AGENCIES

A world weary of Donald Trump’s apocalyptic rhetoric breathed a sigh of relief yesterday as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, raising cautious hopes of a path toward lasting peace.

The announcement fell in the middle of the night in Europe and the Middle East, and many US allies were slow to make public statements about it. But the dramatic pause sparked some governments to issue immediate public praise.

However, as time progressed, welcoming messages poured in from all around the world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all parties to abide by the terms of the ceasefire “in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region”, according to his spokesperson.

Guterres underscored “that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering”, and thanked Pakistan and other nations involved in facilitating the truce.

Dhaka yesterday welcomed the ceasefire, terming it an encouraging development towards de-escalation in the region.

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