Russian witness in ex-spy's death decline to give evidence
The presidents of China, Russia, Iran and the United States
are scheduled to speak at the 70th annual United Nations General Assembly of
world leaders in September — a rare appearance for Russian President Vladimir
Putin and the first for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The United Nations issued its first draft list of speakers
Monday for what could be its largest ever gathering of world leaders, reports
AP.
Pope Francis is also set to address the General Assembly a few
days before President Barack Obama, Putin, Xi and Iranian President Hassan
Rouhani speak at the gathering.
Two years ago, a historic phone call between Obama and
Rouhani during the U.N. meeting prompted speculation of a rapprochement between
the nations and resulted in an interim nuclear pact that was followed by the
landmark nuclear deal announced this month.
The nuclear deal, and its implications for the Middle East
and beyond, is expected to be a key topic in speeches this year.
The list of speakers is expected to change several times
before the high-level ministerial meeting begins September 28, but so far
countries not sending a head of state include India, Britain, Syria, Saudi
Arabia and North Korea.
Other countries sending heads of state include France,
Mexico, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Egypt, Venezuela, South Sudan, Libya,
Yemen and Iraq.
The Palestinians are listed as sending their head of state,
while Israel is sending its head of government.
Comments
Post a Comment