UN chief urges "maximum restraint" as Pakistan-India tensions escalate

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged "maximum restraint" from India and Pakistan as a standoff between the two countries has continued to escalate.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years, the UN chief said.

"I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and people of both countries -- and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping. And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," he said.

Guterres once again strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which reignited hostilities between the two countries, while extending his condolences to the families of the victims. Targeting civilians is unacceptable -- and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means, he said.

The UN chief stressed that it was essential, "especially at this critical hour, to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control," and "now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink".

"Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution. And I offer my good offices to both governments in the service of peace. The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," said Guterres.

UN chief urges "maximum restraint" as Pakistan-India tensions escalate

UN chief urges "maximum restraint" as Pakistan-India tensions escalate

UN chief urges "maximum restraint" as Pakistan-India tensions escalate

UN chief urges "maximum restraint" as Pakistan-India tensions escalate

UN chief urges "maximum restraint" as Pakistan-India tensions escalate

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela