Qatar's UN General Assembly President

Independent Films, Politics

experienced Qatari diplomat who has served as his country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) for more than a decade was today chosen by the world body’s 192 Member States to be the next President of the General Assembly.

Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, 57, who was elected today at the UN by acclamation, will succeed Joseph Deiss of Switzerland when he takes over the presidency in mid-September as the 66th session of the General Assembly begins.

Accepting the post with “great honour,” Al-Nasser proposed that “the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means” serve as the theme for the high-level debate slated to be held at the opening of the Assembly’s next session.

He pledged also to try to work as a bridge between countries rich and poor to help build consensus on key issues such as hunger, poverty, terrorism and climate change.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Al-Nasser on his election, noting that he has long been a supporter of the General Assembly.

“As you once said: ‘An enduring characteristic of this Organization is that – irrespective of the political and practical changes – the General Assembly remains its most inclusive body’,” Ban said.

Following the special meeting Al-Nasser met journalists outside the General Assembly hall.

Commenting on the Palestinian authority’s plan to push for a UN General Assembly resolution recognising it as an independent state he said that he had no idea yet what the Palestinians wanted to do, adding that “at the end of the day it’s up to the Member States to do that.”

Asked to comment on what the General Assembly could do to support Arab countries he said that as an Arab he hoped that the issue of Arab Human Rights would be dealt through the Arab League and added that “for some countries their issue Security Council took the initiative to deal with that, others not yet, nothing. I cannot comment on something which I am not aware yet.”

A Qatari diplomat since November 1972, Al-Nasser has served in postings for his Government in Beirut, Islamabad and Dubai among others. His longest posting has been in New York.

Directors:

• Muhamed Sacirbey (UNTV)

Producers:

• Susan Sacirbey (UNTV)