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Mugabes off to New York, US
21 Sep 2014 at 11:24hrs | Views
President Robert Mugabe yesterday flew to New York for the high-level segment of the 69th United Nations (UN) General Assembly session.
Mugabe is accompanied by First Lady Grace Mugabe, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi; Savior Kasukuwere, the minister of Environment, Water and Climate, and other senior government officials.
During his absence, Joice Mujuru will be the acting president.
Mugabe, who was seen off at the airport by Mujuru, Cabinet ministers, service chiefs and senior government officials, flew to New York as United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon yesterday called on world leaders to unite in the face of the myriad devastating crises to uphold human dignity, the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter.
"At this time of turmoil, the next two weeks will highlight again the indispensable role of the United Nations in tackling global threats and seizing opportunities for common progress," said Ban as he spoke to journalists at the world body's New York Headquarters.
"We are anticipating an impressive turnout of leaders from government, business, finance and civil society.
"Most important, we are expecting significant commitments and progress," the secretary-general said, adding that he hoped to address the horrendous violence in Syria and Iraq, where conflict and governance failures have provided a breeding ground for extremism.
The General Assembly is the main deliberative and policy making body of the United Nations and considers things such as the UN budget, recommendations for global peace and security, and electing member countries to temporary seats on the UN Security Council.
Each of the 193 UN member states sends representatives to the assembly, which typically meets in regular session intensively between September and December each year.
Mugabe is accompanied by First Lady Grace Mugabe, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi; Savior Kasukuwere, the minister of Environment, Water and Climate, and other senior government officials.
During his absence, Joice Mujuru will be the acting president.
Mugabe, who was seen off at the airport by Mujuru, Cabinet ministers, service chiefs and senior government officials, flew to New York as United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon yesterday called on world leaders to unite in the face of the myriad devastating crises to uphold human dignity, the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter.
"At this time of turmoil, the next two weeks will highlight again the indispensable role of the United Nations in tackling global threats and seizing opportunities for common progress," said Ban as he spoke to journalists at the world body's New York Headquarters.
"We are anticipating an impressive turnout of leaders from government, business, finance and civil society.
"Most important, we are expecting significant commitments and progress," the secretary-general said, adding that he hoped to address the horrendous violence in Syria and Iraq, where conflict and governance failures have provided a breeding ground for extremism.
The General Assembly is the main deliberative and policy making body of the United Nations and considers things such as the UN budget, recommendations for global peace and security, and electing member countries to temporary seats on the UN Security Council.
Each of the 193 UN member states sends representatives to the assembly, which typically meets in regular session intensively between September and December each year.
Source - dailynews
