A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on Russia and Ukraine to maintain the momentum of peace talks.
The call was made by Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, at an open meeting held by the UN Security Council on the Ukraine issue at the UN headquarters in New York.
Russia and Ukraine, which have recently held direct negotiations in Istanbul and agreed on the exchange of prisoners, will soon hold a second round of direct talks. China welcomes these positive developments and supports all efforts toward peace, said Geng.
At the same time, the fighting shows no sign of stopping, and the number of civilian casualties continues to rise, showing that the Ukraine crisis involves complex dynamics and cannot be resolved overnight, he told the Security Council.
"First, the parties to the conflict should demonstrate political will, maintain the momentum of peace talks, address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and consultation, so as to reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement accepted by all parties, and ultimately realize a political settlement," said Geng.
"Second, the parties to the conflict should earnestly abide by international humanitarian law and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure under any circumstances. Both sides should make concerted efforts and take active measures to cool down the situation on the battlefield as soon as possible," he said.
"Third, the international community, especially important stakeholders, should make more rational voices in favor of ceasefire and peace talks, to facilitate a political solution to the crisis, and provide necessary assistance," said the deputy representative.
China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. Since the start of the crisis, China has been calling for dialogue, negotiation, and a political settlement, said Geng. China has stayed in contact with both Russia and Ukraine and has been working consistently to promote peace talks, he said.
Together with the Global South and the wider international community, China is willing to play a constructive role in seeking real peace, he said.
China calls on Russia, Ukraine to maintain momentum of peace talks
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
