Although no agreement was reached, “The discussions themselves highlighted the seriousness of their commitment and constituted a positive and significant step towards renewed dialogue.“UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
“Given the deep differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the Secretary General calls for talks to continue constructively to reach an agreement. At the same time, it is absolutely necessary to preserve the ceasefire. All violations must stop.”
Concern for stranded sailors
The UN chief thanked Pakistan and the other mediators – Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey – and called on the international community to support their efforts.
He stressed that all parties to the conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law.
The critical maritime corridor, located south of Iran, lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The United States announced plans to block ships entering and leaving Iranian ports, which went into effect on Monday.
Meanwhile, some 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on ships in the Persian Gulf and “face increasing difficulties every day,” the UN statement recalled.
The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez, highlighted the risks in statements to delegations from countries gathered at a meeting to discuss threats to security at sea.
“It would be very easy for anyone to imagine being in a situation where they have been trapped on board a ship without being able to sail for more than a month,” he said.
“There is always concern that supplies could start to run out. There is the constant threat that a ship could be attacked or attacked, putting the lives of seafarers at risk..”
Maritime trade is disrupted
In normal times, 35 percent of the world’s crude oil – some 20 million barrels – along with 30 percent of fertilizer trade and a fifth of liquefied natural gas pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Disruptions to maritime trade have already had direct effects in the region and beyond, with increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors.
The UN warned that “the disruption to the supply of fertilizers and inputs further exacerbates food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world, adding to the rising cost of living due to the impacts of fuel, transport and supply chain disruptions.”
In this context, Engagement with relevant parties continues in the design and operation of the recently appointed UN task force in the Strait of Hormuz.the statement said.
Furthermore, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Middle East Conflict, Jean Arnault, “continues to be actively engaged in the region, consulting closely with key stakeholders and continuing his outreach work in support of a comprehensive and lasting agreement.”