UN Chief Calls for Just Peace in Gaza and Lebanon at BRICS Summit

Kazan: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for a just peace in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan, urging adherence to the UN Charter and international law. Speaking at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Guterres emphasized the importance of respecting state sovereignty and protecting civilians, particularly in Lebanon. According to Kuwait News Agency, Guterres condemned Israel's targeting of UN peacekeeping troops in Lebanon, labeling it a potential war crime. He expressed concern over the ongoing Israeli offensives on residential areas in Lebanon and called for an immediate cease-fire. Additionally, Guterres urged the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1071, aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. The BRICS summit, initially founded in 2006 with Russia, Brazil, India, and China as members, has since expanded to include South Africa, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Ethiopia. The current session is focused on discussing the inclusion of more m embers and exploring avenues for economic and political cooperation.