UN General Assembly Tribute to Late Iranian President
The UN General Assembly faced criticism for its tribute to the late Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. The absence of Western country representatives, including France and the United States, raised eyebrows.
Condolences and Solidarity
Following a minute of silence, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended his condolences to the victims’ families and the Iranian people. He emphasized the UN’s solidarity with Iran in the pursuit of peace, development, and fundamental freedoms.
Guterres affirmed the UN’s commitment to upholding peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights for all, guided by the organization’s Charter.
Defending the Tribute
When questioned about offering condolences after Raisi’s death, Guterres’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, defended the Secretary-General’s stance. Despite concerns about human rights in Iran, Guterres expressed condolences as a mark of respect for a Member State leader.
International Reactions
Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN praised Raisi’s legacy of socio-economic and political transformation in Iran. However, representatives from Western countries, such as France and the United States, refrained from participating in the tribute.
A spokesman for the US delegation criticized Raisi for his involvement in human rights abuses, including the killings of political prisoners. Outside the UN headquarters, protesters voiced their disapproval, highlighting Raisi’s controversial past.
Israel’s ambassador also condemned the tribute, questioning the UN’s stance on honoring leaders with questionable human rights records.