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. My apologies for being somewhat tardy. I want to welcome our guests today — 12 visiting scholars from Germany, journalists from an international fellowship programme. Welcome.
**Ebola
I’ll start off with a statement from the Secretary-General on recently applied restrictions to travellers from Ebola-affected countries.
The Secretary-General is concerned by the recent restrictions put in place in several countries and localities applying to people who have travelled to the main Ebola-affected countries.
He believes that these restrictions have put particular pressure on health-care workers and those who have been on the front line of the Ebola response. Returning health workers are exceptional people who are giving of themselves for humanity. They should not be subjected to restrictions that are not based on science. Those who develop infections should be supported, not stigmatized.
The Secretary-General reiterates that the best way for any country to protect itself from Ebola is to stop the outbreak at its source in West Africa. This requires considerable international health-care worker support and in return for this support, we have an obligation to look after them. The full statement is available online.
Also, just an update on Ebola numbers: According to the latest figures from the World Health Organization, a total of 450 health-care workers are known to have been infected with Ebola and a total of 244 have died.
This weekend, a UN aircraft has flown one metric ton of critical medical supplies on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Malian capital of Bamako after the first case of Ebola was identified in the country. Supplies included personnel protection equipment, kits, gloves, face shields and buckets. And another UN aircraft will arrive in Accra today, carrying essential satellite communications equipment. The equipment was picked up from Juba, South Sudan this weekend and will be flown to Conakry, in Guinea.
The Head of the Mission, Anthony Banbury, has completed his latest series of consultations with the Presidents of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone on the international community's support for national efforts to tackle the Ebola crisis. Based on their input and direction, the operational framework for international support for the national responses will be updated, refined and shared with relevant stakeholders. We have a press release available in my office.
**Tunisia
I also have a statement attributable to the Spokesman regarding the elections in Tunisia.
The Secretary-General congratulates the Tunisian people on the occasion of the country’s legislative elections yesterday, 26 October 2014.
As the Secretary-General noted during his recent visit to Tunisia, these elections are a crucial step for the country's future and mark a decisive milestone in the transition to democracy. Just as this moment comes with a great deal of hope, there remain a number of crucial tasks ahead for the next Government. He reiterates that the United Nations stands ready to support Tunisia in this respect.
The Secretary-General also congratulates the Tunisian electoral authorities for their efforts in organizing the polling and their continued work on the presidential elections next month.
**Secretary-General’s Travels
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General arrived in Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, early this morning, on the first leg of a joint trip to the Horn of Africa with the President of the World Bank and other regional institutions.
In a joint press conference, which started just now, the Secretary-General said that the joint delegation hopes to provide timely political and financial support to the Horn of Africa. He said that peace and development in the region were mutually reinforcing and added that regional cooperation, integration and dialogue were essential.
Earlier, the joint delegation met with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia; along with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, they had a meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
You will have also seen the joint press release we issued very early this morning on this visit. In it, the Secretary-General emphasized that the countries of the Horn of Africa are making important yet unheralded progress in economic growth and political stability. Now is a crucial moment to support these efforts, end the cycles of conflict and poverty, and move from fragility to sustainability.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Security Council met this morning on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Following recent attacks perpetrated by the rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Head of the UN Mission in the country, Martin Kobler, said that action against ADF would restore the confidence of the population and called for decisive joint military operations between the Congolese Forces and the Mission to bring an end to this scourge.
On the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), Mr. Kobler said the voluntary disarmament process was at an impasse and stressed that, on 2 January, there would be no excuse for further delay. He also reiterated his support for the Joint Human Rights Office and its Director, Scott Campbell, and asked the Government yet again to reconsider its decision to declare him persona non grata in the country. His full statement was made available to you and he will be at the stakeout following the Security Council consultations.
**South Sudan
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reports that fighting broke out yesterday at a protection of civilians site adjacent to the UN House premises on the outskirts of the capital, Juba. More than 60 people, civilians, were injured in the rioting, including four who are said to be in serious condition. Two armed UN police officers suffered minor injuries in the mêlée.
The UN Mission says that tear gas and warning shots were fired to halt the rioting. By late afternoon yesterday, however, the situation was brought under control. The Mission is investigating the cause of the rioting, and two suspects have been detained by UN police on suspicion of allegedly instigating the violence. I would remind you that some 11,000 civilians are being protected by the UN Mission at that site, with more than 100,000 civilians housed at protection of civilians sites nationwide.
Meanwhile, aid agencies in South Sudan have reached 3.5 million of the 3.8 million people targeted with some form of aid this year. They have received 61 per cent of the $1.8 billion requested, but $637 million is still required to keep prioritized and life-saving humanitarian aid operations going until the end of the year.
**Deputy Secretary-General’s Travels
The Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, travelled to the Republic of Iraq today, where he has been meeting with senior Government officials.
Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran for an official three-day visit, during which he will meet a number of senior Iranian Government officials. While in Tehran, the Deputy Secretary-General will also participate in a ceremony to mark United Nations Day, organized jointly by the UN and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We expect to have Mr. Eliasson back here on 31 October.
**Press Conferences
Tomorrow at 11:15 a.m., there will be a briefing here by Alfred de Zayas, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.
And then at 3 p.m., there will be a briefing by Marzuki Darusman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. And finally at 3:00 p.m., there will be a briefing by Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
**Question and Answers
Spokesman: That's it. Nizar?
Question: Obviously, the Lebanese Army is facing multifaceted attacks in different areas, in Arsal, in Tripoli and others. And with the cause for support of the Army, very little has really transpired and come about. What does the Secretary-General believe should be done in order to solidify or empower the Lebanese Army?
Spokesman: I think that call was reiterated by the Special Coordinator, Derek Plumbly, I think last week, when he visited the east of the country and again called for the international community and support for Lebanese Army, and we would like to see that happen.
Question: The main protagonist here is Jabhat Al-Nusra, which is responsible for kidnapping, both in Arsal and attacks in Bertel and those in Tripoli, yet Al-Nusra continues to receive funds from…
Spokesman: Nizar, is there a question mark?
Question: Yes — continues to receive funds from some countries like Qatar and this has been manifested in the ransom they paid in the Golan, for example, and how does the United Nations feel about that?
Spokesman: I'm not going to ask you to repeat your question. I think we have denounced here clearly the actions of radical groups operating in Syria and terrorist groups and have called for a halt of the support to these groups. Joe and then Matthew?
Question: Yes. First of all, does the Secretary-General have any specific comments to make on the parliamentary elections yesterday in Ukraine? And, secondly, since the Secretary-General is already in Africa, and the US UN Ambassador, Samantha Power, has apparently been able to visit Western Africa and the affected areas of Ebola without any major disruption, is the Secretary-General reconsidering his decision not to go to that affected area in Western Africa? That is the question.
Spokesman: No. You know, obviously everyone needs to make their own decisions. National Governments who have visiting officials will rely on their own resources to support their visit. The Secretary-General made an analysis of the cost benefit. As you can see our colleagues at the UN Emergency Response Mission for Ebola (UNMEER) are very focused on getting the hardware that is needed to the impacted countries, on getting health workers in and the support they need. We felt that a visit by the Secretary-General at this very moment would be disruptive to the work of the UN Mission and take them away from their immediate focus. The Secretary-General is committed to going to the region when the time is right.
On Ukraine, I would say that the Secretary-General is encouraged by early parliamentary elections yesterday that took place in a generally calm and orderly manner. He commends the people of Ukraine for their participation in the polls, in a testament to their determination to build a more hopeful, democratic future for their country. The Secretary-General hopes this will mark an important step towards stability, reform, rebuilding and reconciliation for a united and prosperous country.
The Secretary-General deplores the attitude of the armed rebel groups in eastern Ukraine who blocked voting and thus deprived those wishing to cast a ballot of their constitutional right to choose their representative. He remains confident, nevertheless, that this election will contribute to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. He urges all concerned to support the country to move forward in this regard, notably by ensuring the full implementation of the Minsk Protocol and Memorandum without delay. Matthew?
Question: Sure. Just one follow-up, I mean, if you had that statement, did it require a question to elicit it?
Spokesman: It clearly did.
Question: Apparently it did. Why is that?
Spokesman: Matthew, it's part of the mysterious alchemy that goes into producing this briefing.
Question: Oh, alright. I wanted to ask, since the Secretary-General is in the Horn of Africa, I wanted to ask you, one, there is a big controversy in Somalia, where the Prime Minister, who is in charge of the cabinet, sought to reshuffle it, and the President said — told his allies not to obey it. And so I'm wondering, particularly since you are announcing fundraising for the Government of Somalia, what is the comment on that? And I also wanted to ask kind of a follow-up on the resignation of the Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group sanctions [monitor], Dinesh Mahtani. At the stakeout on Friday UK Ambassador [Mark] Lyall Grant said that this constituted discipline of the monitor but didn't seem to indicate, and I have spoken to others, if there is any kind of training done by Security Council Affairs to sort of say, like, what is appropriate behaviour and what is not. Is that not an accurate statement? Was Mr. Mahtani, you know, disciplined, as was said on camera, and what is the process for replacing him?
Spokesman: The process for replacing him will be the normal process. In terms of discipline, I really have nothing to add to what I've already said. Clearly, he did something that was not appropriate and he was shown the letter that he sent out on UN letterhead. I think it's probably basic protocol for anybody who works for any organization not to use the company or the organization's letterhead for purposes other than official business. I mean, it's…I think it's anything that any one of us would know.
Question: What about the Somalia…?
Spokesman: I don't have anything. The Secretary-General will meet with Government officials in Somalia, so I may have something for you later. Sir?
Question: One follow-up on Nizar's question. Obviously there is a flow of foreign fighters between Lebanon and Syria, and as is the situation between Syria and Iraq, what should be done in order to stem this flow of fighters? And my second question is about Mr. Eliasson’s visit to Iran and whether he is going to raise the issue of the human rights record, especially the mounting number of executions, including Reyhaneh Jabbari on Saturday? Thank you.
Question: I think the Deputy Secretary-General’s visit will focus on a range of political and humanitarian issues. And I don't want to pre-empt what he will say, but we will obviously give you readouts.
On the other issue, it's incumbent on countries to do what they can to control their borders to stem the flow of foreign fighters into active war zones. Yes, sir; and then we will go to Matthew.
Question: Bonjour, Stéphane. My question is about Tunisia elections. The European Union sent observers in to observe the Tunisia elections but the United Nations helped that Tunisia by technical assistance with the programme made by the UN three years ago, SEPT, Support Election Process in Tunisia. So why didn't the United Nation send this? This is a huge question in Tunisia. And do you plan to send observers for the presidential? Thank you.
Spokesman: The UN, as far as I know and I hope I know, no longer sends, we do not send observers per se; OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe], EU [European Union], others do. Our support focuses on the technical support to electoral commissions, like we have done in a host of other countries this year. Obviously, with other programs, helping to run the elections smoothly, but the fact that there were no UN observers is not a reflection on the UN support for the Tunisians people's effort for smooth transition to democracy. We are there working with the institutions to ensure the right technical aspects to the elections. I think it's work that is sometimes done in the shadows and not as visible as observers, but obviously it's critical work. Maggie, you have been patient.
Question: Stéphane, in light of the SG's remarks about the restrictions on travelers coming from West Africa, will the UN abide by quarantine procedures in place in New York and New Jersey?
Spokesman: Yes. UN staff members who are returning from Ebola-impacted countries will abide by all federal and local regulations, which does not mean that…you saw what the Secretary-General's opinion of them was, but as long as they are in place, we will abide by the regulations in the host country.
Question: Follow-up to that: You've told us that so far three UN personnel have succumbed to Ebola. Is there a number on how many staff are actually infected and have any recovered? What is the number of actual infections?
Spokesman: I don't have the number. And if I can harvest that number, I will do that. [He later added that the three deaths were the only known cases of Ebola among UN staff members.] Mr. Carpenter and then Mr. Abbadi?
Question: While the Secretary-General is in Ethiopia, will he make a statement on a position regarding the controversy between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the dam construction?
Spokesman: I'm not aware that he will; but, obviously, he is still in the country through tomorrow, so we will have to watch what he says. Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. The Security Council is also meeting this afternoon in informal consultations on Western Sahara. We have not seen any indication who is going to brief the Council. Is anybody briefing the Council and would they appear at the stakeout?
Spokesman: It's a very legitimate question and one… it's an answer which I do not have on the top of my head and I will get it for you. Anna and then all the way in the back?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. My question is on Ukraine. What would you say, how would you comment on alleged violations during the elections especially during the campaigning period? There were some reports about that. And also how UN would comment and what is the general attitude of the United Nations towards the elections that rebels are going to have on 2 November that they want in Luhansk and Donetsk?
Spokesman: The Secretary-General and I read an answer to the question, was fairly clear. From where we stand, we are encouraged the early elections took place in a generally calm an orderly manner. And there may have been issues with the campaign at some point. It's not one I'm aware of here. And there was an OSCE observer mission and I'm sure they will report on it, as well. And obviously what was of great concern is what happened in east of the country, when rebels blocked people from voting. Yes, all the way in the back?
Question: Thank you. What is the reaction of the Secretary-General on the execution of the Iranian woman over the weekend who was allegedly killing…
Spokesman: The Secretary-General's position on the use of the death penalty is one that has been well known. He is opposed to it, and so is the United Nations. Yes, sir, and then you?
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. What is the latest situation, humanitarian and military association inside and around Kobane? And is there any new report from [Staffan] de Mistura?
Spokesman: No. I don't have anything new to report. We expect Mr. de Mistura to be back in New York soon. We will try to get him in front of you. I'm sure he would want to do that. But I don't have any updates from the Kobane area today. Yes, in the back? Go ahead.
Question: On Christopher Ross, is he still accepted by all parties, especially the Moroccan Government, as the mediator on Western Sahara?
Spokesman: Mr. Ross continues in his position as appointed by the Secretary-General. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. On Mali, you may have seen that the French Defense Minister, Mr. [Jean-Yves] Le Drian, has criticized the UN for being overly slow in deploying peacekeepers to northern Mali. And I wanted to know what is the response to that? It also seems… Is he criticizing troop-contributing countries? I mean, how do you take the criticism? Is it DPKO's [Department of Peacekeeping Operations] own implementation? And also just as a follow-up on this question of Ebola and quarantine, I know the UN argues that it's immune in many other instances, including, for example, on Haiti and cholera. Is the UN voluntarily going to comply with local quarantine restrictions or is this a legal requirement on UN personnel?
Spokesman: It’s something the UN is voluntarily doing. Whether or not it's a legal requirement is one that I'm not equipped educationally, intellectually to say. But what I am telling you is that the UN staff members will comply [with] regulations put in place, whether it's by the Federal Government, by the State of New York, the State of New Jersey or the State of Connecticut, whatever other local entities put regulations in place. However, I think as the Secretary-General clearly said, we are very concerned by these policies and we think it sends the wrong signal to health workers who are putting themselves on the line. And clearly the Ebola response won't be met without an influx of aid workers and of health-care workers, and we need them.
Question: Is there any answer yet to the national versus international staff, how they are treated in terms of their rights of evacuation?
Spokesman: We are working to put in place procedures to support our staff both in terms of in-country treatment; there are a number of countries that are supplying field hospitals, that will treat health-care workers, and also on the issue of evacuation for health-care workers if needed. As far as… once all these things are put in place formally, I will get back to you.
On Mali, you know, as to date, about 90 per cent of the peacekeepers are based in the north. Since its inception, MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) has intensively deployed in the north and I think the number we saw quoted, that only 22 per cent were based in the north, is not a number we have and we believe it's an erroneous number. Stefano?
Question: Yes, on Ebola again. Did the State of New York or the State of New Jersey, before the decision they took this weekend, did it try to have a contact with the UN to ask for advice or information about the situation or did it after or vice versa, did the UN, look for a contact?
Spokesman: Not that I'm aware. We were… as far as I'm aware, we were made aware of these new regulations through press reports.
Question: Still on the quarantine policies, you said the health workers should not be subjected to restrictions not based on science, but I wonder does the Secretary-General have an opinion on civil liberty issues that are being raised with regard to the policies? Some lawyers are saying they are overly broad.
Spokesman: I'm not going to get into the legalities of these issues. I think the decisions on how to treat returning health-care workers should be based on science and also should be based on respect for people who are doing what we are asking them to do, which is to focus on stemming the spread of Ebola at its source in Liberia, in Guinea and in Sierra Leone. Anna?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Just one little clarification: As an expert, what do you think, would the UN recognize…
Spokesman: I will stop you there.
Question: If they are to be held in a democratic manner?
Spokesman: Sorry, say again?
Question: Would you recognize the 2 November elections if they are to be held in a democratic manner?
Spokesman: The UN recognizes the Government in Kyiv and I think everything needs to be done to support that Government and to be done within the Constitution of Ukraine. Yes?
Question: When all the world is focusing in Kobane and Daesh issues, in Libya there are many reports talking about the establishment of Islamic emirate in Dirna, so what is the position of United Nations?
Spokesman: Well, I think, you know, the Secretary-General has focused quite a bit on Libya; as you know, we were there about two weeks ago. Obviously, the spread of these types of radical groups, whether in Syria, in Iraq, in Libya, or others should be of great concern to the international community. And one way to fight terrorism is to ensure that there are strong national institutions and that people have a stake in their future and in their Governments.
Question: Follow-up on that, please?
Spokesman: With pleasure.
Question: I understand the engagement is with all parties and does not exclude any of these militants in Libya. In the case of the Representative of Libya, he spoke about engagement with all different factions there. How does that match…?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary-General's engagement was with representatives of the assembly, with legislatures. And, obviously, we need to… the people need to commit themselves to a peaceful political dialogue.
Question: I have a question on Yemen, please. Now, the Al-Qaida in Yemen is aligning with many tribes and groups there and in their fight against the Houthis. How does Mr. Jamal Benomar deal with such a situation?
Spokesman: I don't have an update from Mr. Benomar but I'll try to get one for you. Mr. Abbadi and then we will go back to the back.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. In response to the question regarding the UN sending observers to Tunisia, you indicated they are no longer doing so. What accounts for the change from sending observers to sending technicians?
Spokesman: I think, you know, we have… there are roles for everybody. And I think there are a lot of international NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and regional organizations that send observers. We can help with the technical aspect, which I think is critical, and we are also able to help with the coordination of observers when asked. Stefano and then young lady behind you?
Question: Yes, as a follow-up on that penalty question on Iran, I mean, I know very well the position of the Secretary-General on the death penalty; but in this particular circumstance, with the capital punishment was given on a crime, the specific crime of a woman trying to defend herself. Does the Secretary-General have something?
Spokesman: You know, I don't have anything to add. If I'm not mistaken, the High Commissioner for Human Rights has also spoken on it. And I believe that… and I have nothing to add to that. Yes, ma'am?
Question: Going back to Christopher Ross, do you happen to know when his next visit is going to be to Morocco?
Spokesman: That is a good question and we will try to find out the answer. Thank you very much and enjoy your day.