Dialogue remains only way to resolve Ukraine crisis: Chinese diplomat

China on Friday voted against a technical cooperation and assistance to Ukraine in the field of human rights during the 29th session of UN Human Rights Council, saying that dialogue was the only way to resolve the crisis.

In an explanation of the vote, the Chinese representative said that China respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries, including Ukraine, and any actions by the Council should contribute to the peaceful political settlement in Ukraine.

"China had noted the important progress in the implementation of the Minsk peace accords and calls on parties to the conflict to meet each other half way and bring order and peace to Ukraine as soon as possible," the Chinese representative noted.

The Human Rights Council then adopted the resolution on cooperation and assistance to Ukraine in the field of human rights, by a vote of 21 in favour, 6 against and 20 abstentions.

A Russian representative expressed concern about the human rights situation in Ukraine and said it was important to discuss those problems and the reasons for which they existed.

"The draft resolution did not reflect the reality, did not observe principles of technical assistance, and ran counter to the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner," the Russian representative said. Endit