The UN secretary-general has warned that the world could face a new conflict – as North Korea steps up its preparedness.
As the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, Antonio Guterres said he fears the world is “steering into a wider war” with “eyes wide open”.
He stressed that the war in Ukraine had undermined global solidarity and trust and urged all countries to renew their commitment to the UN Charter, which calls for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
After the experts have defined the Doomsday clock at 90 seconds to midnight – the closest to a “global disaster” – Mr Guterres urged the 193 member nations of the general assembly to change their mindset about decision-making and look “what we will all arrive tomorrow – and to act”.
It’s instead of short-term thinking, which he called “irresponsible” and “immoral.”
“The so-called ‘tactical’ use of nuclear weapons is absurd,” he said, calling on nuclear-weapon countries to renounce the first use of all nuclear weapons.
“We are at the greatest risk in decades of a nuclear war that could begin by accident or by design. We must end the threat posed by 13,000 nuclear weapons held in arsenals around the world.”
A new focus on reconciliation and conflict prevention, which would help reduce current and potential threats, must begin in Ukraine, where Mr Guterres said “the bloodshed continues to grow”.
He also called for intensified peace efforts in military-ruled Myanmar and gang-ruled Haiti, which face renewed violence and repression.
“Perfecting Preparedness for War”
Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to boost the country’s war preparedness.
At a meeting of the central military commission of the ruling Workers’ Party on Monday, discussions on long-term issues regarding the constitution of its army and the main tasks of the army were held.
Referring to the Korean People’s Army, the KCNA news agency reported: “There was the problem of constantly expanding and intensifying the KPA’s combat operations and exercises to deal with the current situation and to perfect more strictly the preparation for war”.
It follows a threat to turn the peninsula into a “huge war arsenal and a more critical war zone”, after the country condemned military drills used by the United States.
Military meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea. Photo: KCNA
On Thursday, he cited a visit to South Korea by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin – who said the two countries would expand military exercises and deploy aircraft carriers and long-range bombers – to counter weapons development. of North Korea and prevent a war.
Asked about tensions with North Korea, Austin said the United States was committed to defending South Korea and promoting greater security and stability.
