UNITED NATIONS, June 11 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over the latest escalation in the Middle East, his spokesman said on Thursday.
Guterres is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation in the Middle East, including the strikes by the United States on Iran and the strikes by Iran on neighboring countries in the Gulf and beyond, and a significant increase in hostile rhetoric, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
"He (Guterres) urges the parties to return to the full implementation of the ceasefire and avoid any further deterioration, which, as he told the Security Council yesterday, could trigger a full resumption of the conflict, with unpredictable consequences for the region and the world, especially the most vulnerable countries," said the statement.
The secretary-general reiterates that the only way forward is through genuine dialogue and negotiations. He calls on the United States and Iran to redouble their efforts toward a peaceful, comprehensive and durable agreement that advances regional and international peace and security, said the statement. ■
