'No human civilisation deserves to be annihilated' - Mahama tells World Leaders at 81st UNGA

President John Dramani Mahama has stressed the need to protect human civilisation, calling for dialogue in resolving conflicts.

The President's call comes amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, President Mahama said greater international solidarity is needed with countries confronting terrorism, particularly members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

“We must also exercise solidarity with nations facing the terrorist scourge, especially the Alliance of Sahel States,” he said.

“No human civilisation deserves to be annihilated, certainly not a member state of the United Nations,” he added.

His statement comes after U.S President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that he faces a "big decision" on whether to strike Iran again or pursue a peace deal.

Delivering his speech on Tuesday in New York, Trump said "Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?"

"Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell?" he said.

He warned that the Middle East crisis was having a negative impact on the global economy and called for a return to negotiations.

“The current Middle East crisis is having a deleterious effect on the world economy. We call for a return to the negotiating table,” President Mahama said.

President Mahama maintained that dialogue could help resolve even long-running and difficult conflicts.

“I believe that dialogue can resolve even the most intractable of problems,” he added.

He called for a uniform approach to conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, saying the international community must uphold the same standards regardless of where a conflict occurs.

“Across every conflict, whether in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, the standard must remain uniform: respect sovereign integrity, protect civilians, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable,” he said.