UN Security Council "International Community Must Unite"... First Official Statement Since COVID-19

▲Ant?nio Guterres (67), former Prime Minister of Portugal, who is virtually confirmed as the UN Secretary-General. (AP=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 9th (local time), the United Nations Security Council held its first meeting regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and issued a statement emphasizing international solidarity.

This is the first official position announced by the UN Security Council since the outbreak of COVID-19.

In the statement, the Security Council expressed support for "all efforts by the UN Secretary-General concerning the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on countries in conflict" and stated that "unity and solidarity among all affected countries are necessary."

At the meeting, UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres said, "COVID-19 is threatening global peace and security," adding, "It could potentially lead to increased social unrest and violence, significantly undermining our ability to combat COVID-19."

He further mentioned that "COVID-19 is causing or exacerbating challenges to human rights," and referred to other risks affecting global security, including terrorists seeking opportunities to attack, groups observing the development of biological terrorism, erosion of trust in public institutions, economic instability, political tensions due to election delays, and extreme confusion and division.

He also emphasized that since the UN was founded 75 years ago, it is now facing its "most serious test," stating, "This is a fight for a generation and the very reason for the UN's existence."

He added, "The Security Council's engagement in this situation is crucial to mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on peace and security," and "The signal of unity and resolution from the Security Council is very important during this uncertain time."

Initially, the United States pushed for a Security Council joint statement that included the phrase "originating from China" regarding COVID-19, but this did not come to fruition.

Belgian UN Ambassador Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve said the Security Council press statement is "very small, but it expresses support for the UN Secretary-General and his call for peace and ceasefire," adding, "That is the most important thing at this stage."

Meanwhile, AP News reported that U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to hold a video conference with the leaders of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, including China, Russia, and Germany.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.