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Prospects for peace in Ukraine diminishing, says UN chief

Antonio Guterres noted that conflicts continue in other countries, with around two billion people being affected

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

© AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell

UNITED NATIONS, February 6. /TASS/. The chances for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine are diminishing, while risks of further escalation are growing, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the UN General Assembly on Monday.

"The prospects for peace keep diminishing. The chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing. I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. It is doing so with its eyes wide open," he said. "The world needs peace. Peace in line with the United Nations Charter and international law."

He noted that conflicts continue in other countries, with around two billion people being affected. "In Palestine and Israel, where the two-State solution is growing more distant by the day. In Afghanistan, where the rights of women and girls are being trampled and deadly terrorist attacks continue. In the Sahel, where security is deteriorating at an alarming rate. In Myanmar, which is facing new cycles of violence and repression. In Haiti, where gang violence is holding the entire country hostage," Guterres said.

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Ukraine crisis Antonio Guterres

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