United States Mission to the United Nations
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2021
Readout of a Meeting Between Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini
The below is attributable to U.S. Mission Spokesperson Olivia Dalton:
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met virtually yesterday with the Commissioner-General for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini. The two discussed U.S. re-engagement with UNRWA, including the recent announcement of the resumption of U.S. assistance to the agency. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored the critical role that UNRWA plays in providing vital services to a vulnerable population and reiterated Secretary Blinken’s pledge of partnership with the agency. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also committed to working together with UNRWA to achieve important reforms to strengthen the agency’s effectiveness and efficiencies, as well as to promote shared UN principles of equality, neutrality, tolerance, and anti-discrimination.
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