NEW DELHI: The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire among warring parties in different parts of the world and cautioned the world of the threat of terrorist groups exploiting the diversion of attention of most governments to battling the Covid-19 epidemic. The weakness of the global community in handling the epidemic reflects the world’s lack of preparedness in case of a bio-terrorist attack, he pointed out in an address to the first meeting of the UN Security Council on the epidemic.
In a broadside at China which resisted the convening of UNSC on grounds that the Covid epidemic was a purely a health issue, Guterres said the engagement by the world’s premier body will be “critical” to mitigate the peace and security implications of Covid.
“Indeed, a signal of unity and resolve would count for a lot at this anxious time,” observed the UN Secretary-General, against the backdrop of a tussle between China and the US.
China says the epidemic is a global challenge and appreciates the role of the WHO and the UN in this regard. In an effort to stave off criticism about holding back information about the spread of the virus in Heibei Province, China points out that it is currently helping out 100 countries combat the virus.
The US has attacked WHO for helping China suppress information early on in the spread of the virus, a mistake for which the world is paying a heavy price.
“To prevail against the pandemic today, we will need to work together. That means heightened solidarity,’’ reiterated Guterres at the closed-door meeting with UNSC members.