Together against Russia’s illegal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine: G7 leaders

HIROSHIMA, MAY 20 (IANS/PTI): The he Group of Seven (G7) members have reaffirmed their commitment to stand together against Russia’s “illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression” against Ukraine, according to the joint statement issued during the G7 leaders Summit that began Saturday in Japan’s Hiroshima.

The joint communique stated that the leaders of the Group of Seven countries are taking concrete steps to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. They resolved to strengthen disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, towards the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all.

At Hiroshima, the “symbol of peace”, the G7 members have pledged to mobilize all their policy instruments and, together with Ukraine, make every effort to bring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. The G7 members condemned Russia’s manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the impact of Russia’s war on the rest of the world.

The statement further read, fifteen months of Russia’s aggression has cost thousands of lives, inflicted immense suffering on the people of Ukraine, and imperilled access to food and energy for many of the world’s most vulnerable people.

To ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the G7 members have urged Russia to stop its ongoing aggres- sion and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.

“Russia started this war and can end this war,” the statement read, adding that G7 members reiterate their firm rejection of Russia’s illegal attempts to acquire Ukrainian territory by force.

The G7 members in the joint statement also reaffirmed their strong commitment to ensure that Ukraine has the economic support it needs. The G7 leaders also agreed to stronger language on short-term gas investments in the context of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis.

“We stress the important role that increased deliveries of LNG can play, and acknowledge that investment in the sector can be appropriate in response to the current crisis and to address potential gas market shortfalls provoked by the crisis,” reads the text.

Arab League Summit adopts Jeddah Declaration

reinforce joint Arab work. The Minister affirmed that the Palestinian cause remains the Arab’s pivotal cause, expressed hope that Syria’s return to the Arab fold would contribute to ending the Syrian crisis, and called on the Sudanese warring parties to resort to dialogue to put an end to the current armed clashes.

AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit highlighted the success of the Jeddah summit in achieving its goal, expressing hope that the summit would be a beginning for the Arab countries to grasp their fate in their own hands.