STOP THE WAR
THE Philippines has supported resolutions reaffirming its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Ukraine and other United Nations member states.
On the first anniversary of Russia’s launch of special military operations in Ukraine, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement calling on both Russia and Ukraine to settle the conflict through peaceful and diplomatic means.
“The Philippines has pronounced its principled stance on Ukraine and has consistently voted in favor of five (5) earlier UN resolutions on Ukraine reaffirming the country’s support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Ukraine and other UN member states.
“The Philippines also supported the recent UN resolution, which was tabled for voting on 23 February 2023 in New York, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” the DFA statement stated.
On Feb. 23, 141 states, including the Philippines voted in favor of the resolution that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 11th emergency special session.
Seven voted against — Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, Russia and Syria — while 32 abstained, including China, India, Iran, Lao PDR, South Africa, Vietnam and Pakistan.
The Assembly, through the resolution, reiterated its demand that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and called for a cessation of hostilities”.
The resolution reaffirmed that no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force would be recognized as legal.
It also deplored the dire human rights and humanitarian consequences of Russia’s aggression, “including the continuous attacks against critical infrastructure across Ukraine with devastating consequences for civilians.”
It also expressed “grave concern” at the high number of civilian casualties, including women and children, the number of internally displaced persons, and violations committed against children.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a telephone conversation where the Philippine leader expressed support for the sovereingty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
