‘Connect the dots’ between street protests and global turmoil, urges Guterres

Baku, October 23, AZERTACThe international community must combat inequality and stop wars from expanding to ensure a safer world for all, the UN Secretary-General said on Thursday. According to the UN’s official website, speaking to reporters in New York ahead of a visit to Egypt, António Guterres addressed growing public discontent in Europe and beyond, as people have taken to the streets to express frustration over the rising cost of living. “Everywhere, pressures are building over the price of food, fuel and other basics,” he said. “Interest rates are up – for people and countries. And for young people, the promise of a better future is slipping further out of reach. ” While Mr.

Guterres clearly denounced the violence and destruction seen during days of protests in France, Italy and elsewhere – stressing that those responsible for criminal activities must be held accountable – he said legitimate grievances of the protestors cannot be overlooked“We must connect the dots and better understand how deeply linked those very real and peacefully expressed grievances are to the wider turmoil in our world,” he told journalists. He said that today, conflicts are not only intensifying but expanding, which he likened to the El Niño climate phenomenon that occurs in one region but disrupts weather patterns and upends lives thousands of kilometres away. Conflict fuelling conflict “We are now witnessing an El Niño of war,” he warned, referring to the extreme weather pattern which threatens to upend the global climate in the coming months. “Conflict is feeding conflict. And the consequences are travelling farther and faster. ” The Secretary-General pointed to the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, where civilians and civilian infrastructure – homes, hospitals, schools, airports, power…