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UNITED NATIONS, April 3-- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that the international community should focus only on the battle against its common enemy of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is sweeping the entire world and bringing tremendous socio-economic impacts. "The global ceasefire appeal is resonating across the world," Guterres said at a virtual press briefing. Ten days ago, the UN chief had called for an immediate ceasefire "in all corners of the globe" to reinforce diplomatic action, help create conditions for the delivery of lifesaving aid, and bring hope to places that are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The pandemic is having profound social, economic and political consequences, including relating to international peace and security," he said at the briefing. "There should be only one fight in our world today: our shared battle against COVID-19." According to the UN chief, his global ceasefire appeal has been endorsed by "an ever-growing number of member states, some 70 so far, regional partners, non-state actors, civil society networks and organizations, and all UN messengers of peace and advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals." "Religious leaders... have added their moral voice in support of a global ceasefire, as have citizens through grassroots mobilization online," the UN chief added. "A substantial number of parties to conflict have expressed their acceptance for the call," he noted. | 
