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Add to Preferred SourcesThe UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on world leaders to de-escalate geopolitical tensions, which he described as being “at their highest level this century” as the new decade dawns.
“The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil. We are living in dangerous times”, said the UN chief, noting that turbulence is only escalating.
“Even nuclear non-proliferation can no longer be taken for granted” he added, without specifically referencing the events of recent days following the targeted killing by a United States drone, of Iran’s most influential general, Qasem Soleimani, in Iraq.
Iran has vowed to avenge the killing of the elite Quds Force commander and signified it would no longer be bound by the restrictions on its nuclear programme, outlined in the 2015 deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. The deal was debated in the Security Council just last month.
On 1 January, Mr. Guterres also expressed his deep concern at the announcement by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, that it was ending its self-imposed moratorium on nuclear missile testing.
Furthermore, said the UN chief, “our planet is on fire. The climate crisis rages on.
In many parts of the world, we see many people frustrated and angry. We see increased social unrest and growing extremism, nationalism and radicalization, with a dangerous advance of terrorism, notably in Africa.
He said it was clear that “this situation cannot go on. I have been following the recent rise in global tensions with great concern. I am in constant contact with leading officials around the world.
The UN chief had a clear four-point message for what needs to happen now, in capitals across the world:
“Stop escalation. Exercise maximum restraint. Re-start dialogue. Renew international cooperation.” “Let us not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war,” he concluded. “As always, ordinary people pay the highest price. It is our common duty to avoid it.”
Original source: UN News
Published on 06 January 2019