Russia's Zakharova slams Baerbock’s election as UNGA president as "disgrace" Over Nazi-Era Remarks

The election of former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly is a "disgrace," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. 

“It is a disgrace that in the anniversary year of the Victory over fascism and Nazism, a person who said she is proud of her grandfather who fought in Königsberg on the side of the Third Reich [Nazy Germany] has assumed the post of President of the General Assembly,” the diplomat said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

On June 2, Baerbock was elected President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. She was the sole candidate for the position. The German ex-minister was supposed to be confirmed through a simplified procedure, but at Russia’s request, a secret ballot was held. Baerbock received votes from 167 countries.  

Baerbock will replace current assembly president Philemon Yang, a former prime minister of Cameroon, at the start of the 80th session in September. She will preside over the annual gathering of world leaders in late September and anniversary events marking the founding of the United Nations in 1945.

By Khagan Isayev