(VOVworld) - The Francophone Parliamentary Assembly (APF) has adopted a resolution urging parties concerned to respect international law and ensure peace and security in the East Sea. The resolution came as China is maintaining its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou – 981 illegally placed in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in early May. Expressing concern over the issue, the APF hailed Vietnam’s efforts to seek a peaceful solution via dialogues. It called on relevant sides not to complicate the situation, avoid the use of force or threat to use force, respect national and international laws, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to which China and Vietnam are signatories. The organization backs Vietnam and other countries involved to respond peacefully to the incident and realize its initiatives to restore peace and stability in the region. It also asked China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to thoroughly address the dispute, fully and effectively realize the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards signing the Code of Conduct in the East Sea at an early date. The resolution also encouraged APF members to propose ideas for the settlement of the dispute.