Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Vannina Maestracci, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Sorry for the late start. Bonjour, welcome to the noon briefing.
**Security Council
As you will have seen, the Secretary-General spoke this morning at the Security Council’s open debate on regional organizations and contemporary global security challenges. He said the United Nations increasingly shares responsibility for peace and security with regional organizations, and counts on them for political leverage as well as civilian and military capacities. He added that the UN is deploying into fragile and remote environments with little peace to keep, and that too often, it lacks the proper equipment, resources and training for this life-saving mission.
The Secretary-General told the Council that he was currently analysing the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, identifying the recommendations that can be carried out immediately — and those that will require action by legislative bodies, Member States and partners. He said that in recent years, we have seen how practical cooperation among the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union has enhanced progress in Africa. His full remarks have been shared with you and are also available online.
**Mali
On Mali, the clashes that took place between 15 and 17 August appear to be the first major ceasefire violation since the finalization of the signature of the Peace Agreement by all parties on 20 June. Intense diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld and that the parties use the existing mechanisms established under the Peace Agreement. Efforts are also underway to deploy a Mixed Observation and Monitoring team in Anéfis.
And we expect the team to report on the situation on the ground soon. The Mission continues to monitor the situation in Anéfis which appears to be calm right now. The Mission has also established a 20-kilometre security perimeter around the city of Kidal. This measure was taken to prevent any possible escalation of the situation and to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with the Mission’s mandate.
**Syria
And on Syria, further to the statements made yesterday by the Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, and the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, the UN human rights office has added its voice to condemning what it calls the “outrageous” bombing of a busy market place in Syria’s Duma. This event, the Office said, has deepened the intense suffering of the civilian population in the area. It said that at least 111 civilians have reportedly been killed and at least 200 others were injured, and the death toll is likely to rise.
The Office said that it has spoken directly to some residents of the area, who said that the protracted siege by the Government forces was the biggest problem facing them, and pointed out it had resulted in more deaths and destruction than this single incident. It added that any intentional direct attack against civilians or civilian objects, as well as the use of indiscriminate weapons in densely populated areas, are serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and may amount to a war crime for which individuals can be held criminally responsible. And you can read more on this on OHCHR’s [Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights] website.
**Libya
On Libya, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Support Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, have expressed extreme concern over recent events involving militants claiming allegiance to ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Sham] in Sirte, Libya. A district in Sirte was reportedly indiscriminately shelled by ISIL forces during fighting that erupted last week after the killing of a local imam. The Mission says that the total number of fatalities is unknown. And there is more also online.
**West Bank
The Coordinator for Humanitarian and UN Development Activities for the occupied Palestinian territory, Robert Piper, and the Director of Operations in the West Bank of UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East], Felipe Sanchez, are gravely concerned about yesterday’s demolitions by the Israeli Civil Administration in vulnerable Palestinian Bedouin refugee communities in Area C, near East Jerusalem.
A total of 22 structures were demolished in four communities, displacing 78 Palestinians, including 49 children, the vast majority of whom are Palestinian refugees. According to UN records, this is the largest number of Palestinians displaced in the West Bank in one day in nearly three years. Mr. Piper said that these demolitions targeted some of the most vulnerable communities in the West Bank, and Mr. Sanchez noted that many of these refugee families have now been displaced four times in the last four years.
The four communities are among others in the central West Bank that are included in Israeli plans to transfer Palestinian Bedouin communities to three designated sites. The Secretary-General has stated that the implementation of the proposed “relocation” would amount to forcible transfers and forced evictions, contravening Israel’s obligations as an occupying Power under humanitarian law and human rights law. And Mr. Piper and Mr. Sanchez called for an immediate freeze on demolitions in the West Bank. And that full press release is in our office.
**Yemen — OHCHR
Another note from [OHCHR] in Geneva: it says that, between 31 July and 14 August, at least 119 civilians were killed or injured in Yemen. Since the escalation of the conflict on 26 March, the Office said it has recorded at least 6,221 civilian casualties — this includes a little less than 2,000 civilians killed and 4,000 wounded.
**Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
The Central Emergency Response Fund — that’s the CERF — has allocated $6.3 million for the drought response in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and UN agencies and humanitarian partners are stepping up their support to national relief efforts in the lead-up to the peak of the lean season. The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the country says that a long period of abnormally dry weather affecting the country has resulted in drought, impacting agricultural production, reducing access to water and leading to a deterioration of health, nutrition and sanitary conditions. An estimated 18 million people, dependent on Public Distribution System rations, have been affected and are at risk of food insecurity, malnutrition and waterborne diseases. And there is more information from OCHA [Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] on this.
**Greece
And also from Geneva, our colleagues at the UN refugee agency, UNHCR [Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees], said that the number of refugees and migrants arriving in Greece — both by land and by sea — is accelerating dramatically and has now reached the 160,000 mark. The pace of arrivals has been steadily increasing in recent weeks, with more refugees and migrants having arrived in Greece during July than during the whole of last year.
UNHCR says that the vast majority of people who arrived in Greece last week were Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis, confirming that the overwhelming majority of arrivals are likely to qualify for refugee status. As you know, for months now, UNHCR has warned of a mounting refugee crisis on the Greek islands.
The reception infrastructure, services and registration procedures, both on the islands and on the mainland, need to be strengthened urgently. And the Agency is recommending that Greek authorities designate a single body to coordinate an emergency response and set up an adequate humanitarian assistance mechanism. European countries should support Greece in these efforts, and UNHCR is working to support the Greek authorities.
**Honour Roll
And two countries have paid their regular budget dues in full — that’s Afghanistan and Uruguay. This brings the total number of fully paid [up] Member States to 112. So, thank you, Kabul and Montevideo.
**Central African Republic from Yesterday
So, Carole isn’t here. Carole asked yesterday about the number of nationalities involved in the operations carried out by the UN [Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization] Mission in the Central African Republic on 2 and 3 August. And we were told by the Mission that six nationalities were involved. And that's all I have for you.
**Questions and Answers
Question: [Inaudible)?
Associate Spokesperson: I didn't say. I just said there were six nationalities involved. Give me two seconds. Yeah. Michelle, go ahead.
Question: Thanks, Vannina. Apologies if I've missed this, but is there any comment from the Secretary‑General on the failure of the leaders of the South Sudan to agree to a peace deal yesterday?
Associate Spokesperson: I hope to have something a little, a little bit later for you. Of course, we've seen that President Salva Kiir has not of yet signed this compromise agreement, and we certainly hope that he will do so in, as soon as possible. It's important because we want to see the conflict in South Sudan and the suffering of the civilians end as quickly as possible. Matthew, sure.
Question: Sure. Also on South Sudan, can the Mission there, or do you have anything on reported, an attack by the Government on the opposition in a place called Imatong? And do you have any comment on, or does the mission have any comment on, Salva Kiir having said at the airport on his way to Addis that "if anybody among journalists does not know that this country has killed people, we will demonstrate it one day, one time"? It's a comment that CPJ has criticized, and I wonder if the mission has seen it and what they think of it.
Associate Spokesperson: So on Imatong — is that what it's called?
Correspondent: Yeah.
Associate Spokesperson: I actually do not have a statement. On South Sudan and the comments on the media that were made by Salva Kiir, yes, the Mission told us they were very concerned about, over the curbing of the press freedom in South Sudan, including recent closure of media houses and threats to journalists. And they've also reiterated the importance of independent, free and pluralistic press.
Question: Is the Deputy… I just wanted to ask one thing. I saw that the Deputy Secretary‑General's schedule says appointments are internal. Did he come back from Addis? Is there some way…
Associate Spokesperson: He is on his way back.
Question: Just a clar… clarification on the number of nationalities that were imprisoned in the PK5 operations…?
Associate Spokesperson: Six.
Question: Six, my apologies. My understanding is that it was Cameroon and Rwanda. What are the other four?
Associate Spokesperson: I don't know. I looked up the number. The other thing I can tell you is that the, it was a mixed operation involving both police and military. Lou.
Question: Thanks, Vannina. The Saudi‑led forces bombed a key aid zone in Yemen, and there was quite a bit of devastation, according to witnesses. Does the Secretary‑General have a position on that, apart from what you've said about the situation in Yemen in general?
Associate Spokesperson: Apart what? You said from the situation. Look, we're obviously following that very closely. We've seen reports, and any attacks on civilian targets, whether they're ports or other things, are obviously something we condemn strongly. And you know, the other important aspect here is not only humanitarian assistance, but also allowing Yemen to resume commercial activities, which is really important for its economy and for basic services to work in the country for civilians. Yeah. Olga, please.
Correspondent: Thank you. Thank you, Vannina. Yesterday, the Security Council adopted the Presidential Statement supporting the efforts of Special Envoy of Syria of his work to bring this political negotiations…
Associate Spokesperson: I… I… you're going to have to repeat it because I could barely hear you. They adopted a PRST [presidential statement] on…
Question: PRST supporting the efforts of Staffan de Mistura on Syria, and earlier the Special Envoy said that he expects that the work on these new four groups can start on September. Do we expect, do you have any information, does Secretary‑General know something the work will start on September?
Associate Spokesperson: I think we are, we are still on track for September, and that is still the date, the one that Mr. de Mistura gave himself. And, obviously, the, the SG [Secretary-General] is quite encouraged by the PRST adopted by the Security Council. Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you, Vannina. The Libyan government has asked the Arab countries to use their air forces to bomb ISIL in Libya and an Arab summit or meeting of the Arab League is expected to discuss the issue. Libyan Government says that the reason it cannot do it itself it is because it is subject of an arms embargo by the UN since 2011. What is response of the UN?
Associate Spokesperson: Well, the, you know, we're aware of those comments by, by the Libyan Government, and obviously, the arms embargo is for the Security Council. Oleg.
Question: Thank you. Vannina, any updates from UNRWA on the financial crisis in there? There have been reports…
Associate Spokesperson: Not since last week since we told you about the Saudi assistance package, I believe, which was $35 million. But, as you remember, that was not enough to bridge the, I think, $101 million deficit that, that UNRWA has right now. So, let me check for you if we can see where it's at with the Agency. Yes?
Question: And also as a follow‑up to Olga's question, after the adoption of the PRST, there have been a number of comments that the Security Council supported this initiative, but there were no actual consultations with the Syrian Government before that, so it seems like a rather unilateral step and…?
Associate Spokesperson: No consultation from… from whom?
Correspondent: From Staffan de Mistura and the Secretary‑General's office. Nobody was consulting the Syrian Government information that this, these groups.
Associate Spokesperson: I'll check, but I believe his deputy is in Damascus today, Mr. de Mistura's deputy. Yes.
Correspondent: I'm curious if the SG has any response to the Islamic declaration on global climate change today in Istanbul.
Associate Spokesperson: You know, just that we were actually invited to address that meeting, and we took part in it. Sorry. And basically, you know, the Secretary‑General has already said many times the importance of faith communities taking part in climate change initiatives and efforts. And Islamic communities around the world are contributing to climate solutions and can play a strong role in influencing how their Governments, business communities, and society at large can accelerate the transition to a safer and more sustainable and prosperous world for all. Matthew again. Sorry.
Question: I wanted to ask you again about this, you know, reported document that AT&T was providing all communications from the UN to the US. Yesterday, one of the ambassadors at the Security Council said from now on he's not going to send any e-mail inside the building, just to set the stage. But, you were quoted as saying and you did say that the UN will be contacting AT&T. Can you say a little bit…?
Associate Spokesperson: They did.
Question: Okay. Has done so. And what's the response?
Associate Spokesperson: They did. And they're… and I understand there's also going to be a meeting between AT&T and the UN.
Question: What, OLA [Office of Legal Affairs] or? I mean, I guess what I want to know is, given that I sent you, you’d asked for an e-mail, so I sent you the contracts.
Associate Spokesperson: I did see the contracts. But, I mean, again, you've asked me to share specifically the details of the contracts, and we wouldn't do that. Anyways, I don't want to get into it. They've been in contact, and there will be a meeting very soon, and I'll keep you updated.
Question: [Inaudible]?
Associate Spokesperson: Sorry?
Question: [Inaudible]?
Associate Spokesperson: I don't know. I mean, we do readouts of the Secretary‑General and the Deputy Secretary‑General. I doubt for that. I mean, I'm giving you as much as information as I possibly can.
Question: But, you'd think that Member States, that's why I brought up that quote. You'd think the Member States that own the organization would have some ability or right to know if they're being spied on inside the building by the host country. Right? I'm just wondering, is that, does the UN believe that it should tell Member States that all their communications sent inside the building can be spied on by the host country if that's…
Associate Spokesperson: I don't understand, your question makes it sound like we knew we were spied on and we were wire-tapped so I don’t understand…
Question: Now that you have reason to know and you're going to speak to AT&T…?
Associate Spokesperson: Okay. I'll come back to you, Matthew. Erol, please.
Question: Thank you, Vannina. Just a quick follow‑up before I ask my question. To make it very simple, does that mean that, as of today, whatever we may or receive here at the United Nations, we are actually bugged, or there is a possibility that we are bugged on that?
Associate Spokesperson: Look, again, the US authorities had given us, I believe it was in 2013, and I also believe that the leaks that are referred to in The New York Times article are from, you know, it's not from today. It's from a previous time. And the US authorities had given us assurances that they were not monitoring and would not monitor in the future our communications here at headquarters.
Question: Can I ask my question [inaudible]…?
Associate Spokesperson: You mean that wasn't it?
Correspondent: No, no, that was a follow‑up on… [inaudible] yesterday I did ask on Kosovo and my specific question, although you replied to me… thank you very much from your office.
Associate Spokesperson: No problem.
Question: My specific question seems there are a lot of media reports in Balkan media that the Government of Serbia is specifically asking the UN for their opinion and even taking action to prevent that accession of Kosovo to UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]. My question is, did you receive any concrete requests from the government of Serbia? What does it, was, what is the context of that request, if any, and so?
Associate Spokesperson: You mean here at the Secretariat, at Headquarters or UNESCO?
Correspondent: I assume when they say United Nations, they would say it would be United Nations Headquarters.
Associate Spokesperson: I'll try to check for you, Erol, but I really don't know. Yes, please, go ahead. You've been very patient.
Correspondent: Thank you. At the end of July, there was another killing of a journalist in Mexico. So far, there have been more than 370 journalists killed in Mexico in the last 10 years. So, there's a real international push asking for… asking the Government to solve this crime and to end impunity, including voices in UNESCO and the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. So I was wonder, I wonder if the Secretary‑General has anything to say about this.
Associate Spokesperson: I mean, not specifically on the latest killing of a journalist in Mexico, but generally, as you know, the Secretary‑General has spoken out many times about the importance for journalists to be able to go about their work without fear and without obstacles. Cara.
Question: Thank you. The Syrian Government has criticized de Mistura for not being even‑handed in his remarks. Is there any response to that?
Associate Spokesperson: We stand by, by the statement he issued yesterday. Matthew, again.
Correspondent: Sure. Yesterday, you'd said to e-mail you the specifics of this DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] case.
Associate Spokesperson: Yeah, I've asked. And we're looking into it. And as soon as I have something, I will definitely give it to you. Mr. Abbadi. Sorry, Evelyn.
Correspondent: Thank you, Vannina. In response to Matthew's question regarding the contract between the UN…
Associate Spokesperson: You want a response?
Question: …and AT&T, I believe you mentioned that you will not make available that contract. How does that square with the Secretary‑General's pronouncement right from the beginning of his first mandate…?
Associate Spokesperson: Okay. I'm going to stop you there. Yeah, yeah. Mr. Abbadi, we make the contract public, not the contract, not the 50 pages of the contract. I think that the, all the details of it, the clauses, that is not something that we would make public, and I think it's quite understandable why there are rights issues and other issues that go along with that. The contract itself is made public, as Matthew knows, since he sent me a link, a link to a few contracts, right? Evelyn, please.
Question: Is there anything new on the Sudanese President wanting to attend the [General Assembly]?
Associate Spokesperson: On the… no.
Question: And does the UN have any reaction to Russia destroying tulips presumably because of the Dutch investigation into the Malaysian airline crash over the Ukraine?
Associate Spokesperson: I'm sorry. What did you say? Who's destroying?
Correspondent: The Russians destroying tulips.
Associate Spokesperson: I hadn't seen that.
Correspondent: It's a nice one.
Associate Spokesperson: Matthew.
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask, there was reports on Monday that Saudi Arabia beheaded four foreigners including, three Sri Lankans, in Jeddah bringing the total to 120 for the year, over 100, higher than 87 than all of last year. I wonder, is it something that the Secretary‑General is monitoring, is concerned about? Executions by beheading in Saudi Arabia.
Associate Spokesperson: I haven't seen the reports. I'll see if the human rights office has issued anything on that. Sorry.
Question: Umoja, there was an e-mail sent around, staff e-mail about… that ASG [Assistant Secretary-General] Franz Baumann is stepping down from his position on Umoja effective immediately. So, there have been a lot of… people have wondered does this mean the programme is behind; is UMOJA behind schedule in terms of its implementation? What explains the abrupt resignation or stepping down, particularly in the light of, I guess, Mr. Gaye, like, stepping down? Was he asked to step down? What's behind it?
Associate Spokesperson: Oh, okay. I was like, General Gaye? I will check. I will check. No, it's just coming from all directions. I will check. I really don't know, and I don't know everyone's movement in the building.
Correspondent: Ask Mr. Takasu.
Associate Spokesperson: Sorry?
Correspondent: Mr. Takasu sent it out. It may be in your inbox actually.
Associate Spokesperson: I didn't see it. Evelyn.
Question: Do you have any update on the fighting in the Ukraine?
Associate Spokesperson: Not [since] from yesterday's statement, Evelyn. That's the latest that we had.
Question: Anything on a Burundi envoy? Is there any sort of steps forward?
Associate Spokesperson: No, as soon as we have something to announce, we will let you know.
Question: When does imminent not become imminent anymore?
Associate Spokesperson: I've heard you ask that question before.
Correspondent: Yeah, I know. The Security Council said it's imminent.
Associate Spokesperson: Matthew, as soon as I have something, I will let you know. Anything else? Have a great afternoon.