Supporting Nusseibeh could be perceived as smoothening PM Burnham's relationship with Abu Dhabi following Manchester City row

The United Kingdom is leaning towards backing Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh as secretary-general of the United Nations, Middle East Eye can reveal.

Nusseibeh’s candidacy has drawn controversy over the United Arab Emirates’ role in Sudan’s civil war, where it is accused of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, whose mass killings UN investigators say bear the “hallmarks of genocide”. The UAE denies the allegations.

Her candidacy has also drawn criticism over the UAE’s close ties with Israel.

  • zabadoh@ani.socialEnglish
    3·
    3 days ago

    Wow, a tough one.

    She’s definitely got cred:

    (Nusseibeh) became the UAE’s first female permanent representative to the UN in 2013 and served until 2024, during which time she was a vice-president of the General Assembly, president of the UN Women executive board and twice president of the Security Council.

    I like her background:

    Nusseibeh is of Palestinian heritage and her family hails from Jerusalem. Her grandfather, Anwar Nusseibeh, was a prominent Palestinian politician who held ministerial posts in Jordan’s government when it controlled the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and served as Jordan’s ambassador to Britain.

    If anyone at this level understands what’s going on with the Palestinians and Israel, it’s going to be her.

    But:

    There is widespread public evidence, including extensive reporting by MEE, linking the UAE with the supply of arms and other goods to the RSF, although the Emirati government, including Nusseibeh, have repeatedly denied this.