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.
**Lebanon
As you know, at around 11:30 a.m. this morning, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) observed six rockets launched towards Israel from the vicinity of Wazzani, north of Maysat, in the UNIFIL area of operations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) returned artillery fire in the same general area. During the course of developments, a UNIFIL peacekeeper from Spain deployed at a UN position near Ghajar sustained serious injuries that resulted in his death. The precise cause of death is currently undetermined and remains the subject of an ongoing investigation by UNIFIL. The UNIFIL Force Commander, Major-General Luciano Portolano, was in immediate contact with the parties to help control the situation and prevent further escalation.
In the meantime, around 1:30 p.m., five rockets were fired from the general area of Kafer Shouba towards Israel. The IDF fired artillery rounds towards the source of fire. UNIFIL has been informed by the IDF that they incurred casualties as a result of fire from the Lebanese side.
UNIFIL has further reinforced its presence on the ground and intensified patrols in the area of operations in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces. At this time, the situation along the Blue Line is quiet. Major-General Portolano has strongly condemned this serious violation of the Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and has urged both sides to exercise utmost restraint. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident.
Also from Lebanon, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Sigrid Kaag, today expressed deep concern over the serious deterioration of the security situation in South Lebanon following the exchange of fire. She urgently called on all parties to refrain from any actions that could destabilize the situation further.
**Libya
I have a statement from the Secretary-General about the situation in Libya. The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the attack that took place at the Corinthia Hotel, in Tripoli yesterday on 27 January. He expresses his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of this despicable act. Terrorism has no place in the new Libya and will not undermine the ongoing political dialogue which the United Nations is facilitating. In this regard, the Secretary-General commends the courage of the Libyan actors who are participating in the dialogue to find a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis.
As you know, the recent round of UN-facilitated talks, that took place in Geneva, concluded yesterday. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Bernardino León, said that the discussions were conducted in a positive atmosphere, reflecting the participants’ sense of national responsibility and sincere determination to find solutions to the crisis in Libya. He also said that the participants were unanimous in condemning yesterday’s attack and rejecting terrorism. They emphasized that such attacks would not derail the political process and would create an incentive for all the Libyan sides to forge ahead with efforts to stabilize the country. More information is available on the Mission’s website.
**Syria
Regarding Syria, as you will have seen, Kyung-wha Kang, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, briefed the Security Council today on humanitarian access in Syria. She said that the call made by the Security Council in resolution 2139 (2014) to put an end to the indiscriminate employment of weapons in populated areas continues to be ignored. Ms. Kang said that the Syrian Government has continued to conduct airstrikes, including barrel bombs, in densely populated areas. Armed opposition groups, and designated terrorist organizations, have also continued to use explosive weapons in populated areas. We made her full remarks available next door
**Yemen
From Yemen, the Special Adviser on Yemen, Jamal Benomar, met today with Ahmed bin Mubarak, Director of the Office of the President. As you know, he was released yesterday by Ansarallah. That release came after Mr. Benomar’s continuous mediation efforts. The Special Adviser welcomed the release yesterday and remarked that this news would help reduce tensions and enable progress in ongoing negotiations that he has been facilitating. Mr. Benomar urged Ansarallah to undertake steps that would be in the best interest of all political sides and the people of Yemen. Mr. Benomar also today convened another meeting of the National Partnership Agreement in Yemen signatories.
**Mali
In Mali, the UN [Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization] Mission in the country (MINUSMA) launched an investigation after a violent protest yesterday in Gao, during which several people were reportedly killed. In a press conference, the Mission explained that the UN Police used tear gas and fired warning shots to prevent protesters from entering the Mission’s base. The Mission said it was saddened by this escalation of violence. It said that its only objective was to bring back peace and stability in the country.
David Gressly, who is the acting Chief of Mission, promised a serious, thorough and transparent investigation into the events. The Mission called on all concerned to stay calm and refrain from any action that could distract from this investigation or divert further MINUSMA from its focus, which is to bring the parties to respect the ceasefire and resume political talks in Algiers. It especially calls on the parties to the Mali peace process to behave responsibly and to call on their supporters to refrain from more violence.
**Holocaust
Right about now, the Secretary-General is participating in a ceremony marking the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. That event, as you know, was originally scheduled to be held yesterday, but was postponed to today because of the snowstorm. In his remarks at the event, the Secretary-General will speak about his visit to Auschwitz in 2013, where he saw for himself the full machinery of murder and how the scale of the crimes committed there remains shocking to this day. He will note how, even today — after all we have witnessed and all we have done — we face widespread challenges to our common humanity.
At 2:15 p.m. today, he will also attend the opening of an exhibit entitled “Shoah: How Was It Humanly Possible?”, where he will once again pay tribute to the survivors of the Holocaust. Wrapping up shortly is a briefing on “Holocaust, Homosexuals and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Today”. And this evening at 6:30 p.m., in Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium, there will be a screening of the film, Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald.
**Kosovo
From Kosovo, the UN Mission there, UNMIK, is concerned by violent events in the centre of Pristina in recent days, noting that they have nothing to do with the exercise of the democratic right to express legitimate grievances. The Mission said that it is the responsibility of the Kosovo police to ensure public safety and to take appropriate action against individuals who abuse the inherent right to peaceful protest by committing inexcusable acts of violence and vandalism.
**Gaza
As you will have seen yesterday, we flagged that UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] has been forced to suspend its cash assistance programme in Gaza to tens of thousands of people for repairs to damaged and destroyed homes and for rental subsidies to the homeless. Over 96,000 Palestine refugee family homes were damaged or destroyed during last summer’s conflict and $720 million is required to address this need. To date, UNRWA has received only $135 million in pledges, leaving a shortfall of $585 million. While some funds remain available to begin the reconstruction of totally destroyed homes, UNRWA has exhausted all funding to support repairs and rental subsidies.
Also from Gaza, Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, expressed his outrage at the assault on the [Middle East Peace Process] compound in Gaza this morning. During a pre-announced demonstration, of which Hamas was well aware, a number of protestors climbed the perimeter wall and entered the compound causing damage to United Nations premises and property. Due to precautionary measures taken, United Nations personnel working in the compound were fortunately unharmed.
The Special Coordinator notes with deep concern that, despite repeated assurances, the security forces in Gaza did not take the necessary and timely measures to protect the UN compound. As this serious incident took place in the context of increasing incitement against the United Nations in Gaza, the Special Coordinator is conducting an urgent review of its operations there.
**Malawi
From Malawi, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns today that farmers in southern Malawi urgently need seeds and livestock after intense flooding. More than 170,000 people have had to leave their homes, with 79 confirmed deaths and at least 150 people still missing. An estimated 116,000 households have lost their crops and livestock due to the floods.
**Appointment
The Secretary-General is announcing the appointment of Haile Tilahun Gebremariam of Ethiopia as Head of Mission of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, or UNISFA. He succeeds Lieutenant-General Yohannes Tesfamariam of Ethiopia who completed his assignment in June of last year. The Secretary-General is grateful to both Lieutenant-General Tesfamariam and to the former acting Head of Mission, Major-General Moges, for their dedication and effective leadership of the Force.
**Honour Roll
And lastly our honour roll: today, we want to highlight and thank Rwanda for paying its dues in full. And that is up to 16 now.
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Is it clear which side of the border between Lebanon and Israel killed the UN soldier and do you have any explanation for that? Also, what is the UN doing and UNIFIL doing to stop the escalation in the region? Thank you.
Spokesman: First of all, I'll say that we do expect a more formal statement from the Secretary‑General on the situation shortly. The exact circumstance of the death of our Spanish colleague is currently being investigated by UNIFIL. I think, as I said, it happened in the course of today's exchange of fire. In terms of what we're doing, both General Portolano and Sigrid Kaag have been in touch with the parties to encourage them to de-escalate and for the situation to try to remain calm. Yes, sir?
Question: On the same subject, obviously, the statement by UNIFIL, which specifies that the attacks happened from Maysat and al-Wazzani and from Kafer Shouba, they're specific about the locations. They still did not mention anything regarding the Israelis air sorties in the sky. Also, we did not hear anything from UNDOF [United Nations Disengagement Observer Force] regarding the aerial attack on a Syrian position near the Golan.
Spokesman: I think… I've reported the operational details I've received from the mission, and we report them to you as we receive them.
Correspondent: So…
Spokesman: Okay. Pause. I continue: The missions, both UNDOF and UNIFIL, are doing their best, and they're observing and identifying as they can. I think the more important… not the more important, rather, but moreover, I think we have… all have to be concerned, and the Secretary‑General is obviously very concerned, at the escalation and at the repeated violations of both this… of the UNDOF… excuse me… of resolution 1701 (2006), which we've seen today, and also the violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel. I think the situation…
Question: Are you expecting a statement regarding the last night attack on the Syrian installations?
Spokesman: I'm expecting a statement from the Secretary‑General on the situation. Yes, ma'am?
Question: On the same subject, thank you, Stéphane, the Hizbullah claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that its Martyr Brigade carried out the attack. Are there any casualties, civil casualties, that has been reported?
Spokesman: No. No casualties that have been reported to us via UNIFIL, but, again, we just… we get the operation details from our colleagues on the ground, and as we get them, we'll share them. And that's what we have for now. Joe and then Matthew?
Question: Yeah. I just want to switch actually to Congo here because last week, we were told by Mr. [Martin] Kobler and… that an initiation… an operation against the FDLR [Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda] was imminent. Of course, they were waiting for the signing of the Congolese Government of the joint directive, but the expectation was that was going to take place imminently, and now it's about a week later. So, can you give the status of where that stands?
Spokesman: The status is unchanged. Obviously, the preparations are continuing. Once we have an update to share with you, we will share that with. But, the general status has not changed. Mr. Lee, then Masood, then Evelyn?
Question: Sure. I want to ask about Mali. I couldn't figure out from the statement that you raised about tear gas and warning shots, pretty much a number of publications are reporting that the UN peacekeepers killed three protestors… fired live rounds at them. And I wanted to know: is that something that the mission is denying? And I wanted to also understand… I can't help but compare it to the situation in Lebanon. You said earlier, last week, because the peacekeepers in Mali were fired out, they use an attack helicopter and that's why they disabled an MNLA [National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad] vehicle and said… the MNLA says they killed seven. What's the difference in terms of responses to perceived attacks on peacekeepers? Is it one thing in Mali and one thing elsewhere?
Spokesman: Each… different peacekeeping missions have different mandates. So, I would urge to you look at those two different mandates. I think that answers your question. The Mission is not denying anything. What… if you take a look at the transcript of the press conference given by the deputy… the acting Head of Mission, Mr. Gressly, said basically they're launching an investigation and the Malian authorities are also launching an investigation, and we're cooperating fully with that investigation. And we are very sorry for the loss of life that did occur.
Question: Okay. I'm sorry. I'm going to switch missions again. The investigation was done in MINUSTAH [United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti] of firing at protesters in Haiti. It seems like there's been no final outcome of that investigation. Is that…?
Spokesman: That is… That is progressing. As soon as we're able to share some details, we will. And I think I've answered your question on Mali. Masood?
Question: Yes, Stéphane. Thank you. Just about these Syrian talks in Moscow, which are going on now and which Mr. [Bashar al-]Assad is saying that… and the participant from the opposition are basically Western agents or whatever; does the United Nations think these particular talks will eventually move the peace process forward?
Spokesman: I think these talks got under way today. Mr. [Staffan] de Mistura's office is represented there. He has sent someone to be there at the talks. I think at this point, years after the conflict has started, there is a collective responsibility to try to support any effort at finding a political solution. I would encourage to you read what the Deputy Emergency Coordinator said today about the numbers of people, civilians that are being impacted every day in the most atrocious way. And so, I think any effort to find a political solution needs to be supported. And as I said, Mr. de Mistura's office is represented at these discussions.
Question: Does the Secretary‑General think that this will move the peace process forward?
Spokesman: Masood, with all due respect, I think I've answered the question. I think… as I've said, we need to support any effort that may bring about a political solution. Evelyn? Microphone, please.
Question: Hello, Stéphane. It's on now. Do you have any update on ISIS's [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Sham] request to Jordan? There are confusing news stories of whether Jordan will release the woman prisoner and the Japanese will get…
Spokesman: No, we are not involved in those discussions. Those are involved at the national level; there are countries dealing with those nationals. Our call for the unconditional release of not only the Japanese hostage, but all people who are being held against their will by extremist groups stands. Signore and then Go?
Question: The attack yesterday on the hotel in Libya, in Tripoli — do you think it's going to affect the negotiation of Bernardino León that is taking place in Libya, next step, or they're going to meet somewhere else?
Spokesman: No, they're meeting in Geneva. I don't think a location has been chosen for the next step. Obviously, the attack is not good news, but it would not deter Mr. León from his efforts. Go?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Again on this Israeli-Lebanese border, so this attack was apparently initiated by Hizbullah first and then IDF retaliated. Right? And then you condemned the violation of the Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). So, do you blame both sides for the exchange of attack or…?
Spokesman: I think we have seen in recent days a deterioration of the situation on… along the border, both in UNIFIL's area of operation and in UNDOF's area of operation, and it is incumbent for all those involved to do their utmost to try to calm the situation. In this particular incident, the firing started from the Lebanese side into… onto IDF positions, and then there was retaliatory fire.
Correspondent: On the same subject…
Spokesman: I'll… I always promise to get back to you, and I always get back to you. Let's do a first round first. Iftikhar and then…
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Will there be any representation or involvement of United Nations in… at the mega-sporting event taking place in Australia and New Zealand? I'm talking about the World Cricket Cup this year?
Spokesman: I'm not aware, but I will check with our office for sports, peace and development if they will be there at this historic cricket event.
Question: Hi. Thanks. So, MINUSMA did say that three people died. Are you confirming that, Stéphane?
Spokesman: Well, as I… as… the same thing goes for MINUSMA as for UNIFIL. The missions give us the operational details. We'll repeat them here for your benefit but obviously, we have… I have no reason to doubt what my colleagues in the field are saying. Oleg?
Question: Can you once again name the lists of countries who are past their dues?
Spokesman: Who are past their dues or who have given their dues? I can give you the list of the people who have paid. The list of people who have not yet paid remains a little longer and I don't think I will read all of them. But the people who have paid for January, and again we thank them, in order of payments received: Dominican Republic, Senegal, Singapore, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Bhutan, Latvia, Armenia, Norway, Bulgaria, Thailand, Austria, Finland, Luxembourg and Rwanda.
Question: And who are the ones whose votes the GA are gone?
Spokesman: I have… I have that information in my office, again, that's a separate procedure, but that has to do with last year's… the last budget. People still have time to pay, and we welcome their efforts to pay. Zach?
Question: Regarding the shortfall in the cash assistance programme for Gaza, do you have the list of countries who have come through with their pledges, for example?
Spokesman: We can ask our colleagues at UNRWA to give us a list of those who have paid, as opposed to those who have just pledged.
Question: Are you saying that $135 million has been pledged and another $500 million that's acquired?
Spokesman: If I'm not mistaken, I thought I said… let me look back at what I've… I said UNRWA received $135 million in pledges, leaving a shortfall of $585 [million] which is needed. Basically the requirements are $720 million. But, we'll get our colleagues at UNRWA give you the full mathematical cash layout. Nizar and then Matthew?
Question: Just to be clear, the attack that happened from the Lebanese side against the Israeli side — I understand the area is occupied area, isn’t it? I mean, close to Ghajar and the Mayssat area and the al-Abbasi area and Shebaa Farms. These are all occupied territories, Lebanese territories, right?
Spokesman: I said… I will read to you again what I said but what I said is unchanged.
Correspondent: You said this to my colleague…
Spokesman: No, I said they hit IDF positions.
Question: Positions. Okay. But these are on Lebanese territory?
Spokesman: I think I have… they are where they are, and we're reporting it as we get it. But, I said they hit IDF positions, which I think has the added advantage of being the truth.
Question: All right. I understand UNIFIL has been given orders to go, to take shelter. Are they still in shelter or did they come out?
Spokesman: Again what I just read, and I will reread it to you, is that UNIFIL has further reinforced its presence on the ground and intensified patrols across the areas of operations, in coordination with the Lebanese armed forces.
Question: Three-hundred and eight UNIFIL soldiers have… or members have been killed since their inception in the 1970s. How many of them were killed by the Israelis? Do you have any statistics on that?
Spokesman: I don't have the statistics of who was responsible for what death. Mr. Lee? I'm sorry. And then we'll go to the back.
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask, there have been various accounts of what Mr. Jamal Benomar told the Council about Yemen, but all of them say that he said basically the Houthis have the… all agencies of the Government have been Houthified and essentially confirming the resignation and that Mr. Hadi’s no longer in power. So, what I wanted to ask is, there have been continued US drone strikes in Yemen, as I'm sure you've seen, and what I wanted to know is, what's the… what's Mr. Benomar or the UN's understanding… is there a Government that has consented to these? Are these being done without the consent of the Government in Yemen? Who's giving consent?
Spokesman: I think those are details we do not have. Mr. Benomar… we were in touch with them earlier today. Again, we're trying to get him to speak to you at some point. Hopefully maybe tomorrow or Friday by a video conference, and you can ask him those questions.
Question: Does the Secretariat itself have any comment on drone strikes carried out without, seemingly without the consent of a governing body?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General has already expressed himself general position on drone strikes and that has unchanged.
Question: So, if I'm not mistaken, you're not… you're not making any…?
Spokesman: No, no, I mean, I…
Question: Please explain to me because I'm a little bit confused. What parts of [resolution] 1701 (2006) does this attack violate? So, specify just for… to clarify the matter?
Spokesman: Any exchange of fire along the Blue Line is a violation of the accord. Evelyn?
Question: Thanks, thank you, Stéphane. Is there anything new in the Ukraine? Things looked pretty bad this weekend. Any chance of monitoring as the separatists, the pro-Russian separatists enlarge their area?
Spokesman: Obviously, the Secretary‑General remains concerned about the escalation of violence and most notably at the toll on civilian lives that we've seen, and I think Mr. [Jeffrey] Feltman gave a very bleak report to the Security Council on Tuesday and that remains our position.
Question: Do you see any chance for monitors, UN or…?
Spokesman: I think those… I think what we need first is really a need for people to recommit themselves to what has already been agreed to in Minsk. Yes, sir?
Question: Great. I wanted to ask you on Monday, even after the UN was said to be closed, Secretary‑General continued with meetings and there were readouts of Sweden, the President of Israel; was there a readout of the Colombian Defence Minister? Have they offered peacekeepers, I guess I wanted to know?
Spokesman: Good question. We'll find out. [He later issued the following readout: The Secretary-General met on Monday, 26 January, with H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Pinzón Bueno, Minister of Defence of Colombia. They discussed Colombia's support to United Nations peacekeeping operations, including to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The Secretary-General commended Colombia for its commitment and welcomed future collaboration in this area. The Secretary-General also commended the progress made in the Colombian peace talks and reiterated the Organization's support to this process, which is critical to bring peace and stability to the people of Colombia.]
Question: And is there any comment by the Secretary‑General on the election in Greece? I know he's commented on Zambia and other countries. What about Greece?
Spokesman: No, there will be… obviously, the Greek people expressed themselves through the democratic process. The Secretary‑General will be writing to the new Prime Minister, but no particular comment beyond that. Evelyn, last question?
Question: Do you have any update on which multinational forces might enter Nigeria to help squash Boko Haram? Because the Nigerians evidently aren't doing it.
Spokesman: What I can tell is you that Boko Haram will be at the forefront of the discussions the Secretary‑General will be having in the African Union in Addis and he'll be participating in a special meeting with Chairwoman [Nkosazana Dlamini] Zuma. Yes, he'll be… Yes, he'll be in Addis.
Question: And he's going to encourage them to have troops?
Spokesman: I think he's going to encourage them to find a solution to it. Thank you.