PRESS BRIEFING BY REEM ABAZA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TIJJANI MUHAMMAD-BANDE
Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Today the President of the 74th session of the General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, participated in the Special Meeting in Observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
He said that “Today reminds us that we have a collective task of resolving the lingering Palestinian issue…It is civilians who suffer most from violence, killings, incitements, demolitions and illegal settlement activities.”
He mentioned that the meeting is held amidst the deteriorating political and security situation that continues to destabilize the Middle East.
The President added that “This is no doubt fueled among other things, by ignoring the fact that Arab or Jewish, we are one, and our destinies are linked. Whatever leanings delegations are, we must work with utmost sense of justice and faith in this matter.”
He emphasized the need to focus on how best to de-escalate the situation, and ensure a comprehensive and just peace, adding that this is only possible if actors, particularly leaders of Israel and Palestine, in accordance with resolution 181, work in concert for the establishment of two states – Israel and Palestine – living side-by-side and within secure and recognized borders based on the 1967 lines.
UNEP
After the release of the Emission gap report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), that stressed that global emissions must be slashed by 7.6 per cent every year for the next decade to meet the target of a 1.5°C temperature rise, the President of the General Assembly said in a tweet yesterday that that “the evidence from the report is clear. We are on the brink of failing to limit global warming.” He stressed on the need to raise the Climate Action ambition now and called on Member States to strengthen commitments made in the Paris Agreement.
Ireland
The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande will travel to Dublin, Ireland later today, to participate in the Peacekeeping Perspectives and Peacebuilding Progress and Prospects conferences as part of his priority of peace and security.
During the visit, the President is expected to highlight his priorities for the 74th Session, mobilize support for multilateralism and rule-based systems.
The PGA will meet with the President of Ireland, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mary Robinson, Chair of the Elders.
More information will be posted on the PGA’s website and emailed to you with more details on the trip including travel costs which will be covered by the Government of Ireland.
