All diplomats attending the United Nations general assembly next week in New York will have to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19, under the rules in force in the city, an obligation that has aroused the ire of Moscow.
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In a September 9 letter, Democratic New York City Hall informed General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid that all delegates wishing to enter the United Nations compound would be likely to be asked for proof of vaccination. .
City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi points out that the General Assembly Hall is "
a convention center
" subject to the same rules as most indoor activity spaces in New York City.
The letter also recalls that the mask is mandatory in public transport in New York State and that the city "
strongly
"
encourages
its wearing in all interior spaces.
Wrathful reaction
Diplomats from around the world are expected for the general debate of this 76th session of the General Assembly (September 21-27), which will be held in a hybrid format with physical and online meetings, while, the previous year, the session was completely virtual. According to the New York City Hall letter, delegates will also have to "
show proof of vaccination before being able to eat, drink or exercise on the UN compound and to participate in all activities of the United Nations. New York City entertainment, dining and fitness
.
This obligation provoked an angry reaction from Moscow. In a letter dated Wednesday to the President of the General Assembly, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said he was "
very surprised and disappointed
" that Abdulla Shahid had given his support to such a measure. , which he considers “
clearly discriminatory
”. "
Preventing delegates from independent nations from accessing the General Assembly Hall or other areas of the United Nations headquarters would represent a clear violation of the United Nations Charter
", he adds in this letter obtained by AFP.