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.
**Noon Briefing Guest
As we had promised, we are joined by Kevin Kennedy, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, who is participating by video link from Erbil, Iraq.
**Secretary-General’s Travels
The Secretary-General will begin a series of travels tomorrow by first going to Washington, D.C., to participate in a series of special meetings at the World Bank. He will attend sessions focusing on the efforts to counter Ebola, to improve sanitation in Haiti and to support financing for development. He will also meet with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.
From Washington, D.C., the Secretary-General will travel to Tunis, Tunisia.
He will be in Tunisia to express the support of the international community and the United Nations to the transition process in the country.
In Tunis, the Secretary-General is expected to meet President Moncef Marzouki, Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa and Foreign Minister Mongi Hamdi. He will also hold discussions with the leadership of the National Assembly of Tunisia, including the Speaker and Presidents of the Committees, as well as representatives of the civil society.
From there, he will travel to Cairo, Egypt, to attend the donor conference for the reconstruction of Gaza on Sunday, 12 October.
**Syria
Last night, as you will have seen, we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General expressed his grave concern at the ongoing offensive by ISIL on the northern Syrian town of Ayn al-Arab, which has already resulted in massive displacement of civilians, including into Turkey, and numerous death and injuries.
In light of the gross and extensive violations of human rights and international humanitarian law the terrorist group has committed in areas that have fallen under its control in Syria and Iraq during its barbarous campaign, the Secretary-General urgently calls on all those with the means to do so to take immediate action to protect the beleaguered civilian population of Ayn al-Arab.
And today, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also voiced its alarm at the situation in the town. The Office said that it remains hugely concerned for the safety of any civilians remaining in the town, as well as in surrounding villages. Given their atrocious record of repeated murders and summary executions of prisoners in both Syria and Iraq, the Human Rights Office is also extremely concerned about the fate of any combatants captured by ISIL.
**Lebanon
This afternoon in Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed that two of its soldiers were wounded at an Israeli position in the Shaba’a area as a result of an improvised explosive device. The explosion was followed by Israeli retaliatory artillery fire towards the general area of the Kfar Shouba hills.
On receiving this information, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) contacted both parties, urging maximum restraint and asking them to cooperate with UNIFIL in order to reduce tension and prevent escalation. UNIFIL is launching an investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident.
This incident is a violation of UN resolution 1701. Such actions are in contravention of efforts to reduce tensions and establish a stable and secure environment in southern Lebanon.
**South Sudan
From Juba today, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in South Sudan, Ellen Margrethe Løj, held her first press conference since she assumed her duties in early September.
She said that progress on the peace talks sponsored by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was taking longer than hoped for. She called on the South Sudanese political leaders to make the necessary compromises for peace.
She also said that the protection of civilians remained a core priority of the UN Mission’s (UNMISS) mandate.
Regarding living conditions in UN compounds, Ms. Løj said that the Mission and humanitarian partners were working very closely on durable and sustainable solutions, including encouraging the voluntary return of internally displaced persons to their homes. And in the meantime, as you know, UNMISS is relocating displaced people to new sites in Juba and Malakal in order to decongest the UN sites.
**Mali
The Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, is currently in Mali.
He is there to attend a memorial ceremony for the nine peacekeepers from Niger who were killed in an ambush last week and to show support for the Chadian contingent, which has also suffered casualties in recent weeks.
Mr. Ladsous will also meet with the President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali.
Tomorrow, he will meet with staff from the UN Mission in Mali. And M. Ladsous will also brief the Security Council via VTC [video teleconference] from Bamako tomorrow.
**Haiti
The Head of the UN Mission in Haiti, Sandra Honoré, issued a statement over the weekend regarding the passing of Haiti’s former President Jean-Claude Duvalier.
She said that Mr. Duvalier’s return to Haiti in 2011 had presented an opportunity for the country to comprehensively address the painful memories of its recent past through the required processes of accountability and reconciliation. She added that this process should be continued.
Similarly, our human rights colleagues in Geneva stress that it is essential for Haiti to continue the ongoing legal proceedings and investigations in respect to other individuals accused of responsibility for serious crimes and human rights violations during the Duvalier regime.
Although Jean-Claude Duvalier was never brought to trial, the Human Rights Office recalls that on 28 February 2013, he did at least face some of his accusers, when the appeals court ordered him to appear in person at the proceedings.
**Afghanistan
Also on human rights, our colleagues from Geneva have expressed concern over the announcement by Afghanistan’s Attorney-General’s office about the planned execution tomorrow of five men, who have been accused of armed robbery and gang rape near Kabul.
The Office notes that, although the crimes are appalling, the legal processes which led to these convictions have failed to comply with national and international fair trial standards.
**Ebola
Just one note on Ebola: the Head of the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, Anthony Banbury, is in Conakry, Guinea, today.
He is meeting with Government officials and partners to assess the needs in the country. This is the final leg of his visit to the three intensely affected countries.
**Appointments
Two appointments to announce today:
The Secretary-General has appointed Simon Munzu of Cameroon as his Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI).
He will succeed Arnauld Akodjènou of Benin, who now serves as Deputy Special Representative in MINUSMA in Mali (MINUSMA). The Secretary-General is grateful for his outstanding performance in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Secretary-General has also appointed Tadamichi Yamamoto of Japan as his Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). He succeeds Nicholas Haysom of South Africa who served since March 2012. As you know, Mr. Haysom was named SRSG (Special Representative of the Secretary-General).
**Questions and Answers
Question: Regarding these skirmishes in the Shaba’a Farms area, does the United Nations consider the wounding of a Lebanese soldier a few days ago in the same area as a violation of [resolution] 1701? Also, how about the infestation of the area, with Al Nusra fighters coming through the Golan and taking to the Shaba’a area and infestation of Shaba’a town, in fact? How does it oppose to the implementation of 1701?
Spokesman: I have no information on what you refer to as an infestation. But we’ll check with UNIFIL. And I will check with UNIFIL on the incident on the Lebanese soldiers, as well. [The Spokesman later said about the Sunday incident that UNIFIL has launched an investigation into the incident in collaboration with the parties. UNIFIL condemned the incident, which is a violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701. The situation in the area is now calm.]
Question: Staying on Lebanon, these Al Nusra attacks coming from eastern… from Syria into Lebanon. They were near Baalbek recently, a major attack, and today we heard that there were some attacks, as well. How does the United Nations view that?
Spokesman: Well, this is obviously a threat to Lebanon. And I think we have called on, I think the Secretary‑General’s calls on those who can to deal with these extremist groups, I think, can be echoed. Linda?
Question: Yes. Turning to a different topic, Hong Kong. How concerned has the SG been in terms of the Government’s reaction to the protesters? And in addition, has he played any kind of direct role or used his good offices in dealing with this situation?
Spokesman: No, he’s not been requested to use his good offices. And I think on the protests we’ve seen in Hong Kong, I think the Secretary‑General spoke clearly, I think last week, on the need to resolve the issues through dialogue between the authorities and the protestors. Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. As you indicated, Secretary‑General is visiting Tunisia to talk to the President there. Will he be visiting any other Maghreb States and what is on his agenda for discussions with the President of Tunisia?
Spokesman: I think on Tunisia, as we… as I said in the announcement, I think it’s important for the UN and the international community to show its support for the way Tunisia has handled the political transition during the Arab Spring and the inclusive politics that we’ve seen. So he’s there to show his support. And obviously, as with trips, any stops, we announce them when we’re ready to announce them. Masood?
Question: Yes. Stéphane, the clashes with Indian and Pakistan at the border, in which four people were killed… Pakistan’s Ambassador, at a speech today in the General Assembly, has been asking for the United Nations to play its role in bringing about peace. Do you have any comment in that? And what can the Secretary‑General do about this?
Spokesman: No, I think on… on this issue, I think, as always, the Secretary‑General would call on both countries to resolve their issues diplomatically and through discussions. Yes, Joelle?
Question: Does the Secretary‑General have any comment regarding the change of fire between a South Korean and North Korean warship today?
Spokesman: No, I mean, not above and beyond what he’s already said, which is his hope for peace… for dialogue to resolve the situation on the Korean peninsula. Matthew?
Question: I’m thinking that you’ll have something on this. The President of Cyprus has cancelled talks with the Greek… the Turkish Cypriot side, citing disagreements about oil exploration. And since there’s a new special adviser, a good offices guy, and the issue of hydrocarbons has been cited by the UN as a possible helpful thing in solving the situation, what’s the comment and what’s the UN and Mr. [Elspen Barth] Eide going to do?
Spokesman: Sure, the Secretary‑General… we’ve been informed through a letter to our representatives in Cyprus on a decision by the presidential palace and Mr. [Nicos] Anastasiades will not attend the meeting. Mr. Eide arrived in Cyprus today, and he will hold meetings with both leaders and negotiators and leaders of political parties and others to discuss the way forward in the negotiations. Joe and then Erol?
Question: Thank you. In connection with the Secretary‑General’s visit to Cairo and the Gaza donor conference, is it anticipated that, related to that, the subject of the proposed UN monitors and that mechanism to allow safe passage of concrete and other materials through the border crossings for civilian use, do you anticipate that that may come up either on the sidelines or during the meeting? And secondly, will there be any requests for voluntary contributions by Member States, donors, et cetera, to allow the deployment of enough monitors to be effective?
Spokesman: Sure. I think I’ve no doubt that this issue will come up during the Secretary‑General’s various meetings. As he said and we said, I think last week, we hope for a very swift implementation of the tripartite agreement. I think there will be all sorts of discussions around it. So, I think, let’s see what happens. Erol?
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. Two quick questions. And one is actually a follow‑up, could be seen as a follow‑up to the Korean issue. Now it’s… we are approaching the time where it’s going to be 25 years, quarter of the century of the Berlin Wall fell down, and is the Secretary‑General disappointed that during his tenure, nothing more than all these talks and good intentions and everything were made or done in order for DMZ [demilitarized zone] to be overcome, how will I put it, to diminish that line of separation or to…
Spokesman: Are you… I don’t understand where the Berlin Wall comes in. Are you asking…?
Question: Twenty-five years or so, the Berlin Walls are fallen. What does the Secretary‑General has to say regarding that?
Spokesman: I think you’re talking about Korea and the Berlin Wall. So I will separate the two.
Question: Let me rephrase it for you. We are approaching to the time where we are going to celebrate 25 years of falling of the Berlin wall. At the same time, Korean DMZ is still there. What does the Secretary‑General has to say?
Spokesman: Sorry. Now I understand your question. Thank you. I think, you know, from the beginning of his term as Secretary‑General, his position has been steadfast and that is continuing to encourage both the leaders in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea to engage in dialogue, as he firmly believes that engagement is the only way forward in dealing with the outstanding issues on the Korean peninsula.
Question: Another one, if I can.
Spokesman: Yes, you may.
Question: Just to comment. If the Secretary‑General still is maintaining that position that no… that all flights and connection of the West African States should go on, since we have a UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) statement, for example, saying that Ebola issue has to be dealt in a different way in order to avert the regional collapse. I’m quoting this: regional collapse.
Spokesman: I think keeping trade routes open is a critical way of avoiding a regional collapse and the Secretary‑General continues to firmly believe that trade routes need to stay open, that obviously precautions need to be taken, the right screening on… especially screening on departure. Caution needs to be taken. But if we want to avoid a collapse of the region, we definitely need to keep those trade routes open.
Question: Okay. Good. It’s… yeah, I just wanted to follow up on Erol’s question, because we just went past 4 October, which… 4 October 2007, there was a… an agreement in the Korean situation, and I’m wondering if the Secretary‑General had any comments on the fact that there was the meeting between Kim Jong Un…
Spokesman: We issued… it was a long weekend but we did issue a statement on that encouraging… yeah.
Question: It was particularly about that agreement?
Spokesman: Yes, exactly about that. One of you two gentlemen. You decide. Whoever has the microphone.
Question: President Barack Obama gave quite an extensive briefing on the Ebola crisis. And he said, to quote him, we’ve not seen other countries step up as aggressively as they need to. I wonder what the UN’s perspective… we haven’t heard anything of that nature from you, more sort of compliments to people that are funding and that sort of thing. What’s the state of countries getting involved? And in addition to that, there was a sense of the tone from the US President was that the United States or USAID (United States Agency for International Development) was leading the response and not UNMEER. What is the extent of the relationship between those two agencies, if you will? Who’s leading this response?
Spokesman: Well, I think, you know, we’re very grateful for what the United States has done, as well as other countries, and I think a little bit of friendly competition between countries in terms of donations, in kind and financial, is to be welcomed. It is not… I don’t think we’re seeing a competition as to who is leading what, whether the US or the UN. The United Nations has very good relations with its USAID, CDC (Centers for Disease Control). I think there was agreement here at the United Nations that the UN would coordinate the global response, and we see it through the creation of UNMEER and the naming of a number of senior officials, including Anthony Banbury and Dr. [David] Nabarro. I think what we want to see, our resources hit the ground even quicker and these issues need to be dealt with, but I would say are very positive.
Question: If I may: He talks about countries not stepping up as aggressively as needed. Is that the sense from the United Nations? Are there countries you’ve identified that could be doing more? And why don’t we just name them?
Spokesman: Listen, I think we can focus on those who have done something, and I think you can look at the list of the Member States and you can do the math. And you can see which ones have done something and others who may not have.
Question: There’s a list?
Spokesman: Well, there is a list of countries.
Question: Can we get that list?
Spokesman: I mean, there’s… we can help you compile the list of those who have signalled either their donations through the UN or bilaterally. But obviously, the international community can always do more. And we would hope that they do more. Nabil and Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you. On Tunisia, a visit… I’m sorry, maybe you mentioned the date. When will the SG arrive in Tunisia, please?
Spokesman: He will be in Tunisia on Friday and Saturday. Yes?
Question: And my question is on Kobani, Ayn al-Arab. Do you know what’s happening inside the town? How many civilians are still there, and are you delivering any kind of aid to the civilians?
Spokesman: It’s clearly an active combat zone. We don’t have any people, as far as I’m aware, on the ground who can give us that information. Mr. Abbadi… hold on, Nizar. You and the mic have had quite a relationship today. [laughter] Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you. Today in the village of Kobina on the Syrian‑Turkish border…
Spokesman: Go ahead. The mic is working. It’s my ear that’s not working.
Question: Today on the Syrian‑Turkish border, the village, city of Kobina, the group has kidnapped some 20 clergy people. Does the Secretary‑General have any reaction to that?
Spokesman: I have not seen those reports, but if that did turn out to be true, we would obviously condemn the kidnapping and ask for their immediate release. Evelyn, you had a question?
Question: Just to clarify Sherwin’s question. You’re saying that the UN’s coordinating, so that means the UN’s coordinating USAID and military camps and all this stuff that Washington’s put in?
Spokesman: You know, I think the coordination tent is a big tent. It’s a big project. And I think there’s room… there is room for everybody. But there needs to be an international response to this, and the Secretary‑General created these structures to lead the global coordination. Who hasn’t had a question? You haven’t had a question. Let’s go on round one first.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. With the visit to Tunisia, it there a possible meeting with Libyan officials from the Parliament or anything?
Spokesman: Not that I’m aware of in Tunisia.
Question: And second question is on Syria chemical weapons. There are reports that there are some difficulties with getting the private companies which will take care of the destruction of the chemical weapon production facilities. Can you confirm these reports, and if and when these companies will be determined?
Spokesman: I have not seen. We can check with OCPW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons).
Question: But will you announce them?
Spokesman: Let me see what we can find out and I’ll tell you if we can announce. Yes, in the back?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Is there any information or details available about the upcoming trip of the Deputy Secretary‑General to Tehran? Thank you.
Spokesman: No, I do not have any details to share with you at this time. Matthew?
Question: Sure. I want to ask about Mexico and also the Security Council and stakeout. In Mexico, there’s a pretty widely circulated report that up to 43 students who had a run‑in with police have gone missing. Twenty-eight bodies have been found. Given that, I wonder if the UN… anyone in the UN system is looking at this serious incident?
Spokesman: No, it is clearly a serious incident. I’m not aware… I do not have any information from our country office, but I can check.
Question: And the other one, I just want to understand. On Friday, sort of basically in the evening, after 8 p.m., there was a readout of six press statements by the President of the [Security] Council; it doesn’t seem like it was announced. I sort of stumbled on it. I just wanted to know both how that took place and how to make sure it doesn’t take place in the future that there are stakeouts of which the press is not informed.
Spokesman: I think the problem is that people in my office are actually human, and they made a mistake. That’s it. I mean, they made a mistake. They should have squawked it and they didn’t and we apologize for it. But it was a long two weeks, and it was a human mistake.
Question: Okay. Because I thought… I wouldn’t… I thought TV, services may have been informed…
Spokesman: No, everybody was informed. We should have squawked it.
Question: And also e-mail it around.
Spokesman: All right. Linda?
Question: Stéphane. Are there any more details about the Secretary‑General’s trip to Washington tomorrow? Will he be visiting with anyone from the Obama Administration or Congress?
Spokesman: No. It’s very much focused on Ebola, on Haiti, World Bank. He will have the chance to see Secretary of State [John] Kerry in Cairo a few days later. Nizar?
Question: On Kobani or Ayn al-Arab, there were many eyewitnesses on television on several channels accusing the Turkish authorities of arresting the women and children of the refugees; even the women and children, not only men. Given the animosity between the Kurds and the Turks, does the Secretary‑General believe that Turkey is one candidate for attacking or going into the region and helping out, especially that they have their agenda in that particular area?
Spokesman: I think a couple of things. One, I haven’t seen those reports you mentioned about the refugees, but it is clear that anyone fleeing for their lives seeking refuge needs to be treated in a humane manner and according to international law. I think on the Secretary‑General’s position, I think I would refer you to his statement, where he calls on all those with a means to do so to take immediate action to protect the beleaguered population.
Question: Definitely Turkey has the means to go in. But is it an impartial party? Because they have an agenda…
Spokesman: You know, I think the… [overlapping talking] Nizar, I get it. I think what’s important is that the focus be on protecting the civilians who are under attack from ISIS. Mr. Abbadi, Joe, Matthew?
Question: Follow up? How can you…
Spokesman: Nizar, let’s you and I take a break. We’ll take a breather and I’ll come back to you. Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Who is accompanying the Secretary‑General on his trip to Tunisia?
Spokesman: Me. [laughter] Sorry, did you look for more details? As always, a senior… sorry. I don’t mean to be glib. A senior adviser from the Department of Political Affairs and a number of other people on the delegation. Mr. Klein?
Question: I apologize for that. Okay. With respect to reports of the burning of dozens of churches by Islamists in Nigeria, does the Secretary‑General have any comment on those reports? Are you aware of those reports or investigating them further?
Spokesman: I have not seen those reports, but I will look into it.
Question: And see if there can be, if those are confirmed, to see if there’s any statement on it? Thank you.
Spokesman: Yes. Matthew?
Question: Follow-up on travel and then something on hot desks. I wanted, on the trip to Tunisia: is he flying commercial? And can you also ask… can you also answer whether since the Qatar-provided jet to go to the Middle East during the Gaza crisis there’s been other gifted travel?
Spokesman: The Secretary‑General will be travelling through UN‑funded means throughout the trip. Oleg?
Question: Short one. A short one on the chemical weapons again. With the finalizing of the mission, of the Joint Mission, what’s the current title of Sigrid Kaag?
Spokesman: I know I… I should know and I don’t know. I will find out. [The Spokesman later said her title was Adviser with the Good Offices of the Secretary-General.] Yes, Nizar. And then we’ll… oh, we’ll come back to you. Yes, hot mic’ing.
Question: We go back to this issue of Turkey and Syria. Given… I mean… Turkey has declared that they cut off their relationship with ISIS about a year ago. That means they were helping them all through. How does that, I mean, fit with Turkey playing a peaceful role?
Spokesman: Nizar, I’m not in a position to comment or confirm whatever relationships Turkey may or may not have had. I think our focus right now is on protecting the civilians who are under threat from a group which has repeatedly shown its barbarity and I think, as the Secretary‑General said, all those who can do something should do something. Yes, and then we’ll go to Matthew.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. I think Nizar should have asked about Hezbollah killing the Syrians instead, but let’s move on. [laughter] And talk about Kobani actually: about more than 100,000 refugees are in Turkey now, most of whom are in camps. They’re not treated very well, as far as we know from Turkey. How is the international community contributing to the aid to these people, because the world seems not to care much about them?
Spokesman: I think the High Commissioner for Refugees has spoken out on the need for the international community to be more supportive and generous to those nations that are carrying a heavy burden of Syrian refugees, be that Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and the need for some of them to be resettled in third countries. Sherwin, and then we’ll take two more questions. Then I… then we’re done.
Question: Back to Ebola, Steph. I keep reading about how experimental drugs are being used on patients that are being treated in the United States and Europe. To what extent have experimental drugs been used in West Africa?
Spokesman: I’m not aware they have and it’s something we need to check with WHO [World Health Organization] but I’m not aware they have. Yes and then we’ll finish.
Question: Quick question. Is there any news regarding the Palestinian request for the state request, et cetera… did they go to the Security Council or not or do you have any information on this front?
Spokesman: No. I do not. Anna, Matthew, and then we’ll finish it up.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Continuing the popular topic of Turkey, I just wanted to ask, there were some reports that there were severe protests in the eastern regions of Turkey, specifically in Dyar Bakr, in Vonn, in other provinces, you know, former Armenian provinces which are inhabited by Kurds these days. And they were harshly suppressed by the Government. Does the Secretary‑General have any comment about this and what is the UN stance on this?
Spokesman: I haven’t seen those reports. The UN stance on protests is that people have a right to peaceful protests, but I have not seen anything on those particular reports. Matthew and then we’ll finish it up.
Question: Thanks a lot. This is a kind of in-house or UN management question. I just wanted to get your answer for perceived complaints from staff of some… plan they’re calling hot desks, that when staff arrive in the morning, it’s first come, first served on desks and if they don’t arrive on time, they’ll be either working out of the cafeteria or… they say it’s going to undermine their productivity. In some cases it’s harassment issues were raised. I just wanted to know, is it true that beginning on the 18th floor, there are no longer desks assigned to staff members and it’s catch as catch can?
Spokesman: I don’t know anything about the 18th floor. What I do know is that the issue of hot-desking is something that has been discussed and looked at. I think the UN, like a lot of other large entities, be they private or public, has to look at different ways of working as the technology is evolved and as costs shift. So it’s something that’s looked into. I’m happy to see what’s going on on the 18th floor.
Question: Okay.
Spokesman: Thank you.