By Gary Raynaldo  / ©Diplomatic Times)  United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths briefs reporters at press conference on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine at UN world headquarters in New York April 18, 2022.

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED NATIONS  –  NEW  YORK  –  UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said humanitarian ceasefires in Ukraine are “not on the horizon right now”,  but could be in a couple of weeks. Griffiths made the comments during a press briefing Monday with reporters at UN world headquarters in New York where he spoke about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.  Griffiths reported on his visits to Russia and Ukraine earlier this month, where he held discussions with senior officials on UN “aspirations” for humanitarian pauses and on how to improve the notification system that allows safe passage of humanitarian workers and supplies.

Turkey Playing “Valuable” Role in Peace Negotiations

It was noted that the UN Secretary-General spoke with Turkey President Erdoğan on Sunday expressing his ongoing support for the Istanbul process related to the war in Ukraine.  He also underlined the need for humanitarian corridors for aid distribution and evacuations. Griffiths said he was impressed with Turkey’s role by how the country has presented itself to both sides as a “genuinely valuable and useful host” for talks. “In classical mediation terms, there isn’t a mediation really going on between the Russians and Ukrainians,” he said, “but the Turks come closest to it, I think, of all Member States.” 

Yemen peace truce offers hope for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire 

On the prospects for a ceasefire, Griffiths pointed to the example of Yemen, where warring sides have implemented a two-month truce.