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.

**United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

An update from the UN Disengagement Force in Golan Heights (UNDOF) — the situation in UN Disengagement Force on the Syrian side and the area of separation, has deteriorated severely over the last several days.  Armed groups have made advances in the area of UNDOF positions, posing a direct threat to the safety and security of the UN peacekeepers along the Bravo line and in Camp Faouar.  All of UN personnel in these positions have thus been relocated to the Alpha side.  UNDOF continues to use all available assets to carry out its mandated tasks in this exceptionally challenging period and environment. 

** Iraq

Turning over to Iraq, the Secretary‑General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, attended the Paris International Conference on Peace and Security in Iraq today.  In his remarks, delivered on behalf of the Secretary‑General, Mr. Mladenov called upon Member States to cooperate in enforcing the sanctions adopted by UN Security Council resolution 2170 (2014), calling on those states to act to suppress the flow of foreign fighters, financing and other support to Islamist extremist groups in Iraq and in Syria.  Mr. Mladenov further underlined that growing international consensus to fight Islamist extremist groups must also be governed by international law and standards that uphold the protection of civilians. And we have more details in a press release from the UN [Assistance] Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

On the humanitarian end, as you will recall, the UN humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, wrapped up her mission to the country over the weekend.  Following her three‑day visit, Ms. Amos said that additional support is needed ahead of the long winter months.  Ms. Amos, who met displaced families in Iraqi Kurdistan’s Dohuk Governorate, said that people urgently need shelter and protection.  She assured them that the humanitarian community will do all it can to help communities in need.  So far, 20 million people from across Iraq have been affected by the violence, including 1.8 million who have been displaced. More than 850,000 of them are currently in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

And the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that the numbers of displaced people could increase in the coming months since fierce fighting continues in northern and eastern part of Iraq.  And more information is available on the [Office’s] website. 

**Security Council

Back here, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution earlier today to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

Following that, the Secretary‑General’s Special Representative for Libya, Bernardino León, briefed the Council.  Mr. León, who was in Libya recently meeting with key political leaders, said that everyone he met underscored the need for an end to the violence and the need for the political process to resume.  Mr. León said that despite the repeated calls for an immediate end to the violence, including from the Council, the situation on the ground remains extremely volatile and precarious.  He said that the United Nations remains committed to its Mission in Libya and will continue to stress the urgent need for political dialogue.  He added that he intends to undertake further visits to Libya.  Mr. León is expected to speak to you at the stakeout shortly and we are keeping an eye on the camera for you. 

** Central African Republic

Today marks the beginning of the UN [Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization] Mission in the Central African Republic’s military and police action.  The transfer of authority from the African‑led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic, otherwise known as MISCA, to the United Nations Mission, MINUSCA, took place earlier in Bangui in a ceremony attended by the UN, African Union and Central African [Republic] officials.  The UN was represented by the Under‑Secretary‑General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Hervé Ladsous.

As of today, MINUSCA’s presence stands at some 6,600 troops, more than 1,000 police — that’s 65 per cent of its authorized forces and 58 per cent of its authorized police force — and a complement of civilian staff that are progressively deploying throughout the country.  The Mission will prioritize the protection of civilians, as well as support to the political process and State‑building efforts.

And in a statement that we issued last night, the Secretary‑General expressed his appreciation to MISCA, which has saved and protected many lives, alongside the French Sangaris forces, as well as the European Union force in the Central African Republic.  He also said he was grateful for the exemplary collaboration between the UN and the African Union to ensure a seamless transition of authority.  And his statement was issued last night, as I’ve just said.

** Mali

Turning over to Mali, just an update on the attack that killed one peacekeeper and wounded four others yesterday, in the vicinity of Aguelhok, Kidal region.  The UN [Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization] Mission [in Mali], MINUSMA, informs us that the four peacekeepers were transported to Bamako and to Dakar, Senegal. And their condition is listed as stable.

In a statement we issued last night, the Secretary‑General strongly condemned the attack and said it would not alter the determination of the United Nations to support the Malian people in their search for peace.  According to the UN Mission, 26 killed peacekeepers were killed since the start of the Mission — 17 of them as a result of hostile action.  In addition, 103 peacekeepers have been wounded since the beginning of the Mission.  The Secretary‑General’s statement is available online.  And the Security Council also issued a press statement on the same issue yesterday condemning this attack.

** Gaza

Moving on to Gaza, nearly 300,000 children went back to schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees [in the Near East] (UNRWA), at the start of the school year in Gaza and Syria today.  In Gaza, some 240,000 children went back to 252 UNRWA schools.  Over 90 school buildings had been used as shelters for displaced people during the recent Gaza violence.  The Relief and Works Agency has employed over 200 counsellors to support children, parents and teachers as they get used to going back to school.  The recent conflict in Gaza left 258 schools and kindergartens damaged, including 26 schools that are beyond repair.  Initial estimates indicate that at least $30 million is needed until the end of the year to address the impact of the conflict on school infrastructure.  Also, more than 63,000 people, of whom half are children under the age of 18, remain displaced in Gaza.

** Mediterranean

From the High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, the High Commissioner himself and his Special Envoy Angelina Jolie visited the naval rescue headquarters in Malta yesterday, on a weekend during which new boat sinkings were reported off the coasts of Egypt and Libya.  More than 2,500 people have drowned or gone missing trying to cross this year alone, including more than 2,200 since the beginning of June.  There is more information on the UNHCR [Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] website.

**Democracy Day

In his message on the International Day of Democracy, the Secretary‑General said that the world seems more turbulent than ever and that the values of the United Nations are being tested and challenged.  He noted recent outbreaks of violence in societies that are not inclusive, and when Governments are not responsive and accountable.  He called on the world to do more to empower people, especially those who remain underprivileged, marginalized, jobless, hopeless and frustrated.  The Secretary‑General also called on young people around the world to confront global challenges, by leading a major push for inclusive democracy around the world.  His full message is available online. 

**Appointment

Senior appointment today:  The Secretary‑General has appointed Judy Cheng‑Hopkins of Malaysia as Special Adviser of the Secretary General on the University for Peace.  The University was established as a treaty organization on 5 December 1980 and some of you may know that it is in Costa Rica.  Its mission is to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace.  The Secretary‑General is the honorary president of the Council of the university and Ms. Cheng‑Hopkins will represent him there.  As you would recall, she was most recently the Assistant Secretary‑General for Peacebuilding Support.  We have more information available in my office.

**Press Conferences

In a few short minutes, you will have John Ashe, the outgoing the President of the General Assembly.  And he will hold a wrap‑up press conference highlighting the achievements of the 68th Session of the General Assembly.  And tomorrow, in chronological order:  9:30 a.m., the former President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, will be here to brief on the launch of a new Climate Economy Commission report.

And at 12 p.m. in this room, the Secretary‑General of the United Nations will be here to give his pre‑[General Assembly] press conference.

And at 3:30p.m., the new President of the General Assembly, President‑elect Sam Kahamba Kutesa, will be here to brief you as well in his first appearance at this podium as President of the General Assembly.

**Questions & Answers

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  I have two questions.  One is about our freedom of movement between the Secretariat building and the press island during the GA [General Assembly].  Do we still need to get an NYPD [New York Police Department] badge in order to move from here to there?  It is essential to us.  And we need an answer because last week, they didn't provide an answer on that. My other question is that the Secretary-General has been calling the international community to react on ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant]/ISIS [Islamic State in Iraq and the Shams], the Islamic State, and he even said that the international community wouldn't need a Secretary Council resolution in order to act on that threat.  Can the international coalition act in Syria without the consent of the Syrian Government?

Spokesman:  On your first question, I think Isabelle [Broyer] gave you a pretty extensive briefing.  We'll check with her if there's something new.  Obviously, you know what happens outside of the gates is beyond even our control and is the purview of the host authorities, and obviously the NYPD.  But, I'm happy to talk to you offline to see how we can help, if we can help in any way to make your life easier, because that's my concern.  On your second one, I don't think that's exactly what the Secretary-General said.  The Secretary-General has been condemning from the start the actions of ISIL and other Islamic terror groups we have seen.  And we've seen horrible things they've done, notably the most recent beheading of an aid worker.  And we know there are other victims who are nameless, who are also suffering.  And we've been condemning these acts very strongly.  I don't want to prejudge what will happen and obviously what the Security Council may decide.  But, obviously, where it is, the threat that is being posed cannot be faced by one nation alone, and the international community needs to act in a coherent manner.  That's why my answer was focused on Syria.  I think in Iraq, things are a lot clearer. Mr. Lee?

Question:  I want to ask you about two quotes very briefly.  One has to do with the Burundian troops being inside the DRC [ Democratic Republic of the Congo].  There's a report by Radio France Internationale, quoting a UN source saying that "we know that the Burundian soldiers are there, but we act as if they're not there in order to keep good relations with the Burundians and DRC".  I am wondering what's the status, since it was alleged by people who have been jailed for saying that it, there are Burundian troops, training the army and youth wing, in the DRC.  Have MONUSCO [United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] gone there and what do I say about this quote?

Spokesman:  I can only ask; if senior officials remain unnamed, I can't ask them, but I will ask the Mission.

Question:  This is more on point.  This is your quote.  Regarding the possibility of a UN Freedom of Information Act, which I know we've discussed in the past, you are quoted in the Columbia Journalism Review today as saying that there was no pursuing of a UN Freedom of Information Act because, "there were differing views among Member States about what constituted openness", said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for Secretary-General Ban Ki‑moon, in an e-mail.  I wanted to know, first of all, what's the opposition of Member States?  Number two, how can Member States' objections make it impossible for the Secretariat to create some kind of information releasing its own budgetary information, for example, his travels?

Spokesman:  As you well know, this is a Member States organization.  So, I think I'm not going… I think if you have more focused on what Member States' position are, you should ask the Member States.  What I was referring to is the proposal that was put forward in, if my memory serves me right, to the General Assembly in 2006 for the establishment of a procedure, an office on… that would be akin to a Freedom of Information Office, right, which demanded budgetary and other actions by the General Assembly.  The General Assembly never took action on that.  I do think, however, that the UN is much more transparent than maybe it's perceived.  I think there is information available through the archives.  There is a lot of public information available through the library, through the websites.  And whenever we can, we share whatever information is not available through those sources with you.

Question:  Very quickly.  Does he favour putting basically Freedom of Information Act… gives journalists a right to request and duty to respond; does he favour that?  And could he do it by Secretary General's orders and not…?

Spokesman:  These things have implications for Member States, and they have large budgetary implications; and those have to be dealt with by the General Assembly.  Mr. Klein and then we'll go to front row?

Question:  Yes.  First of all, does the Secretary-General have any comment on the decision by North Korea to commit Mr. Miller to six years of hard labour on rather vague charges of hostile acts?  And apparently in a trial that lacked any due process.  He wasn't given a lawyer.  There was no appeal allowed.

Spokesman:  We've seen those reports.  I think the Secretary General's position on… general position on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was articulated at the time of the release of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea].  And his position on that remains the same, as always, encouraging the authorities in the DPRK to engage with the international community to improve Human Rights in the DPRK.

Question:  But, you don't contemplate any specific statement on this?

Spokesman:  That's what I've…

Question:  And, secondly, sort of related to the issue of transparency, but bringing it home to the completion of the General Assembly building, could you provide us with any information on the total cost of the completion of the General Assembly building and whether it was brought within the budget, or if not, how much?

Spokesman:  Sure.  I can see what we can get over to you.  As you know, the Secretary-General this morning went to the new GA hall to thank all the construction workers and all the staff of the CMP [Capital Master Plan].  It looks absolutely beautiful.  They've done a great job.  In fact, it doesn't look that much different.  It just looks like it's brand new.  And we'll see it soon.  It's absolutely beautiful.  Yes?  In the front row and then Evelyn.

Question:  Hi, Stéphane, this is Camelia.  I'd like to know if there's any information… I'm sorry, I lost my voice today.  Is there any information about Iran nuclear talk which begins tomorrow at the UN?

Spokesman:  No.  This is one of the situations where the UN is providing the facilities for the P5+1… [phone ringing] …at least have a more interesting ring.  It's one of these things where we are just providing the facilities.  I would encourage you to talk to the Permanent Missions concerned.  Evelyn and then Abdelhamid?

Question:  Do you know who is attacking in Mali?  Is it the Al‑Qaida in the Maghreb, or do you have any information on which group is doing it?

Spokesman:  No.  A lot of these attacks are mines and roadside bombs, so it is difficult to find exactly who is conducting them.  But, there's a long list of possibilities.  Abdelhamid?

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  At his remarks yesterday, Mr. Pierre Krähenbühl, the Commissioner General of UNRWA, he said the following:  "On seven occasions, UNRWA schools were hit by shells or other weapons during the conflict.  We have called for investigations.  And I repeat this goal here today."  That means he's frustrated there is no… that's my interpretation.  Is there any investigation…?

Spokesman:  Could you repeat the quote again?

Question:  The quote, he said the following:  "On seven occasions, UNRWA schools were hit by shells or other weapons during the conflict.  We have called for investigations.  And I repeat this goal here today."

Spokesman:  I think… two things.  First, the Secretary-General, there will be an appointment of a Board of Inquiry.  But, my understanding is that Mr. Krähenbühl was referring to investigations conducted by parties other than the UN.  Yes, in the back and then Carla?

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  Mahmoud Abbas has sent a letter to members of Security Council regarding the ending of the occupations and returning to 1967.  Is there any comment about that?

Spokesman:  I have not seen the letter.  And if it was addressed to members of the Council, I would ask the Council members.  Yes, ma'am?

Question:  Stéphane, thank you.  Has the Secretary General anything to say about the fact that the families of James Foley and Steven Sotloff claim that they were threatened by the White House if they raise the money to save the lives of their children?  And if, in fact, this is true, this would seem to be in contradiction with the fact that the US ratified the Commission prohibiting torture.  This is both torture of the families of these young men and, of course, the torture of the…

Spokesman:  You know, I think we've condemned the acts that saw the tragic deaths of both these young men.  We're not going to comment on these reports.  Mr. Carpenter?  And then…

Question:  I'm now Mr. Carpenter?

Spokesman:  Matthew's back.

Question:  My question is that Under-Secretary-General [Valerie] Amos says additional aid is needed in Iraq.  My question is:  how much and what kind of additional aid is the UN prepared to send to Iraq?

Spokesman:  Well, it's not so much what kind we're prepared to send, it's that we need the resources to send more.  Obviously, it's not only food, but it's shelter, non-perishable items.  People… when you have that many numbers of people who are displaced, you need everything, you know, from basic kitchen utensils to health kits, hygiene kits, the whole gamut.  And it's an appeal for more assistance.  Yes, and then George and then the back?

Question:  Hi, Stéphane.  When you talk about the UN personnel located in the Golan Heights, would we have a number?  And from what particular countries?  And would you have an idea who are these armed groups who attacked them?  Who made advances?  Thank you.

Spokesman:  What we know is the armed groups are exactly that.  They are groups of men with — mostly men, I would assume — with weapons.  They are not the regular forces.  So, we don't have — I don't have — we don't have the ability to identify them when they are threatening our positions.  This implicates a lot of various units.  We'll see if we can get you any more details.

Question:  Thank you, Stéphane.  One logistic question.  What time would be tomorrow's opening session at the GA?  And the second is:  Can you confirm if there will be a special session at the Security Council on this Friday convened by John Kerry?

Spokesman:  On the second question, I would ask the Permanent Mission of the US.  On your first question, I assume — underscore assume — 10 a.m.  But, I will get back to you.  Yes?  And then George and then we have the [President of the General Assembly] waiting.

Question:  Femi Akonde from CBC News.  My question is on the change of guards in the Central African from MISCA to MINUSCA.  What's the mandate of MINUSCA troops now in the Central African Republic?  Would they use force to stop the violence?  Because we've seen situations whereby violent acts happen right under the noses of peacekeepers in the Central African Republic.  So, what strategy would MINUSCA adopt in restoring peace to the Central African Republic?

Spokesman:  The primary responsibility mandate of the UN troops is the protection of civilians and the support of the transitional authorities and to ensure that there is a large… an inclusive political dialogue to bring the CAR [ Central African Republic] back onto its feet.  They will be, if they need to, be authorized to take temporary measures to put a halt to the violence and to protect civilians when they have the ability to do so.  George, and that will be the last question?

Question:  Just a quick follow-up on your description of the Secretary General's walkthrough in the renovated GA Hall.  Will there be a walkthrough for the press at some time?

Spokesman:  There was a walkthrough for stills photographer today.  I will check with Isabelle if there can be a walkthrough for your facilities, as well.  But we'll get you there somehow.  Okay.  Thank you very much.  And we'll go get the [President of the General Assembly].  Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record