Former German FM Baerbock elected president of UN General Assembly
New YORKcTypeface:> Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was elected president of the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority on Monday in New York.
In a secret ballot held by the United Nations' largest body, the 44-year-old received 167 votes in favour, 14 member states abstained, while seven voted in favour of the original German candidate, Helga Schmid. The election in the plenary session before 193 UN member countries was considered a formality, but a secret vote was held, reportedly demanded by Russia.
In her acceptance speech, Baerbock said that she wanted to lead the body 'as an honest broker and as a unifier.'
'My door will always be open to everyone,' she said.
Referring to the numerous crises around the world, she added: 'Today, we live in challenging times. We are walking on a tightrope of uncertainty. But ... we have lived through difficult times before. And it is up to us to take on these challenges.'
Fifth woman to hold position Baerbock is scheduled to be inaugurated on September 9, shortly before the United Nations General Assembly's annual session. (DPA)
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