“NO QUICK SOLUTION TO THE RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR”

The United Nations has rarely been more rele­ vant than in the contemporary world—riven by conflict and polarisation, buffeted by waves of natural disasters driven by climate change, its economy teetering on the brink of recession. In such a scenario, UN secretary general ANTONIO GUTERRES plays a crucial mediatory role. Recently in India on a two­day visit, Guterres spoke about the war in Ukraine, the fight against terrorism, possible UN Security Council reforms and more in an exclusive interview with GEETA MOHAN, the foreign affairs editor, India Today TV. Excerpts:

- GEETA MOHAN

Q. You began your visit by paying tribute to the Mumbai terror attack victims. Yet, Q. the UNSC is still to sanction some LeT terrorists involved in the 26/11 attacks. China has placed a technical hold for the fourth time against sanctioning a Pakistan-based terrorist.... Also, the UN is yet to define terrorism.

A. It is necessary to increase international cooperation in fighting global terrorism. Unfortunately, we do not have enough of it. When I became secretary general, my priority was to create an office of counter-terrorism. It has the capacity to foster cooperation among states, especially in training and advice on counter-terrorism policies. The problem in having a consensus over the definition of terrorism has to do with politics. But, that does not make it difficult to work together against terrorism. We cannot accept geopolitical divides to compartmentalise the issue.

Q. Is there a solution in sight to the Russia-Ukraine war? With the Russian annexation of four captured territories, has the window for negotiations closed?