Iran Calls for Calm in Ukraine Crisis
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry voiced concern over the escalation of tensions in eastern Ukraine, and called for the establishment of peace and calm in the ex-Soviet republic.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham on Friday expressed concern over the heightened clashes in eastern parts of Ukraine, and urged a peaceful solution that excludes the use of excessive force or military approaches.
“The continuation of confrontations and spread of violence to the various parts of that country (Ukraine) have undoubtedly complicated and aggravated the situation, while they (tensions) encumber the achievement of a principled and sustainable solution and are also in contradiction to the interests of people and national interests of that country,” she explained.
Afkham then reiterated the Islamic Republic’s call for “peace and calm in the whole region, particularly in Ukraine.”
Her comments followed an escalation of clashes between Ukraine’s new government and pro-Russian protesters in eastern parts of the country.
A surge in Ukraine crisis came after the Crimea Peninsula declared independence from Kiev and formally applied to become part of the Russian Federation following a referendum on March 16, in which about 97 percent of the participants voted for reunion with Russia.
The move resulted in consequent pro-Russian protests in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. Kiev accuses Moscow of supporting the protesters, a claim which Moscow denies.
