New York, April 8 -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran.

In a statement delivered by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, it was said that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran. He calls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region."

"The Secretary-General underscores t...