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No place for yet another conflict

Nov 28,2015 - Last updated at Nov 28,2015

Tension seems to be escalating between Moscow and Ankara following the downing of a Russian warplane over Syria a few days ago, and unless the hostility is swiftly contained, the crisis could take a turn for the worse, to the detriment of both Russia and Turkey, and of the entire region.

This is the time for the UN Security Council to step in to de-escalate the growing tensions and call on the two countries to tone down their hostile rhetoric, seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute and take immediate steps to restore at least normal relations between them.

The UN Security Council was created primarily to deal with global threats to peace and security, and take measures to prevent them from snowballing into bigger conflicts that threaten regional and international peace and security.

Article 24 of the UN Charter says that the Security Council has “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security”.

Article 33 stipulates that “parties to any dispute, the continuation of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall, first of all, seek a solution by negotiations, enquiry, mediation…”. 

Article 34 says “the Security Council may investigate any dispute, or any situation which might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute...”.

All these articles, and more, then, entitle the Security Council to take action, to mediate between disputing parties with a view to helping them reach agreement and avoid conflict.

If the two countries are genuinely interested in helping the region, they should turn their attention and wrath at the common enemy, Daesh, instead of dissipating energy and resources on accusations and escalation of hostility.

It is unfortunate that the plane was shot down and a pilot lost his life. It could have been avoided with more restraint.

But now that it happened, Turkey and Russia should discuss it rationally, aware of their respective international clout and role, reach a conclusion and an understanding, and get back to fighting the real threat to civilisation, the terrorist group Daesh and its ilk.

 

The region cannot afford to see another conflict flare up.

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