Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

UN Chief Sounds “Red Alert” over Long-Lasting Conflicts, Terrorism

UN Chief Sounds “Red Alert”  over Long-Lasting Conflicts, Terrorism

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday issued a "red alert" because of protracted conflicts, the spread of terrorism and other front-burner issues in the world.
"We face a Gordian knot in the Middle East and potential nuclear catastrophe on the Korean Peninsula," said Guterres at his first news conference of the year at UN Headquarters, just after briefing UN members at an informal session of the 193-member General Assembly.
The UN chief touched on many topics, ranging from UN reform, sexual exploitation by peacekeepers to gender parity in UN positions.
He opened with a focus on peace and security and what he saw as a failure of diplomacy.
Guterres recalled his first day as secretary-general last year issuing "an appeal for peace and called for a surge in diplomacy to end the crises that were causing so much suffering."
He noted that "At the beginning of 2018, we must recognize the many ways in which the international community is...falling short."
"Climate change is moving faster than we are...Inequality and nationalism are on the rise," Guterres said, adding that instead, trust and solidarity are on the decline.
He further explained that the world needs "bold leadership" in the face of today's challenges. "We need less hatred, more dialogue and deeper international cooperation." (Xinhua)