As the war in the Middle East continues, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a passionate call for serious negotiations between the US and Iran to resume, warning that respect for international law is being trampled underfoot.
The United States and Iran must continue talks aimed at ending their weeks-long war, UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres said on Monday, underscoring that there is no military solution to the conflict.
Addressing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York outside theSecurity Council,Antnio Guterressaidthat humanitarian and other legal obligations are being disregarded in the Middle East and elsewhere, breeding chaos,sufferingand destruction.
He saidthe theme of upholding international law would be a central theme of his visit this week to the UNs highest tribunal in the Hague theInternational Court of Justice, amid hopes for renewed talks between Iran and the United States.
The crisis hascaused death and devastation across the region,blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuzcrucialfor global trade in fuel, fertilizer and gas,and left thousands of workers stranded in vessels on the high seas.
Reaffirm, not retreat
Justice is meant to be blind.But today, too many are choosing toturn a blind eye tojustice itself,the UN chiefsaid.
Around the world and starkly in the Middle East respect for international law is being trampled.
He insisted that this is not the moment to retreat from international law. It is the moment to reaffirm it.
Message to the world
TheICJalso known as the World Court marksits 80thanniversarythis week.
The UNs principal judicial organ is a pillar of the international legalorderand it has fulfilled that role with distinction over this period.
However, the visit is not simply about commemorating ananniversary. It is about sending an unmistakable message, he said.
A message that the United Nations stands firmly behind the institutions and principles designed to protect peace, justice, sovereignty and human dignity, he continued.
A message that international law applies to all States, without exception, and that respect for its rules is not optional.A message thatin a world moving toward greater fragmentation and sharper power competition, international law is indispensable.
Appeal for restraint
The Secretary-Generalwarned that without it, instability spreads, mistrust deepens, and conflicts spiral out of controlasituation that applies everywhere, but urgently to the conflict in the Middle East.
Herepeatedhis position that there isno military solution to thecrisis, adding that peace agreements require persistent engagement and political will.
He stressed that serious negotiations must resume, whileinternational navigational rights and freedoms including in the Strait of Hormuz must be respected by all parties.
It is time for restraint and responsibility,hesaid.
It is time for diplomacy over escalation.It is time for a renewed commitment to international law.
