UN Chief To Visit Pakistan 'soon', Underlines Its Vital Role in U.S.-Iran Peace Mediation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that he will visit Pakistan "soon," highlighting the country's crucial role as one of the two key mediators working to resolve the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
Speaking during his final press conference before the 81st UN General Assembly high-level week, the UN chief passionately advocated for a return to dialogue to bring about a peaceful end to the war.
Guterres' visit, at the invitation of the Pakistan government, is scheduled for next month.
In response to a question regarding the possibility of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran at the UN, Guterres expressed support: "It would be very useful if the dialogue took place here... probably it will take place somewhere else. But it is absolutely essential that that dialogue is established."
He noted progress had been made with a Memorandum of Understanding before tensions escalated.
"It's not only a question between the U.S. and Iran. We have also a number of countries in the Gulf that are being attacked, and of course, with a dramatic impact on their economies and the global economy, which is also unacceptable," he stated, emphasizing the need for serious dialogue involving all parties:
"You have two important mediators, Pakistan - (where I'll be visiting soon) - and Turkey, as well as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, even though Saudi Arabia itself is now a victim of this conflict."
Guterres emphasized there is no viable alternative to a peaceful settlement. He urged all parties involved to rely on diplomacy to prevent further catastrophic escalation in the region.