CALD Statement 1, S. 2022

CALD Statement No. 1, S. 2022

Russia has declared war on Ukraine. They bombed a civilian apartment complex in Chuhuiv, near Kharkiv. February 24, 2022.

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) is alarmed by Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and the resulting suffering that such attack brings. We recognize that the roots of the current crisis are complex, and the unfortunate situation at present is a result of the failure of all relevant parties to understand these causes and to act accordingly.

We call on all concerned parties to contribute in de-escalating the tensions and in pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict in accordance with international law and other relevant international agreements, and with due appreciation of the multifarious interplay of factors that resulted in the current state of affairs.

We appeal to all parties for immediate cessation of hostilities and violence in order to lay the groundwork for diplomatic negotiations and for dispatch of urgently needed humanitarian assistance. Moreover, we implore both sides to ensure the safety of civilians leaving Ukraine to seek refuge in neighboring countries, and for these neighboring countries to compassionately extend to them all the necessary assistance and support.

CALD upholds the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and equal rights of all nations as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. We also recognize the right of Ukrainian citizens to live in peace and harmony, as well as their right to shape their country’s destiny based on their collective vision of the future.