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 Vannina Maestracci, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Bonjour. Welcome to the noon briefing.
**Noon Briefing Guest and Briefing Today
In a short while, the Under-Secretary-General for Management, Yukio Takasu, will be here to brief on the financial situation of the Organization. And following that, Jean Victor Nkolo, the Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, will also brief you.
**India — Pakistan
I have a statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan.
The Secretary-General is concerned about the recent escalation of violence along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. He deplores the loss of lives and the displacement of civilians on both sides.
The Secretary-General encourages the Governments of India and Pakistan to resolve all differences through dialogue and to engage constructively to find a long-term solution for peace and stability in Kashmir.
**Secretary-General’s Travels
The Secretary-General is in Washington, D.C., today where he participated in key sessions on the fight against Ebola and the need for improved sanitation in Haiti that are being held alongside the fall meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.
On Ebola, he said that the best antidote to fear is an effective response, and he noted that the building blocks for a global response to counter the virus have been put in place. But he said that we need at least a 20-fold surge in assistance and said that it is time for the international community to step up.
On Haiti, he discussed the need to bring access to water, sanitation and health care within the reach of every Haitian. As of today, he said that the $2.2 billion, 10-year National Plan is only 10 per cent funded, so there is clearly much more to do.
The Secretary-General also took part in a meeting on financing for development, and he will later leave for the next leg of his travel in Tunisia.
**Ebola
I have an update from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Ebola: the total number of cases is now 8,033 with 3,879 deaths.
Countries affected are Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and the United States. The confirmed case reported in Spain is not included in this update that covers the period until 5 October.
The World Health Organization says that the past week has seen a continuation of recent trends: the situation in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone continues to deteriorate, with widespread and persistent transmission of Ebola.
Regarding Liberia, WHO says that the reported fall in the number of new cases over the past three weeks rather than being an actual decrease reflects a deterioration in the ability of overwhelmed responders to record accurate epidemiological data.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Head of the UN Mission in the country, Martin Kobler, visited Lokolia and Boende in the Equateur province, where an unrelated Ebola epidemic is considered to be under control.
He commended the authorities, the UN system and Médecins sans Frontières for their extraordinary work, devotion and professionalism.
**Security Council
The Security Council is holding a briefing on UN Peacekeeping Operations. Addressing the Council this morning, Military Adviser Lieutenant General Maqsood Ahmed, highlighted that peacekeeping missions often operate in very difficult environments.
The Lieutenant General said that peacekeeping operations in Mali, where the mission has suffered maximum casualties this year, as well as in the Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan and Golan face very challenging security situations. He added that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is adding yet another dimension to the complexity faced by missions in the region.
Other speakers at the briefing include the Force Commanders of the UN peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Mali (MINUSMA) and the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
**Central African Republic
The Head of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Babacar Gaye, strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the streets of Bangui and calls on all actors to engage in dialogue. Mr. Gaye stressed that dialogue is the only way towards reconciliation and lasting peace in the Central African Republic.
The Mission reports that violent demonstrations have taken place in front of the Mission’s compound over the last two days. As a result, several UN vehicles were shot at and pelted by stones. No UN personnel have been injured. These demonstrations are now being dispersed and the UN Police are currently patrolling Bangui.
And our humanitarian colleagues report that some 3,000 people have been internally displaced following the recent clashes in the capital and have arrived in the town of Bimbo, the capital of Ombella-M’poko prefecture. Health workers report that armed groups tried to enter the hospital there, and one child was killed and another injured.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
In a report issued today, the United Nations asks for justice for the victims of crimes committed by the M23 group in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Investigations by the Human Rights Office in the country revealed serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law by the rebel group.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) encouraged Congolese authorities to continue their efforts to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Head of the UN Mission in DRC (MONUSCO), Martin Kobler, also stressed that the amnesty law in the country did not cover serious crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, and called for a strict enforcement of that law by the authorities.
The full report is available online.
**United Nations Children’s Fund
And finally, the actor, director and producer, Aamir Khan, has become the newest UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ambassador in South Asia. He will support UNICEF’s work to promote the right of South Asian children to nutrition, with a focus on ending stunting.
Mr. Khan said that child stunting remains one of the greatest development challenges in the region. After sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia is the region with the highest number of deaths of children under the age of 5. Mr. Khan is currently in Nepal, where he took part in the launch of a national nutritional campaign.
**Press Conference Tomorrow
And finally, tomorrow at 10 a.m., there will be a press conference here by the Coalition for the International Criminal Court on the Kenya Situation and Amendments to the Rome Statute. This briefing is sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations.
**Questions and Answers
Associate Spokesperson: And as I said, we have two people after this so let’s make it quick. I will take a few questions. Evelyn, go ahead.
Question: Yes, thank you. Is there a breakdown of how many cases in those three countries on Ebola how much is Liberia, Guinea and…
Associate Spokesperson: I think there is. We’ll take you back to the office and we’ll show you. It’s on the WHO website but it’s not as obvious. So, no problem. Yes, yes. Ali?
Question: On Ebola, is the United Nations taking here in the Headquarters any measures to prevent an outbreak in the, since this organization is exposed? I mean, you have peacekeepers who are going to these countries and coming back. Are there any protocols to respond to any outbreak? Who are the first responders in the case of any outbreak? Thank you.
Associate Spokesperson: I’m not sure a procedure is in place, but obviously we’re all fully aware that we’re an international organization and — with people that travel, including to that region, because we have work to do there. And we’re obviously very conscious of that and I’ll check if there’s specific measures but I don’t want to presume on that right now. But I’m sure there is for the people who actually come back from those countries. In general, though, you know we’re not for travel bans whether of people or of goods. Yes?
Question: If I may follow up.
Associate Spokesperson: Sure.
Question: Because we know that the… there are protocols for anthrax, for white powders…
Associate Spokesperson: We’re following…
Question: …they have special suits and we know who are the first responders if anything like that happened, but we don’t know… Although the Secretary-General is in the forefront on calling the whole world to try to contain this…
Associate Spokesperson: Okay. Well, everyone in this building is — not everyone, but a lot of people in this building — are working very, very hard on Ebola, and I think looking at all kinds of contingencies, you know, including the possibility that a case may appear in some other places than West Africa, like it has in Spain, and in the US. So I will check for you on specifics. There’s nothing I can give you off the top of my head. Matthew.
Question: Sure. You mentioned in Central African Republic the protests at the MINUSCA base. I just wanted… Can you say what the UN’s understanding the protest are about? Some people said the Mission has not really come out and defended civilians specifically Muslims. I wanted to know what the death count they believe is of this most recent violence in Bangui. And finally with these Force Commanders here, is it possible to get them to do a stakeout or press conference? In previous years when they’ve had these briefings, that’s taken place. Is it going to take place this year?
Associate Spokesperson: I’ll check with the DKPO if that’s going to be the case. On your first question on the Central African Republic, there’s not a whole lot of clarity about what happened in the Central African Republic. A body was burned on Monday. There was a retaliation — there seems to be confusion, so I’m not sure the Mission has the final word on why these demonstrations are happening.
Question: But can we get, just because sometimes they’ll say things like UNAMID will say we’ve conducted X number of patrol, we’ve done…
Associate Spokesperson: I just said they’re patrolling right now. They’re also dismantling roadblocks with EUFOR and Sangaris in the city — so as soon as I have information I’ll certainly pass it on. Yes, Edie.
Question: Hi, Vannina. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on the bombings in Yemen today that are… and threat to the stability of the Government?
Associate Spokesperson: The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that took place today in Sana’a, the capital, and in the city of Mukalla in the eastern province of Hadramawt, resulting in the death of more than 60 people, including children, and injuring many dozens. These heinous criminal acts cannot be justified by any means. The Secretary-General underscores the importance of quickly implementing the recently signed Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its Annex. That’s what I have for you. Oleg, please.
Question: Thank you, Vannina. The US and UK officials have admitted that they are examining the possibility of creating a buffer zone between Syria and Turkey where the ISIL militants are active. What is the point of view of the Secretary-General on such an idea and does he think that this sort of action should be authorized by the Security Council? Thank you.
Associate Spokesperson: It’s for the Member States to decide the implementation of such an idea, and I’ll leave it at that for now. Yes. Sorry. I don’t know your name.
Question: Anna. I have a question with regards to the Malaysian Boeing crash. Is the Secretary-General going to report on that investigation? And will the new evidence be taken into consideration, like the fact that one of the passengers was found wearing an oxygen mask which can drastically change the theory of how the crash happened?
Associate Spokesperson: I’ll check, but I don’t have information for you on that. Anything else? Matthew.
Question: Liberia and also about Haiti. In Liberia, it has been announced that the elections, national elections are being cancelled and postponed. And I wanted to know does, what does the UN think of that? Is an election in order of terms of keeping the legitimacy of a government a good thing to have or is it okay to…
Associate Spokesperson: Obviously, Liberia is in the middle of… Liberia is in the middle of a complex situation on the health front. And we’re here to support the national Government’s effort to combat the outbreak of, the epidemic of Ebola. So if they feel right now that elections should not take place because of health, of the health complexities — which I’m sure you can see — in the country, well, that’s not. Oleg.
Question: One quick follow up on the buffer zone.
Associate Spokesperson: On the buffer zone?
Question: Yeah. You said it was an issue for the Member States to decide. Which Member States exactly? The Security Council, the States involved in the coalition against ISIL?
Associate Spokesperson: I believe that’s also for the Member States to decide. Yes. I’m sorry, I don’t know your name either.
Question: Adbel Aziz Hali. In the coming days, Tunisia is going to organize the election which will end the three years of the democratization. My question is the United Nations will send observers to oversee these elections because many NGOs, they are alarmed about the risk of lack of transparency of these elections. Thank you.
Associate Spokesperson: You’re asking if we’re going to send observers?
Question: Yes.
Associate Spokesperson: Usually we provide technical assistance in the case of elections. That’s what the UN does — technical assistance, not observers, which are usually provided by other groups, other organizations. And as you know, the Secretary-General will be there soon after his visit to D.C. So I’m sure we’ll have more for you once he’s on the ground. Anna.
Question: Thank you. I have one quick question. It’s been reported that nine Kurdish freedom fighters were executed, beheaded by ISIS at the Syrian-Turkish border and three of them were women. The Secretary-General have official comment on this?
Associate Spokesperson: Not on this particularly — I haven’t seen those reports, but you’ve seen what he said before on the acts by ISIL.
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask on Haiti. I saw the Secretary-General’s remarks he gave at the World Bank meeting on water.
Associate Spokesperson: Yeah.
Question: And a lot about cholera. And he said that when he visited, “My heart ached at the loss of so many thousands of people that have had to suffer and die.” And I’m compelled to ask. Some people said it was strange to have such a speech without addressing the pretty strong allegation that the UN brought cholera to Haiti. And I wanted to know this heart aching. What you can say about the connection between what he said at this meeting about cholera in Haiti and the UN’s stated and the litigation against the UN for having actually brought the cholera to Haiti?
Associate Spokesperson: Matthew, I’m not going to make that connection. Read his speeches. Go back to what he said when he was in Haiti. You know, he met with affected families. He was really moved by his trip there. And the UN system is focusing on making sure that the cholera epidemic can be, can be stopped completely. I mean, we’ve made progress, but there is more to be done, of course, on that front. And that goes through sanitation, hence the SG launching with Prime Minister Lamothe the Total Sanitation campaign and other initiatives [that are] going on. And that’s why also he reminded everybody that only 10 per cent of that 10-year plan, which focuses on sanitation and focuses on addressing the underlying problems, structural problems concerning water and sanitation, is only 10 per cent funded. And that’s not a lot. I can see that you really don’t care about my answer. You just want to ask another question.
Question: No, no. I think that’s all fine and good. But usually the Secretary-General and the UN system talks about accountability and rule of law. So normally, like in a normal case, the people… it’s not enough to just raise money from others to make up for a problem. The question of who brought it and at least responding to a court case that raises that very question is important. So I wanted to know, on 23 October, when there’s an oral…
Associate Spokesperson: You’ve already asked this to Steph yesterday, and he said and I’ll repeat… and I’ll repeat the same thing. Our position on the legal matter is exactly the same. [overlapping talking] Does anyone else have a question or we’ll go to our guest? Yes.
Question: Hello. My name is Mark Langfan from Arutz Sheva. I hear the constant refrain that travel bans will exacerbate the problem in West Africa. My question is that is a qualitative analysis. Has any quantitative analysis been done by the WHO or any organization which would statistically analyse what the movement of the disease could be with plane flights as opposed to the help that would be coming in? And has any other modalities of travel been possibly created so as to alleviate the problem of health-care workers coming into the country but still having a travel ban?
Associate Spokesperson: I’m not sure it’s not quantitative. So let’s look first at how WHO — these are their guidelines and obviously the SG has repeated… the Secretary-General has repeated many times that he is not in favour of travel bans. So let’s just see first on what it’s based. We can go back to the office and look at it. Okay. I’ll bring in the Under-Secretary-General for Management.