UN Direct

GA Opens: The 67^th Session of the UN General Assembly opened today. The SG issued remarks on the closing of the 66^th Session last night, as well as made remarks this morning on the start of this session, noting “that we need religious leaders in all parts of the world to help lead the way in promoting tolerance, seeking forgiveness, healing divisions and building mutual understanding and mutual respect.”

New PGA: Outgoing president of the GA, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser (Qatar), is ending
his term and will be succeeded by Vic Jeremic of Serbia.

Protests Spreading: Protests against the anti-Islamic video released four days ago continue to spread to multiple countries across the Muslim world, including Sudan, Bangladesh, Gaza, Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Kashmir, Tunisia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Iran.

Violence Spreading: After the attack on the US Consulate in Libya on Tuesday, the violence in response to the anti-Islamic video only continues to spread throughout the Middle East, now to Yemen and Iran.

Attack in Libya: After the devastating attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi - killing four including US Ambassador Christopher Stevens - yesterday, the SG is “deeply saddened” by the news and both Mr. Ban and the SC condemn the attacks “in the strongest terms.”

SG in Switzerland: The SG is in Switzerland today, and congratulated the country on its 10^th year as a UN Member State.

HR Council: The Human Rights Council opened its annual session today, touching on topics currently considered issue areas by the UN, from ongoing conflict in Syria and its impact on civilians to broader issues such as discrimination and impunity.

Funding in Syria: The UN has almost doubled its humanitarian appeal for Syria from $180 million to $347 million, given that 2.5 million people are now in need of assistance.

New Appointments: Today the SG appointed James W. Rawley of the United States as Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, at the level of Assistant Secretary-General.