United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at a noon stakeout for reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Jan. 6, 2020. (Photo: China News Service/Wang Fan)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Monday that "geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century" and called on parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint to stop escalation of tensions.
"The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil. We are living in dangerous times,” said the UN chief at the UN headquarters in New York, noting that turbulence is only escalating.
Without naming any countries, Guterres told the reporters: “This cauldron of tensions is leading more and more countries to take unpredicted decisions with unpredictable consequences and a profound risk of miscalculation.”
"At the same time, we see trade and technological conflicts that fracture world markets, undermine growth and widen inequalities. And all the while, our planet is on fire. The climate crisis rages on," the secretary-general added.
"In many parts of the world, we see people frustrated and angry. We see increased social unrest and growing extremism, nationalism and radicalization, with a dangerous advance of terrorism, notably in Africa," said Guterres.
He said it was clear that “this situation cannot go on."
The UN chief had a clear four-point message for what needs to happen now: “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.”
