The UN and world powers react to the agreement between the US and Iran with relief, but in the same breath warn against its temporary nature. While Japan and Australia emphasize the economic risks and security of shipping lanes, diplomats warn that the real work to avert all-out war is just beginning in Islamabad.
The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire overnight on Wednesday, with both sides calling it a victory. Several countries and international organizations responded to the agreement, welcoming it, but at the same time drawing attention to the need for a permanent solution to the conflict. TASR informs about it according to the report of the AFP agency.
- The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
- António Guterres called on the parties to the conflict to respect the agreement and international law.
- Australia warns of impact of protracted conflict on global economy and lives.
- New Zealand and Japan are calling for further steps towards lasting peace in the region.
- Iraq supports a ceasefire and calls for serious dialogue between the US and Iran.
Guterres calls for compliance with international law and the terms of the agreement
The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) António Guterres welcomed the announced ceasefire in the Middle East and called on all parties to comply with international law and the terms of the agreement. “The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran,” his spokesman said. At the same time, he called for steps that will lead to “permanent and comprehensive peace in the region”.
Australia warned that the longer the conflict lasts, the more significant its impact on the global economy and human lives will be. “Australia wishes for the ceasefire to be respected and for the conflict to be resolved,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office said in a statement. At the same time, he called on all parties to observe international humanitarian law and protect the lives of civilians.
New Zealand, Japan and Iraq
While New Zealand welcomed the ceasefire, it stressed that a significant amount of work still needed to be done to ensure lasting peace. “While this is encouraging news, there is still much work to be done in the coming days,” said a spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters.
Japan has called for concrete steps to ease tensions, including ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 70 percent of Japan’s oil imports passed before the war. “The most important thing is to take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation,” said government spokesman Minoru Kihara. According to him, Tokyo hopes that a peace agreement will be reached through diplomacy and as soon as possible.
Iraq also praised the deal and called for a “serious and sustainable dialogue” between the US and Iran to address the root causes of the conflict and strengthen mutual trust between the two sides.
