DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates called at a meeting of the UN Security Council for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, state news agency WAM said on Saturday. It expressed "particular alarm at the consequences for civilians present in Ukraine, as well as for the region, and for the international community," WAM added. The UAE Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need, and called on all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law, as well as prioritizing the protection of civilians, and allowing for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. Speaking to the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, the United Arab Emirates’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, underscored the UAE’s readiness to work with members of the Security Council to achieve de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities. The statement said the UAE is committed to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of all member states of the United Nations and expressed support for the various diplomatic initiatives and channels aimed at resolving the crisis. (with Reuters)