Arab reactions to the Ukrainian crisis continued as Egypt has called for an emergency meeting of the Council of the Arab League at the level of delegates to discuss the ongoing developments in Ukraine. In a Sunday statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "Egypt is following with deep concern the developments related to the situation in Ukraine." It also stressed the importance of giving priority to dialogue and diplomatic solutions as well as to efforts that would speed up the political settlement of the crisis in a way that preserves international security and stability. Furthermore, it called for avoiding the aggravation of the humanitarian and economic conditions and their impact on the region and the world. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday called on all parties of the Ukrainian crisis to adopt diplomacy to find a political settlement. Anwar Gargash, the Diplomatic Adviser for the UAE's Emir, said that "the UAE's position is firm on the fundamental principles of the UN, international law, the sovereignty of states, and rejection of military solutions." "Alignment and positioning will only lead to more violence." "In the Ukrainian crisis, our priority is to encourage all parties to embrace diplomacy and negotiate a political settlement that ends this crisis," he added. Meanwhile, Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held separate phone calls with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, to review the latest developments of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, according to a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry.
bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed Qatar's "concern over this escalation and its repercussions" and urged all parties to "exercise restraint and resolve the dispute through constructive dialogue and diplomatic means, and settle international disputes through peaceful means, and to avoid anything that would lead to further escalation."
He also stressed "the need to ensure the safety of civilians and consider this a top priority."
Moreover, he emphasised "Qatar's position on and keenness to implement the Charter of the United Nations and the established principles of international law, including the obligations under the Charter to settle international disputes by peaceful means, refrain from the threat or use of force, and abide by the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states."
On its part, Jordan stressed "the importance of the international community and all parties concerned to exert maximum efforts for self-restraint, de-escalation, the peaceful settlement of the conflict, and the restoration of security and stability in the region through dialogue and negotiations at this critical time."
On the other hand, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad said in a statement: "Syria stands with Russia based on its conviction of the correctness of its position and because confronting NATO's expansion is Russia's right because it has become a comprehensive danger to the world."
"Russia today defends not only itself but also the world and the principles of justice and humanity."
Arab countries have formed crisis teams that include representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Transportation, and Health, and airlines to evacuate members of the Arab community who have not been able to leave Ukraine.
The teams are coordinating with Ukrainian authorities, neighbouring countries, and international humanitarian organisations to prepare for the evacuation of Arab nationals from the country.
