Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, June 23 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday warned of the possibility of “retaliation” following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities marks a dangerous turn in a region already reeling, A. Guterres said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
“Since the beginning of the /Israeli-Iranian/ crisis, I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East. The people of the region cannot bear another cycle of destruction. And yet, we now risk falling into a vortex of mutual retaliation,” he warned.
To avoid further escalation, diplomacy must prevail, civilians must be protected and the safety of maritime navigation must be guaranteed, the UN chief said.
“We must act immediately and decisively to stop the fighting and return to serious, lasting negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program,” he urged.
A. Guterres called for a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution to restore confidence, including inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
He stressed that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the cornerstone of international peace and security, adding that Iran must fully comply with it.
All member states, he said, must act in accordance with their obligations under the UN Charter and other international law, including international humanitarian law.
“The UN stands ready to support any efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement. But peace cannot be imposed; it must be chosen,” the UN Secretary-General said. “We face a stark choice. One path leads to more war, more human suffering, and serious damage to the international order. The other path leads to de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue. We know which path is right.”
He also called on the Security Council and all UN member states to act with prudence, restraint and urgency in the name of peace. –0–