Security Alarms were activated in the UN interrupting the second plenary sessions of the World Health Assembly (WHA) 2009

The security alarms were automatically activated at the United Nations compound in Geneva interrupting the proceeding of the WHA today (18/05) around 16.50. Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, the newly elected President of the WHA, was presiding the plenary and the high level delegate of the United States of America was in the process of delivering the speech on behalf of USA when the security alarms were activated.

According to the security division of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UN in Geneva, the LTTE supporters who had been protesting outside the UN against the election of the Hon. Minister of Sri Lanka as the President of the WHA, managed to enter the UN compound through the main gates despite security resistance. As the protesters violently entered the UN compound, UN security at the gate 40 activated alarms and repeatedly announced to the UN staff and the delegates to remain inside the building. The security personnel of the UN and the WHO then took preventive measure to disperse the protestors.

Since this morning, LTTE supporters were protesting in front of the WHO headquarters carrying banners and shouting slogans against the election of the Hon. Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition of Sri Lanka as the president of the WHA. 

Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General of the WHO informed the plenary that some demonstrators had entered the compound but the situation was under control. She also said that it is a common occurrence in Geneva to have protests in the Place des Nations. 

Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition, highlighted the fact that the health issues of the internally displaced people are being given a high priority by the Sri Lankan government.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

Geneva

18 May 2009