UN chief calls for efforts to disentangle mess in Middle East

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday asked for efforts to disentangle the mess in the Middle East, warning of the danger of escalation in the region.

"The situation in the broader Middle East has become a Gordian knot. With so many inter-related flashpoints, the risk of an escalatory cycle is real," Guterres told an informal meeting of the UN General Assembly in presentation of his priorities for 2018.

He called for a return to negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. "There is no alternative to a two-state solution. Recent signals of diminishing support for this undermine moderates and empower radicals. There is no plan-B."

He asked for efforts to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and stability, and strengthen state institutions.

In war-torn Yemen, he said, it is time for the parties to enter into meaningful peace negotiations beyond efforts to ease the dramatic humanitarian catastrophe.

For the Gulf region, he urged parties to seize all opportunities to establish and strengthen platforms for regional dialogue, avoid escalations and allow for political solutions to emerge.

In Syria, the United Nations will continue its engagement toward genuine, representative and direct intra-Syrian negotiations in Geneva, leading to a political settlement of the conflict, said Guterres.

He also reiterated support for efforts to ensure Iraq's territorial integrity, pursue inclusive governance and ease sectarian tensions. Enditem