The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, yesterday, expressed his regret for the lack of leadership of the world powers and the division of the international community in the war on the Corona virus, and expressed his concern about the insufficient support provided to poor countries.
Guterres made the remarks after US President Donald Trump again ignited a war of words with China during an interview with Reuters, the day before yesterday. Trump said he believed China’s handling of the epidemic was evidence that it was “willing to do everything in its power” to lose the November presidential election.
In response to questions about global leadership, Guterres said that the international community is divided at a time when its union is "more important than ever".
"There is a disconnect between leadership and power. We see great examples of leadership but are not usually associated with force. And when we see power sometimes we do not see the necessary leadership. ”
He continued, "I hope that this matter will be overcome sooner rather than later."
Asked if he was concerned that tensions between Washington and Beijing would harm international cooperation, Guterres said, "They are definitely key countries."
He said he was particularly concerned that the international community had not provided sufficient assistance to developing countries to combat the epidemic and address its economic and social consequences. He added that a request to collect two billion dollars to help the most vulnerable population was met with funding of only half of it.
Guterres:
"We see great examples of leadership, but they are not usually associated with force."