New Delhi, Feb 28 (.) Russia on Saturday strongly denounced the US and Israeli military strikes against Iran and warned against ‘’grave repercussions of these ill-conceived’’ actions for the global non-proliferation regime, whose cornerstone NPT is being ‘’openly disregarded.’’
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Washington and Tel Aviv had once again embarked on a perilous course that is swiftly pushing the region toward a humanitarian, economic, and potentially even radiological disaster.
The statement said the scope and character of the military, political, and propaganda preparations that preceded this ‘’reckless step,’’ including the deployment of substantial US military forces to the region, leave no doubt that this is a ‘’deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law.’’
The statement said it is particularly reprehensible that these strikes are once again being conducted under the cover of the renewed negotiation process, ostensibly intended to secure long-term normalisation of the situation around Iran. This comes despite assurances conveyed to the Russian side indicating that Israel had no interest in entering into military confrontation with Iran.
It called upon the international community, including the leadership of the UN and the IAEA, to urgently deliver an objective and unbiased assessment of these irresponsible actions aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security in the Middle East.
‘The intentions of the US and Israel are evident and have been stated openly: to dismantle the constitutional order and remove the leadership of a state they deem undesirable because it has refused to yield to the dictates of force and hegemonic pressure. Responsibility for the impact of this man-made crisis, including the unpredictable chain reaction and the spiral of escalating violence, rests entirely with them,’’ it said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the US-Israeli tandem seeks to cover its actions with a purported concern over preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. ‘’The bombing of nuclear facilities operating under IAEA safeguards is unacceptable.’’
’’Essentially, the motives of Washington and Tel Aviv bear no relation to the objectives of the non-proliferation regime. Even they cannot but understand that by plunging the Middle East into the abyss of uncontrolled escalation, they are effectively prompting countries across the globe – and the Middle East in particular – to pursue ever more grave means of countering emerging threats.’’ It added.
The Ministry said the sustained and systematic nature of the destabilising attacks, carried out by the US administration against the fundamental principles of the international legal order in recent months, raises particular concern. Among the violated principles are non-interference in internal affairs, the renunciation of the use or threat of use of force, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
It called for an immediate return to a political and diplomatic track and said Russia stands ready to assist in advancing peaceful solutions grounded in international law, mutual respect, and a balanced consideration of interests.
. RB 1948
