Jordan urges Kiev, Moscow to initiate dialogue

AMMAN — Jordan has voiced concern over the latest developments in Ukraine, especially in the Crimea region, calling on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and not to resort to force. 

During a UN Security Council session that was held Monday evening, HH Prince Zeid Bin Raad, Jordan’s permanent representative to the UN, said Jordan asserts the need for respecting the sovereignty of Ukraine and safeguarding its territorial security and political independence, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Jordan called on Moscow to honour bilateral agreements with Kiev, including the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership signed in 1997.  

It urged both parties to initiate “serious dialogue” to resolve the crisis between them. 

Moreover, he said Ukraine should take immediate measures to end the state of domestic and external tension, guarantee respect of human rights, especially of minorities, and halt any measures that may undermine these rights. 

In addition, the envoy called on the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities regarding the situation in Ukraine, voicing support for mediation efforts led by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Jordan also welcomed efforts that have been made within the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to address the current crisis and urged the UN and the organisation to coordinate their efforts in order to arrive at a peaceful solution for the crisis that would help restore Ukraine’s stability.