Today, the 144th IPU Assembly debated the inclusion of an emergency item on the crisis in Ukraine. The emergency item entitled ‘Peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine, respecting international law, the Charter of the United Nations and territorial integrity’ was submitted by the Parliament of New Zealand.
In his intervention, Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia said that while Malta is a member of the European Union, it is also a neutral country and urged for the war in Ukraine to stop immediately. While making reference to the resolution put forward by the Parliament of New Zealand, encouraging dialogue between parliamentarians in both countries, the Speaker proposed that IPU should engage itself in this exercise. He proposed that discussions should include the future of an independent Ukraine that can serve as a neutral buffer zone between Russia and the rest of Europe, while making sure that minority rights are safeguarded.
The 144th IPU Assembly, bringing together parliamentarians from around the world, is being held between 20 and 24 March in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.
Photo: SPK
