NEW YORK, Feb 27 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday conveyed his "warmest wishes as Muslims around the world begin observing the Holy Month of Ramadan." "Ramadan embodies the values of compassion, empathy and generosity," he said in a video message. The holy month of fasting is "an opportunity to reconnect with family and community" and "a chance to remember those less fortunate," Guterres noted.
Pointing to "Gaza and the wider Middle East region, he said, "To all those who will spend this sacred time amid displacement and violence, I wish to express a special message of support. I stand with all those who are suffering." "And I join those observing Ramadan to call for peace and mutual respect," he added. Recalling his annual tradition of visiting a Muslim-majority country during Ramadan, he said "These missions remind the world of the true face of Islam." "I always come away even more inspired by the remarkable sense of peace that fills this season," Guterres said, wishing for all to "be uplifted by these values and embrace our common humanity to build a more just and peaceful world for all" during Ramadan. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on Saturday. Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan is one of Islam's five pillars. (end) ast.maa.ara