Making the United Nations Relevant to all PeoplePRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA GRAYLEY, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MARÍA FERNANDA ESPINOSA
Good afternoon, everyone!
I hope you are well today.
As you now, the PGA is back in the office after concluding a successful trip to Pakistan and Oman last week. She has begun her day by attending a ceremony in the GA Hall to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.
MS. ESPINOSA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST
President María Fernanda Espinosa has spoken in a meeting at the General Assembly on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. The date marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in on 27 January 1945.
In her speech, Ms. Espinosa recalled her visit to the camp, in Poland, in December last year, when she placed a wreath before the ‘Wall of Death’ to pay tribute to the victims.
In her remarks, the PGA said, and I quote that: “One cannot enter such a place and leave unchanged. And truly, I cannot think of that place and what it represents without worrying about what humanity is capable of inflicting”.
The President of the GA affirms that lessons must be learned from history and that is why it is so vital that we remember the Holocaust and honour the victims of that atrocity for: “it is only in remembering and through education that we can ensure that the hatred of others, the demonisation of groups and the cynical manipulation of opinion that promotes such hatred and attacks on them, can be countered and stopped.”
VENEZUELA: PGA CALLS FOR URGENT POLITICAL DIALOGUE
The PGA has been closely following the latest political developments in Venezuela with great concern. Her solidarity is with the people of Venezuela.
Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa calls upon all relevant parties to find political solutions to the situation, to avoid the escalation of tensions and violence and further deaths.
The President also calls for urgent political dialogue focused on the need for peace and stability. Ms. Espinosa says that the international community must contribute to a peaceful atmosphere.
She acknowledges the mediation-offers by different countries to encourage meaningful national dialogue involving all relevant stakeholders in Venezuela as the most effective way to restore the calm as well as the cooperation needed for the country to work for its people.
A peaceful solution in a manner that is consistent with Venezuela’s Constitution and international law is the only way to ensure the well-being of all Venezuelans.
PGA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO BRAZIL AFTER DAM BURST
The President of the General Assembly conveys her condolences to the city of Brumadinho, in the southeast of Brazil, where a dam burst last week causing the death of 58 people. Hundreds are still missing.
Ms. Espinosa is deeply sad about the tragic loss of life. She expresses her solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who died, as well as with all people who lost their homes and livestock in this terrible event.
The PGA wishes a speedy recovery to people injured and extends her condolences to the government of the state of Minas Gerais and the Government of Brazil.
MS. ESPINOSA CONDEMNS ATTACKS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Yesterday, Ms. Espinosa issued a tweet strongly condemning a terrorist attack against a Christian Cathedral on Jolo island, in southern Philippines.
At least 20 people have died during the attack, which happened when the Sunday Mass was being celebrated.
Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa said that she stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and with all people in the Philippines. For the PGA there is no justification for such acts of violence and terrorism. She wishes all people injured in the attack a speedy recovery.
More details on our website and on the PGA’s Twitter account @UN_PGA.
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