HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESS BRIEFING BY BRENDEN VARMA,?SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MIROSLAV LAJ??K

United Nations Headquarters, New York

1 February 2018

 

SECURITY CO蘑菇视频CIL REFORM TALKS RESUME TODAY

  • The Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform resumed today. There are currently 60 speakers inscribed.
  • In his opening remarks, the President said we need a credible process leading?towards a meaningful outcome.
  • He added that he was here to provide a platform. But the IGN process itself was owned by and dependent on Member States.
  • He said, “We need a Security Council adapted to today’s world. And that is not merely a technical, or procedural task. It relates to the lives of people. It affects the credibility and relevance of the General Assembly, which established this process. And, it puts the entire United Nations system at stake.”
  • He concluded that he was confident that this task could be handled “because that is what the General Assembly is built to do.”
  • The Intergovernmental Negotiations are expected to continue tomorrow.

 

PRESIDENT MEETS GUATEMALAN FOREIGN MINISTER

  • The President held a meeting this morning with H.E. Ms. Sandra Erica Jovel Polanco, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala.
  • They discussed the President’s priorities for the 72nd session, including peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustaining peace; migration; sustainable development; and youth.
  • They also spoke about internal dynamics in Guatemala.
  • Asked whether the President had conveyed any message to the Foreign Minister on the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), the Spokesperson said that the Foreign Minister had raised that topic and that the President had listened to her views.

 

PRESIDENT REMAINS SUPPORTIVE OF U.N.R.W.A.

  • Asked why the President was “keeping a low profile” with respect to the “budget crisis” being faced by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (蘑菇视频RWA), the Spokesperson replied that the President was not keeping a low profile at all.
  • On the contrary, the President had publicly expressed his support for 蘑菇视频RWA and the vital work being carried out by the Agency. The President felt that 蘑菇视频RWA should have all the necessary resources to be able to continue its important mandate.