KATHMANDU: Nepal has called on all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint not to escalate tensions in Ukraine.

“The Government of Nepal has been closely following the developments in Ukraine,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

“As a member of the United Nations, Nepal views that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN charter are sacrosanct and must be fully respected by all member states,” the statement added

It further said that the recognition of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities goes contrary to the provisions of the UN charter.

“Nepal opposes any use of force against a sovereign country in any circumstance and believes in peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and dialogue,” the Foreign Ministry said.