PM Modi, German Chancellor Scholz express 'deep concern' over Ukraine conflict, reiterate need for 'lasting peace'

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Updated: October 26, 2024 03:17 EAST

New Delhi [India]October 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed “deep concern” over the raging conflict in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences, while reiterating the need to achieve a “pace just and sustainable” in accordance with international law. .
Both leaders expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives in the Ukrainian conflict. They also called for the immediate release of all Gaza hostages.
They also considered the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons to be “unacceptable.”
The joint statement was issued on Friday following the 7th India-Germany intergovernmental consultations.
In the joint statement, Prime Minister Modi and Olaf Scholz reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, consistent with international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty and of territorial integrity.
“The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine, including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. They reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, consistent with international law and the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the joint statement said.
Both leaders also highlighted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine on global food and energy security, particularly for developing and least developed countries.
“In the context of this war, they shared the view that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. They stressed the importance of respect for international law and, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, reiterated that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any State.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz expressed their common interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East and condemned the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
Both leaders expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an immediate ceasefire as well as the urgent improvement of access and sustainable distribution of large-scale humanitarian aid in all of Gaza.
“The leaders expressed their common interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. They unequivocally condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023 and expressed concern over the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “, we read in the press release.
“They called for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an immediate ceasefire as well as the urgent improvement of access and sustainable distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale throughout Gaza. The leaders stressed the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region. In this regard, they called on all regional actors to act responsibly and with restraint. he.
Both sides stressed the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and facilitate safe, rapid and sustainable humanitarian assistance to civilians, and in this regard urged all parties to comply with international law. Both leaders expressed deep concern over “the rapidly deteriorating situation” in Lebanon.
“Both sides also stressed the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and facilitate safe, rapid and sustainable humanitarian assistance to civilians, and in this regard urged all parties to comply with international law. The leaders also “We were deeply concerned by the rapid deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, called for an urgent cessation of hostilities and agreed that a solution to the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon can only be found through diplomatic means,” the statement said. common.
“UN Security Council Resolution 1701 charts a path toward a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, leading to the establishment of “a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine, living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in dignity and peace with Israel, taking into account Israel's legitimate security concerns,” the text adds. .
Prime Minister Modi and Scholz condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations and called terrorism a serious threat to international peace and stability.
The joint statement said: “The two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability. »
“They further called for concerted action against all terrorist groups, including groups banned by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Sanctions Committee 1267. Both sides also called on all countries to continue to work to eliminate terrorist safe havens and infrastructure as well as disrupt terrorist networks and financing in accordance with international law,” it adds.
German Chancellor Scholz is in India on a two-day state visit. This is Scholz's third visit to India since becoming chancellor in 2021.
Last year, he visited India twice: for a bilateral state visit in February and to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in September. (ANI)