UNITED NATIONS: Members of the United Nations this week debated hosting the September General Assembly in person with smaller-than-normal delegations due to the pandemic, a possible option for the host nation, states- United.

Due to the global health crisis, the 2020 rally was held virtually, with leaders submitting pre-recorded videos instead of traveling to New York.

Normally, UN General Assemblies – the world’s largest diplomatic meeting – see tens of thousands of people descend on New York City for the event itself and hundreds of informal gatherings on the sidelines.

The United States agreed to a physical meeting this time – with strict security conditions – in a debate on Wednesday, a key step in calling a summit in person.

“While we welcome heads of state or government, we encourage all member states to limit the size of their delegation here in” New York City, “said US diplomat Rodney Hunter.

“A successful summit with limited delegations is 100% achievable,” he said, adding that “the use of a pre-recorded video statement by the head of state or government should remain an option for them. delegations this year “.

The United States insisted on “clear rules” for a “safe and successful” summit week.

Criteria for visiting New York as part of a UN delegation should include pre-arrival and post-arrival COVID-19 testing, seven-day quarantines for those not vaccinated, and temperature checks, have declared the United States.

“We also recommend following the current one plus one format for the general debate” in the General Assembly Hall, Hunter said, allowing two participants per delegation to enter the hall at a time, as well as wearing the mask. and social distancing.

He also said the United States would recommend a maximum of six people per delegation and would encourage all informal side meetings to remain virtual.

Besides an in-person meeting, the UN suggested two other options on Wednesday: a gathering with only ministers from participating countries, or another virtual assembly.

It is not for UN administrative staff to decide when the assembly is held, but rather for member states, several countries said.

Most countries seem to reject the idea of ​​another virtual meeting like last year, which many participants described as frustrating.