: UN chief calls for an end to ‘nuclear blackmail’ and risk of ‘humanitarian Armageddon’ #IndiaNEWS #International In an era of “nuclear blackmail�?, UN Secretary-General António Guterres

UN chief calls for an end to ‘nuclear blackmail’ and risk of ‘humanitarian Armageddon’ #IndiaNEWS #International
In an era of “nuclear blackmail�?, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged countries to step back from the threat of potential global catastrophe and recommit to peace.

The UN chief was speaking at an event to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, held as the annual debate in the General Assembly Hall draws to a close.

Nuclear disarmament is not a utopian dream.
I urge all countries to ease tensions, reduce risk & forge a new consensus around defusing the nuclear threat for good.
Eliminating these devices of death is possible, and necessary.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 26, 2022

“Nuclear weapons are the most destructive power ever created. They offer no security — just carnage and chaos. Their elimination would be the greatest gift we could bestow on future generations,�? he said.
Threat of ‘humanitarian Armageddon’
Mr. Guterres was addressing world leaders, foreign ministers, other senior government officials and civil society gathered in the Trusteeship Council at UN Headquarters in New York.
He recalled that the Cold War had brought humanity “within minutes of annihilation. �? Yet decades after it ended, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, “we can hear once again the rattling of nuclear sabres,�? he said.
“Let me be clear. The era of nuclear blackmail must end. The idea that any country could fight and win a nuclear war is deranged. Any use of a nuclear weapon would incite a humanitarian Armageddon. We need to step back. �?
Disappointment and determination
The Secretary-General also spoke of his disappointment after countries failed to reach consensus at a conference last month to review the landmark Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the only binding commitment to the goal of disarmament by States which officially stockpile nuclear weapons.  
Following four weeks of intense negotiations at UN Headquarters, delegations left without an outcome document because Russia objected to text about its control over Ukrainian nuclear facilities.
The UN chief pledged not to give up and urged countries “to use every avenue of dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation to ease tensions, reduce risk and eliminate the nuclear threat. �?
New vision and commitment
Mr. Guterres underscored the need for a new vision for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, pointing to his New Agenda for Peace. It calls for meaningful disarmament and developing a common understanding of the multiple threats facing the international community.
“We need to take into account the evolving nuclear order, including all types of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery.