U.N. Chief Guterres Raps Superpowers’ Behavior

Tokyo, May 20 (Jiji Press)–Visiting U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday criticized superpowers over a series of conflicts around the world. Multilateralism is not in crisis, Guterres said in a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, adding that the actions and behavior of superpowers that violate international law are a real danger. His comments came at a time when Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East persist following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which started earlier this year. When bad examples come from large countries, medium powers tend to think that they can do whatever they want without being punished, he said. In the current situation, it is very difficult for the U.N. secretariat to prevent conflicts, Guterres said. Guterres reiterated the need to reform the U.N. Security Council. He said that reform of the Security Council was a taboo when he became U.N. secretary-general in 2017. There was a time when the secretary-general was not allowed to talk about such things, he also said. But things are changing, Guterres said, noting that even Security Council members recognize the need for reform. Guterres, whose term of office runs out at the end of this year, said he was unable to reform the Security Council due to the limit of his authority. He said that his successor, to be selected in autumn, should fight for reform without being silent. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]