Morocco calls for non-use of force to settle Ukrainian crisis

By Khaled Majdoub

RABAT, Morocco (AA) – Morocco has called for avoiding the use of force to settle disputes, amid a Russian military attack in Ukraine.

In a statement, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry said Rabat is following with concern the developments of the situation between Russia and Ukraine.

“The Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its support for the territorial integrity and national unity of all UN member states,” the statement said.

Rabat “also recalls its commitment to the principle of non-use of force for the settlement of disputes between states and encourages all initiatives and actions promoting a peaceful settlement of conflicts," it added.

Egypt, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait had earlier made a similar appeal to Moscow and Kyiv to exercise self-restraint and resort to dialogue to settle their conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday, days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine.

He claimed that Moscow had no plan to occupy its neighbor, but wanted to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenkskyy pledged to defend the country, the West announced sanctions against Moscow, including measures targeting Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

According to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, more than 150,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into neighboring countries, including Poland, Hungary, Moldova and Romania.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar