The European Union (EU) delegation to the Philippines was heartened by the country's support for a United Nations (UN) resolution that demands an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, particularly attacks against civilians.
The EU delegation made this remark after the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine on Thursday (New York time).
The resolution, drafted by France and Mexico and sponsored by over 90 countries, was approved by 140 countries.
In a tweet, the EU delegation expressed its appreciation of the Philippines' vote in support of the resolution.
Heartened to see the Philippines @DFAPHL @teddyboylocsin supporting the resolution on the heartless and cruel humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine.
We #StandWithUkraine and will continue standing with the Ukrainian people.
— EUinthePhilippines (@EUinthePH) March 25, 2022
"Heartened to see the Philippines supporting the resolution on the heartless and cruel humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine," it said.
"We #StandWithUkraine and will continue standing with the Ukrainian people," it added.
The French Embassy in the Philippines likewise welcomed this move of Manila.
"We welcome the Philippine vote in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution proposed by France and Mexico on the humanitarian consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine," it said.
#StandWithUkraine | We welcome the Philippine vote in favor of the @UN General Assembly resolution proposed by France and Mexico on the humanitarian consequences of Russia's aggression against #Ukraine. @DFAPHL @teddyboylocsin @francediplo_EN https://t.co/7y8zflAFaX
— France in the PH (@FrenchEmbassyPH) March 25, 2022
The resolution called for:
- An immediate cessation of hostilities
- The protection of civilians
- Respect for international and humanitarian law
On March 24, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed the Philippines' "full support" for the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to Russia to immediately suspend military operations in Ukraine.
“he Philippines notes the Court’s pronouncements of its profound concern about the use of force by Russia and the continuing loss of life and human suffering in Ukraine,” the DFA said.
“In this regard, the Philippines takes this opportunity to reaffirm its full support for the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations,” it added.
Early this month, President Duterte said that the Philippines is "neutral" on the Ukraine-Russia conflict that led to Russia's invasion of the former Soviet republic that started in late February 2022.
Duterte likewise decided to allow American forces to use Philippine bases and facilities amid the ongoing armed conflict in Eastern Europe to "get it over with."