UN CHIEF URGES SECURITY COUNCIL TO ACT TO EASE GLOBAL TENSIONS – The 79th Session of the General Assembly opens
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the Security Council to act meaningfully to ease global tensions, emphasising that “peace demands action.”
Guterres made the statement in addressing an open debate on “Leadership for Peace,” on the occasion of the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, at the U.N. headquarters in New York.
The Security Council adopted a statement on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security during the open debate. The statement reaffirmed the principles enshrined in the U.N. Charter and emphasised the necessity of strengthening the resolve to uphold international peace and security in accordance with the Charter.
The Security Council reiterated its primary responsibility for maintaining global peace and security, pledging to fulfil its duties effectively and to take decisive actions in this pursuit.
Guterres said at the meeting that in the current complex and challenging global situation, the deepening of geopolitical differences and distrust has put the international community in an unprecedented predicament. With the repeated violations of the U.N. Charter and international law, conflicts are escalating, and civilians are paying the steepest price, according to the U.N. chief.
He stressed that “a united Security Council can make a tremendous difference for peace. A divided Council cannot.”
