Guterres calls for peace in Ukraine based on international law and the UN Charter

Astana, Jul 4 (EFE).- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday called for peace in Ukraine, emphasizing that it should be based on international law and the UN Charter.

"We need peace in Ukraine, based on the United Nations Charter and international law," Guterres said during his speech at the expanded-format summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in the Kazakh capital, Astana.

He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the bloodshed, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

"We need peace from Sudan to the Sahel, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Somalia, from Myanmar to Haiti," he added.

Speaking about Afghanistan, Guterres advocated for the formation of an inclusive government that respects human rights in the country.

"All countries should unite to prevent Afghanistan from ever again becoming a hotspot for terrorism," he asserted.

According to the UN chief, the SCO, as the world's largest regional organization, has the power and responsibility to "promote peace."

The SCO, established in 2001, currently comprises Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, representatives from partner and friend countries of the organization, such as Azerbaijan, China, the United Arab Emirates, India, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey, are also attending today's expanded-format summit, SCO+. EFE

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