Mushahid says Crimea crisis pointer towards New Cold War, urges respect for UN Charter

Date : 07-04-2014

Islamabad: Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman Senate Defence Committee, stated that Pakistan’s stance on Ukraine is based on principles, irrespective of the emerging great game between the US and Russia. He was addressing a seminar on “Changing Dynamics in Global Power Structures”, jointly organized by Pakistan China Institute (PCI) and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

“We consider the annexation of Crimea by Russia through use of force as a blatant violation of UN Charter, international law and globally accepted norms.” He explained that the international system is based on international laws which must be held supreme by all to ensure a measure of security and stability in the world, thus territorial annexation of any country under any pretext in the 21st Century is unacceptable.

The Senator also argued that Pakistan can fully sympathize with Ukraine since it also suffered similarly in 1971 as one part of it was dismembered by external military intervention. “The fact that Russia got away with violation of the clear terms of the Budapest Memorandum with no noteworthy international sanctions is important,” pointing out that Russia provides gas to Europe, stating that 'pragmatism has triumphed over principles'.

With reference to the Tartar community, Senator Mushahid Hussain said that protecting the interests of different groups in Crimea is essential as they have suddenly become foreigners in their own country. The Tartars, a Muslim community numbering 300,000, he said, have had a very tragic history under the rule of Stalin who persecuted them by driving them out of their homeland.

Senator Mushahid also pointed out that Ukraine has a sizable Pakistani diaspora with a Pakistani, Muhammed Zahoor, a self-made billionaire, being one of the richest men in the country, adding this shows a 'Pakistani connection to the Ukraine'.

The Senator also appreciated the joint collaboration of PCI and SDPI on issues of national and international importance. “The dynamics of global power structures are changing with shift in the balance of power from the West to the East,  with a multipolar world emerging, which is why empowerment of this region is critical for regional decisions to be shaped by regional powers. Our destiny should be decided by ourselves in the region," he underlined.

The seminar brought together representation from the parliament, diplomatic community, academics and various opinion makers.