UNGA, Secretary-General pay tribute to late President Raisi
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The United Nations General Assembly pays tribute to the late Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, observing a moment of silence.
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A picture of the late Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi is displayed as the UN General Assembly holds a tribute on May 30, 2024 (AFP)
The United Nations General Assembly observed a moment of silence to honor the late Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi.
Shortly after, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a statement, extending condolences to the families of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others who lost their lives in a tragic accident on May 19.
During his statement, Guterres highlighted President Raisi's leadership during challenging times for Iran and emphasized the importance of international and regional cooperation in fostering confidence, preventing conflict, and resolving disputes.
"President Raisi led Iran at a challenging time for the country, the region and globally," said Guterres. "In these difficult times, international and regional cooperation is needed more than ever. Such cooperation is critical to building confidence, preventing conflict, and resolving disputes."
He assured that the United Nations stands in solidarity with the Iranian people and remains committed to promoting peace, development, and fundamental freedoms.
Guterres concluded by offering his deepest condolences to the government and people of Iran during this time of mourning.
Concurrently, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis honored Raisi during the plenary meeting, acknowledging his influential roles in Iranian society and government over his career.
Francis highlighted Raisi's leadership as president, noting his contributions to shaping the principles of multilateralism and international cooperation.
Additionally, Francis paid tribute to the late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who also perished in the helicopter crash. He praised Amir-Abdollahian as "a consummate diplomat who faithfully stood alongside President Raisi in representing Iran on the global stage."
On his part, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, expressed gratitude to the UNGA President, excellencies, and all present for honoring the memory of late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Iravani conveyed his deepest gratitude on behalf of the government, the people of Iran, and himself for the tribute paid to the deceased leaders, acknowledging their profound loss to the nation and all who knew them.
UN ambassador applauds Raisi's transformational legacy in Iran
In the same context, Munir Akram, Pakistan's ambassador to the UN and representative for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, praised the "legacy" of "socio-economic and political transformation" left by Ebrahim Raisi in Iran.
The UN representative of Haiti, who delivered a speech on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, said that the departure of the Iranian President was a shock to the international community and caused profound sadness.
He affirmed that President Raisi had devoted all his efforts to his country with full enthusiasm and dedication.
Furthermore, the Non-Aligned Movement reaffirmed its solidarity with Iran, both the government and the people, in these difficult times.
It emphasized its commitment to enhancing cooperation, peace, and development, noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran, under the leadership of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, has played an important role in strengthening cooperation among developing countries.
The statement of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, delivered by the representative of Qatar, Alya Ahmed Saif Al Thani, offered condolences and sympathy to the Iranian people and leadership.
Moreover, it praised President Raisi's extensive journey in serving his country over decades, from various positions he held to reaching the presidency, leaving a clear mark on various fronts, in addition to his notable academic achievements in the fields of jurisprudence and law.
Unsurprisingly, the United States abstained from participating in a United Nations commemoration for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday, citing alleged human rights abuses.
President Raisi, accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, two senior local officials, a security officer, and three flight crew members, was aboard a helicopter that crashed in mountainous terrain near Iran’s Varzaqan region on May 19, following an inauguration ceremony for a dam on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.
It should be noted that while Raisi's term was set to expire in August 2025, the candidate who wins the next presidential election will serve a full term of four years.
