Arab states are in favor of strict compliance with the established order of sanctions through the mechanisms of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly. This was stated on Monday by Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit at a press conference following negotiations of the Arab League contact group on Ukraine with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"When it comes to announcing and imposing sanctions by the United States and the European Union [against Russia], the Arab states adhere to the established rules of interaction and advocate that such issues should always be considered and resolved within the UN Security Council and the UNGA," he said.
In this regard, the League secretary-general pointed out that "the Arab states have their own interests and intend to protect them".
Touching on the Ukrainian issue, Aboul Gheit expressed concern over the worsening situation in the region and recalled the Arab countries' longstanding close historical ties with Russia and Ukraine. "This is a very deep relationship," he stressed. - "Therefore, we are concerned about everything that is happening there. The Arab countries support all efforts to resolve the crisis through dialogue and through diplomacy to ensure peace and security. We reaffirm the importance of upholding the UN Charter and international law, supporting de-escalation efforts and calling on the parties to exercise restraint, to work to restore stability and normalize the situation".
The secretary-general also announced that the Arab League contact group on Ukraine will meet with representatives of the Ukrainian side in Warsaw on Tuesday.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS