Mr. President, Secretary-General,

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

At the outset, I would like to thank you for convening this Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, truly a global parliament with 193 member states, to deliver on its urgent responsibility to maintain international peace and security in general, and to restore peace in Ukraine, in particular.

Nepal is deeply concerned with the deaths and human sufferings in Ukraine and calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities and violence. We call on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraints to deescalate the tension immediately.

We are also deeply concerned about the safety and security of Nepali nationals currently in Ukraine and request all the concerned for the facilitation of their safe passage from there.

We call on the parties concerned to honor the obligation under international humanitarian law for the protection of the civilians and civilian objects.

Violence breeds more violence; it never incubates peace. Make no mistake- there is no alternative to the path of peace. Diplomacy and dialogues are the only pathways to restoring and building lasting peace. My delegation welcomes starting of direct talks between the parties concerned.

We urge both sides to resume and continue to engage in dialogue with utmost sincerity and commitment to peace and find a lasting political solution at the earliest.

Nepal views that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter are sacrosanct and must be fully respected by all member states irrespective of their economic prowess or military might.

We oppose any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any sovereign country under any pretext and circumstances.

Mr. President,

Let me reiterate Nepal’s unwavering faith in the peaceful resolution of international disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.

Returning to the path of peace is never late, and it is high time to choose to return. I urge all concerned parties to give peace a chance.

I thank you.