Moscow (VNA) – Scholars, lawyers and experts from Russia, the US, thePhilippines, Japan, Pakistan and Vietnam gathered at an international seminarin Moscow on June 27 to seek peaceful resolutions to the East Sea issue.

This was the second event of its kind held by the International Association ofDemocratic Lawyers (IADL) and the International Fund-The Way for Peace.

Having heard 11 scientific reports on the East Sea disputes, the participantsagreed that the militarisation of the East Sea not only threatens regionalpeace and security but also affects freedom of international aviation andnavigation as well as the marine ecology.

They suggested building an effective marine crisis management system,de-militarising occupied entities, promoting fishing cooperation, andmobilising every peaceful means to tackle disputes based on the UN Conventionon the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS) and the arbitrary ruling in 2016.

Director of the International Fund-The Way for Peace Irina Umnova said socialorganisations and experts play an important role in shaping a world of peace.

She highlighted Vietnam’s contributions to the seminar, expressing her beliefthat the Vietnam-Russia cooperation will help tackle the East Sea issue.

Meanwhile, IADL President Jeanne Ellen Mirer said the association has called involvedparties to settle the East Sea disputes by peaceful means, and it will keep a closewatch on the situation to ensure regional stability, peace and security.

As a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea is being developed, relevant sidesmust end illegal construction of artificial islands in the waters, and othermilitarising activities that escalate tensions.

They must respect the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea(DOC), and build a legally binding COC based on the UNCLOS 1982.

Members of the IADL will follow the East Sea situation and employ timelyactions to stabilise the region, she added.

Responding to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent’s queries, Deputy Director ofthe Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam’s Bien Dong (East Sea) Institute for MaritimeStudies To Anh Tuan spoke highly of the international seminar where he saidVietnam had the opportunity to give official and exact information about theEast Sea situation to international friends.

Vietnam’s stance to address the issue was also highlighted, which focuses onnot using or threatening to use violence; promoting dialogue and cooperation basedon mutual respect of each other’s independence, sovereignty, and legitimaterights; taking multilateral mechanisms like ASEAN to build trust and preventdisputes; and abiding by international law especially the UNCLOS 1982 toresolve disputes in the waters, he said.-VNA