In-person attendance at the U.N. General Assembly is imminent. Yet there are tensions inside. There is a gridlock outside is the forecast for the UN General Assembly’s return to deliberations.
The Big Apple going to play host to world leaders. This is in the wake of new rules that are aimed at getting the Corona Virus outbreak under control.
In-Person Attendance: Visiting Dignitaries don’t Have to Comply with Local Regulations
In fact, the visiting dignitaries don’t necessarily have to comply with the local regulations. Therefore, even if diplomatic immunity doesn’t apply to Corona Virus.
Proof of Vaccination
The de Blasio administration has told the UN that the city mandate requiring proof of vaccination for indoor activities does apply to the General Assembly. However, Abdulla Shahid, president of the General Assembly, did write diplomats that the UN would, in fact, rely on the honor system for compliance with local rules.
Traffic Gridlock
Moreover, New Yorkers have been told in advance to expect traffic gridlock outside whatever happens inside the UN.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield is an American diplomat who is the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Joe Biden. Thomas-Greenfield has expressed worry about the potential for COVID-19 spread.
“In fact, we are concerned about the U.N. event becoming a super-spreader event. Therefore, we do, in fact, need to take all measures to ensure that it does not become a super-spreader event,” she said.
In-Person Attendance: World Leaders Present Addresses in Video Form and Speeches in Person
In essence, Thomas-Greenfield has called on world leaders to present their addresses in prerecorded video form. But more than 100 of them are, in fact, planning to give their speeches in person.
The city mandate is requiring proof of vaccination for indoor activities. This is what the de Blasio administration told the UN. It would apply to the General Assembly. But the president of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, did write diplomats that the UN is going to rely on the honor system for compliance with local rules.
