Noon briefing by Florencia Soto Nino, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General<\/p>\n
Highlights:
\n– Deputy Secretary-General\/Rome
\n– Olympics
\n– Cyprus
\n– Ethiopia
\n– Madagascar<\/p>\n
Olympics
\nThe Summer Olympics are beginning in just a few more hours in Tokyo, and the Secretary-General, in a video message for the opening ceremony, said that he is proud to salute the world\u2019s Olympic athletes and thankful to the people of Japan.
\nHe said that the Olympic spirit brings out humanity\u2019s best: Teamwork and solidarity, talent and tolerance.
\nThe Secretary-General said that we are all in mourning for those lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.\u202f Every athlete in Tokyo has overcome enormous obstacles and demonstrated great determination, he said, adding that if we bring that same energy to our global challenges, we can achieve anything.<\/p>\n
Cyprus
\nIn a statement, the Secretary-General expressed its deep concern about the announcements made on the 20th of July by the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey regarding a further opening of the fenced-off town of Varosha. The Secretary-General has repeatedly called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that provoke tensions and\u202fthat may compromise the ongoing efforts to seek common ground between the parties towards a lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.\u202f \u202f
\nThe position of the UN on Varosha remains unchanged and is guided by the relevant Security Council resolutions.
\nThe Secretary-General calls on all sides to refrain from any unhelpful actions and to engage in dialogue to bring peace and prosperity to the island through a comprehensive settlement.<\/p>\n
Madagascar
\nIn Madagascar, hundreds of thousands of people continue to suffer from one of the worst droughts the southern region of the country has faced in more than 40 years. The severe lack of rains and sandstorms have made it nearly impossible for farmers to grow their own food, leaving at least 1.31 million people\u2014nearly two in every five people in the Grand Sud \u2014 severely food insecure.
\nThe UN Resident Coordinator for the country, Issa Sanogo, recently visited the Grand Sud region with Government officials to see the situation first-hand, and said that where joint interventions have taken place, results are promising. However, needs will rise further as we enter the lean season if urgent action is not taken now.<\/p>\n