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.
I am wishing you all a happy new year, all your wishes come true, all your questions be answered and everything be rosy. It’ll last about half a day — don’t worry.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
A couple of updates for you: first, on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The deadline given by the Southern African Development Community, otherwise known as SADC, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to fully and unconditionally surrender expired on 2 January. No significant additional surrenders of FDLR combatants have been registered since the initial surrenders in June.
The UN [Organization Stabilization] Mission [in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] (MONUSCO) is working closely with the Government and regional and international stakeholders to address the situation. The Congolese Army will play an essential role in operations against the FDLR. The UN Mission and the Congolese Army have developed a joint military plan for operations against the FDLR. Shaping operations have already commenced. MONUSCO has pre-positioned its troops and enablers to support offensive operations against the FDLR, in keeping with its mandate.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the [Democratic Republic of the Congo], Martin Kobler, updated the Security Council earlier today via video conference on the FDLR, as well as the general security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the arrest of the Force de résistance patriotique de l’Ituri (FRPI) leader Cobra Matata in Délé, south of Bunia, on Friday, 2 January. The UN Mission also supported the Congolese Army on 3 January in North Kivu during their attack against Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces rebels on the Medina-Mavume axis, killing five and capturing two others.
**Ebola
On Ebola, you will have seen that Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed officially began his duties as the new Head of the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), taking over from Anthony Banbury. Upon arrival in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday, he stressed that there really is no other choice but to get to zero cases and that we should not be complacent. Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed is starting to visit Liberia and Sierra Leone this week, along with the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Ebola, Dr. David Nabarro. The new Head of UNMEER will also travel to Guinea later in the week.
**Mali
On Mali, the UN [Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization] Mission in that country (MINUSMA) condemned the attack that wounded eight peacekeepers — three seriously — yesterday in the Gao region in Mali. The Mission says that a vehicle transporting troops from the Niger contingent struck an explosive device. Four of the peacekeepers were evacuated to Dakar for further treatment. The others are recovering at a UN facility in Gao. The UN calls on all those involved in the ongoing peace process to prevent such attacks against peacekeepers and to ensure that those responsible for the acts will be brought to justice.
**Press Conferences
And as you are all aware, because this is why you are here, following this briefing, at 12:30 p.m., Ambassador Cristián Barros Melet, the Permanent Representative of Chile and President of the Security Council for January, will be here to brief you on his programme of work. Mr. Charbonneau?
**Questions and Answers
Question: So, it's clear that the dialogue that was supposed to take place today in Libya between the various parties did not take place, and they're still trying to work out scheduling. Do you have any updates on that? What do we know about why they weren't able to get it to happen and how quickly, if at all, will there be a second round of dialogues scheduled?
Spokesman: Sure. As you say, the dialogue that had been scheduled to take place did not. The UN [Support] Mission [in Libya](UNSMIL) is continuing to hold consultations with the concerned parties and the message that we're giving to all the parties is urging them to reach an agreement on the timing and venue of a second round of dialogue. As you'll recall, since the first announcement that the dialogue would be held on 9 December, there have been many developments on the ground that have not been conducive in any way to holding a dialogue, and in addition, the Mission is discussing with various stakeholders a venue that is acceptable to all and complies with the necessary security requirements. Matthew and then…
Question: Yeah, I guess I want to ask about one of the developments on the ground. This reported bombing by the “Libyan air force” of a Greek oil ship, is that… what can the Mission say about that? Whose planes were used? What… what does the UN say about an approach that would bomb ships… the Greeks say docked in port?
Spokesman: Right. We don't have any information on whose planes were used. We don't have the information to confirm one way or another. Obviously, this kind of incident only underscores the need for all parties to reach an agreement, to talk and to dialogue, as had been scheduled for today, and also underscores the security issues in the country. Nizar?
Correspondent: In a way, some Libyans have blamed the Secretary‑General for visiting Tripoli when it was under the control of the rebels, for encouraging them to… not to be very flexible with regard to dialogue and to making some kind of concessions to the national unity.
Spokesman: Well, I think the… first of all, the Secretary‑General had to visit some place in Libya; he chose Tripoli. But, I think his message to all those who are gathered to hear him was clear and that was the need for dialogue and the need to come together for the future of their country.
Question: I have another question regarding Bahrain, the turmoil, of course you heard about it, after the arrest of Sheikh Salman. How does the United Nations view the situation there, and the continued arrest of Sheikh Salman is making ripples all over the region?
Spokesman: The Secretary‑General is obviously aware of the situation, aware of the case that you mentioned. He's continuously watching the situation and he very much shares the concerns expressed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights when he spoke out in December.
Question: Does he call for the release of Sheikh Salman?
Spokesman: I will leave it at that. Edie and then we'll go to that cluster here.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. When you were talking about the FDLR, you mentioned a shaping operation. Could you define what a shaping operation is?
Spokesman: I think a shaping operation is the preparations for a military operation. But, I think what's important to stress is that a military… this situation will not be solved by only a military solution. There needs to be dialogue amongst… [cell phone ringing]. Let me know and I'll continue. [Cell phone continues ringing] [Laughter] It's a beautiful way to start the year.
Correspondent: Sorry.
Spokesman: It could be worse. No, I think what I wanted to say is that, taking into account the dispersed nature of the FDLR and its immersion in the local situation, it will take time to achieve the results we want and various tactics will be used, which may not necessarily lead to the immediate or large‑scale blows to the armed groups. I think we've drawn lessons from previous operations against the groups, including those that included a significant number of Rwandan soldiers in 2009. Military operations have a potential to weaken, as I said, but not to eliminate the FDLR, and the military solution needs to be part of a larger comprehensive strategy that includes a number of non-military steps. Kahraman, then Joe, then Signore Presidente?
Question: Stéphane, thank you very much. For this year, what is the Secretary‑General aiming to achieve, generally speaking? This is your first briefing of the year. What should we look ahead or forward to covering that are our main kind of steps this year? Thank you.
Spokesman: Inasmuch as I'd love to speak for the Secretary‑General, I would ask you to wait a few days. On Thursday, he will speak to the General Assembly and deliver an address to the General Assembly and lay out his priorities and his vision for the year, and I think we should watch that speech. Joe, go ahead.
Question: Sure. First of all, a quick follow‑up on the FDLR: I guess, why isn't the same strategy to essentially eliminate the FDLR being used ‑‑ that had been used with M23 [23 March Movement], which essentially neutralized M23? And my main question is on Bangladesh. Does the Secretary‑General have any comment on reports that all rallies have been banned in the capital of Bangladesh and the opposition leader has been allegedly held, detained in her office?
Spokesman: No, again, we're following that situation closely. We're worried about the reports of violence that we've seen, and the Secretary‑General urges all parties to exercise restraint. You know, as for the M23, I think every situation… even though it may be the same country, I think every situation and every armed group is slightly different, both in the way they operate and in the way they are in relation to civilian population. Signore?
Question: Stéphane, thank you. Happy New Year on behalf of United Nations Correspondents Association. And the question is does the Secretary‑General has any recent involvement in the dispute between the… Italy and… Italy and India about the two soldiers accused of killing the fisherman or it considers this still a bilateral dispute?
Spokesman: I have nothing to add to what he's already said on the issue. Anna and then Richard and then we'll go to…
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. I wanted to ask a question about Nigeria. It's been reported that Boko Haram has seized power over another military base, this time in the Nigerian town or little village of Boga. And lots of people were killed and 300 went lost, you know, they were missing. And it's been reported that, over last year, 10,000 people died because of Boko Haram's activities. Is UN going to address this somehow and in which way? And also, is this… I mean, in the long run, is this on the agenda before Boko Haram becomes some kind of African investigation of ISIS [Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham/Levant, also known as ISIL], God forbid?
Spokesman: Obviously, this has very much been on the agenda. The Secretary‑General and other senior officials have spoken out strongly against the Boko Haram against the tactics used and the victimization that we have seen. In fact, Mr. [Mohammed ibn] Chambas is here in New York this week. We're going to try to get him down here to talk to you about… especially focusing on the situation in Nigeria, but it's very much been on forefront of our activities and thoughts. Mr. Abbadi and Richard?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. And happy New Year, as well. What does the Secretary‑General think of the important role played recently by Pope Francis in bringing about the détente between the United States and Cuba?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General very much welcomes the pontiff's action. The Secretary‑General has a very warm relationship with Pope Francis, and I think he very much supports his role, and I think anyone who can play a role in encouraging peaceful dialogue between nations is to be welcomed. Richard?
Correspondent: Thanks, Stéphane. It's Roger.
Spokesman: Roger. I'll… we'll make that my New Year's resolution. How's that?
Question: Just because it's my name. Given the news of Lebanon's recent imposition of restrictions on incoming Syrian refugees, there seems to be more evidence of pressure on the region. Is this going to prompt the UN to encourage burden sharing and resettlement, particularly in Europe?
Spokesman: Well, I think we've always encouraged burden sharing in recognize that the countries in the region have been carrying on outsized burden and Lebanon almost more than most in that country and seeing the number of refugees they've taken in… into their population in relations to their… to the general population. It's almost 25 per cent. I spoke to our colleagues at UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] this morning. They're trying to get details from the Lebanese Government as to what exactly these new rules and regulations imply. But, obviously, the situation with the Syrians that have been impacted by the ongoing conflict is a burden that needs to be shared beyond the region. Matthew?
Question: I wanted to ask about Sudan and also Sri Lanka. On Sudan, has there been any progress made on entering into Tabit to look at the rapes? And I wanted to ask something I asked about over the holiday about the UN Federal Credit Union transferring UN system staff’s dollar accounts to the Bank of Khartoum. Basically, I got an -email from your office, but what I've been told is that the UN is now paying the Bank of Khartoum in [United States] dollars and the staff are being paid in Sudanese currency and the difference, which is substantial, is being kept by the Bank of Khartoum. Is that something you can confirm and how do they choose the Bank of Khartoum?
Spokesman: I don't have anything on that and if I have anything to add, I'll let you know and I don't have an update from UNAMID [African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur] on the town you mention.
Question: Over the holiday you announced, I think with a four or five‑day delay, that the Secretary‑General had called the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka about the upcoming election. So, I wanted… one, I was just curious about the delay, but, two, more pressingly, since his call, there have been shots fired and rocks thrown at operation gatherings in the run-up to the election. Has he done anything more since the call? Does he think the call was heard? What does he think about this?
Spokesman: Obviously, we've seen the recent events in Sri Lanka, even those today, and I think it makes the Secretary‑General's call for reconciliation, political dialogue that much more important and also his call to the Government to ensure that the elections are peaceful and that they're inclusive, including for minorities. I'm sorry, then we'll go — you’ve got to be ready, Andre.
Question: Okay. Thank you. Mr. [Staffan] de Mistura was expected to come brief the Council sometime the beginning of January, maybe this week. Doesn't seem like he's going to do that. Is there any precise date for his briefing? And second question, which is linked to that, Russia has started to… tried to gather opposition parties and movements in Syria to have talks and then maybe to start some negotiation. Is Mr. de Mistura expected to play any kind of role in that?
Spokesman: Yes. Mr. de Mistura's been in close contact with the Russian authorities regarding their efforts. And on his coming to New York, I think we'll have… you'll have to ask the Council President when his briefing is expected, but I will see if he's coming to New York anyway, regardless of the Security Council's schedule. Yes, sir. Sorry.
Question: Yes, Curtis Ellis, WorldNet Daily. We have reports of the Pope wants to influence the climate conference in Paris next year and… which is obviously a UN operation. Do you have any detail to add on the collaboration between the Vatican and the United Nations?Spokesman: Well, I think, you know, obviously, every Member State, every Observer State within the United Nations has a critical role to play in achieving success for the climate change conference in Paris, to ensure we have an agreement. And we welcome the recent statements from the Vatican. Matthew?
Question: Sure. Something unrelated on [Democratic Republic of the Congo] and Haiti. On the [Democratic Republic of the Congo], there's been a pretty widely publicized around the world, a crackdown on the Panzi Hospital. I know the Secretary-General has spoken in the past and worked with Dr. [Denis] Mukwege. Basically the Government says they owe a lot of back taxes, has frozen their accounts. Doctors haven't been paid. They're on strike. What is the Secretary‑General's response to this Government essentially shutdown or targeting of the hospital?
Spokesman: I don't have anything specific on that, but as you mentioned yourself, the Secretary‑General has been a great supporter of Dr. Mukwege and the vital work that he does.
Correspondent: Right. But that's why…
Spokesman: I… If I have something else I will share it with you.
Question: And you may say the same on this, but I'm compelled to ask. On the incident where UN peacekeepers were filmed in Haiti shooting at democracy demonstrators and you had said that MINUSTAH [United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti] was going to do an investigation, what's the status of the investigation?
Spokesman: That investigation is ongoing. Yes, ma'am?
Question: On the Afghan President's request to have UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] cede control over the fund to the Afghan Government, what's the Secretary‑General's position on that in his, you know, conversations with President [Ashraf] Ghani? Does the Secretary‑General believe that Afghanistan is capable of taking back control of the funds or does he believe that the UN should be…?
Spokesman: I think, at this point, the discussions have been ongoing between UNDP and the Afghan Government, and we'll leave it at that for the time being. Yes, Kahraman?
Question: On Ukraine, Stéphane, there was another plane that went missing and they found some of the wreckage in AsiaAir… from the Malaysian air, I think. What's happening on Ukraine? Can you update us, give us the… the kind of… summing up the past and what's happening from now on, what kind of information are you getting in terms of the investigation?
Spokesman: No, I don't have any update to give you beyond what's already been said in the Security Council. Thank you, all. And we will get the President of the Security Council for you.