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

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Good afternoon, I apologize for being late.  I was waiting for a statement which I’ve received.

** Ukraine

And I’ll start off with the statement on the Ukraine.  The Secretary-General welcomes the positive news that today’s consultations between the Contact Group and representatives of armed groups have resulted in the agreement of a ceasefire.  He also welcomes the recent discussions between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia have played a part in today’s breakthrough and strongly encourages those contacts to continue.  The Secretary-General stresses that credible and comprehensive monitoring and verification are essential elements for successful implementation of the cease-fire and the peace plan. He encourages all who committed to the agreement to display good will and take concrete steps towards urgent, full and effective implementation.

He calls on the entire international community to rally behind these agreements to serve the interests of a sustainable peace based on a solution that leads to full respect of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The cessation of hostilities will further allow the UN and other humanitarian actors of the international community to deliver critical humanitarian assistance and other needed support to the impacted areas.  The Secretary-General reiterates that there is no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine.  He strongly asserts that it is time to end this destructive conflict once and for all, to stop the bloodshed and to start rebuilding communities and livelihoods in a safe, stable and sovereign Ukraine.  He offers the full support of the UN to efforts in this direction as appropriate and as requested by the parties.  And that statement is now online.

**Ebola

As you know, the Secretary-General just spoke to a number of you on Ebola, saying that the UN is mobilizing in every possible way to respond to the outbreak in West Africa.  The Secretary-General, who has just convened a meeting with senior UN leaders and experts to discuss next steps in managing the epidemic, warned that the world can no longer afford to short-change global public health.  He urged the international community to support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) road map and to provide $600 million for supplies in West Africa.  He also said that there needs to be better awareness and understanding about the outbreak, which is evolving into a social and economic challenge for millions of people.  The Secretary-General also urged airlines and shipping companies not to cancel flights and docking to the affected countries, adding that such restrictions will only keep medical teams from reaching people most in need.  And his full statement is available upstairs.

Also on Ebola, from Geneva this time, the World Health Organization’s Assistant Director-General, Marie-Paule Kieny, and two experts from Africa are currently briefing the press on the conclusion of the consultations on potential Ebola therapies and vaccines.  More information on that will be available online later today.

Also, a cargo plane carrying medical supplies from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has just landed in Sierra Leone.  The 48 metric tons of supplies include protective equipment and essential medicine.  UNICEF has delivered more than 400 metric tons of aid since early August.  The agency says that more emergency airlifts are expected to continue, while a steady pipeline is being established to bring supplies into affected countries by sea, as well.

** Iraq

Turning over to Iraq, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, has encouraged all political parties to proceed in a spirit of compromise and quickly finalize the negotiations on the Government formation process.  He called on the leaders to finalize the process within the constitutional deadlines and to ensure a fair representation of women, as well as minority communities.  From Geneva, the Office for the High Commissioner for [Human Rights] (OHCHR) says that it has received reports of ongoing systematic targeting of non-Sunni ethnic and religious groups, through killings, abductions, destruction of property by the ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant].  There have also been increasing reports of ISIL killing Sunni individuals who refused to pledge allegiance to them.  The Office of the High Commissioner reiterates that such grave human rights violations likely amount to crimes against humanity.  

And meanwhile, the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also said in Geneva today that the major aid operation, which was launched in mid-August to help almost half a million people, is now entering a new phase with increasing pressure on accommodation with winter looming.  Many schools are still being used as shelters for displaced people and there is an urgent need to reinforce tents and other housing in preparation for the coming winter.  UNHCR is providing assistance, including tents and emergency aid, in eight camps across Iraq housing close to 40,000 people.  Since mid-June, the agency has provided assistance to some of the estimated 850,000 people who have fled to Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

** Syria

Meanwhile, our humanitarian affairs colleagues say that two aid shipments passed through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing from Turkey to Syria this week without incident.  The first on Wednesday included shelter and non-food items — sleeping mats, blankets, hygiene kits and solar lamps — provided by the UN refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration for some 2,000 households in Hama and Aleppo Governorates.  The second, which crossed on Thursday, included family hygiene kits provided by UNICEF to 10,000 households in Idleb and Hama Governorates.  This brings the total number of cross-border convoys under Security Council resolution 2165 (2014) into Syria to eleven.  We have more available online should you require it.

** Great Lakes Region

The Secretary-General’s new Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, Said Djinnit, met yesterday with the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.  They discussed the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region and called for its speedy and full implementation.  This visit to Rwanda is part of the introductory regional tour conducted by Mr. Djinnit is currently on.  After Kigali, Mr. Djinnit will travel to Kampala to meet with the country’s authorities.  And also to remind you that, also, as part of this tour, Mr. Djinnit was, last week, in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Nairobi, Kenya.

** Bahrain

And from Geneva, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said today in Geneva that it remains concerned about violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and the targeting of human rights activists in Bahrain.  Most recently, on 30 August, prominent Bahraini human rights defender Maryam al-Khawaja was detained at Manama Airport and then transferred to a women’s prison on charges of assaulting a police officer.  She is reportedly due to appear in court tomorrow.  The Human Rights Office is seriously concerned that her arrest is linked to her legitimate work to promote human rights in Bahrain through the Gulf Centre for Human Rights, of which she is co-director.  The human rights office urges the Government to take immediate steps to release her and all human rights defenders and individuals detained for the peaceful exercise of their rights, and to ensure that all human rights defenders in Bahrain are able to carry out their important work in an effective manner without fear of harassment or prosecution.

**World Food Programme

And lastly, from the World Food Programme (WFP), for those of you who like contact sports:  the World Food Programme and the International Rugby Board are teaming up to “Tackle Hunger” at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.   That event, the world’s third-largest sports event, will kick off next 18 September with a Million Meal Challenge to raise funds for WFP to provide meals to schoolchildren in developing countries.  More than 2.3 million people are expected to attend the six-week World Cup, and every match will prominently feature the partnership between WFP and the International Rugby Board.  WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin said that there is a powerful connection between good nutrition and sporting excellence.  She added that the Programme seeks to ensure that young children get the food they need to reach their full physical and intellectual potential.  More information is available online and in person from the WFP colleagues, who are in the back.

**Press Conference

And as soon you are done with me, we will have the former President of Bolivia Carlos Mesa here.  In the middle?

**Questions & Answers

Question: Thank you, Stéphane.  I have two questions, one on Syria and who is going -- who is leading the negotiations with Al-Nusra Group, in order to secure the release of the peacekeepers on the Golan Heights?  My other question is on Iraq, and this coalition that was formed this morning to fight ISIL/ISIS in Iraq and Syria; what is the United Nation's position on the coalition?

Spokesman:  On your first question, it's a UN effort.  These are UN peacekeepers and we are responsible for them.  But obviously I'm not going in detail of who is doing what or who is talking to whom at this point.  As you understand, it's a delicate situation and our concern is for the release of our colleagues. 

On your second question, you know, we have seen briefly some of the press reports this morning, so I don't have a detailed answer for you.  But I would just say that, as the Secretary-General said that he would hope any effort to fight what has been going on with ISIL/ISIS and other radical groups and the violence they have been perpetrating would be done within the confines of international law.  Mr. Lee?

Question: Sure.  I wanted to ask first about the peacekeepers.  I'm sure you have seen the news that Al-Nusra said they are going to put them on trial under sharia law.  So, I wanted know, is that actually taking place and what does the UN think of that?  Also, the Philippines contingent has continued to say they were ordered orally, not in writing, by Mr. [Iqbal] Singh Singha to surrender their weapons.  And I just wanted to know, I heard Mr. [Hervé] Ladsous say it's not the case, and they say it was the case and that the force commander refused to put it in writing.  And I just wonder, on reflection, is there some… what explains these two different narratives?

Spokesman:  On your first question, I think, we're not going to comment on every report that comes out of various groups or media on what is going on with the peacekeepers.  Our focus is on trying to get their release, and that's where the focus will remain on.  On your other issue, I mean, you and I both heard what Mr. Ladsous said; I think it was very clear.  I have nothing to add to what he said, though I would say this, as we have said here, and I think he mentioned, once this whole episode is over, there will be some after-action review, as is normal and we will see where that comes up.  But, I'm not going to get into the “he said-he said” on this one.  Yes, sir?

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  And on Syria and on Gaza two questions:  First, on Gaza, what is happening now about reconstruction efforts, what is the Secretary-General or his team doing to lead the efforts to reconstruct the destruction there?  And on Syria, has there been any prevention of these convoys from border crossings from Turkey or any other states into Iraq by extremist groups or other groups or the Government?

Spokesman:  No.  I think on your last question is we have been reporting that the convoy seem to have been going in without incidents or not… without any serious incidents that I know about at least.  So, it's a drip into the pool, really.  I mean, it's great that these convoys are going in.  But, I think, as Ms. [Valerie] Amos and others have said, it's really a drip into a very empty pool and we need more assistance to go in and more aid to go in more freely.  On Gaza, obviously, you know, our colleagues on the ground, our humanitarian colleagues and political colleagues, are talking to the Palestinian and Israelis to see how the UN can be most helpful in the reconstruction.  But, that will be a big focus of the UN system's work in Gaza for months to come… will be the reconstruction of critical infrastructure and housing.  I think we have talked here about the huge deficit in housing stock in Gaza, which was already pretty bad before this started.  Ellen?

Question:  So how involved is the Secretary-General and the [General Assembly] in deciding where the World Health Organization is putting its efforts in terms of Ebola?  I was just in South Sudan, the World Health Organization tent as you come in checking everybody, but nothing in Kenya.

Spokesman:  Well, you know, obviously, we are there to support the Governments, to bring critical support where we can.  The World Health Organization also has a regulatory responsibility, in terms of public international health, in terms of setting up guidelines and working with Governments in putting in the right screening.  Nizar?

Question:  Since the senior report on Bahrain that was three years ago, there hasn't been any improvement, as it looks, in Bahrain.  And all those who have been in jail are there and more have joined them, even children as young as 10 years old are in jail in Bahrain.  Would the Secretary-General recommend a new investigation team or any action regarding the abuses there?

Spokesman:  I don't have anything for you on that right now.  We just flagged obviously, you know, the UN system’s call, the human rights call, which I just echoed here for the release of human rights defenders and for the respect of basic human rights law in Bahrain.  Stefano?

Question:  How about implementation of relations?

Spokesman:  I have nothing to add to that.  Stefano?

Correspondent:  Yes, two questions.  One is on the name the UN used to call ISIL, actually it's ISIL instead of ISIS [Islamic State in Iraq and the Shams], or IS [Islamic State], and I would like to know, because the ISIL, for whatever we understand means Levant, with an “L”, and means it's a much bigger territory that they could… so he has been calling this like ISIL, with a name they maybe want to be called if you don't explain the danger of it.

Spokesman:  You know, I think you raise a very good question that I think not just the UN, but I think journalists and everybody is kind of struggling with, which is what language you use and what names you use to describe these groups.  We are partly guided, in fact, by Security Council resolutions and what the naming is done on the Security Council resolution.  I think it's a debate that will probably go on for a little bit longer.  It should not be read as recognition in any way of their legitimacy or their authority over a particular area of land.  I think what we have done clearly from here is the condemning, very clearly, the acts, the horrible acts of violence they have committed against minorities, against women, against children, against journalists.  So, it's a legitimate question for which I don't really have a good answer on.  Your microphone, please?

Question:  On Somalia; and recently there has been very disturbing report of attacking a newspaper and journalist media in Somalia by the Government.  And do you have any comment on that?

Spokesman:  I have not seen those reports, but I think you can… as you know, and as I've talked about here and for different places, that we fully support the right for a free press, that the press needs to be respected and not be harassed.  Oleg?

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  With today's statement from Ban Ki-Moon, of Ban Ki-Moon, when he stresses the importance of the monitoring mechanism, is the UN prepared to play its part, if it's asked to send out some monitors on the ground?

Spokesman:  You know, the UN is always ready to play its part.  And I think the last sentence, as he offers the full support of the UN to efforts in this direction as appropriate and as requested by the parties.  So, obviously, this is… literally, the ink is maybe not even dry on this, contacts will be had and the Secretary-General is committed to helping in whatever way he can and whatever way he is requested by the parties.

Question:  One more question.  Is there any news from South Sudan on the investigation?

Spokesman:  No.  That is ongoing.  Thank you.  Ms. Matthew and then Ann?

Question:  Two questions and I'll try to do them fast.  One is whistleblowers.  There was this decision over the Labor Day weekend in the case of Mr. [James] Wasserström, which was a big whistleblower case.  And basically the Government Accountability Project is saying that with the decision that was made that still upheld $15,000 for… against the Secretary-General for having refused to comply with production and discovery orders, but that it cut back on the rights and protections of whistleblowers and that this may violate this 2014 law, requiring the US Government to withhold funds if the UN doesn't enact best practice for whistleblowers.  What is the UN's response to this criticism?

Spokesman:  I should have something more detailed for you.  But, obviously, you know, we respect the decisions made by the internal justice system here.  As for whether or not those decisions violate the laws of the United States or any other country, that is not for me to interpret.

Question:  What about the decision that the Secretary-General erred in not complying with discovery orders, do you accept that?

Spokesman:  As I said, I hope to have something further.

Question:  The other one really quickly is:  I know that you have been asked about this investigation of reporting from Darfur about attacks on civilians and when it will be completed.  So, I would like to, obviously, know, will it be public when it comes out?  But, also, I have heard that Mr. [Mohammed ibn] Chambas is being considered as a replacement for Said Djinnit in the UNOWA [United Nations Office in West Africa] Office.  And I wanted to know… you won't comment on that, but would you consider it appropriate to, in the midst of this… does this sort of pre-foretell the investigation or how serious is the investigation of UNAMID [African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur] if somebody could be getting promoted laterally or what could you say about that?

Spokesman:  Well, I think you offered me an out.

Correspondent:  I tried.

Spokesman:  I know what you mean.

Correspondent:  It's Friday. 

Spokesman:  It is, indeed, Friday, let's hope so.  Obviously, as you know, with senior appointments, we are not going to comment until it's announced, whether it's been tweeted, posted or leaked.  And I'm not going to get into the tea leaf reading business.  On the first part of your question, I would like to be able to give you an update.  And I will ask for one of where the investigation stands.  Anne and Masood and then we will go back to second round.

[The Spokesman later shared the following information from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations:

Acting on the instructions of the Secretary-General on 20 June, the UN Secretariat reviewed the reports of all investigations and inquiries undertaken since mid-2012.  Based on the Secretariat's recommendations, a team has been appointed to review all aspects related to the management of reporting in UNAMID and in so doing assesses the veracity of the allegations made in the ICC Prosecutor's report.  This review is ongoing and is expected to be completed by September.]

Question:  Yes.  So, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko confirmed today at the NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] summit in Wales that a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels had been signed in Minsk and was based on President [Petro] Poroshenko's 12-point peace plan.  Is this the same peace plan that was introduced here at UN Headquarters and highly praised by the UN Secretary-General?

Spokesman:  You know, Anne, it's a good question to which I don't know the answer.  I'm sure, as in any peace accord, there were a lot of ingredients from different pots and what is critical for us is that there was an agreement that was signed in Minsk and which we have welcomed.

Question:  Stéphane, a question — two questions.  One is a follow-up on what Stefano asked about the name of ISIS.  There was a discussion from Wales which they said the ISIS should not even be called “Islamic State”, because that is a very comprehensive thing and that should not be done and that there should be a new definition.  So, when will… will it be to the United Nations to come up with a definition of ISIS, that is because it's very broad?

Spokesman:  I think, as I told Stefano, it's a very legitimate question which I think Governments, international organization, journalists are all struggling with: what words do you use?  There are discussions going on.  Obviously part of what we are guided by here is the nomenclature, the language used in Security Council resolutions.  So, it's also maybe a debate that Security Council members, in discussion, may want to have.  Second question?

Question:  The other question I wanted to ask about is that in this whole thing in Wales, it seems that the question of Afghanistan and the withdrawal of the American troops and all those things, they have gone in the background completely, not being mentioned.  Pakistani leader was supposed to go there [and] didn't go there.  Is there any update that you have on Afghanistan that was discussed or what the United Nations says?

Spokesman:  You know, obviously, it's a NATO summit and it's up to them to set the agenda.  But, as you heard yesterday, Jeffrey Feldman, the USG [Under-Secretary-General] for [the Department] of Political Affairs, was in Wales and delivered a message on Afghanistan to the assembled leaders on a special session on Afghanistan.  So, I'll give you a copy of that.  So far, our point of view and our participation in the NATO summit was focused on Afghanistan.

Question:  On Bahrain, aside from the issue of Maryam al-Khawaja, who herself tweeted that she was on the no-fly list and barred from entering the country, I'm more concerned about Ahmed al-Humaidan, who has been in jail and his 10-year sentence was upheld on appeal for the crime of photography during the Arab Spring?

Spokesman:  I don't have anything on that, but I think you can read the statement from the High Commissioner for Human Rights as a call to allow human rights defenders and others to be able to work and express themselves freely.

Question:  Stéphane, two quick questions.  One, on Syria, since the international community is finally coming together to combat these terrorist groups, what is going to happen on the UN side for solution purposes?  I mean, is there going to be a meeting or a summit or some kind of… in September, at least, about Syria?  And my second question before you start is on Cyprus.  Is there also going to be a meeting on Cyprus here or what is the road map?

Spokesman:  I think you are seeing the Secretary-General’s new Special Adviser on Cyprus was here yesterday.  He is on his way to Cyprus to meet with both leaders.  On your other question, there will be a lot of meetings here in September, as there always are.  We are trying to harvest for you a list of, you know, the main side… I mean, of all the events; but obviously a lot of the political meetings, the kind of thematic meetings that will be held, different friends of or different permutations of those meetings.  And as soon as we have something to share with you, we will.  Obviously, you have seen in the explanation of the programme at work by the Permanent Representative of the US, there will be a special meeting, I think, on fighters, extremist fighters in the Security Council.  So, there's that.  Nizar, then Matthew?

Question:  Yes, Saudi Arabia announced in the last few days that they arrested dozens of people for suspicion of being associated with terrorist groups.  Also, Sheikh Nimr is still facing death sentence in Saudi Arabia for no crime he committed.  Is there any contact with the Saudi authorities and people from ending up in jail?

Spokesman:  Let me see what I can get you on that.  Sylvian and then Matthew?  Then we have to wrap this up pretty soon.

Question:  Thank you.  Do you know if the Secretary-General is backing the idea of the military solution in Syria and in Iraq?

Spokesman:  In general terms?

Question:  General terms.  Is he backing the idea?  To stop the bloodshed?

Spokesman:  I think the Secretary-General has spoken out quite extensively for the need for political settlement, for the long-term settlement in Syria.  And as for actions in Iraq and actions against ISIS, I think ISIL/ISIS, I think he also said that he would hope that whatever is decided would be done within the confines of international law.  Matthew?

Question:  Sure.  Malaysia and also the 38th floor separately.  On Malaysia, there has been a lot of complaints about the use of a sedition law to come to convict parliamentarians and student activists for anything that is critical of the Government.

Spokesman:  I'll see if I can get anything.

Question:  The Economist criticized it.  Okay.  Thirty-eighth floor, yesterday, there were a number of meetings between the Secretary-General and new [Permanent Representatives].  And it turned out there were meetings also.  I guess that is the norm.  But, after each letter was turned in, he went to the office.  So, I know you normally don't readout such meetings.  But, I wanted to ask in particular, he met with the [Permanent Representative] of Burundi and the new [Permanent Representative] of Egypt.  And can you say or give some sense whether the issues of the UN in Burundi and the [persona non grata] of the staff and the letter that I asked you about and Farhan about, and did free Egypt come up?

Spokesman:  The normal procedure for presidential credentials is there is a ceremony, they go in the office, they have a meet and greet.  We don't do readouts of those meetings.

Question:  What would you make of the new French [Permanent Representative] who was 19 minutes, with Burundi it was 8 minutes, what kind of meet and greet?

Spokesman:  I'm asking.

Question:  A lot of greeting.

Spokesman:  And I'm asking you.  Masood, go ahead.

Question:  Does the Secretary-General believe that Syria is going to be part of the solution now or in the Middle East when the international community takes up this war against this so-called Islamic State or does he believe that, no, if Syria should not be included?

Spokesman:  I think everyone has a part to play and the Secretary-General hopes that whatever is decided is done within the confines of international law.  You have the last question and I have a former President waiting.  I really have nothing to add so you can follow-up; but there will be nothing new.  Go ahead.

Question:  Just one quick follow-up on Bahrain.  Has Juan Méndez, the Special Rapporteur on Torture, made any progress?

Spokesman:  I don't know.  You should ask the human rights office in Geneva.  I leave you and I thank you.

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For information media • not an official record