Montreal: The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted a resolution condemning Iranian attacks targeting several countries in the region during its sixth meeting as part of its 237th session.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the resolution backs a paper presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco on March 19, reflecting firm international opposition to threats against the safety and security of civil aviation.
During the meeting, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the ICAO Council Mohammed Sami Habib emphasized that the Kingdom is not a party to the ongoing conflict and has, since its outset, called for de-escalation, restraint, and the prioritization of diplomatic solutions.
He highlighted UN Security Council Resolution 2817, issued on March 11, which condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, underscoring growing international recognition of the threats facing regional security and stability.
The Saudi permanent representative reiterated the Kingdom's strongest condemnation of attacks targeting airspace and civil aviation infrastructure. He said such actions constitute a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944) and pose a direct threat to air navigation safety.
He called on Iran to immediately and unconditionally cease such actions.
The ICAO council's resolution noted that Iranian attacks since February 28, using missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, constitute a clear violation of the Chicago Convention and the principle of full state sovereignty over national airspace. It also referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
The resolution highlighted that these attacks have created serious risks for civil aviation, as projectile paths intersected flight corridors without the issuance of required navigational warnings. This forced affected states to take precautionary measures, including closing portions of their airspace and rerouting flights, disrupting international air traffic operations.
The council also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and airports, emphasizing that such actions represent a breach of international law and a threat to international peace and security.
The resolution included a series of measures, notably condemning the attacks and calling for their immediate cessation, referring the text to relevant UN bodies, notifying member states, and monitoring developments to ensure civil aviation safety.
The Saudi permanent representative reaffirmed the Kingdom's full commitment to the Chicago Convention and its continued support for the smooth operation of air traffic in coordination with brotherly states and ICAO.
Habib emphasized that Saudi airspace and airports remain fully prepared to assist commercial carriers and facilitate evacuation flights in accordance with the highest safety standards.
He underscored the importance of all states adhering to the provisions of the Chicago Convention and refraining from using civil aviation for purposes other than those for which it is intended.