India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa Refuse to Back Ukraine Peace Statement

June 17, 2024 TruthUSA

The Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland concluded on June 16 with the issuance of a joint communique signed by nearly 80 countries.

Many countries emphasized that respect for “territorial integrity and sovereignty” is crucial for any peace agreement to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, some key regional powers opted not to sign a communique issued after the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland.

With over 90 countries in attendance, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, the two-day summit took place. Notably, Russia was not invited, and China chose not to participate.

The peace summit concluded on June 16 with the release of a joint communique signed by nearly 80 countries. This communique focused on nuclear safety, food security, and the release of prisoners of war.

The signatories reiterated their dedication to “the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders.”

The joint communique reads, “We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties.”

India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates were among the participants who did not sign the communique, according to the list of signatories. Brazil participated as an observer but did not sign the statement.

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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs participated in the summit “to explore the way forward to a negotiated settlement of a very complex and pressing issue” but decided not to endorse the joint communique.

In a statement, the ministry stated, “Only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace.”

“In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with the Joint Communiqué or any other document emerging from this Summit,” it further added.

Prof. Sydney Mufamadi, South Africa’s national security adviser, noted that the joint communique limits the prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons “to the Ukraine context only.”

He stated, “South Africa continues to oppose this position, advocating for a global prohibition on the threat or use of nuclear weapons in any context.”

Mr. Mufamadi added, “We urge Ukraine and Russia to prioritize resolution over escalation and peaceful solutions over perpetuating war.”

Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Bárcena Ibarra stressed the importance of involving Russia in negotiations.

Ukraine Urges China to Back Its Territorial Integrity

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for all summit participants, including China, to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity, asserting that “lasting peace cannot be achieved without it.”

He stated on the social media platform X, “We want China to respect our territorial integrity and sovereignty just as we respect theirs. We value their life and choices and hope China reciprocates.”

Mr. Zelenskyy revealed plans for Ukraine to hold a second peace summit, stating, “We are in talks with interested countries to host the Second Peace Summit, which we believe will have global significance.”

Previously, Mr. Zelenskyy accused Russia of leveraging China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region to disrupt the Swiss-led peace summit, noting multiple unsuccessful attempts to meet with Chinese officials, including CCP leader Xi Jinping.

The CCP cited unmet expectations, particularly related to Russia’s involvement, as the reason for their absence at the peace summit.

During a joint press conference on June 13 with President Joe Biden at the G7 summit in Italy, Mr. Zelenskyy shared that the CCP leader had assured him over the phone that China would not supply weapons to Russia.

“We’ll see … If he is [a] respectable person he will not, because he gave me [his] word,” the Ukrainian leader commented on the conversation’s outcome.

Mr. Zelenskyy did not specify when the conversation with the Chinese leader occurred.

President Joe Biden added, “By the way, China is not supplying weapons, but it is providing the means to produce those weapons and the necessary technology, effectively assisting Russia.”

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