Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Middle East Conflict topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
UN warns Middle East could be engulfed by wider war; envoy to travel to region
Summary
The UN Secretary-General warned the international community that the Middle East is at risk of a wider war and is sending his personal envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to support diplomatic efforts; the UN called for de-escalation and protection of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres, warned that the Middle East is “on the edge of a wider war” and said diplomatic efforts must be given space to succeed, the United Nations spokesperson Stephane told reporters.
Mr. Guterres has dispatched his personal envoy, Jean Arnault, to visit countries affected by the conflict and meet with facilitators of the diplomatic track, Stephane said. The envoy will discuss “the ways and means for the United Nations to contribute to efforts to bring about a comprehensive and durable settlement to this conflict,” the spokesperson added.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General also warned of severe global consequences if key maritime routes are disrupted. The spokesperson repeated the Secretary-General’s call for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to be restored in accordance with international law, while noting member states are currently debating a proposed Security Council resolution on the matter.
Stephane said the Secretary-General remains in close contact with the parties and that the United Nations will keep the public updated on the envoy’s activities as information can be shared.
The Security Council is scheduled for further briefings on regional cooperation, including a planned session on relations between the United Nations and the League of Arab States.
