China calls for measures to decrease tensions in Ukraine

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called on all parties concerned to take measures to decrease tensions and resolve the conflict in Ukraine peacefully.

Voicing opposition to interference in Ukraine's internal affairs by any external forces, Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, called for the comprehensive implementation of Resolution 2202 (2015) and the Minsk II agreement regarding the resolution of conflict in Ukraine.

The Minsk II agreement refers to a package of measures signed in early 2015 between Kiev and the representatives of the two eastern regions claiming independence.

The agreement came into being after leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany reached consensus on measures to stop armed conflict in eastern Ukraine in the aftermath of the collapse of the first cease-fire deal between Ukraine's warring parties.

The international community should continue to promote diplomatic efforts toward a resolution of the conflict, said the Chinese diplomat, who also urged Security Council members to remain united over the issue.

The Chinese envoy noted that the legitimate rights and interests of all parties and ethnic groups in the region must be respected.