Putin, Xi condemn Israel over its Iran strikes
ST PETERSBURG/BEIJING: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both condemned Israel on Thursday over its strikes on Iran and agreed that de-escalation was needed, the Kremlin said after the two leaders spoke by telephone. Putin and Xi 'strongly condemn Israel's actions, which violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law,' Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters. 'Both Moscow and Beijing fundamentally believe that there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to Iran's nuclear programme. 'This solution must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means,' said Ushakov.
Xi said during the call that 'major countries' with 'special influence' in the region should step up diplomatic efforts to cool down the situation, according to a readout from China's official Xinhua news agency.
'The warring parties, especially Israel, should cease fire as soon as possible to prevent a cycle of escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war,' Xi said. He also urged efforts to protect civilians, calling on Israel and Iran to facilitate the evacuation of citizens from other countries.
On Thursday, Putin reiterated that proposition in his phone call with Xi, a close ally. The Chinese leader expressed support for the idea, Ushakov said, 'as he believes it could serve to de-escalate the current acute situation.'
The Chinese readout made no mention of such support from Xi. The two men agreed to keep in close contact in the coming days. — Reuters
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