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.  And I do want to welcome this year’s Dag Hammarskjöld fellows.  It’s always a pleasure to have you here. We hope you enjoy your time at the UN.  It’s a great programme, so welcome.

** Golan Heights

I think, as we mentioned earlier today, at 1430 hours local time, the 45 Fijian peacekeepers who had been detained were handed over to UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) at Position 80 in the Golan Heights.  Subsequently, the peacekeepers crossed to the Bravo side at Position 37B and are currently at Camp Faouar undergoing medical attention.  We understand they are in good condition and we will have a statement on this very shortly.

** Syria

On Syria, Staffan de Mistura, the Special Envoy for Syria, met today in Damascus with President Bashar al-Assad.  He spoke to the press afterward, saying that they had a long and useful meeting.  He has also met in recent days with the Syrian Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister.  Mr. de Mistura said that the figures received on Syria from a range of reliable sources are shocking, with more than 190,000 people dead, 3 million refugees, half of the population in need of help and 9 million people displaced.  He said that after his meetings in Damascus, he will travel throughout the region and come to New York to report to the Secretary-General about the suggestions that he has been getting, both in and outside Syria.  And he emphasized that the United Nations will take even more seriously the priority of trying to reduce the violence and end the suffering of the Syrian people. 

** Afghanistan

Yesterday, the Secretary-General had separate phone calls with both Afghan presidential candidates, Dr. Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.  In his conversations, he stressed the need for both of them to abide by their public commitments and conclude the political agreement on a Government of national unity.  The Secretary-General said that the audit, which is currently ongoing and is being supported by the United Nations, was robust, comprehensive and consistent with international best practices.  The Secretary-General asked both of them to think of the future of Afghanistan and its people.  He reassured them that the United Nations and the international community were united in their support of a peaceful transition in Afghanistan.

The Secretary-General also spoke to outgoing President Hamid Karzai.  He told him that the UN would remain committed to a partnership with Afghanistan.  He also expressed the hope that Mr. Karzai would continue to remain involved as an elder of the country.  Also related to Afghanistan, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, is in Kabul today, where he also met with the two Presidential candidates.  Together with the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ján Kubiš, he discussed with the candidates the way forward and expressed the Secretary-General’s support for a successful completion of the election process.  He said that the candidates have reaffirmed their commitment to get a political agreement on a national unity Government.  Mr. Feltman emphasized that it was important that the candidates follow through on their public commitments to accept the audit results, which should be announced in the next few days. He stressed that the UN intends to remain an active and supportive partner of Afghanistan through its political and security transitions, and well beyond.

Also on Afghanistan, the UN [Assistance] Mission in that country, UNAMA, has expressed its condolences to the families of the civilians who were killed and injured in airstrikes in the eastern province of Kunar.  The Special Representative, Kubiš, has urged authorities to make all efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and for a prompt and transparent investigation into the incident. 

**UNDOF Peacekeepers Released

I was just handed over the statement on the release of the peacekeepers.  The Secretary-General welcomes the release of the 45 United Nations Disengagement Observer Force peacekeepers who had been forcibly taken on 28 August of this year by armed elements from United Nations Position 27 and detained.  He appreciates the efforts of all concerned to secure their safe release.  The Secretary-General emphasizes to all parties the impartiality of the United Nations peacekeepers. UNDOF is on the ground to monitor the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.  The Secretary-General demands that all parties respect UNDOF’s mandate, freedom of movement and the safety and security of its personnel.  And that statement is now available online. 

**Post-2015 Development Agenda

Back here, the Secretary-General spoke this morning at the high-level stock-taking event on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, which the President of the General Assembly briefed you on yesterday.  The Secretary-General said that, at the Rio+20 Conference last year, Member States made clear that they want to be in the driver’s seat when planning the new development agenda.  The Secretary-General said that countries have been working constructively together to identify the most important challenges that we need to tackle together, and that the UN stands ready to continue serving Member States in the coming negotiations.  He said that we have an intense and important year ahead, and that we need to build a framework that will sustain and finish what has been accomplished by the Millennium Development Goals in our fight against poverty, hunger, ignorance and disease.  Also speaking at the event is the Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson.  He said that we have an historic opportunity to correct our unsustainable development path.  We must show that we are sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the nations and peoples of the United Nations.  And both sets of remarks are available online.

**Ebola

The Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, is in Liberia, to assess how UN peacekeepers can further support the fight against Ebola in the country.  Mr. Ladsous had a meeting with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other high-level officials.  Tomorrow he will be travelling to Accra, Ghana, to visit a logistics hub which has been set up to respond to the regional Ebola crisis.  And more information on his visit will be available later today on his visit.

Also on Ebola, Valerie Amos said that the Humanitarian Affairs department has allocated $3.8 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to the fight against Ebola.  The funding will allow the World Food Programme (WFP), which runs the UN Humanitarian Air Service, to move humanitarian personnel, medical supplies and equipment, and other essential humanitarian cargo rapidly and efficiently to multiple remote locations within Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.  The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that reduced commercial travel in the region has hindered the urgent deployment of healthcare personnel and supplies, and has severely affected the scale-up of the urgent life-saving response.  On the ground, WHO [World Health Organization] says that hospitals in affected countries are urgently in need of additional beds to accommodate more patients.  WHO and its partners have supported the construction of a new Ebola treatment centre in Monrovia that will be able to accommodate 120 patients.  More such centres are expected to open in the coming weeks.

**Security Council

Back here in the Security Council, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Haiti, Sandra Honoré, told the Security Council this morning that after a period of deadlock concerning the holding of elections in the country, there seems to be renewed willingness on this topic.  But, she said that, given the time needed for logistic preparations, the window for holding the elections before the end of the year is now rapidly closing.  She added that this is particularly worrisome since, without elections, parliament would be rendered dysfunctional on 12 January of next year.  Regarding the drawdown of the UN [Stabilization] Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH, Ms. Honoré said she was confident that the recommended reconfiguration would ensure adequate stabilization presence to support Haitian institutions.  She said the UN Mission would work with the Government, the UN country team and Haiti’s international partners to develop a comprehensive transition plan that underpins the gradual reduction of the Mission’s footprint.  And her full statement is available online.

** Libya

And from Libya, we are told that the Special Representative in that country, Bernardino Leòn, is in Tripoli, where he met with key political actors, including members of the parliament today.  During his discussions, Mr. Leòn called on all parties to address the current political situation through negotiations, and reiterated the need for a permanent ceasefire for those negotiations to bear fruit.  Mr. Leòn also travelled to Tobruk and al-Baida earlier this week, where he held talks with the head of the House of Representatives and the chairman of the Constitution-Drafting Assembly.  He stressed strong UN support for the House as the sole legislative authority in the country and addressed the Assembly, praising its role as an example of dialogue and consensus.  Mr. Leòn is expected back in New York in mid-September to brief the Security Council. 

** Yemen

And from Yemen, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Yemen, Jamal Benomar, began a new visit to Yemen today.  Earlier today, he met with President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and discussed the latest developments.  He expressed his deepest regret over the loss of lives due to the unfolding events in the past few days.  He urged all Yemenis to make genuine and credible efforts to settle their disagreements, and to reach a solution that will serve the greater national interest, which should supersede all other interests.  His visit to Yemen aims at continuing cooperation with President Hadi and all political parties in order to reach a peaceful solution based on the Transition Agreement, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and Security Council resolutions.

** Jordan

And just to flag that Valerie Amos, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, is in Jordan, where she met senior Government officials, including the Prime and Foreign Ministers, to discuss the humanitarian situation in the region.  She also visited the Al Ramtha border crossing, where she saw a convoy of humanitarian assistance cross into southern Syria.

** Myanmar

Two other UN officials wrapped a visit today to Myanmar’s Rakhine State and that’s John Ging, the Director of Operations for [the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs], as well as Haoliang Xu, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific for UNDP [United Nations Development Programme].  And they were there to assess efforts to increase cohesion and peaceful existence between communities.

**South Asia

And flagging a new report by UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund] on South Asia, which finds that though there has been huge progress, strong inequalities persist and children pay a heavy price.  More than 2 million children in South Asia die before their fifth birthday and these deaths are preventable.  That report is online.

**Press Conference

And a press conference:  tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., Ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine, will be here and talk to you.

**Questions & Answers

Question:  Thank you very much.  What does the Secretary‑General's reaction to President [Barack] Obama's speech on Syria?  And what does he think about the US [ United States] or the coalition bombing the ISIS [Islamic State in Iraq and the Shams] positions while the UN is, for example, delivering humanitarian aid and other things?  What does the Secretary‑General think about it?  And has he talked to President Obama about it?  Thank you.

Spokesman:  I gave you a readout of his conversation with President Obama a few days ago.  On Syria, I'm not going to prejudge actions that have not yet — that have not yet taken [place].  It is clear from the Secretary‑General that the threat of ISIS/ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant] needs to be faced.  There… we welcome the… seems to be the growing international support.  And also, I think, welcome the President's stated commitment, restated commitment to pursue the political solution necessary to solve Syria's crisis, once and for all, parallel to measures taking ISIL.  I think any measures taken, military actions taken, it is also very important that everyone remember — all actors remember the need to protect civilians, to protect civilian lives and also to enable us to continue our humanitarian work.  Yes, ma'am?

Question:  My question goes in the same direction, because it's most probably at least that the Russians are not going to agree to the resolution that Americans and (inaudible) so does the Secretary‑General see it as a… if the… they are going to attack ISIS in Syria, does he see it as illegal?

Spokesman:  Again, I'm not going to prejudge what has not yet happened.  I think the Secretary[-General]'s position has been stated, but I think we're talking about things that may happen or people have declared to happen.  Let's wait and see.  Edie?

Question:  Stéphane, a couple of questions on the Fijians.  The Government said that they were sending several Fijian military representatives there.  Were they at the handover?  Have they seen them?  And are the peacekeepers going to be returning back to Fiji anytime soon?  And secondly, there's been a lot of comment in the region as a result of this, questioning the viability of the UN peacekeeping operation.  And I wonder if you could comment on whether this remains viable.

Spokesman:  Sure.  UNDOF continues to work and to support its mandate.  Obviously, it has to adapt on a daily basis, given the situation on the ground.  I think Mr. Ladsous gave a fairly clear explanation on that.  Our mandate is clear as given by the Security Council.  It will be discussed in the Security Council as soon as the Secretary‑General's regular report on UNDOF will be sent to Council members.  So, I'm sure he will give Council members a chance to discuss the situation and the way forward, as well.  I'm not aware of the presence of any Fijian military officials… had been sent from Fiji at the handover, but I can check.  My assumption is that the 45 would return home and I would hope they would be swapped out for new troops from Fiji.  I'm sure they've been through quite an ordeal.  And they want to go home.

Question:  On the Fijians, you just said the Secretary‑General thanks the efforts of all concerned.  All concerned:  does that include the Government of Syria?

Spokesman:  It includes… we're not going to go into the details of the negotiations.  The focus for us was always the safe release of our 45 colleagues and that was achieved, and we're very pleased.  I think a lot of people played a role in supporting these discussions.  And we're very pleased at the outcome.

Question:  The other question is actually about the Special Envoy and his meeting with President Assad.  Did he take any conditions or any requests of him and what was the reaction… what did President Assad ask back from Mr. de Mistura, the first time he receives an envoy for quite a long time?

Spokesman:  I think Mr. de Mistura spoke to the press afterwards.  We can share that transcript with you.  What I would say is Mr. de Mistura has qualified his visit as a listening tour, so he's there to take stock.  It's his first visit in this capacity, and he's there to listen and will be listening to other interested…

Question:  What did he hear?  Give us an idea what did he hear from President.

Spokesman:  He shared, I think, with the media what he wanted to share, and obviously, he will continue his tour and report back to the Secretary‑General.  Stefano and then Richard and then…

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  To go back to what you say about the Secretary‑General not commenting on the part of Obama speech where he's implied probably there will be attacks on ISIL in Syria.  You say, like, until something doesn't happen we are not going to comment, but I have to ask, because the Secretary‑General defends for international law, it's important to respect international law.  To know what the [Secretary-]General think… what the Secretary‑General thinks about if this happened probably can influence also decisions or cannot influence decision at all.

Spokesman:  I think, you know, leaders make the decisions they need to make.  The Secretary‑General's obvious support for international law remains the same.  We talk about that quite a lot here.  So, national leaders will make the decisions they have to make and the Secretary‑General has his position.  Richard?

Question:  I guess I'm following up, begging here, but did the two men, the Secretary‑General and the president of the United States, talk about what the speech would be about in their phone call the other today?  And… so, you're saying he's not commenting on the aspect of attacks by the air in Syria even though it will maybe open up a…?

Spokesman:  We're not commenting on something that has not yet happened.  I think the Secretary‑General has often stated the need to face… to deal with ISIL and ISIS and the crimes that they've clearly committed.  But, it is also clear that we need to push twice as hard on the political track.  I think terror groups like we've seen haven't appeared out of the blue.  They've also appear… they've appeared in Syria and other places because there is no progress on the political track.  Thank you.  Yes?  And then we'll come back front.

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  Today marks the thirteenth anniversary of the 11 September attacks on the United States.  I was just curious as to why the United Nations hasn't held a moment of silence or any other commemoration as they have for others.

Spokesman:  I believe there was a moment of silence held in the General Assembly this morning.

Question:  There was?

Spokesman:  Yes.

Question:  The Secretary‑General in his interview with us yesterday, Al Hayat, he was clear there was no need for a Security Council resolution in order for the coalition to do what it has to do militarily in Syria or otherwise.  Does that change now that the Syrian Government spokespeople are saying that there has to be permission by them… prior consent by the Government of Syria?  Does he still believe there is no need for…?

Spokesman:  The Secretary‑General told you what he believed and I really have nothing to add.  Edie?

Question:  Stéphane, on Mr. Feltman's visit to Afghanistan, as I've been reading, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah have not been able to agree on a Government of national unity, and I believe that you said that in their meeting with Mr. Feltman they reaffirmed their commitment to get to a national unity Government.  I just wanted to double‑check that, and would this be a breakthrough for the United Nations?

Spokesman:  I will double-check the interpretation of what has been given to me.  How's that for an answer?  Evelyn?

Question:  Thanks, Stéph.  Just quickly on the two‑day 2015 development programme, is someone going to sum up what's decided if anything, so we don't have to listen to 192 speeches?  (Laughter)

Spokesman:  I don't know.  You have to work for your money.

Correspondent:  That one would be very painful.

Spokesman:  I will ask the PGA's [President of the General Assembly] office if they can do a sum‑up press conference for you.

Question:  Also, is there not a necessity for a Security Council resolution on bombing in Syria?  Because it goes… you can't say the Syrian Government invited them in.

Spokesman:  I think we will let the Security Council decide that.  Mr. Abbadi?

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  What specific days has the Secretary-General given his press conference?  17 or 18 November?

Spokesman:  [16 November].  I think I've been trapped a number of times on this.  And I confirmed with a handwritten sign that it was on [16 November].  Sanghwon?

Question:  Back on the Fijians, has, for who the interlocutors were, have they paid ransom?

Spokesman:  No, no demands were made, and no concessions were made.  No ransom was made.

Question:  One thing on President Obama's speech, the speech has happened, although the actions have not yet to happened, because the Secretary‑General… has the Secretary‑General welcomed the coalition efforts?  You can elaborate more on what his thoughts are after last night's…

Spokesman:  As I said, we welcome the reaffirmation of the commitment to find a political solution in Syria, and I think we also very much welcome the efforts that have been undertaken by Secretary‑General Kerry… Secretary [of State John] Kerry to work with Arab nations to mobilize Sunni communities in Iraq and Syria to shape a response.  Richard?

Question:  How does the Secretary‑General feel his appearance on The Daily Show last night went?  It's been six years into his administration.  Is this a more public outreach to show his personal side or to discuss UN issues?  How did this all come about?  What's the story?

Spokesman:  I think it was a first for the Secretary‑General.  I think he is his toughest critic, but I think it was a good first step in reaching new audiences in different ways and we were pleased with it, and we hope Mr. [Jon] Stewart was, as well.  Yes, sir?

Question:  My name is Femi [inaudible] from Nigeria.  I'm going to ask a question on the Ebola outbreak in the region:  can the UN negotiate with countries like the United States, with more developed health care and medicine, to make available the experimental drugs they have to thousands of people now affected… infected with this Ebola viral disease back in West Africa?

Spokesman:  It's a very good question.  It's an issue that's been… being discussed currently by the World Health Organization, because there are a lot of ethical issues having to do with experimental vaccines, which are exactly just that:  experimental, having gone through the full testing and also limited in terms of numbers, in terms of access.  And you know, we don't think any sort of vaccine could be available on a massive scale probably till early next year.  So, that's a discussion that needs to be had.  But, it really is in parallel to the focus that needs to be had now, which is on supporting the efforts of the Governments of Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea and others that have been impacted to ensure they have the needs necessary to support their public health systems.  Oleg?

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  I understand that yesterday there was a conversation, phone conversation between Ban Ki‑moon and [Ukrainian President Petro] Poroshenko and is that true and you can provide…?

Spokesman:  Yes, there was a phone call between Secretary‑General and President Poroshenko.  Yes, there was, and President Poroshenko updated the Secretary‑General on the situation in eastern Ukraine and in the country, and the Secretary‑General encouraged the President to continue on the path of dialogue with Russia in order to sustain the existing ceasefire.  Yes, sir?

Question:  My name is Laz Halle from Tunisia.  My question is, Stéphane, do you have an idea if the United Nations will send up service to supervise the elections in Tunisia, which will be done the next days and will end the three years of the transition and three years of transition?  Thank you.

Spokesman:  I'm happy to answer your question, even though you're wearing a New York Yankees cap in my briefing room, which is… (Laughter) this is strictly not a Yankees zone.  But, it's a valid question.  I will check to see if that is going on.  Great.  Thank you very much.

Question:  Are you really defending the Mets?

Spokesman:  We… yes.  Yes. [Laughter]

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