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| World leaders confront global crises at U.N. General Assembly |
By The Respondent reporter
World leaders convened in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, where President Joe Biden and others addressed pressing global conflicts, including the wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.
These crises are expected to dominate discussions throughout the week, though resolutions remain elusive.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres opened the session with a stark warning, stating, "a powder keg risks engulfing the world."
President Biden, making his final address to the assembly, described the moment as an “inflection point” for global unity.
“Our challenge is to ensure the forces binding us are stronger than those pulling us apart,” Biden declared.
“The choices we make today will shape our future for decades.”
In a pivotal speech, newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to lead his country into “a new era” of reform and international cooperation.
However, he condemned Israel for “crimes against humanity” and defended Iran’s support for regional militias, framing them as “freedom fighters.”
The conflict in Gaza, which has claimed over 41,000 lives according to local health authorities, drew sharp criticism from multiple speakers.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to address the assembly tomorrow amidst escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
On Ukraine, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency session, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged continued support for his nation’s defense.
He warned of Russia’s alleged plans to target Ukraine’s nuclear plants and hinted at a new victory strategy rooted in U.N. principles, with a peace conference in the works.