{"id":176508,"date":"2019-01-28T14:29:25","date_gmt":"2019-01-28T19:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/73\/?p=176508"},"modified":"2019-01-28T14:29:25","modified_gmt":"2019-01-28T19:29:25","slug":"press-briefing-by-spokesperson-28-january-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/73\/2019\/01\/28\/press-briefing-by-spokesperson-28-january-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"Press Briefing by Spokesperson \u2013 28 January 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
As you now, the PGA is back in the office after concluding a successful trip to Pakistan and Oman last week.\u00a0She has begun her day by attending\u00a0a ceremony in the GA Hall to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
MS. ESPINOSA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST<\/strong><\/p>\n
President Mar\u00eda Fernanda Espinosa has spoken in a meeting at the General Assembly on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. The date marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in on 27 January 1945.<\/p>\n
In her speech, Ms. Espinosa recalled her visit to the camp, in Poland, in December last year, when she placed a wreath before the \u2018Wall of Death\u2019 to pay tribute to the victims. \u00a0<\/p>\n
In her remarks, the PGA said, and I quote that: \u201cOne cannot enter such a place and leave unchanged. And truly, I cannot think of that place and what it represents without worrying about what humanity is capable of inflicting\u201d.<\/p>\n
The President of the GA affirms that lessons must be learned from\u00a0history and that is why it is so vital that we remember the Holocaust and honour the victims of that atrocity for:\u00a0\u201cit is only in remembering and through education that we can ensure that the hatred\u00a0of others, the demonisation of groups and the cynical manipulation of opinion that promotes such hatred and attacks on them, can be countered and stopped.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
VENEZUELA: PGA CALLS FOR URGENT POLITICAL DIALOGUE<\/strong><\/p>\n
The PGA has been closely following the latest political developments in Venezuela with great concern. Her solidarity is with the people of Venezuela.<\/p>\n
Ms. Mar\u00eda Fernanda Espinosa calls upon all relevant parties to find political solutions to the situation, to avoid the escalation of tensions and violence and further deaths.<\/p>\n
The President also calls for urgent political dialogue focused on the need for peace and stability. Ms. Espinosa says that the\u00a0international community must contribute to a peaceful atmosphere.<\/p>\n
She acknowledges the mediation-offers by different countries to encourage meaningful national dialogue involving all relevant stakeholders in Venezuela as the most effective way to restore the calm as well as the cooperation needed for the country to work for its people.<\/p>\n
A peaceful solution in a manner that is consistent with Venezuela\u2019s Constitution and international law is the only way to ensure the well-being of\u00a0all\u00a0Venezuelans.<\/p>\n
PGA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO BRAZIL AFTER DAM BURST<\/strong><\/p>\n
The President of the General Assembly conveys\u00a0her condolences to the city of Brumadinho, in the southeast of Brazil, where a dam burst last week causing the death of 58 people. Hundreds are still missing.<\/p>\n
Ms. Espinosa is deeply sad about the tragic loss of life. She expresses her solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who died, as well as with all people who lost their homes and livestock in this terrible event.<\/p>\n
The PGA wishes a speedy recovery to people injured and extends her condolences to the government of the state of Minas Gerais and the Government of Brazil.<\/p>\n
MS. ESPINOSA CONDEMNS ATTACKS IN THE PHILIPPINES<\/strong><\/p>\n
Yesterday, Ms. Espinosa issued a tweet strongly condemning a terrorist attack against a Christian Cathedral on Jolo island, in southern Philippines.<\/p>\n
At least 20 people have died during the attack, which happened when the Sunday Mass was being celebrated.<\/p>\n
Ms. Mar\u00eda Fernanda Espinosa said that she stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and with all people in the Philippines. For the PGA there is no justification for such acts of violence and terrorism. She wishes all people injured in the attack a speedy recovery.<\/p>\n
More details on our website and on the PGA\u2019s Twitter account @UN_PGA.<\/p>\n
This is all from us. Do you have any questions?<\/p>\n