By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the UN Security Council on Friday to intervene in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“The UN Security Council should be engaged in the negotiation process. It is not necessary for people to be killed when the options of mediation, negotiation and engagement are available,’’ he said during a meeting of the inaugural Intergovernmental National Litigation Forum in the capital, Pretoria.
Ramaphosa said some leaders were disappointed that the meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin did not happen because if it did, the current crisis could have been avoided.
The remarks by the president came barely one day after the Foreign Ministry urged Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine in line with the UN Charter, which enjoins all member states to settle international disputes by peaceful means.
In a statement Thursday, South Africa emphasized that it respects the territory and the integrity of other states.
“As a nation birthed through negotiation, South Africa is always appreciative of the potential dialogue has in averting a crisis and de-escalating conflict. In line with our strong commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict, South Africa urges all parties to devote increased efforts to diplomacy and to find a solution that will help avert further escalation,’’ said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Several western nations, including the US and the UK, have condemned the Russian military operation and responded with sanctions.
The South African government urged parties to continue negotiating because the door of diplomacy can never be closed even as conflict breaks out.
“We also urge all parties to approach the situation in a spirit of compromise, with all sides respecting international law,” it said. “In light of the escalating conflict, we call on all parties to resume diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the concerns raised expressed by Russia,’’
Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine entered its third day Saturday with the latest reports indicating that Russian troops were heading toward the capital, Kyiv, from several directions.
Putin ordered the military intervention Thursday, days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine.
He claimed that Moscow had no plan to occupy the neighboring country but wanted to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to install a puppet government and said Ukrainians will defend their country against Russian aggression.