NOON BRIEFING HIGHLIGHTS BY PAULINA KUBIAK GREER,
SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT ABDULLA SHAHID
United Nations Headquarters, New York

LUNAR NEW YEAR

The President of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, wishes those celebrating new year’s, good fortune in the year of the Tiger.

In a video message, he also used the opportunity to congratulate the Government of China on the preparations for the Olympic Games.

He said that he is pleased to hear that China is maintaining its commitment to “green, inclusive, open and clean” Games.

He noted that the Games are taking place in extraordinary circumstances and applauded their commitment and perseverance.

The President also spoke directly to the athletes – who he said serve as diplomats in track suits. He appealed to the athletes to set aside their differences and collectively strive towards a common goal. To embody the values of Olympism and to demonstrate to the world that support is a powerful tool for harmony.

As you know, the President will be in Beijing for the Opening Ceremony, as the invitation of the International Olympic Committee.

Ahead of the Games, he will participate in the torch relay. He will run. President Shahid will be the first Maldivian to carry the Winter Olympic torch.

And you will recall that the President made a Solemn Appeal in connection with the Olympic Truce. He has said that he hopes the spirit of that Truce is upheld today, and in the weeks and months to follow.

And you’ve likely seen today that our colleagues in the IOC inaugurated Olympic Truce Murals in the Olympic Villages of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

In the General Assembly Hall today, Member States are holding intergovernmental consultations related to the Ocean conference, which will be held starting on 27 June.

They are working on a draft political declaration for the Conference. Following appointment by the PGA, the Permanent Representatives of Denmark and Grenada are co-facilitating these consultations.

QUESTIONS

The Spokesperson was asked if President Shahid plans on raising issues related to the political situation in Myanmar with Chinese authorities while at the Games. The Spokesperson answered that the President is traveling at the invitation of the International Olympic Committee and would focus on the Games while in Beijing.

The Spokesperson was asked about the Amnesty International report on Israel. The Spokesperson said that she did not have a comment.