Russia, China and Pakistan have come together to push for an urgent ceasefire in the Middle East, presenting a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that calls for an immediate and unconditional end to hostilities, according to diplomats who spoke to Reuters.
The draft was circulated among Security Council members over the weekend, with the three countries asking other nations to share their feedback by Monday evening. It’s not yet certain when the proposal will be put to a vote.
For the resolution to pass, it will need at least nine votes in favour and must avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members — the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China.
Amid this diplomatic push, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari voiced deep concern about the rapidly worsening situation in the region, warning that if tensions continue to spiral, the fallout could be catastrophic for millions of innocent people.
In a statement released by the President’s House, Zardari urged all parties involved to show restraint and prioritise peace and dialogue over further conflict.
He appealed to the wider international community to step up efforts to de-escalate the crisis for the sake of regional stability and the safety of its people.
