Abstaining SA says UN resolution on Russia will 'drive deeper wedge'
South Africa is among 35 countries that abstained from
adopting a United Nations resolution demanding an end to Russia's invasion of
Ukraine.
The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly last night pushing for Moscow's immediate withdrawal from Ukraine.
It's a powerful rebuke of Russia's bombardment there, which began a week ago today.
In a statement, South Africa said it voted to abstain because it feels the resolution doesn't create an environment conducive for diplomacy, dialogue, and mediation.
South Africa believes that greater attention should've been paid to bringing both sides closer to dialogue.
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And it said, in its current form, the text could drive a deeper wedge between the parties instead of contributing to a resolution.
But UN chief Antonio Guterres disagreed, calling the resolution a powerful message to Russia.
"It is loud and clear. The message of the general assembly is loud and clear: 'End hostilities in Ukraine now'. Silence the guns – now. Open the door to dialouge and diplomacy now. The sovereignty of Ukraine must be respected in line with the UN charters."
Missiles and shelling have continued to hit major Ukrainian cities. Officials in Kyiv believe two-thousand civilians have been killed - the latest explosion has been reported near to a train station in the capital.
