Vietnam calls for dialogue, protection of civilians in Ukraine

Speaking at the session Tuesday the head of its Permanent Mission to the U.N., Dang Hoang Giang, also expressed deep concern at the situation in Ukraine and called for an end to the use of force and for making efforts for a lasting solution, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Welcoming the dialogue between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations on February 28, he hoped they would continue toward achieving a peaceful resolution.

More than 100 countries and organizations expressed their views at the session.

Giang also requested relevant parties to ensure the security and safety of expatriate communities living in Ukraine, including the Vietnamese, and enable the evacuation of Vietnamese nationals to safety.

He underlined Vietnam's consistent stance on settling international disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law, the U.N. Charter, especially the principle of respect for independence, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use of force in international relations.

With its own history of long and painful wars, he said, Vietnam found that wars and conflicts usually stem from outdated doctrines of great power politics, the ambition to dominate and use force to resolve international disputes.

The U.N. General Assembly is expected to adopt a resolution calling on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine on March 2, the third and final day of the special session.