Finance
In a significant development, India co-sponsored a resolution in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemning Iran’s “egregious” attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, and demanding an immediate cessation of all attacks by Tehran while denouncing its threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution was accepted on Wednesday by the 15-member UN Security Council, which is presently presided over by the United States, with 13 votes in favor, none against, and abstentions by veto-wielding permanent members China and Russia.
India’s stance echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condemnation of Iran’s attacks on the Gulf states, which violated their territorial integrity and sovereignty.
India cosponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with 135 countries, including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Yemen and Zambia.
The resolution reaffirmed its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
It strongly criticized Iran’s actions against the GCC nations and Jordan, determining that such acts violate international law and pose a significant threat to international peace and security.
The resolution urged that Iran immediately cease any attacks on GCC countries and Jordan, as well as that Tehran “immediately and unconditionally” refrain from any provocation or threats to neighboring states, including the employment of proxies.
It reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected, particularly around critical maritime routes, and noted that member states have the right, in accordance with international law, to “defend their vessels from attacks and provocations, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms”.
The resolution criticized Iran’s acts or threats to close, block, or otherwise interfere with international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as threats to marine security in the Bab Al Mandab.
The resolution further denounced the attacks on residential areas and civilian objects, which resulted in civilian casualties and property damage, and expressed sympathy with these countries and their people.
It urged Iran to immediately cease any actions or threats in violation of international law. It urged Iran to fully comply with its commitments under international law, including humanitarian law, notably in terms of protecting civilians and civilian objects in armed combat.
On the other hand, a Russian proposal did not receive the necessary nine votes to pass. The one-page text included no mention of Iran, Israel, the United States, or the Gulf States, all of which are involved in the conflict, but instead called for an end to armed activity.
Source:L IE
