April 20, 2022
2 mins read

Guterres pleads for a 4-day Easter ceasefire in Ukraine

Many good-faith efforts by many parties to reach a cease-fire in Ukraine have failed…reports Asian Lite News

N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a plea for a four-day Holy Week humanitarian pause in the war in Ukraine beginning on Holy Thursday and running through Easter Sunday, April 24, to allow for humanitarian corridors, warning that the destruction and human loss seen so far “could pale in comparison to the horror that lies ahead.”

“In five days, Ukrainians and Russians will mark Easter,” Guterres said.

“This holiday (is) a time for reflection on the meaning of suffering, sacrifice, death, and rebirth. But this year, Holy Week is being observed under the cloud of a war that represents the total negation of the Easter message.”

Speaking as Russian and Ukrainian troops engaged in a long-awaited battle in the east of Ukraine on Tuesday, Guterres said that “the terrible concentration of forces and firepower” makes this battle more violent and destructive,” and warned that the civilian loss the world has witnessed so far “could pale” in comparison with the horrors that lie ahead.

“This cannot be allowed to happen,” Guterres told reporters in New York. “Hundreds of thousands of lives hang in the balance.” 

Many good-faith efforts by many parties to reach a cease-fire in Ukraine have failed. 

Lamenting the failing efforts by many parties to reach a cease-fire in Ukraine, the UN chief said that the humanitarian pause is necessary to allow safe passage of all civilians fleeing the areas of confrontation, and the delivery of life-saving aid to the hardest-hit areas, such as Mariupol, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk.

He again called on Russians and Ukrainians to silence the guns and begin to forge a way toward peace and safety. He also urged “all champions of peace around the world” to join his Easter appeal.

Guterres added: “Save lives. Stop the bloodshed and destruction. Open a window for dialogue and peace and keep faith with the meaning and the message of Easter.” 

ALSO READ-Antonio voices concern over situation in Jerusalem

Previous Story

Diesel shortage threat looms over Pakistan

Next Story

Is Political Islam retreating after Imran’s exit?

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UN Chief Honours Late Kuwaiti Emir

Guterres remarked that Sheikh Nawaf was recognized as an Emir

Sri Lanka on alert ahead of anniversary of Easter bombings

The Easter terror attack by suicide bombers in April 2019