UN Secretary General calls for revitalizing the mediation initiatives of existing conflicts
UN Secretary‑General made António Guterres remarks on Wednesday at the informal meeting of the General Assembly, highlighting 12 areas of concern the member states should address in the coming year. Among priorities listed, Guterres referred to what he called “removing the paralysis that has let European conflicts fester and freeze.”
In his words, having started two world wars, and taking into account the resources and capacities available to Europe, it is unjustifiable for conflicts in the region to persist.
“Resolving these situations requires pushing back the dangerous tide of nationalism, and revitalizing the relevant mediation initiatives — including the Normandy format and Trilateral Contact Group on Eastern Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group on Nagorno‑Karabakh, the Geneva international discussions related to Georgia and the “5+2” process on Transnistria. A concerted effort for solutions leading to long‑term stability in the Western Balkans is also urgent,” the UN Chief states, as quoted by his press office.
“I urge European leaders to show that the continent can live up to its ideals of shared prosperity and peaceful coexistence,” António Guterres added.