CSTO Calls for Peace: Ministers Condemn Escalation in the Middle East

On June 30 in Cholpon-Ata, foreign ministers of the CSTO Member States expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of the situation in the Middle East.

In a joint Statement adopted at the end of the meeting, they strongly condemned the hostile actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, committed in violation of the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

The ministers expressed their condolences to all the victims of the latest mutual strikes. In the Statement, they paid special attention to inadmissibility of attacks on civilian targets, including nuclear energy infrastructure. Such actions were called a gross violation of international law, threatening further destabilization in the region and globally.

The document calls for refraining from use of force, including any further attacks on nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.

The CSTO foreign ministers stressed that only a peaceful, political and diplomatic path can lead to a settlement of the situation around the Iranian nuclear program. They also referenced the statements of the Iranian leadership on its commitment to the obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

CSTO commended the efforts of states aimed at de-escalation and achieving long-term peace in the Middle East.