New York, July 24 -- Amid escalating tensions and military confrontations disrupting border peace and causing global uncertainty, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (local time) underscored the importance of diplomacy in resolving such global crises, saying that while it may not have succeeded in preventing ongoing conflicts, it still has the power to bring them to an end.

Addressing the UN Security Council's open debate on the peaceful settlement of disputes in New York, Guterres warned that conflicts are becoming more frequent, complex and prolonged while respect for international law continues to erode.

"Today, conflicts are increasing in number, complexity, length and scope. We see an alarming disregard for internatio...