15 January 2024
Opinion of the Secretary-General
1. Conflicts are spreading (Ukraine, Middle East, possible other conflicts in South and East Asia).
2. Motivations of conflicts have a long history. We want to undertsand the motivations and at the same time find arrangements so to stop the conflicts.
3. Global risks associated to conflicts are evident. These risks may also include nuclear risks since the conflicts involve countries that possess nuclear weapons. Moreover there are schools of thought which may consider the use of nuclear weapons as a way to stop further escalation.
4. Ceasefire is an immediate step that should be taken in all conflicts. This will not be the end of the problems but it is a necessary step in order to move from warmongering to negotiations.
5. Ceasefire should allow countries to:
a. proceed with elaboration of political and other arrangements needed to establish sustainable peace and prevent return to hostilities
b. allow communications and ultimately allow free movement of people across boundaries
c. ultimately restore economic cooperation and trade across boundaries.
6. Ceasefire should also imply the stop to the transfer of arms from other countries to countries involved in the conflicts. This is particularly relevant for the war in Ukraine.
7. For the specific issues concerning Palestinians and Israelis we need to request, besides a ceasefire:
a. the full reconstruction of the cities that have been destroyed by the war
b. the confirmation that the Palestinian authority is the legitimate government for the State of Palestine
c. the free movement of Palestinians from Gaza to the West Bank and viceversa
d. the elimination of Israeli settlements in the West Bank or their full incorporation in Palestine
e. the release of all remaining hostages.
8. The immediate steps to be taken in Gaza involve the delivery of food, water and other humanitarian assistance including medical care without any constraint.
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