PRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA GRAYLEY, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MARÍA FERNANDA ESPINOSA

Good afternoon, everyone!

PGA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO GOVERNMENTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AND INDONESIA AFTER HEAVY FLOODS

 President Espinosa has sent her deep condolences to the peoples and Governments of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi which were affected by heavy floods caused by the passage of cyclone Idai through southern Africa.

The PGA has also expressed her solidarity with the people and the Government of Indonesia over flash floods in the province of Papua, which affected thousands of residents, during the weekend.

Ms. Espinosa is following reports closely and is very sad to hear that over 150 people have died in southern Africa and more than 70 people lost their lives and dozens are missing in Indonesia due to these natural disasters.

She praised all efforts made by UN agencies and funds to help the victims at this very difficult time.

PGA’s AGENDA AND OTHER ISSUES:

This morning, the PGA recorded two video messages for upcoming events which, unfortunately, she will be unable to attend. As we speak, Ms. Espinosa is meeting a representative of the Cuban Women Federation Member, Ms. Teresa Amarelle Boué. This afternoon, the PGA will have informal consultations on the alignment of ECOSOC and will have a separate bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Ms. Lorena Aguilar Revelo.

As you know, Ms. Espinosa will leave for Argentina, later today to take part in the UN Conference on South-South Cooperation, which will take place from 20 to 22 March in the country’s capital, Buenos Aires.

 

This is all from us. I am now happy to take your questions.

 

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