Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 12, 2026 Peace and security
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday 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.
"We hear a lot of talk about peace, but we see catastrophically little of it," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at a ceremony in Turkey accepting the Atatürk International Peace Prize. "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."
Unacceptable price
At the same time, the UN chief emphasized, civilians continue to pay the highest price, and the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, according to him, serves as 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."
The consequences, according to the Secretary-General, are spreading across the globe: trade chains are being disrupted, energy and food prices are rising, and instability is growing. The only way forward, Guterres emphasized, is through de-escalation and dialogue.
Peace Prize
The Secretary-General's visit to Turkey is 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 world of the true spirit of Islam, which is compassion, unity, and empathy," he said. "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."
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’s give peace a chance together,” he concluded.
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