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.
**Secretary-General Travels
The Secretary-General is on his way back to New York from Geneva, where earlier today he met with representatives of the Government of Yemen. That was this morning. He had intended to have a joint meeting with the Yemeni parties today, but logistical issues made that impossible. He said that the other parties to the consultations on Yemen were on their way to Geneva.
In remarks to the press before leaving Geneva, the Secretary-General warned that since last March, the fighting in Yemen has killed more than 2,600 people — half of them civilians. Today, he said, Yemen’s very existence hangs in the balance. While parties bicker, Yemen burns, he said. In Yemen’s case, the Secretary-General said, the ticking clock is not a timepiece, it is a time bomb. He asserted that the region cannot sustain another open wound like Syria and Libya, and we must find a way to end the suffering and begin the long road to peace.
Among other steps, he called for a renewed humanitarian pause to allow critical assistance to reach all Yemenis in need and provide a respite for Yemenis as the holy month of Ramadan begins.
The Secretary-General was also asked about the International Criminal Court’s warrant for the arrest of President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes. He told reporters that this is a matter that he takes extremely seriously. The Secretary-General added that the authority of the ICC must be respected, and its decisions implemented. The transcript was released earlier and is in my office.
**Turkmenistan
Over the weekend, the Secretary-General finished his visit to Central Asia with a stop in Turkmenistan. He spoke on Saturday at the International University for Humanities and Development in Ashgabat, and he said that he was greatly impressed by the progress he had seen on the streets of Central Asia since his last visit five years ago, with new buildings, new growth and new opportunities rising. At the same time, he said, he has also heard concerns about the deterioration of some aspects of human rights and a shrinking of democratic space.
The Secretary-General said that curbing freedoms may create an illusion of stability in the short-run. Things may seem calm on the surface and there may not be protests on the streets. But the denial of free expression leads to a brewing underneath and ultimately to a breeding ground for extremist ideologies.
Later, after meeting the President of Turkmenistan [Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov], the Secretary-General said that he was encouraged by the Government’s initiative to establish an Office of the Ombudsman to protect and promote human rights in the country. He added that the United Nations is ready to provide any possible assistance. His statement is online.
**Syria
And the Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, started a visit to Damascus following an invitation by the Syrian Government to visit the country.
Mr. de Mistura looks forward to meeting with senior Syrian officials with the aim of giving them the opportunity to express their own views on the Geneva consultations, which started in early May and will continue into July. In this regard, Mr. de Mistura reiterates his intention to submit a report to the Secretary-General regarding the operationalization of the Geneva Communiqué in all its aspects.
During his visit, Mr. de Mistura intends to raise with the Syrian Government the issue of protection of civilians, underlining once again the unacceptable use of barrel bombs and the incontestable duty of any Government, in all circumstances, to protect its civilians, under international humanitarian law. Mr. de Mistura also plans to discuss the current humanitarian situation in Syria and ways to increase access to besieged and conflict-affected communities. In his discussions, the Special Envoy plans to convey once again to Syrian officials his deep conviction that no solution to the Syrian conflict can be imposed by force and that an inclusive and Syrian-led and owned political settlement is urgently needed.
**Human Rights
Back in Geneva, addressing the twenty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva today, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, stressed that despite considerable achievements in the protection and promotion of human rights in the last 70 years, too many people continue to be denied economic and social rights, and face severe and pervasive discrimination and repression.
The High Commissioner urged the international community to lead with principle, law and humility. Talking about the criticism facing the United Nations in recent weeks on how the allegations of appalling child abuse in the Central African Republic were handled, he welcomed the Secretary-General’s decision to establish an independent external review and assured that his office will accept the result, and abide by its findings. He added that we must all be held to account, with no exceptions.
And the High Commissioner also addressed an Interactive Dialogue on the Human Rights of Migrants, during which he expressed his growing alarm at the international community’s failure to protect the rights of migrants.
His full remarks are online.
**OIOS Report
The Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Atul Khare, welcomed today the evaluation report published by the Office of the Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel in peacekeeping operations.
He said the report provides an additional insight on how the implementation of the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse is handled, where progress has been made and where challenges still exist.
Mr. Khare added that the Department of Field Support is committed to the zero-tolerance policy and implementing the recommendations made in the Secretary-General’s annual report. He said that any allegation of sexual violence is shocking. Sexual exploitation and abuse when allegedly committed by those who should be protectors is truly abhorrent.
He noted that, while challenges remain, we should not lose sight of the achievements made so far as a result of the numerous efforts taken by the Organization and Member States during a period where we have seen increased deployments and enhanced efforts at reporting on allegations of sexual abuse and assault.
**Sudan-South Sudan
The UN refugee agency reports that some 14,000 South Sudanese, mainly women and children, have fled into Sudan over the weekend, describing the situation as an emergency within an emergency.
The UN refugee agency has registered close to 160,000 refugees in Sudan since fighting broke out in South Sudan in December 2013. A key priority for the humanitarian community is to prepare for the upcoming rainy season, which is due to start in the coming weeks and will further complicate operations.
Rapid scaling up of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions is critical as rains will also heighten the risk of water-borne diseases such as dysentery and cholera.
So far only 10 per cent of the $152 million requested to assist South Sudanese refugees in Sudan has been contributed. Meanwhile, as you know, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan has deteriorated significantly over the past two months with the intensification of military operations in Upper Nile and Unity States. It is estimated that by July some 4.6 million people could be severely food insecure — the highest number since the beginning of the crisis.
**Child Labour
Just to flag also new guidelines issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization on the prevention of child labour in agriculture. Worldwide, large numbers of children are involved in agricultural work. According to the FAO, about 100 million children do work that is not considered acceptable — interfering with schooling or involving them in work that is hazardous or damaging to their health.
**Honour Roll
And lastly for the honour roll: Colombia has paid its dues in full becoming the ninety-ninth Member State to do so. Thank you to our colleagues in Bogota!
**Press Encounter
At 4:30 this afternoon, Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark will address reporters at the East Foyer Stakeout area near the Delegates’ Entrance, following his formal election as President of the seventieth session of the General Assembly. And we should figure out how to pronounce his name properly.
And tomorrow, the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, appointed by the Secretary-General last October, has now completed its review. The Panel, chaired by former President of Timor-Leste, Jose Ramos Horta, is submitting the report to the Secretary-General tomorrow morning. Mr. Ramos-Horta accompanied by the Vice-Chair, Ameerah Haq, will brief you on the report, at 1:30 p.m., in this very room.
The Secretary-General, as you will recall, established this independent Panel to review the current state of UN peace operations, both peacekeeping and special political missions, and propose recommendations on improving them so as to better meet the current and future challenges in this changing world.
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. I’m sure you have seen what has happened in South Africa this morning. President [Omar] Bashir was able to leave the country despite a court barring the South African Government or ordering the South African Government to prevent him from leaving. What does the Secretary‑General make of what has happened in South Africa particularly in terms of the broader context? There is a view that African Governments are openly defying the prescripts of the Rome statute and that they are moving in a direction where the 34 Governments that are signatories will withdraw from the statute. What does the Secretary‑General make of all of that?
Spokesman: What is important that the Secretary‑General said is that the authority of the International Criminal Court needs to be respected. I think the creation of the ICC, the fact that so many countries, so many Member States have signed on to the Rome statute is a testament to the importance they attach to accountability, to international law. And we very much hope that the support for the ICC will continue and that those countries who signed on to the Rome statute will respect the statute.
Question: Is there a view though in the secretariat that perhaps more countries, all countries need to join the Rome statute so there is international fairness when it comes to issues of international law? Some countries, there are many around the world, feel would have been held accountable by the International Court are not being done because of Secretariat?
Spokesman: Like any treaty, the more countries sign on to them the stronger they become, and the ICC is no exception in that sense. The actions of the ICC, the actions of the prosecutor of the ICC, are independent, independent of the Secretary‑General. And, again I, think the Secretary‑General is very clear in that the ICC needs to be supported by as many countries as possible. Masood?
Question: Yeah, Stéphane, on this Yemen situation in Yemen, the Saudis seem to be blowing the country to smithereens and they don’t seem to listen to the Secretary‑General. Has the Secretary‑General talked to anybody in Saudi Arabia? And the Houthis are saying that they have nobody to surrender to. Who do they talk to in Sana’a or anywhere in Yemen?
Spokesman: On the second part of your question, I think the point, it’s the very point of these discussions, these consultations in Geneva, is that people have someone to talk to, whether it’s the UN, and we hope that the proximity talks will then move to face‑to‑face meetings once they start. The Secretary‑General’s message is very clear, asking for a pause in the fighting especially during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as local ceasefires. I think day in and day out in the beginning of the crisis we have been underscoring the tragic humanitarian consequences that we are currently seeing in Yemen. And every day that the guns continue to roar and that the bombs continue to fall the civilian population pays a price.
Question: And yet the opportunity to talk to the Saudi king or somebody?
Spokesman: The Secretary‑General and people in the Secretariat have had numerous contacts with the Saudis at different levels and other interested parties. Ms. Lederer.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Two questions, first is there any update on the external panel that the Secretary‑General is going to appoint to look into the Central African Republic sex abuse incident?
Spokesman: We would hope for an announcement as soon as practical. We are working on all the relevant details.
Question: And, secondly, can you confirm this report in Foreign Policy that the OIOS is investigating Mr. [Anders] Kompass, his actions regarding Western Sahara, not only in Central African Republic?
Spokesman: You know, I can’t confirm what OIOS is doing. I think you would have to put that question to them. Evelyn?
Question: Yes, thank you, Stéphane. Margot Wallström, the Swedish Foreign Minister, has now weighed on objecting to the treatment of Mr. Kompass on the Central African Republic. Is that making an impression anywhere?
Spokesman: I think we have taken note of her comments. I think as we’ve said here the external panel will look at all of the issues regarding Mr. Kompass and the handling of this CAR file. Mr. Lee.
Question: Two questions related to that. First, I mean, I heard you saying Mr. Khare welcomes the OIOS report into sexual exploitation and abuse. It’s listed as reissued for technical reasons and I wonder if you can address changes that were made to it and also what the position of DPKO [Department of Peacekeeping Operations] itself, not just DFS [Department of Field Support], but DPKO who controls the peacekeepers is. And also wanted to ask you on the Central African Republic and OIOS issue if the Secretariat is aware of a — I guess you could call it a spoof — but of a video put together by the UN staff and now on the UN staff union website instructing saying basically OIOS expressing a total lack of support in them, saying you should not ask Mr. [Hervé] Ladsous who he wants to fire this week and promising further distributions about the ethics office. What would you say about staff feeling about a total lack of protection?
Spokesman: I don’t know who posted this anonymous video. People are free to express themselves.
Question: Do you think it reflects a widespread failure?
Spokesman: I have no way of knowing, no way of knowing that. On your… I don’t know why it was issued, reissued for technical reasons, technical reasons sound to me like its technical reasons. Second of all, what I’ve just read out is on behalf obviously of DPKO and DFS which exercise joint control over issues relating peacekeepers.
Question: Will they take questions on, for example, sexual exploitation allegations in Haiti of more than 200 individuals?
Spokesman: I think what is clear is that you know the OIOS report is another tool for DPKO and DFS of dealing with the issue of sexual abuse. They are now in discussions with OIOS to go through the report and see how the organization can improve its activities.
Question: Finally on the report what can you describe the US… the UN implementation of DNA paternity tests in peacekeeping missions — are they or will they be deployed to all missions; if so, if not, why to only some missions and what’s the… if countries request assistance in the host countries, I mean, in implementing them, is the UN willing to provide that assistance?
Spokesman: I think from what we know numerous efforts have been made to address the settlement of paternity claims in peacekeeping missions associated with exploitation and abuse through DNA testing. DPKO and DFS have been recording paternity claims associated with allegations of sexual expectation since 2008 through the use of misconduct tracking system. In the Secretary‑General’s report of 2012, difficulties associated with addressing the issue of paternity claims were highlighted and it was indicated the UN would seek to assist in that respect to the extent it could. The initiatives of the development of the DNA testing protocol shared with field missions in early 2014, early last year, as well as closer follow‑up with Member States, are measures being taken by the UN to that effect and DNA testing protocol in relation to paternity claims is not obligatory for Member States, but the response that we have seen has been good so far and data extracted from this system compiled with data provided by OIOS has been used in recent reports and is publically available. Yes?
Question: Stéphane, today is the sixth day where the hunger strike with Venezuelan students continue and… however Friday, after your statement on Thursday, the mission of Venezuela issued a press release where it says the Permanent Mission of the Venezuelan Republic rejects categorically the folds and intervention as statements made by this Spokesman of the United States… United Nations Secretary‑General and it mentioned you by name, saying your expression of this regarding the legality of judiciary process and the respect for human rights in Venezuela is something that they believe is being manipulated. They also say that they believe their mission representing that country on behalf of the human rights, those comments were completely out of line according to them. What is your response on that particularly?
Spokesman: We have seen that press report. I think the comments I was making last Friday related to the activities of the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights. I know they have been in touch with those students again and I would urge you to… I would urge all of you to read the High Commissioner’s speech today to the opening of the human rights session which is a pretty fairly broad and inclusive statement.
Question: They mention they want the release of the prisoners and that is what he said today in Geneva. However, if there is a possibility… I mean, the Mission says they are respecting the human rights of their prisoners and they said that they are willing to open their country for a mission to come. Would the High Commissioner be willing to send somebody?
Spokesman: I think that is a question to put to the High Commissioner’s Office.
Question: Would the Secretary‑General will be?
Spokesman: I think that is an issue that is being dealt with between the High Commissioner of Human Rights and Venezuela. Mr. Bays?
Question: Two quick follow‑ups on the OIOS report. First, you say that now Field Support are now talking to the OIOS about the specific allegations concerning Haiti; yet, they have seen copies of this report for well over a month. Why haven’t they started a proper investigation into this? And, secondly, we’ve had the allegations of abuse by peacekeepers for very many years. Isn’t there one simple thing the Secretary‑General could do and that’s make everything more transparent every time there is an allegation, he could publish the name of the national contingent involved, he could also require the nations that supply peacekeepers to give very open information about the state of those inquiries and any penalties?
Spokesman: I think if you read the Secretary‑General’s latest report that was issued earlier this year, you can see that it is his intention to do just that, to name the contingents. I think if you look at a continuum over the last few years the transparency has increased. It hasn’t increased to a level probably we should all be satisfied with. Dealing with sexual abuse and assault by peacekeepers is a critical issue that needs… that goes to the heart of the credibility of the United Nations, the credibility of Member States as we go about our peacekeeping operations. It is an issue that both needs to be dealt with at the Secretariat level and with Member States — with troop-contributing countries and others and that is something we are doing. It’s an ongoing discussion with Member States. There are, of course, legal limits to the authority of the Secretariat over these troops which we all know and that is why we need to work with Member States and that is why we are working with Member States.
You know, these reports, they are draft reports that float around, they are leaked reports that float around, there is a process. Obviously DPKO and DFS had a chance to make comments on this OIOS report and they have and the report is now finalized and we are working with the OIOS to use this to implement as much as we can and to work with them towards the zero tolerance policy. You have been very patient, Nizar.
Question: Thank you. President Bashir, again, I know you talked in general terms about the ICC issue, but would you please address in specific the disrespect of the Government of South Africa, of the International Law and its own laws?
Spokesman: I think I’ve been as direct and Secretary‑General has been extremely direct in saying that the ICC warrants and the ICC needs to be respected and that the… those countries who have signed on to the Rome statutes need to live up to their into international obligations as any country that signs on to any international treaty needs to do. I think the events today have opened up a discussion in South Africa between the executive and judiciary and that is discussions they are having internally. As for the Secretary‑General’s position, I think he expressed it quite clearly earlier today. Nizar?
Question: Sorry you have to be patient with me today. I have many questions.
Spokesman: As opposed to not being patient with you. Let’s see if we can try. Go ahead. You do two questions and I’ll come back to you.
Question: On Yemen, obviously what happened in Djibouti is a big fiasco; the plane landed there and remained many hours. There were conflicting news related to it went to Geneva and not going to Geneva and some reported it landed and then 12 hours later it not land. Obviously the organization of this meeting in Geneva was not well done like previous ones on Yemen. In the past all the parties used to come to the table. This time it seems many were prevented.
Spokesman: I hear your statements. I would like to hear a question mark.
Question: The question is we need some elaboration what really happened in Djibouti and who prevented this airplane from going to Geneva?
Spokesman: The challenges to organizing these consultations were not small from the beginning. I think as you well know we went through dates and a few other dates and push backs. Here we had some logistical issues with the plane that the UN had chartered to bring the Sanaa delegation to Geneva. There were issues… logistical issues in Djibouti having to do with refueling and other issues. Our understanding as of a few minutes ago, I spoke to my colleagues in Geneva is that they expect the delegation to arrive in Geneva later tonight. I think once they land it will be a little clearer to see what happens but we… our aim is to get this delegation to Geneva as quickly as possible.
Question: You promised some readout about Mr. [Stephen] O’Brien’s visit to Riyadh? Did he get any commitments from…
Spokesman: I’m waiting to get more details from his trip. I will come back to you. Olga, I promised you I would come back to you.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. That is also the update on Yemen talks but given their delay of Geneva talks, give us please some update on the programme, how many days it will last, are we expecting the final statement?
Spokesman: You know, I think what we… our first hurdle is to get these consultations started and then we can figure out how long they will last. Let’s get everybody to Geneva, we will get the proximity talks started and then we can look at the next step. This is a day‑by‑day, hour‑by‑hour operation. And then Michelle.
Question: Thank you. Today the head of Iraqi Parliament visited the United Nations and had a meeting with the head of Security Council and he is pushing for further… for arming the Sunni tribes in Iraq and we never heard the UN’s position about further militarization and Army and Sunni groups and arms and tribes in Anbar and other parts of Iraq, what is Secretary‑General think about this?
Spokesman: You know, what is important is that the military action taken… under taken in Iraq against extremist groups be under taken with the full cooperation and coordination of the Government of Iraq and that they be undertaken with the utmost care when it comes to human rights and preventing abuses. So that is the general position. I haven’t seen any more details as to his meeting. Abdelhamid?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane.
Spokesman: I heard you thank me which is good.
Question: Yes. The Spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that the Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Mr. Makarim Wibisono, had been denied entry to the occupied territories. First, why he was denied entry, and second, why was this not reported in the noon briefing and that happened last week? Thank you.
Spokesman: First of all, we don’t attend to report on the travels of Special Rapporteurs who are independent of the Secretariat and of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. That being said it’s incumbent on Israel and every other Member State of the United Nations to allow access to independent rapporteurs. They are a critical part of the human rights machinery. The Secretary‑General has raised that issue in countries in many countries, notably in his trips to Central Asia and in his travels to Viet Nam, so it’s an across the board need for Member States to allow Special Rapporteurs to enter and to cooperate with them. Behind you, go ahead.
Question: Thank you. Stéphane, there is a fierce fight near Turkish and Syrian borders and everyday hundreds of refugees cross border to Turkey and now it exceeds 2 million. How United Nations… [inaudible] Turkey and neighbouring countries and what is Secretary‑General’s proposal for [inaudible] for the border sharing?
Spokesman: I think this is an issue we have raised often here. Turkey and the other border States are carrying a huge burden in terms of refugees that have come out of… okay, I’m sorry. This is like breaking news here. The plane carrying the Sana’a delegation has apparently left Djibouti and so we hope it’s heading to Geneva. Sorry, I’ll start the question again. Sorry?
Question: No, Sana’a?
Spokesman: They are on their way to Geneva and they have left Djibouti. We will start again. Turkey and other border States have carried an undue heavy burden. They need to be supported both in terms of financial support and then down the line other countries, not just Western countries, the international community as a whole has a responsibility to accept more refugees for resettlement. Michelle?
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. Democratic Republic of Congo — any updates? Has there been any progress towards UN renewing cooperation with FARDC operations against the FDLR?
Spokesman: No update on that front. James and then we will go.
Question: Just another point of clarification on now the CAR abuse allegations. And I know you have been asked a number of times when the SG and the DSG knew about these. Can you confirm that Andrew Gilmour of the Secretary‑General’s executive office did know about these allegations on the 8th of August?
Spokesman: No, no. As I said, I think there is going to be a lot of names being thrown out of who knew what and when. It is clear what we hope will all come out; the clarity will come out with the work of the external review panel. You know, and you people can throw out names. I think, we will have to wait for the external review panel to do its work. Luke, because you haven’t had a question.
Question: Yes, we are hearing reports today that the Rwandan President [Paul] Kagame may seek a third term in office, his party urging constitutional changes to allow that to happen. In January at an AU summit, the Secretary‑General said people around the world expressed concern about leaders refusing to leave office and I share those concerns and would those concerns apply in this instance?
Spokesman: Secretary‑General’s statement at the AU summit stands. Masood?
Question: Ask you a question about the Australian Government paying off human traffickers to take I mean these boat people back to Indonesia and so forth and you said you would look into it. Is there any answer to as to what happened?
Spokesman: Nothing further to what I’ve told you, which is that all countries need to treat refugees and migrants according to international law and with the utmost dignity and respect. Yes.
Question: About?
Spokesman: And then Evelyn. Sorry, go ahead.
Question: About Syria, thousands of refugees from the town Tal Abyaḍ are now fighting a renewed fight with ISIS and Kurdish forces and there are like thousands of them and the Turkish authorities, they are not letting them cross the border. Now there is a lot of chaos and they are trapped between ISIS forces. And you can see them from the videos and the Turkish border patrol. Does the United Nations have any report about this?
Spokesman: I haven’t seen those reports and we can see what we can get on it. Evelyn?
Question: Yes, thank you, Stéphane. I just want to make clear do you think that in future abuses by peacekeepers the Secretary‑General will publically name them?
Spokesman: That is his intention.
Question: And does anybody else have to prove it’s going to happen?
Spokesman: Well, you know, that is the intention he stated in his report that came out this year to do it in the following report so that remains his intention. Mr. Lee and then Nizar.
Question: I wanted to ask you two things on Burundi. One is you had said that the DSG and Mr. [Said] Djinnit would be in the [AU] summit. Do you have… what was the term, what, if any, progress was made particularly on UN involvement in either replacing Mr. Djinnit or trying to address the ongoing disquiet there? And also there was a letter of five or more Burundi media that was directed to the Secretary‑General on June 11th. I saw a copy was sent to Ms. [Susanna] Malcorra basically asking for the UN to get involved because they had to flee the country because their stations had been burned and closed and they have been threatened with violence by the Government. What is the response of the UN system?
Spokesman: I will take a look to see if we received that letter. On Burundi, the Secretary‑General requested his special representative and Head of UN Mission in Central Africa, Abdoulaye Bathily, to carry out consultations to ensure the effective participation of the UN in the international facilitation called for by the African Union Peace and Security Council to quote “to create conditions conducive to the holding of free, transparent and credible elections in Burundi, as well as on the matters on which the parties disagree” — which is what the African Union Peace and Security Committee issued.
Question: And since Mr. [Jan] Eliasson was there when Omar Bashir was, did he have any interaction with him and what was his response to being at a photo op and otherwise actually quite near?
Spokesman: No. There was no interaction between the Deputy Secretary‑General and the President of Sudan nor any meetings between the Deputy Secretary‑General and delegations of Sudan. As for his opinion, I think the Deputy Secretary‑General shares the Secretary‑General’s opinion. Nizar?
Question: Many observers commenting on the airplane debacle said that all this happened in order to prevent the Secretary‑General from meeting other political parties in Yemen. How do you view this situation in this respect?
Spokesman: Not to my knowledge. The Secretary‑General’s Special Adviser and his team worked very hard to get the Sana’a delegation to Geneva. There were issues involving international aviation that are beyond the control of the United Nations. We are just happy they have left Djibouti and on their way to Geneva.
Question: This aviation issue could have been sorted out well before the Geneva conference, right?
Spokesman: Plans have been made. We had to fall back on chartering an airplane for them. This has been a great challenge. We are just happy they are on their way to Geneva now.
Question: My question is regarding Syria. Last week a massacre happened near Idlib where the so called Army of Conquests controls the new area, more than 30 Druze members were slaughtered and others, thousands had to flee the town. What is the opinion of the United Nations on that?
Spokesman: I don’t have any more details on that but obviously these issues of the increasing deaths of civilians will be brought up by Mr. Staffan de Mistura in his talks.
Question: Looks like ethnic cleansing.
Spokesman: I heard what you said. Thank you. Have a great day.