AA / New York / Iclal Turan
More than 150 heads of state and government, as well as hundreds of ministers, diplomats, NGO representatives and journalists are gathering in New York for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will kick off on Monday.
As one of the world’s most high-profile events approaches, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has stepped up security measures, with several roads in Manhattan closed and security barriers erected. .
New York Police Chief Edward Caban said Thursday that resources would be deployed across the city to ensure security for the event.
“Every branch of our department will be involved,” Caban said, adding, “We will work closely with the Secret Service, the State Department, the FBI and the UN Police.”
The NYPD is also encouraging New Yorkers to take public transportation instead of driving to reduce traffic congestion during the summit.
The New York City Department of Transportation has released a list of traffic jam alert days through the end of 2023. Protected zones and checkpoints will begin Monday at 7 a.m. local time (11 a.m. GMT) and will last until the end of the General Assembly on September 26.
“Dedicated lanes will facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles and dignitary escorts,” said Michael Pilecki, chief of the NYPD’s transit division.
Rodrigo Victor da Paixao, deputy director of the United Nations Security and Protection Service, said security officers were prepared to provide protection for dozens of world leaders.
“From the UN security point of view, it is about consolidating the work of the whole year and intensifying it for the week of the GA,” declared Rodrigo Victor da Paixao, who added that security agents were ready to assume their role of protecting dozens of leaders from around the world. The month of September is marked by an intensification of efforts due to the large number of participants.
“We have a comprehensive plan in place in case we need to transport multiple people to the hospital at the same time. We are working closely with the New York Fire Department, our medical department and neighboring hospitals,” he said. he declared, adding: “We have prepared for all eventualities.”
Several demonstrations on various themes, such as climate change, are expected around the UN headquarters in Manhattan.
The main general meeting begins on Monday and the officers will address the assembly from Tuesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will launch the session at 9 a.m. local time (1 p.m. GMT), followed by the President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago ,
Brazil will be the first country to deliver a speech at the General Assembly, followed by the United States.
This year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be the seventh speaker to address the General Assembly.
*Translated from English by Mourad Belhaj
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2023-09-17 07:00:00
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