Foreign envoys on Tuesday urged Pakistan to join them in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the ongoing United National General Assembly emergency session, which has been convened to vote for a resolution against Russia.

“As Heads of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we urge Pakistan to join us in condemning Russia’s actions and to voice support for upholding the UN Charter and the founding principles of international law,” read the joint letter from envoys to Pakistan.

The letter is jointly signed by the ambassadors – who are stationed in Pakistan – of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Japan, Norway and Switzerland as well as the head of the delegation of the European Union to Pakistan.

Furthermore, the high commissioners of Canada, the United Kingdom and the Chargé d´Affaires of Australia to Pakistan are also signatories to the letter.

It recalled that a draft resolution was presented in UNSC on Feb 25, which was vetoed by Russia and with three members – China, India, and UAE – abstaining, while 11 voted in favour.

The foreign dignitaries said the resolution was aimed at reaffirming the commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and would have deplored in the “strongest terms” Russia´s aggression against Ukraine.

“In addition, the resolution called on Russia to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine.”

The heads of foreign missions to Pakistan pointed out that Russia launched an “unprovoked attack and invaded a peaceful” neighbouring country, which posed no threat to it. “This constitutes a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations and presents a serious risk to global peace and security.”

The ambassadors stressed that the international community must work in solidarity and uphold the rules-based international order “in these extreme times”.

They informed that the UNGA would now meet in an “Emergency Special Session,” where they are expected to vote for a resolution to stop Russia’s aggression.

The envoys also quoted a statement from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres saying: “The UN Charter has been challenged in the past, but it has stood firm on the side of peace, security, development, justice, international law and human rights. The international community must do everything in its power so that these values prevail in Ukraine and for all humanity.”

They said: “We deplore the loss of life and humanitarian suffering as innocent civilians are being targeted and a mass exodus of women and children is underway into neighbouring countries from Ukraine, an independent and sovereign state and member of the United Nations. This is unacceptable in Europe, as it is anywhere in the World.”