UN chief hails two-week Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between US, Iran

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 08 (APP): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a positive step toward de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The UN chief “calls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region,” his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement issued at UN Headquarters in New York, praising Pakistan’s efforts towards peace in the region.

The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he agreed “to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.”

Guterres emphasized that an immediate end to hostilities is critical to protecting civilian lives and alleviating human suffering amid the ongoing crisis, stemming from US-Israeli war on Iran.

He also expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts led by Pakistan and other nations working to facilitate the ceasefire agreement, according to Dujarric.

“The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Jean Arnault is in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace,” he added.