 session was organized at the request of Resolution 76/262, which mandates the automatic convening of a General Assembly discussion within 10 working days following a veto in the Security Council.
(Source: Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations)
