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NEW DELHI — BRICS nations on Thursday reiterated their stated positions on the Ukraine conflict, proposing to peacefully resolve the situation through mediation.
In the Johannesburg declaration which was issued after the culmination of the three-day 15th BRICS summit, it said: “We recall our national positions concerning the conflict in and around Ukraine as expressed at the appropriate fora, including the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly.
We note with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, including the African Leaders Peace Mission and the proposed path for peace.”
BRICS also rejected double standards in countering terrorism and extremism conducive to terrorism and called for an expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework and for launching multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism, at the Conference of Disarmament.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]It also called for strengthening of disarmament and non-proliferation, including the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC) and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC), recognising its role in safeguarding and for preserving their integrity and effectiveness to maintain global stability and international peace and security.
“We underline the need to comply with and strengthen the BTWC, including by adopting a legally binding Protocol to the Convention that provides for an efficient verification mechanism.
We reassert our support for ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS) and of its weaponisation, including through negotiations to adopt a relevant legally binding multilateral instrument,” the declaration said.
The BRICS nations also reiterated the need to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through peaceful and diplomatic means in accordance with the international law.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]“We recognise the threat emanating from terrorism, extremism conducive to terrorism and radicalisation. We are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens,” the declaration said.
It also underlined: “Terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to contribute further to the global efforts of preventing and countering the threat of terrorism on the basis of respect for international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, and human rights, emphasising that States have the primary responsibility in combating terrorism with the United Nations continuing to play central and coordinating role in this area.
“We also stress the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach of the whole international community to effectively curb the terrorist activities, which pose a serious threat, including in the present-day pandemic environment.”
With the BRICS grouping deciding to include six new nations under its fold from January next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that it gives a message to all such fora to transform with changing times.
Speaking at the BRICS summit, Modi said he was confident that "we would be able to give new dynamism to BRICS by working with new member countries of the grouping".
He said that India has historic ties with all the six new members of BRICS, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Modi further said that these nations will give new energy and direction to the grouping.
The decision on expansion of the five-nation grouping was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the end of the three-day Brics summit in Johannesburg.
In his remarks, Modi said the decision to expand the grouping will also further strengthen the belief of many countries in a multipolar world.