International symposium held in Beijing on strengthening U.N.'s role, promoting multilateralism: spokesman

An international symposium on strengthening the role of the United Nations and promoting multilateralism was held in Beijing on Monday, with participants generally believing that under the current circumstances, the role of the United Nations should be strengthened and multilateralism should be revitalized, in the interest of jointly addressing the various global challenges, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

"On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted an international symposium themed 'Strengthen the Role of the United Nations and Promote Multilateralism' in Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a written speech to the event," said Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.

"Wang Yi said that the successful convening of the U.N. Summit of the Future last year reflected the common aspiration of the international community for supporting and promoting multilateralism, strengthening the role of the United Nations, and improving global governance. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and also the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations," Guo said.

"The international community hopes to see all countries work in solidarity and cooperation to uphold what is right, steer the direction of our era, defend fairness and justice, safeguard world peace and stability, and promote global development and prosperity. As a founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China will continue to work with all sides to practice true multilateralism, safeguard the central role of the United Nations, and promote global governance that is based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, to bring stability to a changing and turbulent world, and to inject positive energy in building a more just and equitable global governance system," Guo continued.

At the symposium, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder emphasized the importance of China's support for multilateralism and the United Nations.

"U.N. Under-Secretary-General Ryder was invited to attend the symposium and delivered a speech. Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu attended the symposium's opening and closing ceremonies and delivered speeches. The participants had an active discussion on topics such as sustainable development, international peace and security, scientific and technological innovation and digital cooperation, youth and future generations. It was generally believed that under the current situation, the role of the United Nations should be strengthened, multilateralism should be revitalized, solidarity and cooperation should be promoted, and various global challenges should be jointly addressed. They expressed appreciation over China's positive and constructive role in these regards," the spokesman noted.

International symposium held in Beijing on strengthening U.N.'s role, promoting multilateralism: spokesman

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests