GUTERRES: ALL PARTIES MUST REFRAIN FROM ESCALATION

NEW YORK, MAY 11 /SRNA - RIA Novosti/ - The parties to the conflict in the Middle East should refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation of the situation and continue negotiations until a full settlement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"All parties must refrain from any any action that would widen the conflict. Diplomacy must be given a chance," Guterres told reporters. He noted that "it doesn't make sense" that a conflict between several countries undermines the global economy. "I think it is absolutely essential to find a diplomatic solution, and my strong appeal is for the negotiations to go on until that diplomatic solution is found," Guterres added. There is currently a ceasefire in place between the US and Iran, which is also respected by Israel.