Global vaccination plan only way to stop pandemic UN Chief
For the Secretary General, it was recent reforms that enabled the world body to adjust and respond quickly…reports Asian Lite News
“As a result, more than 90 per cent of host governments have indicated that the UN today is more relevant to their country’s development needs when compared to three years ago,” he said.
On the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, the UN Chief added that “we must intensify our efforts in this Decade of Action to deliver the sustainable development goals. This is vital to achieving a fair globalisation, boosting economic growth and preventing conflict.”
Antonio Guterres
Noting that the outcome of COP26 in Glasgow was the bare minimum required to keep the 1.5-degree promise of Paris alive, Guterres said that he counts on the leadership of the G77 and China over the coming year “to increase ambition and push for that ambition not only on mitigation, but on adaptation — a basic need for so many countries — on finance, and on loss and damage, where we still have such a long way to go.”
“We need a quantum leap in unity and solidarity to make collective decisions on the global challenges we face, from the climate crisis to our suicidal war on nature, unsustainable levels of inequality, and the unchecked development of new technologies,” he said.
Global vaccination plan only way to stop pandemic UN Chief
United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has said constant violations of the rights of Palestinians threaten the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict…reports Asian Lite News
“On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory — including East Jerusalem — continues to pose a significant challenge to international peace and security. Persistent violations of the rights of Palestinians along with the expansion of settlements risk eroding the prospect of a two-state solution,” the UN Chief on Monday said in a message marking the International Day.
Antonio violations of Palestinians rights threaten two-state solution
Even though he was “encouraged” by recent engagements between senior Israeli and Palestinian officials, the top UN official said “containing the situation is not sufficient”.
Guterres reiterated that the overall goal of two states living side by side in peace and security remains. This includes fulfilling the “legitimate national aspirations of both people, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states”.
The Secretary General urged the parties to refrain from measures that would undermine prospects for a peaceful resolution. Ultimately, he urged all parties to engage constructively to “end the closure” of the Gaza strip, and to improve living conditions for all Palestinians living under occupation.
The message came in advance of a special meeting to discuss Palestine’s unresolved question and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people in New York on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.
The occasion will allow the international community to focus attention on the fact that their rights, as defined by the General Assembly Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people in 1975, have yet to be accomplished. In particular, they include the right to self-determination, national independence, and sovereignty, as well as the right to return to their homes and properties.
A permanent exhibition on “The Question of Palestine and the United Nations” has been mounted at UN headquarters in New York along with the event.
Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, said the day should be observed with a sense of humility.
Peace in the Middle East has been a priority issue for the UN since its founding, and despite the priority accorded this issue, the energy expended, the numerous UN resolutions adopted, and the decades of negotiations, dialogues, and engagements, so little has been accomplished.
Palestinians in the Gaza enclave, he continued, “have become trapped inside a cycle of unemployment, limited economic opportunity, and poverty, which has been exacerbated by Covid-19.”
Shahid praised the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and urged the global community to guarantee “sufficient and reliable financing so that Palestinian refugees receive adequate assistance.”
In 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call for the immediate release of 10 UN staff members detained in Ethiopia…reports Asian Lite News
“As far as the Secretary-General is aware, the staff members are being held without charge, and no specific information has been provided regarding the reasons for their arrest,” said a statement made by his spokesperson.
Antonio reiterates call to immediately release UN staffers held in Ethiopia
UN personnel carry out critical and impartial work in Ethiopia, the statement said, adding the Secretary-general stresses the obligation of respecting the privileges and immunities of UN personnel, both international and Ethiopian, as well as protecting UN personnel and other humanitarian workers in Ethiopia, including from arbitrary detention.
“The course of military conflict will not bring lasting peace and stability to Ethiopia,” said the statement, adding the Guterres urges the parties to end hostilities and prioritize the welfare of civilians, noting safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be restored urgently.
Libyan PM Libyan election laws designed to obstruct polls
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that next month’s elections in Libya are an essential next step on the road to peace and stability…reports Asian Lite News
This step has to be built on a strong foundation of inclusive and credible frameworks that can guarantee its success, he told the Paris conference on Libya in a video message.
“I strongly urge Libyans to come together in a spirit of national unity, to overcome remaining differences, and forge a consensus on the legal framework for the elections, in consultation with all relevant national institutions, adhering to their rules and procedures,” Xinhua news agency reported citing the UN chief as saying.
Antonio Guterres
The majority of Libyans support holding these elections. Nearly 3 million people have registered to vote so far. Their aspirations and determination to participate in free and fair elections must be met. Women and young people must be able to participate equally and meaningfully in the electoral process, both as voters and candidates, he said.
“Individual ambitions cannot stand in the way of Libya’s peaceful transition. And I call on all Libyan parties to participate in the election process, and to respect the election results,” he said.
The presence of foreign elements in Libya’s internal political and security affairs is a continued grave concern, and all foreign interference must end, said Guterres.
He commended the 5+5 Joint Military Commission for its remarkable unity of purpose and the concrete progress it has achieved. He welcomed the agreement on an action plan for the gradual, balanced, sequenced, and synchronized withdrawal of all mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign forces.
Now the plan must be implemented. And this requires the support and cooperation of all concerned stakeholders. The regional dimension of the withdrawal of foreign fighters cannot be overstated, he said.
All Libyan and foreign actors must fully support the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and respect the arms embargo in Libya. UN member states cannot defend Libya’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity at UN Headquarters in New York and practice the opposite in Libya, he said.
Antonio Elections in Libya are essential
“We also need to extend our collective focus to supporting national reconciliation efforts, and to building and strengthening rule-of-law institutions founded on human rights. Libyan authorities have the responsibility to protect all people in Libya, including migrants and refugees. I am deeply concerned about the dire conditions that refugees and migrants continue to face in detention,” he said.
There is also a need for transparent and equitable management of Libya’s wealth, as a starting point for the inclusive, sustainable development Libyans so desperately need, he added.
Libya today is closer than it has been for many years to solving its internal crisis and breaking the cycle of political transitions, said Guterres.
“We cannot miss this opportunity. I urge all those with power and influence over the situation to put the nation’s well-being and prosperity ahead of their own personal interests. Any party that deliberately undermines or sabotages peace must be held accountable.”
The UN remains fully committed to working with Libyans, the African Union, the League of Arab States, the European Union, and neighbouring countries at this crucial time, he said.
Antonio strongly condemns assassination attempt against Iraqi PM
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the foiled assassination attempt against Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi…reports Asian Lite News
Through a statement attributable to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief called for the perpetrators of this crime to be held accountable, and urged Iraqis to exercise utmost restraint and reject violence and attempts to destabilise Iraq, reports Xinhua news agency.
The Secretary-General “urges all political actors to uphold the constitutional order and resolve differences through peaceful and inclusive dialogue”, the statement added.
Antonio strongly condemns assassination attempt against Iraqi PM
Al-Kadhimi escaped the attempt on his life after an explosive-laden drone struck his residence in Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone early Sunday morning.
According to reports, the exploding drone caused damage to the residence and several of the Prime Minister’s security guards were injured in the attack.
In his latest statement, Kadhimi said that he has identified the perpetrators and “ee will pursue those who committed the crime. We know them well, and we will reveal their identities”.
These perpetrators are the same who killed Nibras Farman, an Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) officer, and they will be brought to justice, the Prime Minister said late Sunday without giving further details.
The assassination attempt came amid protests by followers of political parties rejecting October’s election results.
On November 5, the protests escalated into a clash with the security forces at the entrances of the Green Zone, which led to the killing of two protesters and the wounding of dozens of security members and protesters.
In the Parliamentary elections on October 10, the Sadrist Movement, led by prominent Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, took the lead with more than 70 seats, while the al-Fatah (Conquest) Coalition garnered 17 seats compared with 47 in the 2018 polls.
Antonio urges to find a political solution to crisis in Sudan
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, to find a political solution to the ongoing crisis during a phone call…reports Asian Lite News
The Secretary General “encouraged the developments of all efforts toward resolving the political crisis in Sudan and urgently restoring the constitutional order and Sudan’s transitional process,” according to a release of the Secretary General’s phone call with al-Burhan on Thursday.
Antonio urges to find a political solution to crisis in Sudan
The top UN official “reiterated his call for the release of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other civilians arbitrarily detained in Sudan,” Xinhua news agency reported.
“The Secretary General reaffirmed that the UN will continue to stand with the people of Sudan as they strive to fulfill their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future,” according to the release.
The Sudanese Army dissolved the power-sharing transitional government and detained civilian Prime Minister Hamdok and his cabinet on October 25.
Antonio condemns attack injuring 10 peacekeepers in CAR
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday strongly condemned the attack by members of the presidential guard of the Central African Republic (CAR) which wounded 10 peacekeepers…reports Asian Lite News
Through a statement attributable to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN Chief “emphasizes that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime. He calls on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in investigating and promptly holding accountable the perpetrators of this unacceptable attack,” Xinhua news agency reported.
“The Secretary General wishes a speedy and full recovery to the wounded peacekeepers and civilians, and reiterates his gratitude to the people and the Egypt government for their contribution to peace and stability in the Central African Republic. The Secretary General also expresses his deep condolences to the bereaved family of the Central African civilian who was killed during the incident,” it said.
“The Secretary General reaffirms the solidarity and continued support of the UN to the Central African Republic,” it added.
The presidential guard shot at peacekeepers of the mission, known as MINUSCA, in Bangui on Monday. The police officers from Egypt landed at Bangui’s airport earlier on Thursday. They are part of the periodic rotation and deployment of troops in the country.
He said that the only leverage the international community has with the Taliban is its quest for legitimacy and all nations should be united and “speak with one voice” to be able to use this bargaining power…reports Asian Lite News.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that he is ready to talk to the Taliban that has taken over Afghanistan amid fears of widepread human rights abuses.
“I’m ready to speak myself when it is clear with whom should I speak, for what purpose,” he said on Thursday at a briefing for reporters.
While answering a question about contacts with the Taliban, he said, “I have not spoken myself, but our people in Afghanistan are in close contact with the Taliban and very strongly conveying that message” of respect for human rights and preventing the use of the territory by terrorists.
Guterres said that he was in touch with Qatar, which has facilitated talks between the Taliban, the previous Afghan government and other countries and is now working on getting an inclusive government installed in Kabul.
“I was in close contact yesterday, the day before yesterday, with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar (Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani),” Guterres said. “We are following the Qatar Initiative and supporting it. Let’s hope that there will be a way for an inclusive government in Afghanistan.”
He said that the only leverage the international community has with the Taliban is its quest for legitimacy and all nations should be united and “speak with one voice” to be able to use this bargaining power.
The conditions that the Taliban would have to meet for recognition are “full respect for human rights, and, in particular, the question of women’s rights,” allowing the evacuation of people in danger, and assuring that the territory is never be used again by any terrorist organisation, he said.
Asked if he would seek from the Council a broader mandate in Afghanistan, Guterres said that it has to be reviewed but that it would depend on how the situation develops there.
“If we are successful on this (of getting Taliban agreement on the terms), I think there is a perspective for a renewal of the (Security Council) mandate with one kind of characteristics. If things go wrong, of course, we will have to look into a mandate adapted to whatever will come,” he said.
Antonio Guterres ran unopposed because none of the self-nominated candidates was sponsored by a member nation, reports Arul Louis
The UN General Assembly on Friday appointed Antonio Guterres, to a second term as the Secretary General to lead the world body through the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fight against global warming, which he has made his priority.
After being sworn-in to his second term, Guterres said that he would work for a “breakthrough” for a world at “a critical moment in history”.
The world is “at the cusp of a new era”, he said. “We are truly at a crossroads, with consequential choices before us. Paradigms are shifting. Old orthodoxies are being flipped.”
The 193-member General Assembly’s resolution adopted by acclamation said that in “appreciation for the effective and dedicated service rendered to the United Nations”, it approved the Security Council recommendation to give the former Portuguese Prime Minister another five years starting in January as the world’s top diplomat.
Security Council President Sven Jurgenson said that Guterres conformed to the highest standards of competence and integrity.
"I am deeply honoured and grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve as the Secretary-General of the United Nations for a second term."
The Assembly’s endorsement of the Council’s recommendation was only a formality because, in reality, the five permanent members of the Council through their veto powers control the selection and reappointment of the Secretary General.
Guterres ran unopposed because none of the self-nominated candidates was sponsored by a member nation.
India, which is a non-permanent member of the Security Council, supported Guterres’s re-election there and in the Assembly.
After a meeting with Guterres last month, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted that New Delhi “values” his leadership and would back his re-election.
Guterres said on Friday: “We are writing our own history with the choices we make right now.”
But he warned, “It can go either way: breakdown and perpetual crisis or breakthrough and prospect of a greener, safer and better future for all.”
However, he said that there were hopeful signs and “we feel a new momentum everywhere for an unequivocal commitment to come together to chart a course towards a better future” because of the pandemic’s lessons of “our shared vulnerability, our inter-connectedness and the absolute need for collective action”.
The cooperation seen now in the fight against Covid-19 may not have been possible a decade ago, he said.
He said that the world was beset by “geostrategic divides and dysfunctional power relations” that are manifest in “too many asymmetries and paradoxes”.
They have to be met head-on and “we also need to be aware of how power plays out in today’s world when it comes to the distribution of resources and technology”, he said.
The global proliferation of mistrust is another problem that should not be allowed to overwhelm the world, he added.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, left foreground, at Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan in February 2020. (File Photo UNIAN)
Guterres displayed masterful diplomacy in navigating a deeply polarised Council without antagonising the permanent members while managing the reflexive opposition of former US President Donald Trump to the UN and China’s aggressive diplomacy.
Earlier this month announcing the Council’s recommendation for a second term for Guterres, Jurgenson described him as a “bridge-builder”.
Seven of Guterres’s predecessors were re-elected and only Boutros Boutros Ghali, an Egyptian, was limited to a single term because of Washington’s opposition.
During the Covid-19 crisis, Guterres pursued the equitable distribution of vaccines and other resources while fighting disinformation, and set an agenda for post-pandemic rebuilding to put the world back on track in pursuit of the UN’s sustainable development goals.
His first term was marked by his passionate advocacy of fighting global warming, which he has called an existential threat to humanity, and a top agenda item.
Guterres, who was a UN High Commissioner for Refugees, was the surprise consensus candidate in 2016 when the bets were on a woman, likely from East Europe, getting the job that had been held only by men and never by a East European.
In his first bid in 2016, he received the essential approval of the Security Council after six straw polls in which he outlasted 12 candidates, seven of them women.
But this time Guterres, who was nominated by Portugal, had no official rivals as the Security Council did not recognise at least seven other self-nominated candidates — including Arora Akanksha, a Canadian of Indian descent — because they lacked the backing of any nation.
The requirement for sponsorship by a UN member is not unambiguously stated in the UN Charter or its regulation, but the Council and the Assembly considered it a de facto qualification based on tradtion.
The Assembly resolution appointing Guterres to a second term, said it was “guided by the principles of transparency and inclusivity” as set out in its 2015 resolution that established a modicum of openness to a process that had been shrouded by backroom deals.
The Assembly required the candidates to appear before it to make a pitch for their election.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Front) attends the screening of the United Nations Day Concert 2020 in the General Assembly Hall at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 22, 2020. (Mark Garten/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
This time only Guterres came before the Assembly to layout his vision for his second term and the others were excluded because they were not recognised.
Jugenson and General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir have maintained that a nomination by a member state is necessary — a requirement that would prevent a stampede of self-nominated candidates demanding equal time at the General Assembly with the officially nominated candidates.
Of the self-nominated candidates, only Rosalia Arteaga, a former President of Ecuador, had any shred of credibility and the self-nominations were publicity stunts.
Akanksha, 34, is an employee of the UN Development Programme who made a splashy campaign video pitching her youth and the need for change at a UN weighed down by a sclerotic bureaucracy.
Although she received media coverage, she could not get the support of even her country, Canada, or of India and Saudi Arabia, where she had lived earlier.
