UNITED STATES REJECTS CRITICISMS OF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS DURING ASSEMBLY'S GENERAL DEBATE
Press Release
HQ/588
UNITED STATES REJECTS CRITICISMS OF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS DURING ASSEMBLY'S GENERAL DEBATE
19981116 Costa Rica Says Security Measures were Excessive and Insulting, Russian Federation States Security Measures Should Not Hinder Functions of DelegatesThe United States this morning rejected criticisms of security arrangements put in place during the early stages of the current General Assembly session, telling the Committee on Relations with the Host Country that they were carried out for good reason. "These are dangerous times", the United States representative added.
Commenting on complaints by some delegations that the security measures were excessive, he said he had seen similar actions overseas. That nothing happened during the period of the general debate meant that the "ends justified the means", he said. A meeting of the security and safety service agencies involved in the security arrangements was to be held soon to review the operation to ensure that lapses did not recur in future, he told the Committee.
In a letter read on his behalf by the Chief of the United Nations Security and Safety Service, the Assistant Secretary-General for Central Support Services, Toshiyuki Niwa, said the host Government authorities had assured the Secretariat that they would do their utmost in future to avoid delays and inconvenience experienced by delegations.
Chief of United Nations Security and Safety Services Michael McCann said his office had done what was reasonable and prudent during the general debate. Security forces had been reliably informed about threats to the United Nations during the general debate. Some persons who had wanted to disrupt the general debate had obtained United Nations passes. One gentleman had come to the complex with a weapon wanting to speak with a Head of State. Another had gained entry to the fourth floor. At least two people had been arrested.
Fifty years ago, he added, the designers of the complex were not thinking about today's world situation and were not planning for 185 delegations.
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The representative of Costa Rica stressed that security measures had been excessive and insulting to the dignitaries. Members of her Mission had been verbally abused by the police. She was aware of the tensions between the police and the diplomatic community, which was compounded by distortions in the press, but she hoped the police forces would observe the minimum norms of respect for the diplomatic community.
Carrying out protective measures was not an end in itself, the representative of the Russian Federation said. He understood the need for heightened security measures but not why they were executed in such a way as to hinder the functions of the delegates.
The representative of Belarus made a statement under "other matters".
The Committee will meet again at time to be announced in the Journal.
Committee Work Programme
The Committee on Relations with the Host Country met this morning to consider issues relating to security arrangements during the initial stage of the current General Assembly session. Before the Committee are letters from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation (document A/AC.154/320) and the Minister-Counsellor for Host Country Affairs of the United States Mission (document A/AC.154/321) addressed to the Chairman of the Committee.
A paper annexed to a 19 October letter from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation says the Russian Federation understood the "special circumstances" which compelled the host country authorities and other competent services to take heightened security measures during the general debate of the current General Assembly session. The paper points out that there was, however, some lack of coordination between the actions of the protocol services and United Nations Secretariat security services and the host country authorities. As a result, members of the Russian delegation and officials of the Russian Federation Mission, including the Permanent Representative, experienced difficulties in gaining access to the United Nations Headquarters building, as well as other traffic difficulties in the area.
On several occasions, during the period from 21 to 22 September, the Permanent Representative, travelling in an official car, was refused unimpeded access to First Avenue at 42nd Street because the police were not aware of traffic and security arrangements set out in Note No. HC-32-98 of the United States Mission to the United Nations. Only after prolonged explanations and the production of a copy of the note was the Permanent Representative permitted access, the paper asserts.
According to the paper, the lack of coordination between the security services was manifested in the frequent and unwarranted checks of diplomats and other members of delegations, including checks within United Nations Headquarters.
In a 30 October note verbale replying to the Russian Federation letter, the Minister-Counsellor for Host Country Affairs of the United States Mission, Robert C. Moller, expresses regret that protective security measures undertaken by host country law enforcement authorities were at variance with several provisions of note verbale No. HC-32-98. It quotes those authorities as stating that some changes in the procedures were implemented by ongoing security concerns and others, such as the parking on First Avenue from 51st to 57th streets, were caused by bureaucratic mistakes.
The note states that the United States Mission had already held several meetings with the pertinent city, state and federal agencies to discuss the shortcomings of those measures, and would continue to plan with those agencies
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to avoid similar problems in the future. "The United States Mission again sincerely regrets any confusion and/or inconvenience caused by the variance between the procedures outlined in the notes verbales and those actually put into practice", it adds.
Statements
NAZARETH A. INCERA (Costa Rica) said security measures during the General Assembly general debate had been excessive and insulting to the dignitaries participating in the debate. Members of her Mission had been verbally abused by the police. She was aware of the tensions between the police and the diplomatic community, which was compounded by distortions in the press, but she hoped the police forces would observe the minimum norms of respect for the diplomatic community. As an example of the difficulties encountered during the general debate, she noted that during that time delegations could not withdraw money from the ATM machine in the Secretariat because security had prevented the bank from filling up the machines with money. Also during that period, her Minister had had to go through the garage rather than through the main gate in order to leave for a meeting.
She expressed the hope that during the next general debate, police security measures would not impact delegations. Meanwhile, courses should be given to the police as to how they should address members of the diplomatic community. She expressed dissatisfaction over the constant change in parking rules for diplomats which were made with no notice. Such actions had led to a large number of fines. She hoped something could be done to reduce the parking problem without reducing the number of parking spaces.
ALEXANDRE V. ZMEEVSKI (Russian Federation) paid tribute to the efforts of the host country and the Secretariat to guarantee safety. He drew attention, however, to a number of problems encountered by the Russian delegation and the staff of other missions as well. He noted that rules of traffic restrictions came by fax on the day before the opening of the general debate. Despite that, his mission had still managed to meet with its staff to advise them on the contents of that note. The people working for the security organizations of the host country, however, did not follow the instructions of the note and frequently did not know what was in the note. Many members of the Russian delegation were misled by the note, and could not get to the meetings on time. That referred to members of the delegation of the Russian Federation at various levels, including the Permanent Representative.
He said the entrance to the United Nations garage had been closed with no warning. There were also problems of how to leave Headquarters and how to circulate inside. The central elevators were not working, causing serious problems for Heads of State and Foreign Ministers. Some delegates had had to go through the metal detector and some did not, although as far as he knew, everyone had the same kind of pass. There was a lack of clarity and orderliness.
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More important, he said, carrying out protective measures was not and end in itself. He understood the need for heightened security measures, but not why they were carried out in such a way as to hinder the functions of the delegates. That was not the first time that attention had to be drawn to the problem. The question had been raised in 1995, in connection with the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations and after the appearance of Pope John Paul II.
He said the ultimate goal for protective measures was the safety of the participants. The Russian Federation had appealed to the host country for an explanation of their decisions and procedures for harmonizing security within Headquarters, as well as limits to the garage and parking on United Nations territory and who was responsible for decisions on how coordination was carried out between the Secretariat, the host country and diplomats.
Who should diplomats turn to in the case of a misunderstanding? he asked. It was important for such information to be brought to the attention of the Committee and to all missions. He did not intend to get involved in the methods of security measures, but to promote the preparation for high-level activities and to avoid unjustified organizational hang-ups. He hoped that with written instructions, the Committee could think about how to improve cooperation with the host country on security measures and make appropriate recommendations. Everyone had an interest in ensuring the security of the United Nations without affecting its work.
Ms. INCERA (Costa Rica) endorsed the remarks of the representative of the Russian Federation and said that her delegation had raised all the points that he had made before the Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary). The explanations offered by security were not satisfactory. Within Headquarters, security should be for the convenience of the delegates. Calling attention to the closure of the elevators, she said it was the first time that delegates had been prevented from using the elevators. Everyone had already gone through a security check before entering the building. She added that new people did not seem to have learned how they should conduct themselves with a diplomat.
ROBERT C. MOLLER (United States) took issue with the statement by the representative of Costa Rica that the security arrangements were excessive. He said decisions relating to security at Headquarters were made by the Secretary-General and handed down through the Chief of United Nations Security and Safety Service. "These are dangerous times", he said, and rejected the view that in taking those security measures the United States had contravened the relevant Geneva Conventions relating to diplomats.
The United States had been taking security measures in connection with General Assembly sessions for the past 50 years, he went on. The situation was unprecedented because the host country saw fit to close roads leading to United Nations Headquarters, an event that had not happened before. There
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were good reasons, however, for doing so. That nothing happened, meant that the ends justified the means. United States security officials were generally trained to handle those situations. He had seen similar security situations overseas and he did not see why delegations should complain. He recalled a meeting he had attended at the United Nations Office at Geneva during which delegates had had to pass through metal detectors. There had not been complaints, he noted.
His delegation believed that the security arrangements had not gone as smoothly as had been wished, he said. There would be a review of the arrangements at a planned meeting of all the security and safety agencies involved to ensure that there were no lapses in future. The Committee was not the proper forum for complaints about violations of the Headquarters Agreement. Such complaints should be addressed to the Office of the United Nations Legal Counsel.
With regard to the alleged indignities suffered by some Foreign Ministers mentioned by some delegations, he said some high United States officials, including Senators, were also held up for several minutes. New York Police Department personnel had been courteous to delegations and any complaints about their behaviour should be directed to his office. He recalled a similar unprecedented security operation mounted during the Organization's fiftieth anniversary.
Ms. INCERA (Costa Rica) said her country had not attacked the host country nor the New York Police Department. She had merely complained about how her Foreign Minister was treated. She had seen him being pulled out of his official car in an unpleasant manner.
Mr. ZMEEVSKI (Russian Federation) said his delegation was not attacking the host country. He was referring to the excess of the security measures taken. Diplomats by nature obeyed the law. There should have been proper arrangements regarding the security measures. His Mission had been informed late about them. The incidents complained about were not the first, and were being raised to ensure that there was no recurrence in the future. His delegation was grateful to the host country and to the Secretary-General for the high level security arrangements which were made, although it did not expect them to be taken to "absurd lengths".
He objected to delegations having to go through metal detectors at various times. He called for concrete recommendations to ensure that those situations did not occur. There should be information on how security arrangements were coordinated between the host country and the United Nations Security and Safety Service. Security could be provided without harming the work of delegations. He again reiterated his appeal to the host country to provide the Committee with information on coordination of security arrangements.
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MICHAEL McCANN, Chief, United Nations Security and Safety Services, read out a letter on behalf of the Assistant Secretary-General for Central Support Services, Toshiyuki Niwa. According to the letter, the purpose of promulgating the access arrangements described in the letters from the Russian Federation and the United States, was to ensure that staff members, members of delegations, affiliates from the media and from non-governmental organizations would have information concerning access to the vicinity of Headquarters. Similarly, on Thursday, 17 September, Permanent and Observer Missions were advised, at a security briefing, that in order to provide a tranquil atmosphere for the orderly movement of dignitaries visiting Headquarters, certain restrictions and modifications of traffic patterns would take effect during the General Assembly session. The restrictions would affect the section of First Avenue directly in front of the Secretariat building during a 10-day period.
To ensure that all delegations received proper close protection and coverage, and that the Headquarters District remained a safe venue for the conduct of meetings, the letter continued, a security plan was implemented by the Host Government law enforcement authorities. Unfortunately, there were delays with access by pedestrians and vehicles due to street closings and primarily to the extended closure of First Avenue.
The Chief of the United Nations Security and Safety Service held consultations with the competent authorities of the host country and brought those concerns to their attention, the letter said. The host country representatives had acknowledged that they were aware that the security measures would invariably entail some degree of inconvenience, resulting in uncertainty and delay. Discussions concerning measures to alleviate those difficulties would be ongoing so that better solutions could be found through close cooperation at all stages of preparation and execution.
The host country authorities had assured the Secretariat that they would do their utmost in future to avoid delays and inconvenience in that area, the letter continued. In conceiving forthcoming security plans, every effort would be undertaken to encourage the host country authorities to absolutely minimize for the Permanent and Observer Missions the unpredictable, inconvenient or what might be considered by some delegations the undignified aspects of effective security operations.
Mr. McCANN said that in the past, he had posted United Nations Security guards to assist the local security forces in granting access to the streets surrounding Headquarters complex. This year, due to staffing constraints, he had decided to concentrate security within the Secretariat. That plan would be reassessed for the next general debate.
Describing some of the security precautions, he said that local units in charge of inspection for hazardous material had been concentrated in the North Garden area. Host country law enforcement units assisted in bomb sweeps
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of meeting rooms. Fire and medical services had been provided by the Host Government. As a reasonable and prudent security measure, the garage was emptied each year and secured. Following that, each vehicle coming in was searched and secured. Canine teams were provided by the host country at the United Nations request. Meetings were being held with outside security forces to resolve problems which had not been anticipated this year. He hoped that alternate parking would be provided by the host country to take pressure off the garage entrance.
He said the surrounding streets had been closed for 10 days because of the large number of high level guests staying at the United Nations Plaza Hotel.
For the past three years, he said, there had been a meeting prior to an event to brief all the delegates and to assist them planning. Unfortunately this year, the number of delegates that had participated was not as high as in previous years. In the future, delegations would be encouraged to send at least one representative. Because security plans were constantly changing, the meeting had taken place at the end of the week prior to the general debate.
He went on to say that the security forces had been given information from reputable sources of threats to the United nations complex and to the participants. Some persons had actually gained access to United Nations passes, people who at the very least wanted to disrupt the general debate. One gentleman who wanted to speak with a Head of State had come to the complex with a weapon.
Regarding the bank machines, he said that he had been assured by one bank that the machine ran out of money because of additional demands on the facility. He took responsibility for the failure of the other bank machine, explaining that the truck coming to repair the machine had been stopped by the police. They asked the driver to get out of the truck so they could search the vehicle. The truck driver, who was operating an armoured vehicle, would not accede to that request as required by his instructions. The vehicle was not allowed to proceed.
As to the elevator, he said, Security had done what they believed to be reasonable and prudent under the circumstances. There were many people coming into the complex. During time of increased threats, Security tried to limit access. The primary goal was to maintain the second floor as a secure area. Fifty years ago, the designers of the complex were not thinking about today's world situation and were not planning for 185 delegations.
He pointed out that at least two people had been arrested during the general debate. One person had gained entry to the fourth floor. He explained that from the central elevators, one could gain access to the second floor anywhere from the third basement to the fourth floor. Because of staff
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problems, Security had decided to limit access to the elevator during certain times. He would review the situation to see if there was a solution that would meet the approval of the delegates.
Concerning entry to the garage, he said there was disagreement between United Nations security and the United States Government about access during special times. Presently, due to the street closures, only police escorted motorcades were allowed entry through the front gate. United Nations Security Services had raised the issue with the host Government in the past but had been unable to arrive at a solution that was mutually acceptable.
He noted that delegates could leave from any exit. He hoped that the confusion came from officers trying to give good advice about traffic tie-ups. If they were directing delegates to leave via the garage, they were wrong. He would try to see that instructions given to security guards were clear in the future. His office would make efforts to see that the flow of information was improved.
Ms. INCERA (Costa Rica) said that on several occasions her delegation had asked the head of the Security and Safety Services to submit to the Fifth Committee problems it was experiencing as a result of United Nations reforms.
Mr. McCANN said there had been a slight decrease of staff. He also said that it was his understanding that, based on consultations with the host country Government, it had been learned that threats to the United Nations had increased, putting increased pressure on security staff. He said 40,000 pieces of mail entering the Headquarters building were examined, and that required more staff. Additional staff were also needed to deal with the rise in the number of visitors and vehicles as well as deliveries. Security had had to deal with situations involving individuals bent on disrupting activities entering the Secretariat building with identity passes meant for bona fide journalists and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Ms. INCERA (Costa Rica) said her delegation would draw the attention of the Fifth Committee to the staffing problems of the Security and Safety Service. She could not understand how the Service could carry out its activities without adequate staff.
Mr. MOLLER (United States) said the fact that a car had a police escort would not get it through the main gate. The United Nations had emptied the garage to secure it and any car that went back into the garage would be swept to maintain that security. When a car was out of the garage, anyone could have access to it and plant a bomb on the car.
He said that at the 43rd Street entrance, the only way that could assure safety was through police surveillance. Cars going through that gate must be swept to enter into a secure area. If the head of delegation wanted to enter
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at 43rd Street, the car had to be searched. He noted that it had not been a problem at the fiftieth anniversary with the Heads of State.
Mr. ZMEEVSKY (Russian Federation) said he had already thanked the host country for ensuring safety. He thanked Mr. McCann for the high level of security despite the threats that had occurred. It would be useful if Mr. McCann could submit his intervention in writing as it contained answers to many of the questions raised. One of the unanswered questions was that of where to go to when one was on the street and could not gain access to the complex.
Regarding the question of limited security personnel, he said he needed more information in written form. Perhaps the Committee could help to resolve that problem.
Mr. McCANN said that when there was a problem, a delegate could go to the United Nations pass office where there was a supervisor who could assist anyone who needed access.
Other Matters
ALYAKSANDR SYCHOU (Belarus) drew attention to the problems his Mission had faced due to the refusal of the host country authorities to grant visas to Belarus officials to attend meetings in the country. The United States had unilaterally violated rules regarding attendance of United Nations-related meetings. He cited an example of a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He said the action of the host country was a serious violation of the Headquarters Agreement between it and the United Nations. He called for an explanation from the host country authorities, and urged an end to such actions.
Mr. MOLLER (United States) said the representative of Belarus had raised a "very disturbing situation". He asked for a written complaint so that his delegation, which was not aware of the incident, could follow it up.
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