by exercising restraint. i thank you. >> i thank the representative of india for his statement, and i now give the floor to the representative of the united arab emirates. >> mr. president, this is the first meeting held by the council on ukraine in light of the recent developments. my country has taken a firm position calling for de-escalation and to find a peaceful solution to the crisis between the concerned parties.

we would like to find out the following. first, we affirm the importance of engaging in dialogue with good faith while trying to find a diplomatic efforts at all levels to support peace on the basis of international law. the minsk agreement constitutes a good solution to the crisis. second, we stress the importance of adherence to the principles of international law and the charter of the united nations. respecting the sovereignty of the state. adherence to these principles and compliance with the charter of the united stations -- nations constitutes the way to a peaceful solution to the crisis. we reiterate that the crisis in

eastern ukraine could exacerbate the critical conditions. furthermore, there are obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. even before the recent tensions arised, particularly near they conflict lines in ukraine. it could worsen the humanitarian situation for a larger number in the. -- in need. and in this regard, we urge all parties not to obstruct the access to humanitarian aid or the movement of civilians in conflict areas in accordance with their obligations under international law. finally, mr. president, we reiterate the importance of

de-escalation, constructive dialogue, and to continue efforts to reach peaceful solutions consistent with international law and the charter of the united nations. thank you. >> i thank the representative of the united arab emirates, and i now give the floor to the representative of norway. >> president, i think the secretary-general, and the undersecretary dicarlo for their important statement. we are facing the dire prospect of a major war in europe. norway strongly condemns the decision by president putin to send russian troops into done that's -- donetsk and luhansk regions, and the latest announcement of special military operations. these decisions are unjustified,

unprovoked, and irresponsible. we call on russia to reverse these decisions, and to immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of ukraine, and in the vicinity of internationally recognized borders. our thoughts are with those who have already suffered too much due to this conflict, and with all those who are afraid that tomorrow will be a lot worse. we call upon all parties to respect the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law, which calls for the protection of civilians including humanitarian personnel and infrastructure, and to facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in ukraine. like the secretary-general stated, the decision of the russian federation to recognize

the so-called independence of the donetsk and luhansk regions are violations of the territorial integrity of ukraine, and are inconsistent with the principles of the charter of the united nations. let me recall the principles and purposes of the u.n. charter which are now under threat. the charter applies to all nations including russia. today in the general assembly, member states from all over the world strongly urged the parties to pursue negotiation for a peaceful resolution of the conflict with respect for international law and ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. norway urges russia as a party to the minsk agreement, and to the conflict, to fulfill its agreement to abide by international law and return to the path of diplomacy. russia has taken on a clear

commitment to seek a peaceful settlement of the conflict, and must honor it. we commend ukraine's posture of restraint in the face of this. president, let me continue by again reiterate support for ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. >> i give the floor to the representative of china. >> thank you you, mr. president. mr. president, the situation in ukraine is at a critical juncture. china has been paying close attention to the situation. in the current context, all parties concerned should exercise restraint. and avoid the further escalation of tensions. we believe that the door to a

peaceful solution to the ukraine issue -- nor should it be. there is a historical context of the ukraine issue, and the current situation as the result of the interplay of many factors. china's position regarding the territorial integrity of ukraine -- the principles of the u.n. charter should be jointly upheld. we hope that all parties concerned will stay coolheaded and rational, and use dialogue to resolve issues properly. through negotiations and address each other's legitimate security concerns in line with the principles of the u.n. charter. it is especially important to

avoid increasing tensions, china will promote peace talks in its own ways and welcomes and encourages all efforts to make a diplomatic solution. >> i thank the representative of china for his statement, and i give the floor to the representative of brazil. >> thank you, mr. president. i would like to thank the secretary-general and the undersecretary general rosemary decarlo for the remarks they put before the council tonight. mr. president, the reports received about the movement of troops into certain areas of donetsk and luhansk in ukraine are cause for extreme concern. the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of a u.n.

member states is unacceptable. in the circumstances, the security counsel must act according to its purpose, it's responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. the exercise of this responsibility, it actions must be to assist parties in their negotiations. this is our primary role. recourse to arms and confrontation cannot lead to lasting peace. in that regard, we call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that may further increase tensions on the ground. the time is not for belligerent rhetoric nor for military

threats, but to engage truly in a diplomatic process. the road of negotiation has not been exhausted, immediate escalation -- de-escalation is of high order. they must complete a withdrawal of all military forces as an effective measure for the prevention and removal of threats to peace. parties must abide by the terms of the minsk agreement, above all, by its call for a comprehensive cease fire. the osce must be granted unrestrained access to verify and identify any violation of the ceasefire. the parties must allow the rapid, safe, and unhindered

access of humanitarian assistance to those in need. the protection of civilians, including persons in vulnerable situations, must be respected unconditionally. we redouble our calls for the parties to work constructively in all relevant instances such as the trilateral group. negotiations must be mindful of the principles of the u.n. charter including sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of its member states. negotiations must on the one hand take into account the security concerns of all parts of the conflict, and on the other hand create adequate conditions for an inclusive political dialogue which must reflect the diversity of and include representation from all peoples of the region.

we do not underestimate the complexity of the situation, but we insist on dialogue as key to achieving a lasting settlement to this conflict. too much is at stake here. above all, the lives of many civilians. we owe them all our efforts to bring this crisis to a peaceful solution. i thank you, mr. president. >> i thank the representative of brazil for his statement, and i give the floor to the representative of ghana. >> thank you very much, mr. president. let me begin by first of all thanking the secretary general and mr. carlo for their briefings. ghana is grateful to you, they

did not know that they are taking place in ukraine are indeed troubling. this has implications not only for ukraine, but also for all of our countries. security is indivisible, and the insecurity of one is insecurity for all. ghana deeply regrets the decision of the russian federation to not recognize the government controlled regimes of ukraine. we are deeply concerned by the implications and suggest that the russian federation has gone

back on the minsk agreements and the implementation of the agreement. we have reported this morning, the president of the russian federation that the country was always open to diplomacy. should be de-escalating tensions on the ground. do not choose the path of conflict rather than peace. bear the consequences of their actions. we are concerned by reports of the commencement of warfare against ukraine, especially cyber attacks against some of its critical infrastructure. to de-escalate the situation, we ask the russian federation to consider -- reconsider the intentions to move troops into

the eastern part of ukraine. peacekeeping requires consent of the parties. the president of the russian federation, arc will not fulfill those requirements. the council should seize on the matter. we and with a call on all parties to maintain cease-fire in eastern ukraine. we are particularly concerned by the high intensity of the violations of the cease-fire and the consequences in the donbas region. we remind all parties of the responsibility to follow international law. we condemn any activity that would deliberately damage civilians and infrastructure remind all p