UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accepts the Ataturk International Peace Prize from the hands of the President of Turkey. UN Secretary General: The Middle East is under pressure that could “lead it to collapse” Peace and security
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday called on all parties to the conflict in the Middle East to cease hostilities, respect international law, protect civilians and immediately return to the negotiating table.
“We hear a lot of talk about peace, but we see catastrophically little of it,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at a ceremony in Turkey, accepting the Ataturk International Peace Prize. – International law continues to be violated, power politics is gaining momentum, and inequality is growing. New technologies, including artificial intelligence, carry risks and have the potential to spread violence rather than prevent it. Military spending is skyrocketing while vital humanitarian aid is being cut to critically low levels.”
Unacceptable price
At the same time, the UN chief emphasized, civilians continue to pay the highest price, and the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, he said, serves as a tragic example of this. “Massive strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, and subsequent attacks by Iran on many countries, pose a serious threat to international peace and security. They have already caused enormous suffering to the civilian population,” Guterres emphasized. “The region is under powerful pressure, which could lead it to collapse.” The consequences, according to the Secretary General, are spreading throughout the world: trade chains are disrupted, energy and food prices are rising, and instability is increasing. The only way forward lies through de-escalation and dialogue, Guterres emphasized.
Peace Prize
The visit of the Secretary-General to Turkey is another gesture of solidarity with Muslim countries during the holy month of Ramadan, which has become an annual personal tradition of Antonio Guterres. “These visits are a powerful reminder to all to the world about the true spirit of Islam, which is compassion, unity and empathy,” he said. “This Ramadan, I felt especially clearly that my solidarity visit should bring me here to Turkey. I have come to draw the world’s attention to the exceptional and generous spirit of the Turkish people.” Guterres accepted the Ataturk International Peace Prize on behalf of all United Nations staff. In his speech, he noted their efforts to provide humanitarian aid and maintain peace around the world, and also paid tribute to fallen aid workers, including UN workers in Gaza. “Let us together give peace a chance,” he concluded.