BANGKOK, Oct 13 (NNN-Bernama) — Thailand had abstained in a United Nations (UN) vote on Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four partially occupied regions in Ukraine because the vote took place during “extremely volatile, and emotionally charged atmosphere and situation”.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Dr. Suriya Chindawongse said Thailand chose to abstain because such condemnation would marginalise the chance for a crisis diplomacy and may push the world towards the brink of nuclear war and global economic collapse.
In an explanation after the Vote of 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly, he said it has been Thailand’s long-standing and consistent policy to oppose the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of any State, and to the unprovoked acquisition of the territory of another State by force.
He said Thailand bemoans the physical, social and humanitarian destruction of Ukraine and the extreme hardships endured by Ukrainians.
“We therefore emphasize the need for all stakeholders in this absolute tragedy in Ukraine to de-escalate the conflict and violence, and try to find a peaceful means to settle the differences by addressing the pragmatic reality and concerns of all involved.
On Wednesday, UN passed a resolution by a large majority calling on countries not to recognise the four regions of Ukraine which Russia annexed following so-called referendums held late last month.
It also demanded Moscow to reverse the course on its “attempted illegal annexation”.
A total of 143 of 193 countries voted in favour of a resolution that “defended the principles” of the UN Charter that the regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia are temporarily occupied by Russia as a result of aggression, violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence.
Four countries joined Russia in voting against the resolution – Syria, Nicaragua, North Korea and Belarus while 35 countries abstained from the vote, including Russia’s strategic partner China.
In April, Thailand among 58 nations that abstained from UN vote to suspend Russia from UN Human Rights Council.
