CIS Foreign Ministers called for de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

The CIS Council of Foreign Ministers adopted a statement on the situation in the Persian Gulf region at its April 17 meeting in Moscow, the CIS Executive Committee press service reported.

In the document, the heads of the foreign policy departments reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining international peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter, as well as the generally recognized principles and norms of international law.

The ministers emphasized the inadmissibility of the use of force in violation of the UN Charter and advocated the resolution of international disputes exclusively by peaceful means based on dialogue and mutual respect.

Serious concern was expressed regarding the tense military-political situation in the Middle East and the loss of civilian life as a result of military strikes on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran and retaliatory actions.

The statement emphasizes the unacceptability of attacks on civilian targets. It condemns attacks on infrastructure, including residential buildings, medical facilities, schools, cultural and historical heritage sites, as well as energy supply systems, including nuclear power plants and oil and gas storage facilities.

The foreign ministers emphasized the need to ensure the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and the Gulf Arab states. Regional security, they noted, must be common and indivisible and based on agreements reached by the Middle Eastern states themselves.

The parties involved in the conflict are called upon to de-escalate, comply with agreements on a temporary cessation of hostilities, and promptly resume political and diplomatic efforts.

The ministers also called for restraint, the avoidance of threats and ultimatums, and actions that could lead to a resumption of armed confrontation.

The document reaffirms the readiness of the CIS states to facilitate the resolution of conflicts and ensure sustainable security in the Middle East, taking into account the legitimate interests of all countries in the region.

The statement concludes with an expression of condolences to the families of the victims.