Translated with AI
UN Secretary-General António Guterres 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. He made this statement on March 12 at a ceremony in Turkey where he accepted the International Atatürk Peace Prize, the UN press service reported.
"We hear a lot of talk about peace, but we see catastrophically little of it," the UN Secretary-General said. "International law continues to be flouted, power politics is gaining momentum, and inequality is growing. New technologies, including artificial intelligence, pose 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."
Guterres emphasized that civilians continue to pay the heaviest price for what is happening. He said the unfolding crisis in the Middle East is a tragic example of this.
"The massive strikes carried out by the US and Israel, and Iran's subsequent attacks on numerous countries, pose a grave threat to international peace and security. They have already caused enormous suffering among civilians," Guterres emphasized. "The region is under intense pressure that could lead to its collapse."
According to the UN chief, the conflict's consequences are spreading across the globe. Trade chains are being disrupted, energy and food prices are rising, and instability is growing. The only way forward, he believes, is de-escalation and dialogue.
The UN Secretary-General's visit to Turkey was another gesture of solidarity with Muslim countries during the holy month of Ramadan, which has become an annual personal tradition for António Guterres.
"These visits are a powerful reminder to the entire world of the true spirit of Islam, which is compassion, unity, and empathy," he noted. "This Ramadan, I felt especially strongly that my solidarity visit should bring me here to Turkey. I came to draw the world's attention to the exceptional and generous spirit of the Turkish people."
António Guterres accepted the Atatürk International Peace Prize on behalf of all United Nations staff. In his speech, he recognized their efforts to provide humanitarian aid and maintain peace around the world and paid tribute to those killed in humanitarian work, including those of the UN in Gaza.
“Let us together give peace a chance,” concluded the UN Secretary-General.
