KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: The State of Kuwait has underlined the importance of respecting independence and sovereignty of Ukraine and categorically rejected the "use, threat to use or displaying of force" in conducting relations among countries. "The State of Kuwait stresses the importance of respecting Ukraine's independence and sovereignty and affirms its full support to international efforts aimed at calming situation, defusing escalation, promoting self-restraint and addressing international conflicts by peaceful means," a foreign ministry statement said.

The ministry noted that it was following with "concern and regret" the deterioration of situation in Ukraine as well as rising tensions and called for protecting and ensuring the safety of civilians. It voiced unequivocal rejection of the "use, threat to use or displaying of force" in conducting relations among countries, following Russia's military advancement into Ukraine. The State of Kuwait, said the ministry, asserted importance of abiding by international law and UN Charter which govern relations among states and are based on the principles of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity of states, promoting good neighborliness and solving conflicts peacefully. (KUNA)