By Alicia Sánchez Gómez
United Nations (EFE).- Traffic in New York has been disrupted over the last few days due to the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly, as high-ranking world leaders have been moving from one side of the city to another to participate in debates and parallel events.
Political figures who have attended include United States President Donald Trump, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In total, 89 heads of state and 43 heads of government attended.
It has been common this week to see people in suits wearing pins with the UN or Agenda 2030 logo on their lapels, as well as badges with the flags of their respective countries, in the center of the Big Apple.
This outfit was always accompanied by the mandatory blue UN accreditation, since no one without that credential could walk in the vicinity of the UN.
Armored cars, followed by police vehicles, drove through the streets. At crosswalks, security personnel managed the crossing of pedestrians and drivers.
Thousands of police officers deployed
The city reinforced security on the streets and deployed thousands of officers as detailed last week by New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The authorities’ duties included ensuring the safety of traffic routes, protecting US President Donald Trump, and providing support to the hotels where various heads of state stayed.
On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s presence at the General Assembly led to an additional security force deployment and altered routes in the center of New York City.
While Netanyahu delivered his speech at the UN, approximately 2,000 people marched from Times Square to areas near the building to protest him and the war in Gaza.
Although the protest remained peaceful, EFE confirmed the presence of dozens of agents monitoring the situation.
In addition to the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, over 1,000 Iranians protested on Tuesday near the UN, demanding “the fall of the regime without external interference” in their territory.
Authorities had warned that although peaceful demonstrations are “a fundamental part” of democracy, they would not tolerate anything that causes disorder, disrupts daily life, or threatens the security of the assembly.
Unexpected street closures
First Avenue was closed from 42nd to 48th Street, and Second Avenue was closed from 44th to 48th Street.
Additionally, there were unexpected street closures as country delegations moved from one location to another.
French President Emmanuel Macron was even trapped on a New York street due to the imminent arrival of his US counterpart, Donald Trump.
In a viral video of the incident, Macron can be seen calling Trump and telling him, “Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.”
Anticipating this scenario, Jessica Tisch, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams recommended New Yorkers to take public transportation instead of driving. EFE
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