Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General

Following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Fred Eckhard, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Before we begin, I’d like to introduce Isra Hammad in the first seat here.  She’s working with Djibril Diallo on the General Assembly, and she will be working in the third floor office for the Spokesman of the President of the General Assembly.

Good afternoon,

**Sudan - SG

The Secretary-General has written to Alpha Oumar Konare, the Chair of the African Union Commission, to propose four areas where the United Nations could provide additional immediate assistance to expand the current African Union (AU) observer mission in Darfur, Sudan.

These are:  the establishment of a UN Assistance Cell at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa; the identification of pre-screened police from AU member States for possible inclusion in the AU mission; the opening of offices in Darfur of the UN Advance Mission in Sudan; and assisting in preparing a pledging conference for the expanded AU mission.

The first group of the UN Assistance Cell was expected in Addis today.

**Sudan - Report

The Secretary-General’s report on the UN Mission in the Sudan established under Resolution 1547 is out as a document today.

It is a progress report on the UN mission and also on the North-South peace process led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, known as IGAD.

The Secretary-General says that the IGAD-led peace process is central to comprehensive peace in the Sudan.  He said no other peace process has come so far or has addressed the fundamental roots of the conflict in southern Sudan.

While the process does not offer a comprehensive solution to the country’s problems, the breadth of the agreements reached so far offers a basis for answers to the wider issues of insecurity and conflict, the report says.  He goes on that the current crisis in Darfur is emblematic of that problem.

This report is not to be confused with the Secretary-General’s second 30-day report on progress, or lack thereof, by the Government of the Sudan towards meeting the requirements to restore security in Darfur. 

Advanced copies of this report in English only are expected to go to Council members this afternoon.

**Sudan - Peace Process

At the invitation of the Chadian mediation, the Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs in the Sudan, Taye Zerihoun, left today for N'Djamena, to attend a meeting of the Joint Committee on the ceasefire agreement signed between the Government and the Darfur rebel groups, to be held tomorrow.

The purpose of the meeting is to review the status of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

**Security Council

The Security Council this morning adopted the programme of work for the month of October.

Then, Council members took up “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts”.  A new draft resolution was circulated and discussed.

At 12:30 p.m., the Security Council President, the Ambassador of the UK, Emyr Jones Parry, is scheduled to brief you on this month’s programme, here in room 226.

**UNRWA

In response to media reports that a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) ambulance driver was photographed by an Israeli Defence Forces drone loading a Kassam rocket into his vehicle, UNRWA Director-General Peter Hansen immediately launched an investigation.  After reviewing the videotape and interviewing the ambulance driver, UNRWA concluded that the object visible on the tape is a folded stretcher.  It appeared to be the wrong length and much too light in weight to be a missile.

Hansen has warned that such serious allegations can endanger the safety of UN humanitarian workers in the region.

The Secretary-General has no reason whatever to doubt Hansen’s conclusions.  He intends to call in Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Dan Gillerman, to ask what evidence Israel has to support the allegations and to let him know of his decision to launch an investigation, to be conducted by a UN team which will leave New York tomorrow.

**Secretary-General’s Statement on Middle East

We issued a statement yesterday attributable to the Spokesman regarding the Middle East, which I’ll now read into the record.

“The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Israel to halt its military incursions into the Gaza Strip, which have led to the deaths of scores of Palestinians, among them many civilians, including children.  The Secretary-General likewise calls on the Palestinian Authority to take action to halt the firing of rockets against Israeli targets by Palestinian militants.  He reminds both sides to this conflict that they have a legal obligation to protect all civilians.”

**Secretary-General’s Statement on Bombings in India

And then, on Saturday, we also issued a statement on the bombings in India, which I’ll also read.

“The Secretary-General has learned with shock and dismay the news of bomb and gunfire attacks that took place today - that is Saturday - in crowded public places in Nagaland and AssamStates, in India, which have claimed the lives of a large number of people.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns these terrorist attacks.  No cause or grievance can justify such senseless and cruel acts that target innocent civilians.  He expresses his sincere condolences to the victims and their families.”

**Security Council - DRC

On Friday afternoon, the Security Council voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo until 31 March of next year.  It also authorized an additional 5,900 military and police personnel for that Mission. 

Following the vote, the Secretary-General reminded the Council that while the additional personnel would improve the Mission’s operational capacity, the newly approved ceiling fell well below the figure of 23,900 troops and 507 civilian personnel that he had recommended.

He continued to believe that the total strength recommended in his report was the minimum required to meet the current challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In view of this reduction, the Secretary-General said that the Mission would have to review the scope of support it could provide to the peace process.  He welcomed the Council's intention to keep the strength and structure of the Mission under regular review, and said he hoped that the Council would revisit the Mission’s requirements favourably in the future.

**Security Council - Iraq

Also on Friday, the Security Council agreed to send a letter to the Secretary-General welcoming his proposals regarding security arrangements for the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq.  In the letter, the Security Council also urged Members States to contribute to that effort.

In his letter to the Council, the Secretary-General called for international security staff, protection coordination officers, personal security details and guard units.  This would be in addition to protection provided by the US-led multinational force, which would be responsible for security throughout the country.

**Cyprus

Out on the racks is the Secretary-General’s report to the Security Council containing his review of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.

In the aftermath of the rejection of the comprehensive settlement plan by the Greek Cypriot side in the April 24th referendum, the Secretary-General said he would conduct a review of the mission’s operations taking into account developments on the ground, as well as the views of the parties.

While in the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the presence of UN peacekeepers on the island remains necessary for the maintenance of a ceasefire, he says, certain adjustments to the mission’s mandate can be made.

With the security situation on the island having become increasingly benign, the Secretary-General recommends that the number of peacekeepers be almost one third of their current level.  He proposes a more mobile and efficient concept of operations.  And, as for the UN police officers, who live within the community and perform a wide-range of community service, the Secretary-General recommends that the present ceiling be maintained.

He also recommends an increase of the number of civilian officers working in the mission.  He notes that their work has grown qualitatively and quantitatively as they intercede on behalf of members of one community or the other to ease specific situations.

A full report is available upstairs.

**Afghanistan

The UN Mission in Afghanistan says that some 315,000 Afghans registered to vote from Pakistan over the weekend, on the first of two days of registration activity there.  The out-of-country registration exercise comes just ahead of the October 9 presidential elections.

The Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Filippo Grandi, told reporters yesterday that there continues to be, in many areas, intimidation by anti-governmental forces, including the Taliban.  He said that a report by the UN Mission and the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission also notes instances where Government and local officials have shown partiality towards one candidate or another.

We have more in today’s briefing notes from Kabul.

**UN - ICC

Right now, in the Secretary-General’s conference room, the Secretary-General is signing an agreement on the United Nations’ relationship with the International Criminal Court, along with the Court’s President, Judge Philippe Kirsch.

The agreement recognizes the status and mandate of both organizations.  It provides that the two institutions will cooperate closely on administrative and judicial matters and will consult each other on issues of mutual interest.

And we have more information in a DPI press release.

**Security Council Programme

I have a note here that we’ve just been informed that there will be Security Council consultations to be followed by a formal meeting on the Middle East this afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

So that’s an update on the Council’s agenda.

**Côte d’Ivoire

On Côte d’Ivoire, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative there, Albert Tevoedjre, has begun a mission to consult with concerned Heads of State and Government on proposals that would help ensure the full implementation of the Accra III Agreement.

The UN mission in Côte D’Ivoire says that Tevoedjre will travel to Ghana, Togo, Benin, Gabon, Niger and Mali.

**Civil Society

Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette today presented to the General Assembly the report of the Panel of Eminent Persons on UN-Civil Society Relations, which, she noted, appeals for the United Nations to become an even more outward-looking organization.

She said that the Secretary-General, in response to the Panel’s report, had suggested, among other things, that the contribution of non-governmental organizations should be built into the General Assembly’s regular business.  Also, the Secretariat’s own dialogue with NGOs at Headquarters should be improved.

She asserted, “The time is right to take this partnership one step further for the benefit of the Organization and the people it was created to serve.”

And we have the text of her speech available upstairs.

**WFP - Refugees

The UN’s World Food Programme has a growing shortfall in its funds for refugee-related operations. 

The agency is now $220 million short of the $865 million needed this year to feed nearly 11 million people in refugee-related operations.

James Morris, the Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, drew attention to the shortfall while addressing the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva.

At the same event, Ruud Lubbers, the High Commissioner for Refugees, said there’s a “less friendly environment” for refugees -- despite a sharp fall in the number of refugees and asylum seekers around the world.

We have both men’s statements available upstairs.

**Africa

A new report of the Secretary-General has just been issued, on the causes of conflict and promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa.

In it, the Secretary-General looks at how Africa and the international community are better responding to armed conflicts on the continent, in particular through the efforts of the African Union to mediate conflicts and strengthen its own peacekeeping forces.

He urges the international community to support these initiatives more effectively.

Both the report and a DPI press release are available on the racks on the third floor.

**World Habitat Day

While there are differences between urban and rural development that require different interventions, ultimately sustainable development can’t and shouldn’t focus exclusively on one or the other.

That’s part of the Secretary-General’s message on World Habitat Day, which is today.

The day’s theme is “Cities -- engines of rural development” -- and it aims to underline the importance of mutually beneficial linkages that are essential for the development of both cities and rural areas.

We have more on the Secretary-General’s message upstairs, as well as a statement from the Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing.

**Press Conference Tomorrow

Finally, one press conference to announce for tomorrow.  At 11:15, in this room, the United Nations Environment Programme will be sponsoring a press conference by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition on the effects of deep sea bottom trawling and the Coalition’s request for a moratorium on this practice.

**Questions and Answers

Spokesman: Evelyn?

Question:  I have three questions.  First of all, on the Middle East, the opening meeting.  Is this to vote on something, to discuss or what?  And, secondly, the ICC agreement that you have.  Considering the US position on it, are there any threats from them to withhold money or what, because they made such a threat during the [inaudible] resolution.  And thirdly, could you give us a readout later of what Senator Levin was doing here, the Foreign Minister of Nigeria, the Foreign Minister of France? 

Spokesman: On those three meetings, we’ll do what we can to get you a readout.  I believe Senator Levin stops by to see the Secretary-General periodically.  I don’t think there’s anything particular on that programme but we’ll let you know.  Obviously, they’ll be talking about Iraq.  I’m not aware of any threat by the US to withhold funding from the ICC, but I can look into that for you.  And I don’t know, because I was just handed a note while I was here in the briefing, that these consultations at 3:30 had been scheduled.  The Council has in mind whether they’re considering any press statement or other.  But we can check for you with the Council President afterwards.  Abderahim? [The Council President later said the intent was an open meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East, with closed consultations before, during which a draft resolution was expected to be introduced.]

Question:  Fred, on your Gaza-related statements.  Obviously, several people have been killed on the Israeli side, and the Israelis are saying that’s a weak statement.  About 70 people have been killed on the Palestinian side, and the Palestinians are saying that’s an even weaker statement.  I’m wondering if you have a response to both the Israelis and the Palestinians?

Spokesman:  The number of deaths on both sides is unacceptable, and the continuing attacks and deaths just add to the tension and make a political solution farther away.  So our appeal is primarily, as you heard from my statement, aimed at civilians on both sides.  There’s too little attention on the impact that these attacks have on civilians, too much of an acceptance of collateral deaths, and we’re saying that’s not what international law calls for.  So I have nothing else.  You want to follow up?

Question:  I actually have another one on Sudan.  The Sudanese Government is saying Christian missionaries are taking advantage of Western pressure on Khartoum to carry out missionary work on Muslims and trying to convert them in Darfur.  Does the Secretary-General take that allegation seriously or does he think it’s just another manoeuvre?

Spokesman:  I’d have to see.  I don’t have guidance on that and I wasn’t aware of that allegation.  We’ll look into it for you.  [He later said the UN was not aware of any such complaints from Sudan.]

Question:  On the UNRWA ambulance story, Peter Hansen gave an interview this weekend in which he was asked to respond to Israeli criticism that UNRWA hires members of Hammas.  Now, what is the Secretary-General’s position on that because Mr. Hansen seemed to be saying that this is standard operating procedure.  I’m just sort of wondering.  What’s the position on that?  What is your position on that given that UNRWA is funded by many governments, which actually consider Hammas a terrorist organization?

Spokesman:  We don’t hire terrorists.  I think what Mr. Hansen was saying was that Hammas also carries out social and humanitarian work.  Not every Hammas member is a militant or a terrorist.  We do not, when we hire people anywhere in the world, ask about political affiliations.  But we do require our staff, local and international, everywhere in the world, to conduct themselves in accordance with established practices, principles of the United Nations.  They must not engage in any activity which is incompatible with their status as independent and impartial civil servants.  So, should we see any indication that a UN staff member is engaged in any illicit activity, or illegal activity, we will respond quickly and strongly.

Question:  If I may follow up please.  You talked about a team going to the Middle East tomorrow.  What are they exactly going to be doing?

Spokesman:  This is a team that had been scheduled to leave tomorrow, to look into the UN’s operations in the Middle East, generally.  And the Secretary-General has asked them now, in addition, to look into these allegations by Israel, and we will be asking the Israeli Government to cooperate with them to show them whatever evidence they might have regarding a rocket in an ambulance.

Question:  And that’s why the Secretary-General is calling in Ambassador Gillerman this afternoon?

Spokesman: Yes.

Question:  I’m sorry but didn’t you say that Mr. Hansen had already sort of said that these were not arms?

Spokesman:  But Mr. Hansen looked at a videotape that had been made available to a media organization.  Presumably, governments have more sophisticated ways to blow up images and to get more information from this video.  And I think that’s what he’d be asking Israel for some help on.  And then in this meeting with Ambassador Gillerman, I think the Secretary-General would probably also raise with him the problems of entry into, and exit from Gaza that relief workers and senior UN staff have been having.  Yes?

Question:  With the comments about Peter Hansen, obviously you’ve mentioned Hammas members being humanitarian workers as well.  Has there been any situation where somebody hired by the UN, who had been a past member of Hammas, is then let go or fired because you’d discovered that there had been some sort of activity that’s not compatible with…

Spokesman: I’d have to look into that.  I mean, we’d have to check with UNRWA.  But what I said was our standard practice is not to tolerate any such activity by our staff, and certainly we would take disciplinary action or legal action, if we found any of our staff members engaging in terror, or other illegal activity.  Yes?

Question:  Any indication as to when the Secretary-General is planning on naming that panel of inquiry to look into the Darfur situation?

Spokesman:  Very soon.  Probably within 24 hours.

Question:  And do you have any sort of ideas as to what the choreography of the announcement will be?  Will it simply be…

Spokesman:  I’ll probably just announce it from here.

Question:  Fred, would you then say that it is impossible not to have overlap between Hammas’ humanitarian workers and United Nations humanitarian workers, given that they’re both delivering bread to the same hands?  Is it impossible to deliver humanitarian work, like the United Nations is doing through UNRWA, without having some sort of contact with Hammas, whose one of the biggest Palestinian…

Spokesman:  You’re asking very specific field-related questions, so I’m going to have to go to the field to get an answer to that for you.  [He later said that the UN doesn’t coordinate its work with Hammas.]

Question:  [inaudible]

Spokesman:  I have no idea, I’ve never worked in UNRWA.  We’d have to ask UNRWA.  Yes?

Question:  Are there NGOs actively working in Iraq successfully?

Spokesman:  I assume there are some.  You saw just last week, or the week before, that two Italian women working for an NGO where abducted.  So, I assume NGOs are there, but I have no specific information as to how many there might be and how many personnel they might have in Iraq.

Thank you very much.

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