Thank you for listening to Pictures Media Radio. Welcome to Policy and Rights, the show about the government, policy and human rights. All right, welcome back to Policy and Writes Here Depictions Media Radio. I'm your host, Michael Kloks. We're gonna hear from the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Blair and also Finance Minister Freeland as they're talking about new defense measures and budgets for
the Canadian forces. They will be reporting from a famous Canadian base in Ottawa or Ontario, should I say. We're also gonna hear from the UN Press floor as oncoming things. Of course, still with the efforts in Ukraine between Ukraine and Russia, you've probably heard something about the there was a nuclear power plant struck uh as one of the newer developments in the fighting that is actually
going on. We're going to hear from the UN Press for of course, about Gaza, Iran and other issues around the world that are happening and should be addressed with humanitarian efforts as well as peaceful efforts to try to bring more peace and trust to our world. So, but let's some some other updates
here in Gaza. Israel has withdrawn its forces from Coniunis in southern Gaza at their months of intense fighting, leaving much of the city in ruins, but the Israeli troops far from stopping operations on the enclave, the military chief of staff said. Israeli's Defense minister emphasized that troops will be prepared for new missions, including Rafa, where about one point five million Palestinians are sheltering, and
there's also been talks between Israel and Hamas in Cairo. They're hoping for significant progress to yield from the talks, and the Egyptian State reported the negotiations aim to achieve a cease fire and hostage release. In Ukraine, Ukrainian resident Zelensky said his country will lose the war with Russia if the US doesn't supply more
aid. Zelensky, in a video conference on Sunday, pleated for more munitions and warned that other states will be attacked if Ukraine is unable to sustain resistance.
Meanwhile, the zappor Hesia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, of course, was damaged by a drone attack, and the International Atomic Energy Agency called the strike a serious incident with potential to undermine the integrity of the reactor's containment system, but the also did stress that the damage did not compromise NiCoT or
safety. In US Congress, the House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a luminic threat to his speakership and mounting pressure to decide whether he will finally move ahead on aid to Ukraine. Last week, the Republican representative Marjorie Green bluntly warm Johnson that moving ahead with a package for Ukraine would be one of the most gregarious things he could do, and the threat to force the House vote seeking his
ulster. The issue for Johnson remains that to aid to Ukraine will lead a large number of Democratic votes, including from law makers aiming to include funding from Israel in the package. Congress will confront a series of other major issues in the coming week, including impeachment, a battle against Homeland Security Secretary Alexandro ma
Correz, and recovery efforts of the collapse Baltimore Bridge. The French just got key and finally in Houston, Aboeing seven point thirty seven to eight hundred plane operated by the Southwest Airlines return to safety to remember after losing an engine cover. The FAA said they will investigate and which occurred during the incident occurred while while takeoff. So this has been a string of mechanical issues that have been
plaguing the Boeing aircraft many different parts of the country. A lot of Boeing incidents happening. So why don't we move forward and listen to what Justin Trudeau and his Defense minister and Finance minister have to say about funding for Canadian defense and Canadian forces as they continue to try to do their job around the world.
Twit Good morning everyone. It's wonderful to be here with all of you at c f B Trenton, alongside my colleagues, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Freeland, Minister Blair, and of course General Air and Chief Exavier are CIF Commander Lieutenant General Kenny and eight Wing Commander Colonel James Laspendonner j mekadeg Vupali de nouvelle messio e Canadien de lasombs pei in prix ugeldui no pondo obizois duprizan s didlavnier e la. As we invest in the future, we will
be there to support the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I'd like to first of all thank the members of c A of the Royal of the c AF here today for their service and commitment to Canada. Today's announcement is as much about you as it is about ensuring that we have the tools that you
need to succeed. And now it is my pleasure to well come the Prime Minister to the podium, Mister tremminez Avoula paroil Merciegenette for lent reductionist tressue de Compagni de la vis Premier minist Christia Freeland, a ministre la de franse Ville Blair USSI. I want to thank General Wayne Air and the members of eight Wing and other cathemers at c f B Trenton for having us here today with
them. This Canadian Forces Base where we are today, c f B Trenton was established in the time of peace between the First and Second World Wars. It was farmland became an air base for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It opened nearly a century ago and during the Second World War it became the largest training center and unit of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. My grandfather James Sinclair would have come through Trenton when he was a member of the RCAA on
his way to serve in North Africa. During the Second World War, people came here from far and wide to train and fly people who went off to war, people who fought to defend what Canada stands for, freedom, justice, fairness and peace. A lot of people who didn't come home. They were a generation that made immense sacrifices. We their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could live in peace. Service to country and to Canadian values defines who
we are. We've always known that we're the best country in the world, so we understand our obligation to do our part. It's what we did in World War I and World War II, where names like Vimy Ridge, Dieppe and Juno Beach became part of Canadian lore, and it's what we did in the decades that followed. It's why Cap Young Hill in Korea, Camp Nathan
Smith in Candorhar and Campa Dazzi in Latvia are so meaningful. Grass courage, the bata called the Natristois the Canada a Ugmontes spons Alacri de Suez pross on Ireland, Juno Roquebut, Prison de m Randa in Tronmen. Canadians are connected to the world, and we've always punched above our weight. Today we live in an increasingly complex and challenging time, So now more than ever, the
world needs more Canada, and the world needs more Canadians. And whereas in the entirety of the twentieth century we sent our people out to the front lines across the world, we are now on the front lines of new and evolving threats. Technological advances and cyber attacks mean there are myriad ways for engagement that
go beyond traditional borders. Rising and disruptive powers like China and Russia mean NATO's northern and western flank is the Canadian Arctic, and climate change is rapidly reshaping Canada and reshaping are North Les Mambre de forts a rican a Jenson, depuell priceu van Avon, while for it is Ragan Lglais, Polaire, Divos, na guivat In, Vouin, na Vigabre, s pres exsibre Cetuto tremande Natristois. The Northwest Passage could become the most efficient shipping route between Europe and Asia
by twenty fifty, that's just twenty six years away. Canadians are once again called upon to meet the moment. Today we are announcing our next commitment to our armed forces and to Canadians security. With the investments laid out in Our North Strong and Free. It makes seventy three billion dollars worth of investments over the next twenty years. Our North Strong and Free invests in new surveillance,
ca capabilities for land, sea, and air in the North. It leverages Canada's world class technology, including in AI and quantum, so we can stay ahead of the curve. It creates jobs, and importantly, it supports all those of you who serve. This is about protecting our values, our sovereignty, and our North. Indigenous peoples have long been in integral to Canada's identity as a northern nation, but too often defense in the North has been entirely
separate from the people who've lived there for millennia. This must never again be the case. Our investments in the North must serve both Canada's defense and the well being and success of the Inuit, First Nations and Metis who've always been
its stewards. This is something I've heard directly from Inuit leadership and a crucial piece of our work together to advance the Arctic and Northern Policy framework gis vous presant de soissin pres Milia de da las Serventannuvre, la Vision Canada and mattiel de defense conne applis norenald for relebre les portance strategic de la de monti a cos de change, mantrematic and arrentval protegere steal a thin point to the La
technologysasur Rica not defense modern, a call correspond and the objective down the nouvelle capacity down to nuvo material is only mam de Farsaradian, thevestism Conford trevestism substantial con so no nucn the milk catars, the depens mna matir, the defense Avi shuti as just u person the not prod enterior bread, the pidomel size not for governorment mellow Canada's laban vo pocus defense depends a mature of the defense
A plus could double Avon thel vincisvestisman dog Martino contributional lot the modernis the reneforcil Norada, quad presence down a region and the Pacific. And we are supporting our friends in Ukraine as they push back against Putin Russia's illegal and unjustifiable invasion is a direct attempt to fracture the foundations of democracy and our global rules based
order. It's an attempt to undermine the values and principles that previous generations fought for, subsequent generations benefited from, and that we must secure for this generation of Canadians and the next. This is why we are stepping up once again to preserve and defend the rules based order that has allowed people around the world to prosper for the better part of the last century. To stand up for Canadian values like freedom, justice, fairness and peace, to keep Canada and
the world safer in a time of increasing difficulty. Now is the time to do even more, and our government is answering the call with this investment. Avant Ermine Gemri Madrisi directmn Uffamus de fort arme Canadian Lemonde chanche nenout Valdiann Chanchepin. Every day you, as proud members of the Canadian Armed Forces, show us what service to country, service to the values, ideals and people of
this country means. We need you. The world needs you to continue to step up, and we will be there to give you the support and resources and tools you need to match your courage and your convictions, Mercy Portusko Ruffette. I will now turn it over to the Deputy Prime Minister, Christian good morning today. It's worth reminding ourselves why Canada steps up, Why we devote
time and treasure to foreign policy and defense. Why we send Canadian soldiers, sailors, aviators, diplomats, aid workers, intelligence officers, doctors, nurses, medics and engineers into dangerous places even when Canadian soil is not directly at risk. Force is of course always a last resort. Principled use of force, together with our allies and governed by international law, is part of our history and it must be part of our future. To have that capacity requires
a substantial investment which our government is making. Amentsre price les fort sermee canayen cousissois or leturni u on novel coos en repondu a LaBelle de canayen e canayen emetnan seer nore tour de fer norepar for nof arme. When I was in Poland with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense in February, I had the opportunity to meet members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are training members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of Operation Unifier. They were amazing.
I was so moved and inspired by their dedication and their commitment to service, to serving others and to serving Canada. Every day they are helping democracy triumph over dictatorship. They are proud of their work, as we all should be. So I want to take a moment to say to them, and to all members of our Canadian armed forces, including the great people who are with us here today, thank you Merciboku. We are here for you, just as you are here for us every single day as a country. We are
so proud of you and we are tremendously grateful for your service. A une book uh les bisuen a maquere de de France a de securite change les monts pro denout forme duarve avoire, lessugi resource necessaireurite do Canada a sepopulacion. Canada's national interest in investing in a capable, professional and robust military is clear.
If middle powers are not prepared to stand up for and, if necessary, fight for peace and stability around the world, the rules of the game, including international borders, will be left for the great powers to determine between themselves. That would not be good for the world, and that most certainly not be good for Canada and Canadians. We cannot be at the mercy of decisions made without us in foreign capitals. We must be a strong and reliable partner
for our democratic allies. That is why we are making these necessary investments in our military to place the Canadian Armed Forces on a stronger footing, with the equipment, training and resources they need, with the equipment, training and resources you need, and with the consistent, predictable funding needed to do difficult, dangerous and absolutely essential work. Investing in our armed forces is an investment in
Canada's sovereignty, in our future prosperity. It is an investment in Canadians. We are investing to protect democracy, freedom, peace and fairness for the next generation of Canadians so they can enjoy the same security and prosperity that was bequeathed to us by our parents and grandparents, often at a very very high price. We owe young Canadians no less. Thank you, and over now to our Minister of Defense, Thank you Christ. We'll take it. Thanks very
having. I don't think I'll need that. Good morning everyone, Monsieur de Lemonde. One of the greatest responsibilities of every national government is to ensure the security of their citizens, and for us, the responsibility to ensure the safety, security and defensive Canada, for all Canadians is our primary rule. In order to fulfill that role, we need people in uniform, We need partners, and we need allies, and we need to invest significantly in our country's
defense. And over the past few years we have steadily increased our defense spending through our twenty seventeen Defense policy Strong, Secure and Engaged, and our plan to modernize nor D. But quite frankly, it has has been well articulated by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. The world has changed and continues to change, and we must do more. The changing threat environment is
one of the things that challenges most significantly. Climate change is disproportionately affecting our Arctic, which is warming at four times the global average, and as the polar ice cap melts, the Arctic is becoming more accessible and we are seeing
much greater Russian and Chinese activity in the region. Overseas, Russia is undermining the international rules that has kept us all safe for nearly eighty years through its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and China is challenging these same rules in the Indo Pacific, and at the same time, technology is rapidly changing, with new missiles and other threats that have moving faster and are harder to detect.
And to meet this moment, we need to step up. We need to invest more in our national defense, and today we are releasing our North Strong and Free of renewed vision for Canada's defense. With the new investments that we're announcing today, Canada will invest an additional eight point one billion dollars over the next five years and approximately seventy three billion dollars over the next twenty years.
The investments, which will be in budget twenty twenty four, will bring our defense spending to one point seventy six percent of GDP by twenty twenty nine twenty thirty. This is a very significant and necessary step towards reaching our NATO commitment of two percent of GDP, and by twenty thirty our government will have
almost tripled our defense budget from twenty fourteen fifteen. And through this policy, we are committing to an ambitious program of investment that will leave Canadians safer and more prosperous. Job number one is ensuring Canada's sovereignty here at home, specifically
in our Arctic and in our northern regions. And to get this done, we are making a series of focused investments in the Arctic and for continental security, and these will include a new fleet of earning early warning aircraft, a new fleet of tactical helicopters, a network of infrastructure in the North, long range missiles to deter threats to Canada, new maritime sensors and a satellite ground
station in the Arctic, and much more. There will be significant opportunities to invest in multi use infrastructure that can support CALF operations and as at the same time, contribute to the needs of territorial governments indigenous people in northern communities.
We will work with First Nations Meeting and Intuit in truth partnership and consultation, and have the opportunity over the past few days to speak to all of our northern premiers, the the leadership of the ITK and the AFN, and we are absolutely committed to working collaboratively together to produce the best results for our northern
communities and for Canada's defense. We are also exploring options to renew and expand our submarines with a new conventional fleet which will be capable of operating under the ice. We're exploring options to protect our critical infrastructure with ground based air defenses. And on top of this, we're also establishing a new cyber a CALF Cyber Command to better integrate the CALF and Communications Security Establishment into a unifying team
to support Canadian interests. And I would point out that we have both the Chief of Defense and the Chief of CSE here with us today, and as we prioritize the defense of Canada, we are also investing in the capabilities that we need to be a reliable NATO ally and to maintain a persistent presence in
the Indo Pacific. And this will include investments to extend the life of our Class class our how investing nine point four billion dollars to build more artillery ammunition in Canada, including a significant three hundred million dollar investment to help Canadian industry tool up to create new production lines and to secure new supply chains. We are exploring options with our industry to modernize our artillery weapons and to upgrade and
replace our tank and lab fleets. Defense policy is also industrial policy, and today's announcement is intended to give our industry partners the certainty and clarity that they have been very clear that they require to increase production and to support our troops. Ramping up our production is vital because in fact, production is the turrets, and it supports thousands of good jobs right across this country and to our
industry partners. We know that we need to do business differently, and that is why we are launching a review of our defense procurement processes to get more equipment delivered, faster and more efficiently for all Canadians. And as we proceed with this work, we know that the world will continue to rapidly evolve and to properly account for these changes. Were also committed to a regular cycle of
defense policy reviews and national security strategies every four years. And of course, none of this work is possible without the extraordinary people who work in the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Armed Forces, which is why we are going to invest one hundred million dollars to improve childcare access for CALF members and an
additional three hundred million dollars to improve military housing. We will also be taking measures to recruit and retain more members for the Canadian Armed Forces, including by reforming some of our medical and security processes. And I want to provide all of you with the assurances we will not compromise on the extraordinary and excellent standards that you have always maintained. We just need to get more people in the door, and to get more people in the uniforms faster. We will be
creating a number of innovations, including the introduction of a probationary period. We need to attract and retain people from right across Canada and for them to feel that they can make an extraordinary contribution and have an extraordinary career as members of
the Canadian military. Ultimately, this policy is about building a Canadian Armed Forces ready to meet tomorrow's challenges, a military that's equipped to defend the Arctic and to protect Canada's sovereignty from the new threats we are facing, and to fulfill our obligations and to do our part to maintain Canada's place in keeping global peace.
This policy are North Strong and Free will give our troops the tools that they need to defend Canada to preserve our values for which generations of Canadians have fought before us. It will help Canada to defend the freedom and prosperity that our parents have bequeathed to us, and it will ensure that the next generation of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces members can count on a modern, reliable tools to keep our country safe in a changing world. Thank you very much,
Bessie. Okay, before we move forward to the you and press floor, Okay to arrest for meate in Nigeria after an Australian boy commits suicide. The Australian police say the teenage victim had traded explicit energy images with a person online before he began making threats and demanding money. After a global investigation, the pair responsible for this work tracked down in Nigeria, where they will face court. The police say this sextortion, particularly of young people, is dramatically
rising. Details of the boy's age and where he lived in South Wales, Australia will not be released and the North House, Wales police described the alleged extortions of the young males and they threatened to send the photos to the teenager's friends and family if he did not pay them, which looks to be about three hundred and thirty dollars, and that could be significant for a teenager and moving forward. Elon Musk is under inquiry in Brazil. The Brazilian Supreme Court
judge has opened an inquiry into Musk. As a multi billion billionaire, said he would reactivate accounts on social media platforms such as X formerly known as Twitter that the judge ordered to be blocked must post it on the platform that the re chitchens have been lifted because the court order was unconstitutional. He also called for Justice Alexandra de Moores to resign or be impeached. If X fails to comply with the order, they will be fined about nineteen thousand dollars a day
until they actually comply. In his decision, Justice Mores wrote that mister Musk had launched a disinformation campaign against the Supreme Court, So why don't we listen to what happened on the UN floor as other issues around the world have been happening. You'll beat all right, good afternoon, happy Monday. That's a such thing, A couple of programming notes for you. And I don't mean to step on Monica's stones, but eleven o'clock President General Assembly will be here
to brief on sustainability week then at twelve thirty. Then I will have the briefing at noon. At twelve thirty, the Deputy Secretary General I mean to Mohammad will brief you on the Financing for Sustainable Development Report twenty twenty four. The report is issued by the Secretary General's Interagency Task Force on Financing for Development, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and a whole host of other agencies. So feel free to bring in some your lunch. As you
said, through three briefings tomorrow, you will have seen that. Over the weekend we issued a statement in which the Secretary General said he's alarmed by the forced entry of ecuador and security forces into the premises of the Embassy of Mexico in Quito. In Ecuador. The Secretary General reaffirmed the cardinal principle of inviability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, and he also emphasized that this principle
must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law. The Secretary General also called for moderation and exhorted both governments to solve their differences through peaceful means. And a quick update for you on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. First, as you may have seen very late last week, our colleagues at OCHA in the World Health Organization finally reached the Al Shifa Hospital after finally getting permissions
from the Israeli authorities to do so. Our colleagues OCHA reported that the hospital had been destroyed and deserted. The World Health Organization said that shallow graves had been dug just outside of the emergency department and other buildings. Also, a new OCHA report which is currently online on access constraints in Gaza said that restrictions and denials of planned aid movements by Israeli authorities continue to hamper the delivery of
life saving assistance. During the month of March, more than half of the un coordinated food missions to high risk areas requiring coordination with Israeli authorities were either denied or impeded. Meanwhile, there was just one primary route designated for access by humanitarian workers between southern and northern Gaza, with only limited use of the
so called fence road on Gaza's eastern border. Thus far, despite these restrictions, we and our partners continue to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and wherever and whenever we can. Last week, seventeen health partners provided primary and secondary health services to almost a quarter of a million people. The work is also underway to expand medical service points between the western coastal areas of Rafa and
Darryl Bala. Meanwhile, several partners working on water, sanitation and hygiene provided assistance to more than one hundred and thirty thousand people. Last week. They distributed more than ten thousand cubic meters of clean water by truck and safely collected
and disposed of more than fifty two tons of solid waste. And in a joint statement on the occasion of six months since the exchange of fire started across the Blue Line, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Rowenka, and the head of the UN Interim Force in Life been on unifil A, Lieutenant General Aroldo Lazzaro, urgently appealed today to all sides to commit to a cessation of hostilities under the framework of Security Council Resolution seventeen zero one and also to avail
of all avenues to avoid further escalation while there is still space for diplomacy. Dozens of civilians have tragically lost their lives, while many more have lost their homes and livelihoods. The statement said. Both officials underscored the importance of focusing anew on the overarching objectives of a permanency, far and long term solution to the conflict, saying that the United Nations stands ready to support such efforts.
And turning to Haiti, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the emergency response in the capital continues despite ongoing in security. Since early March, the World Food Program reached over five hundred thousand people, including for school feeding, social protection and emergency activities across Haiti. It has also distributed some five hundred thousand hot meals to over seventy six seventy six thousands internally displaced persons in
fifty seven sites in the Greater Porta Prince Metropolitan Area. Partners have also delivered nearly four million leaders of drinking water to twenty nine displacement sites, benefiting more
than sixty thousand people. Also, UNICEF's Gender based Violence Response reach over four thousand, five hundred people, including with psychosocial support and the dissemination of information on risks and services to combat gender based violence in communities and sorry and for its part, the UN Population Fund continues to provide services through two hot lines
for psycho Psycho excuse me for psychological support referral and case documentation. Also as a reminder, the six and seventy four million dollar humanitarian response plan for eighty is currently just under seven percent funded. And just to move to Ukraine, I can tell you that the Secretary General shares with the International Atomic and Age
Monday is a difficult day. I can tell you that the Secretary General shares the concern raised by Raphael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, regarding
the drone strikes that hit the side of Ukraine's Japparicia nuclear power plant. In a statement released yesterday, mister Grossi said that this is a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the nuclear power plant, adding that such reckless attack significantly increase the risk of major nuclear incident and must cease immediately.
Also in Ukraine are Humanitarian Coordinator there Denise Brown condemned attacks that took place on the fifth and sixth of April in the East and South of the country, which impacted civilians and civilian infrastructure. Local authorities reported that dozens of civilian casualties in the cities of Jepparitza and Kharkiv and their respected regions. Humanitarian organizations are mobilized and provide hot meals, emergency repair materials and psychological support, complementing the
efforts of national and municipal organizations. Meanwhile, in the Donets region, attacks on the fifth of April destroyed a facility run by the NGO Doctors without Borders that took place in Pukorufsk in the do in the Donets region, and moving on to South Udan where are peacekeepers there deployed at the temporary operating base in Tambora in Western Equatoria Province, are intensifying the patrols in the area to protect
civilians in the area. The peacekeeping colleagues reported that these additional measures in view of the recent escalations in intercommunal tensions and heightened insecurity in the area. The mission also said that working with local authorities to support the population in resolving disputes peacefully so they can continue going about their livelihoods without fear of displacement or violence
and turning to Southern Africa. In Zimbabwe are humanitarian colleagues say they are concerned over the impact of drought on brought boy by al Nino, which last week prompted the third country in the region, Zimbabwe, to declare state of emergency, and that follows decisions taken by the Zambian and the governments of Malawi.
Authorities in Zimbabwe I say that more than two point seven million people in the country are facing food insecurity as a result, despite the governments and the humanitarian partner's investment in programs meant to head off the worst impacts of the drought. The humanitarian community in Zimbabwe is also concerned that the scarcity and depletion of safe
order resources could lead to an uptick incommunable communicable diseases. We and our partners stand ready to scale up life saving assistance in Zimbabwe but the need but we need adequate funding to do so. A flash appeal for the humanitarian response to the drought in the country is being finalized and will be launched soon. A couple of senior personnel appartments to flag just to put on the record that on Friday, the Secretary General appointed Julie Bishop of Australia as a Special Envoy on
Myanmar. She succeeds Noline Heiser Singapore, to whom the Secretary General is grateful for her dedicated its service on that issue. Ms Bishop brings extensive political, legal management and senior leadership experience to the role. She's held several high level positions in the Australian government, including, as you will recall, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, and she is currently the Chancellor of Australia's National University. Also today, the Development Coordination Office tells US that Secretary of journal is appointed Violette Kakimoya of Uganda and Franco Jacob of France as Resident Coordinators in Burundi and Armenia respectively. Now the host government has approved them. They start their new post todaysk Moya brings more than twenty years of experience in development, peace building and
humanitarian programming. She was formerly the UN Resident Coordinator in Chad, Resident Coordinator in Madagascar and served as Tree represented US for un FPA and Guinea Bissan Malawi. Ms Jakov, for her part, brings over twenty years of experience in humanitarian development work. She was previous previously the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia as the UN and she also served as the UNUPS representative in Brussels and in South Asia. Lastly, on Friday, we got some money, but we wanted
to save it for today. To test your knowledge. The planet Tatuine featured in Star Wars franchise has scenes. What exactly we know? Yeah, you're our only hope. Deji, thank you, that's soon. Keep that one, Keep that one for next month. Uh. We want to thank our friends in Tunis for their payment. That makes us takes us to ninety eight states. We will hit the century mark for you cricket fans very soon.
I have a feeling you're cricket. Oh wait, he won Sorry Deshi, I was gonna go to Anadik. Yeah but you yeah, we'll say, we'll find you a cricket for for four days. Four days ago, Israeli government decided that they are going to Rea to open the third border crossing areas and to also increase the humanitarian aid delivery. Now it's been four days, is there any update on the humanitarian delivery volumes or or point of entries. Well, to our knowledge, no, No, eight trucks have passed through
the areas crossing. Yet at least U n coordinated or you went facilitated UH trucks yesterday about uh on, what tells us that about one hundred and three trucks entered the Gaza strip and that's sixty four via cream Shaloman already nine via Rafa which has been I think roughly the same numbers as previously. So no increase yet I don't none, at least through through errors. Thank you, Steph. As you know today earlier today the Security Council revived the Palestinian application
for for you and membership. My question to you, I have two questions, if you don't mind. The first question is does the Secretary General believe that the State of Palestine meets the requirements an Article four? And then my second question is does the Secretary General support the timeline? According to the President of the Security Council, they're hoping to complete this process by end of this
month April. This process, as well as the judgment on the validity of the membership, is strictly in the hands of the member states, and the Secretary of General's no common to this point. Let's move on to Al Jaziabis. Thank you, so more pictures and footage is coming out of a Schiffa hospital. Last week you mentioned that who personnel we're able to visit. You have an update on that and if they reported back on what they saw and
what the assessed on the ground. I mean, no more than what I just reported to you, but that visibly, from what we've been told, the situation is catastrophic, to say the least. Senior. Before then I will go to the screen, Steph. More on the conflict on Mexico and
Ecuador. I've seen this statement, but today the Mexican Foreign Minister said that she's sending a letter to the Scriptory General asking to act more than a statement, and I send the issue to the humor Rest Council and the General Assembly. Well, we will wait to see the letter from Missus Barsena and the Secretary Journal will act upon it. And as always he is, you know, should both uh, should both parties want it, He's always his good
offices as in anywhere are are available. But I think you saw from the statement, I think his language was was very clear on the issue and the need to protect embassy's diplomatic and consular premises in accordance with international law. Is there a possibility that the UN acts against the the this unusual? Wellador,
listen, let's take a look at the letter. I think when you say the UN acts, I think the question is which bit of the U n A you referring to, whether one of the legislative bodies of the UN will take action. I think we have to wait and see Margaret and then Stefano and Julie Bishop on Myanmar. When will she start and where will she be based? She will likely be based in Australias. This is not a full time position. When she starts is not only a valley question from one I
should have asked myself to my colleagues. Uh Servakara Ratzep, thank you stephan In. It is fair that Iran will target Israeli embassies around the world. Has the Secretary General Guitaras spoken to the Iranians? Eze Guitarist worried that conflict could across. As I've said a couple of times, the Secretary General spoke to the Foreign Minister of Iran last week. We are very publicly concerned about the risk of further escalation in the region. Mush Vik, thank you,
thank you, Stephny yes, sir, and I can see you. Yeah. The Indian Foreign Minister has dismissed event calls by saying, I don't need the event to tell me our elections should be free and fair. How do you respond? I don't tend to. I don't tend to response to responses of things that I've already that I've already said. So I'm not looking to
me. I'm just wondering if any member stage democratic rights have been challenged with crackdown on opposition, attacks on media and minorities by the government, should not that you were stand for this fundamental I think I said something very clear. I'm not changing what I said. What I'm saying to you, I'm not interested whether in many in cases as you know, I'm not interested in going on a back and forth on having people comment on what I say, then
me commenting on what they said about my comments. So we stand by what we said. Thank you, Miriam and then Linda, Thank you step On the Special Envoy for Afghanistan. Is there any update? Is there any timeline when the Second General is going to choose someone for the position? Uh? Note the process is ongoing. As soon as there is a public update Miriam, I hope to be able to share with you. Thank you, Linda, thank you Steph. Regarding Iran, you mentioned that the SG had been
in contact last week. I was just wondering how how much discussion or how prevalent is the discussion or meetings are they going on with the Iranian officials and also what was the level of communication with the Iranian mission here in New York between the Secretary and the Iranian missions just the top UN officials who deal with Iran well, I mean, it depends on what issue. Just like any
other members state, we deal with the permanent missions here. Different departments deal with in different entities in the UN deal with the governments depending on what they wanted to talk about. I mean, on the Secretary General's you know, has been in regular contact with the Iranian Foreign Minister. Whenever the Foreign Minister comes to New York, he asks to see the Secretary in General. So the contacts are continuing it at many different levels, Miss Sheer, I didn't
see anything over the weekend on the drone strikes on Zapparitia. Is the Secretary General concerned about escalating tensions around Europe's largest nuclear plant with respect I think I just expressed sorry, that's okay. That was almost a third item. I read sorry so much. That's okay, that's okay. I can barely speak, so I don't expect you to be able to listen fully. Abdelhahmid,
thank you, thank you for past and ja. After fairy eight years in jail, he was supposed to be released in twenty twenty three, he was diagnosed with fatal disease cancer, and after October seven he was neglected. He was taken to hospital twice, and yet he was not released. So Israel is not only not releasing his body to his family, but they stormed the village when his family was receiving people to pay condolences and arrested somebody today.
Do you have any state? Are you aware of this development? Do you have anything to say? I mean, I've seen the reports of his passing. I think we, along with our human rights colleagues, have repeatedly expressed our concern about the conditions of detention and number of prisoners, especially those who are suffering a very serious health issues. Okay, deji Oh yeah. For those of you can't see, Degi's wearing his lunar eclipse classes. Hi Steph,
look like extra I can I cannot see a thing here. Yeah, there's a there's an eclipse today. Obviously is the Sector General going to see it? And what does the astrologer told him? This? What what it means? I'm not aware that Antonio Guteris uh regularly sees or has ever seen an astrologer. Okay, I don't think it's in his personality. He's an engineer. He is a fact based person. With all due respect to astrology, it's not his his thing. I don't know if he'll be watching it.
I don't think this building is his best placed unless we moved it to the Hudson. On that note, Monica or yours, thank you very much, Seph. Good afternoon everyone. I have three notes for you today and before we meet again tomorrow morning. Here So, the President of the General Assembly, mister Denis francis Is, spoke this morning at the Plenary meeting on Agenda Item sixty three use of the veto Member States. Heard remarks by the
Federation of Russia and the Republic of China on two vetos costs. During the vote of a draft resolution on twenty second of March at the Secret Council owned
the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. In his speech at the opening of the plenary meeting, President Dennis Francis expressed deep regret that the General Assembly is meeting again on the Veto initiative due to the perennial inability of the Secret Council to speak with one voice on matters of grave importance and
sensitivity in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security. The PGA breed the rate his appeal for an end of the conflict, whilst recalling that the violence has killed over thirty two thousand and five hundred Palestinians since the seventh of October, the majority of them women and children. President Ennis Francis asked for an immediate humanitarian cease fire and that all parties comply with their obligations under international
law. He also said that all hostages must be immediately and unconditionally released, and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensued without conditions. As of this morning,
there were sixty two speakers inscribed on the list to deliver remarks. The meeting will continue at three pm this afternoon until six pm, and over the weekend, the PJA is to opposed of his social media accounts to mark the International Day of Reflection of the General Side in Rwanda, Mister Francis said, and I quote, this year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the nineteen ninety five full genocide against the Tutsus. Let us join the people of Rwanda in remembering this
dark chapter of history and ensuring that the victims are never forgotten. Let us also take hope from the post General Side reconciliation Ruanda and strengthen our resolve to never let the crime of genocide happen again. And tomorrow morning, President Dennis Francis will be at NASDAQ market side to ring the opening bell to promote the upcoming UN General Assembly Sustainability Week, which will take place here from fifteenth to
nineteenth April next week. President Francis will be received by Nasdaq's Executive Vice Chairman, mister Edward Knight, who manages global government relations, and will be accompanied by the members of his team. After bringing the belly Nasdak to sign the start of the trading day there, the PJ will return here to his office and meet you his press conference own Sustainability Week here at this very press briefing
room at eleven am. President Francis will deliver short opening remarks about five minutes and answer your questions. The press conference will also be webcast live only when web TV and only when YouTube channel. So, by the way, questions, do you have any questions for? Should they here or on the screen? So yeah, that Jay, How are you today? So what's the position of PGA on the admission of Palastine as a member state of the UN.
The PJA supports the decision that member states that the side over this question will make. So this is not for the PGA to make an opinion. It's a decision by member states. Okay, but thank you so much and good luck with the eclippers. Okay, I have a question, Monica. Oh we are all being Yeah, we're always staying here for you. Go ahead, it's good to see you. Yes, no, no, I can't. I don't I don't have my phone. But go ahead, it's nice to see it. In fact, that is, in fact took my
question that you did. Okay, go ahead, I want I have follow up. Sure, But Resolution one eight one is a g A resolution and resolutions called for the establishment of a Palestinian state. As you know, part of Palestine. So doesn't the PGA feel that he is in power by that resolution to express his opinion about the legality of independent Palestinians. Thank you,
thank you Abdulhams for this question. You know we were here before when the pg spoke about the issue of true states living side by side in a peaceful manner. When it comes to the meeting tomorrow that is taking place in the Secret Council, as you know, this is a decision that member states will make and the PJ has nothing to say about that. But thank you for your question. I appreciate and I see you back here tomorrow at eleven am. Thank you so much. Thank you for listening today. There is the
Bertziel Supreme Court trying to shut elon mush down. On the surface, we might be looking at well, you know, it is the government trying to bully people around and making unconstitutional actions. But elin Mus should look closer into
it and try to actually work with the government on that. And that's the whole thing is we live in places where where this social media is active, and it's also places where we have elections and that we can as people, we can have an effect on what is happening in our world, and we should be taking that time to voice our opinions and make them known to our government officials, to those who are in leadership that we don't want to see
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