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 Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Hello, good afternoon, everyone.
**Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
As you are aware, the Security Council recently adopted unanimously a resolution on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). And I have the following statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General concerning that.
The Secretary-General welcomes the adoption of today’s resolution 2270 (2016) in response to the recent nuclear test and launch using ballistic missile technology by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Today’s unanimous action by the Security Council has sent a clear message that the DPRK must return to full compliance with its international obligations. The Secretary-General urges the DPRK to abide by the resolution and calls upon all Member States to ensure its implementation.
This firm response by the Security Council should put an end to the cycle of provocation and lead to the resumption of dialogue in accordance with the unified view of the international community. The Secretary-General reaffirms his commitment to working with all sides to reduce tensions and achieve the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Secretary-General reiterates the critical role of international assistance in safeguarding the lives of millions in the country. At the same time, the Secretary-General renews his call on the DPRK to do more for the lives of its people. Genuine improvement in human rights is a necessary basis for long-term security and stability.
**Secretary-General’s Travels
The Secretary-General arrived within the past hour in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, after wrapping up his visit to Spain. The Secretary-General will meet with the UN country team in Burkina Faso this afternoon. And he will have a working dinner with the country’s President, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.
**Libya
The Special Representative for Libya, Martin Kobler, as you know, briefed the Security Council this morning, on the Secretary-General’s latest report on the work of the UN Support Mission (UNSMIL). Mr. Kobler said that the process towards a democratic transition continues to meet a number of milestones but remains precarious. He underscored Libya’s need to move ahead with the political process or risk division and collapse, adding that the country cannot continue to be held hostage by minorities in the House of Representatives and the General National Congress.
He said that he had urged the House to register the will of the democratic majority and formalize its endorsement of the Government of National Accord by next week. Mr. Kobler stressed that Da’esh, which remains an urgent and growing threat in Libya, is taking advantage of the political and security vacuum. The fight against violent extremism can only be sustainable if it is led by a national unity government, he added.
Turning to the humanitarian situation, Mr. Kobler highlighted the deteriorating conditions in which 2.4 million people need aid, including 1.3 million people who do not have enough to eat. Moreover, 40 per cent of health facilities in the country are not functioning. Mr. Kobler will speak to you at the stakeout following the meeting on Libya. Before his briefing, Council members also adopted a resolution on sanctions in South Sudan.
**Syria
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that medical supplies that were initially not allowed to be included in convoys for Moadamiyeh in Syria by security services on 29 February have been delivered today. However, some surgical items were still rejected from entering the area. Interagency humanitarian convoys to the Kafr Batna sub-district in East Ghouta are planned for tomorrow, Thursday. The convoys are expected to be carrying food, nutrition and health supplies for an estimated 20,000 beneficiaries. Further convoys to reach additional areas in East Ghouta are planned for the coming days.
The second round of inter-agency humanitarian convoys to the Four Towns — Madaya, Zabadani, Foah and Kafraya — is tentatively scheduled for Saturday. The Four Towns were last accessed on 17 February, when three joint convoys reached approximately 60,000 beneficiaries. So far this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has submitted 15 requests to the Government of Syria to send medicines and medical supplies to enable the treatment of 2.5 million people in 53 hard-to-reach and besieged locations.
The Syrian authorities recently approved requests to send medicines and medical supplies to Douma, Madaya and Moadamiyeh in Rural Damascus while the other requests remain pending. The United Nations continues to call on all parties to ensure rapid, unconditional, unimpeded and sustained access of humanitarian aid to all people in need across Syria.
**Health Panel
Today, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of a Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth. The Commission is being tasked with proposing actions to stimulate and guide the creation of health and social sector jobs, as it is anticipated that by 2030 there will be a shortage of 18 million health workers in low- and lower-middle income countries.
The Commission will be co-chaired by President François Hollande of France, and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. Approximately, 25 Commissioners will soon be appointed to provide a balance of policy, technical and geographical expertise. There is a press release in our office, and more information about the Commission can be found on the World Health Organization’s website.
**Darfur
And earlier today, we announced another senior announcement — the UN Secretary-General and the African Union Commission Chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, announced the appointment of Jeremiah Nyamane Kingsley Mamabolo of South Africa as Deputy Joint Special Representative for the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur, known as UNAMID. Mr. Mamabolo succeeds Abiodun Oluremi Bashua of Nigeria, to whom the Secretary-General and the Commission Chairperson are grateful for his dedicated service during his tenure with UNAMID, including his contribution as acting Head of the Mission. Mr. Mamabolo brings to the position a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the diplomatic service. We have details about this in a press release in our office.
**Myanmar
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over rising tensions and armed clashes in Northern Shan State, in Malaysia, which are having a direct and negative impact on the civilian population. In a statement by the Resident Coordinator, the UN notes that while fighting has subsided in recent days and some people have been able to return home, nearly 3,400 people remain displaced in Kyaukme Township. Over 1,200 displaced people are still in shelters in Mong Wee, Namhkam Township. The UN, along with the Government and others, has provided relief materials and services. More information is available online.
**Indonesia
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that a powerful earthquake struck some 800 kilometres off the west coast of Indonesia's Sumatra Island today, according to the US Geological Survey, early evening local time. A tsunami alert was raised for the west coast provinces in Sumatra but so far there are no immediate reports of any significant damage. The tsunami warning has since been lifted. OCHA is monitoring the situation with the local disaster management agency and the National Board for Disaster Management.
**Ebola
I just wanted to flag that the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new publication called Clinical Care for Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease, in an effort to help guide health services on providing quality care. Today, as you know, there are over 10,000 survivors of Ebola virus disease. WHO says that Ebola survivors need comprehensive support for the medical and psychosocial challenges they face and also to minimize the risk of continued Ebola virus transmission. More information is available on WHO’s website.
**Yemen
And I was asked yesterday about a World Food Programme-chartered vessel, named Mainport Cedar, that was diverted by Coalition Forces to the Saudi Arabian port of Jizan earlier last month when it was on its way to Yemen. The World Food Programme (WFP) confirms that the Mainport Cedar has offloaded its cargo at Yemen's Hodeidah port today. The vessel was carrying interagency cargo that includes canned tuna and medical supplies. It had been also carrying information technology equipment that was left behind in Jizan to complete paperwork to allow it into Aden for the UN humanitarian hub. And that is it from me. Yes, Michelle?
**Questions and Answers
Question: Actually, a question on Yemen. Last time Stephen O'Brien briefed the Council on this, he spoke about the UN inspection mechanism and said that the Secretary‑General had invited Yemen and Saudi Arabia to put forward representatives for the steering committee by 22 February. I was wondering if they had done that, and is this verification and inspection mechanism up and running?
Deputy Spokesman: I don't have an update on the verification and inspection mechanism. I believe Mr. O'Brien will be talking to the Security Council about this tomorrow. So, at least by then, we should have an update, but I'll also check whether the representatives have been named. Yes, Joe?
Question: Yes, in connection with North Korea and the resolution that was passed this morning, what efforts, if any, is the UN Secretariat, and if you know, the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] taking to make sure that any activities that they are conducting, for example, use of… or… or import into North Korea of dual‑use technology, intellectual property, etc., that… that they're in compliance and will be in compliance with the resolution?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, the UN Secretariat and the UN Development Programme are certainly aware of the resolutions of the Security Council, and we try to make sure that, in our own operations on the ground in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, we are in compliance. And of course, we'll be in touch with the relevant Security Council sanctions committee as need be to keep them updated, as well, on those activities. Yes?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask you, yesterday, there was an… a court argument on the appeal in the case about the UN bringing cholera to Haiti. And a lot of argument turned on the UN's continuing failure to have set up any kind of a claims assessment mechanism to pay the survivors of people that were killed by the cholera. And the US said that it could… this could go to the ICJ [International Court of Justice]. But, what I really wanted to just ask you directly is, given the prominence of the case, given what was said in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday, can you explain why the UN never set up the… a… a mechanism to assess claims and paid any compensation to the victims of cholera that was brought… were… was presumptively brought by the Nepalese battalion?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, first of all, I challenge your presumptions, which are not something that has been accepted as fact. But, beyond that, all I really have to say is that I can confirm that there was a hearing yesterday, 1 March, in the case between the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In light of its immunity, the United Nations did not appear in court. The US Government attended the hearing and asserted the position that the Organization and its officials are immune from the lawsuit. At the end of the hearing, the panel of three judges reserved their decision, which we understand will be delivered at a later date. Consequently, I wouldn't have any further comment.
Question: Given that the UN always speaks against impunity and talks about accountability, I just want to square this position that what was being discussed there, many of the judges seemed sympathetic to the people that died getting no compensation… having had no compensation. How is the Secretariat and Ban Ki‑moon comfortable with asserting unlimited, unqualified immunity in a case of people killed by… by… you know, you're saying it's not… most people accept it, but…?
Deputy Spokesman: No, that's not the case.
Question: Is that the reason… if you thought that the UN had done it, would Ban Ki‑moon pay compensation?
Deputy Spokesman: The… for us, the bottom point on immunities is one that applies to a number of cases across the system. I'm not really talking about this in particular, but this is a part of the framework of how the United Nations was set up. Regarding this particular problem, the problem of cholera in Haiti — that, we care about very much. The Secretary‑General has spoken about it. As you know, he's visited Haiti. He's made clear his own feelings of regret for the way cholera has spread and has affected the people of Haiti. And we have tried to make sure that Haiti gets the funding it needs so that it can deal with the cholera outbreak, so it has the medical expertise that it needs, and most crucially, so that it can repair its infrastructure, its sanitation… its water and sanitation infrastructure, so that it can actually deal with the sort of health crisis that's been prepared by the spread of cholera. We've been trying to do our part, and we continue to implore concerned nations to support Haiti and the Haitian people in their time of need.
Question: Will there be a new [Pedro] Medrano? Will [there be] a replacement for Mr. Medrano? Because Mr. [John] Ging said that the money is not being raised and that the rate of donations is going down, so what does the Secretary‑General intend to do to do all of the things you just said?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, his functions have been taken over by other officials, including through the UN Mission there, MINUSTAH [United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti]. His time with the UN is done. We do continue to implore countries to give Haiti both the funding and the services, the sort of help that it desperately needs. And if further measures are needed down the line, we'll explore that. But, at this stage, Mr. Medrano's post has ended. Yes?
Question: Going back to North Korea, now that the Secretary‑General has issued a statement and called for the need for discussions, there are calls for dialogue; is it time for the Secretary‑General to dust off his plans to go to North Korea or to at least discuss with the North Koreans the possibility of a visit?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, we've already told you about what the Secretary‑General's intentions are, and he certainly intends to play a helpful role as he can. Of course, the arrangements for any such trip are complex, and we wouldn't announce anything until something can be arranged. But, I would reiterate the point that the Secretary‑General reaffirms his commitment to working with all sides to reduce tensions and achieve the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Yes, Rhonda?
Question: Yes, with regard to all of that, that there's a… an armistice 63 years ago, and in the armistice, it says no blockade of any activity on the Korean Peninsula, which this searching of cargo is actually a blockade. And it also says the need for political statement… a political meeting to get the foreign troops off of the Korean Peninsula. I wonder what the Secretary‑General thinks about the provisions of the armistice. Are they still vi… you know, are there… is there an effort towards a peace treaty in any… any place or way? Is it important to educate people about the armistice, so that they can take it into account when raising sanctions like this that go against…?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, the Secretary‑General has spent much of his own life and much of his own career working for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and he continues to care about that very much. It's very important to him, and he'll continue with that kind of work. Regarding today's measures, of course, those are measures that were adopted unanimously by the Security Council and constitute international law. Yes, Abdelhamid?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. This morning, group of settlers stormed the Aqsa Mosque. It's not the first time. In fact, the month of February was the highest, with over 1,100 settlers stormed the Aqsa Mosque, under the protection of the army and the security. And 44 Palestinians were arrested this morning. Two were killed. And on Friday, a young American — 16‑year‑old Palestinian — was shot and killed. And all these developments day in, day out and passes without any mention or expression of concern by the Office of the Secretary or his Special Envoy. Doesn't that give the wrong signal to the Israeli authorities?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, we certainly hope that the wrong signal isn't sent, and we want to make it clear, and I'll make it clear again from this podium right now, that we are opposed to any actions that infringe upon the religious rights of people entering any places of worship. And that's the case with al‑Aqsa Mosque, as it is with any other facility used by any religion. And so, we want to be clear on that. Joe and then Rhonda, then you.
Question: Yes. This morning, Russia and China… I don't think there were any others that I heard, but at least Russia and China mentioned their opposition to the deployment of THAAD anti‑missile systems as potentially destabilizing. Does the Secretary‑General have any opinion on any plans to deploy such anti‑missile systems in… in the… in South Korea or in the Korean Peninsula?
Deputy Spokesman: No, I don't think we have any comment at this stage. Yes?
Question: Yes. I previously raised the question of two letters that were sent to the Secretary‑General about discontent in South Korea with the comfort woman agreement made with Japan and South Korea. I wondered if the Secretary‑General has gotten the letters and what his view is about them. And if you need, I can try to get you more specifics about… about them. But, I… I don't think the people have gotten any response, and they wondered if… if he's aware of these letters being sent to him.
Deputy Spokesman: Yes, he is aware of the letters being sent. One second. As for the so‑called comfort women issue, we stand by the statement that the Deputy Spokesman's office issued earlier for the Secretary‑General to welcome the agreement of last December as an important and long-overdue step to address the tremendous suffering and pain of the victims. We hope that the faithful implementation of the agreement guided by the recommendations of UN human rights mechanisms will help such wounds to be healed.
Question: Just a follow‑up that the comfort women that are alive disagree about that, and the letters expressed and explained that. So, that's why I wondered if he's gotten them. Has he taken that into account?
Deputy Spokesman: We're aware of the views, and you've heard what I just said. Yes?
Question: Ask about Western Sahara, Mr. [Serge] Brammertz, and Sri Lanka. On the Western Sahara, I wanted to ask, just to really understand clearly why the Secretary‑General would be going so close to the headquarters of MINURSO [United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara] in Laayoune but not going there. And I just… I guess I want you to confirm that his reason for not going at this time and saying that he'll go at a later time is because, in the absence of the king going, he feels that he can't go or shouldn't go. Why is he not going… if he's writing a report in April about the Mission, why isn't he going to its headquarters? What is the reason?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, the Secretary‑General himself discussed some of this at his press conference yesterday in Spain. So, I would refer you to what the Secretary‑General himself said. But, one thing I'd like to underscore is that, as a matter of principle, the Secretary‑General should be free to visit UN peace operations at the time of his choosing, and that is what he will do.
Question: But, how do you assert that principle without actually doing it? Has there been… said otherwise, is there any other Mission in the UN peacekeeping world where the Secretary‑General would only visit if the Head of State or king were present in the country and permitted it?
Deputy Spokesman: The bottom line is, wherever he visits, the Secretary‑General tries to make the appropriate arrangements so that the objectives of his visit will succeed. He wants all of his trips to achieve actual goals, and that is what he times his trips for.
Question: And what is his goal here, a referendum?
Deputy Spokesman: His goal is a resolution by all parties of the issue concerning Western Sahara. Yeah?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. If you just clarify for me how we hope to… back to North Korea, how the enforcement of the sanctions would play out. It's up to the Member States to take what actions they can in compliance with this or…
Deputy Spokesman: I'd refer you to the text of the resolution. You can see it for yourself, resolution 2270 (2016), and there's also a sanctions committee of the Security Council. I know that a number of the ambassadors on the Security Council have also been talking to the press in the past hour or so at the stakeout about the strengths of this resolution. So, you can also be in touch with the Member States themselves on that.
Question: It says the committee will take efforts to help the Member States enforce the sanctions. Could that possibly lead to, say, Member States contributing troops to a multinational force?
Deputy Spokesman: Like I said, I'd urge you to talk to the Member States themselves. They are the ones that passed the resolution, and they've been talking about this since its adoption. Yes?
Question: Sure. I wanted… rather than Brammertz, I want to ask about Burundi and then Sri Lanka. In Burundi, I know… there have now been… the Government itself has acknowledged and is putting on display what it says is a mass grave in Mutakura with 30 bodies in it, recent… you know, recently and hurriedly buried. And I wanted to know, given the discussion… I know that Mr. [Ivan] Šimonovic had said that he wanted to have people present. I know that the experts are there. I'm not sure if they're going to go to this site. What is the UN… what is the response to the finding of this mass grave? And what is the UN team being assembled by Mr. [Jamal] Benomar going to do as it's looked into?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, we're concerned about any allegations of mass graves. There is a team there, and they are going about their work, and they will report back on their findings. But, right now, what we're looking for is for them to be able to go about their work, to meet officials in the Government of Burundi, and follow up on whatever information they think is important. Yes?
Question: This morning, Farhan, Saudi Arabia and some Gulf States decided to classify Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. Do you have information on that? And do you share the Saudis' opinion?
Deputy Spokesman: We're aware of the reports concerning this. I don't have anything particular to say about the sort of bilateral actions that these countries have taken. For our own list, as you know, of terrorist groups is a very separate one that is available and is known as the consolidated list, which is drawn up by the Security Council. I'd refer you to that. Yes?
Question: Just really fast. Brammertz and Sri Lanka. On this question that I asked you yesterday about assigning Mr. Brammertz as the prosecutor of the residual mechanism, yesterday, after your answer, the President of the Security Council for March from Angola explained his abstention as saying that he does not believe the Secretariat is following this principle of geographical distribution. So, I wondered, what were the… can you give some… what were the discussions between the Secretariat and either the African group or the African members of the Council where obviously the two sides came to such a different conclusion about this appointment?
Deputy Spokesman: I don't have anything to add to what I said yesterday about this. Obviously, we are aware of concerns about geographical representation which are raised from time to time, not just in this case but in other cases, and we do our best to make sure, over the long run, that everyone's regions feel fairly represented.
Correspondent: Okay. And then… and I'm… and, you know… I wanted to ask you this. Yesterday, I'd asked you about a protest that took place at the UN compound in Jaffna. And you'd said you had no comment on it. I've heard… I've… there's video of it. Many people have said it seems strange, and they've looked at other comments your office has made on other protests. The question is…
Deputy Spokesman: And I… I continue… Matthew, I continue… You called…
Question: Right, what I'm asking is, when do you respond to a protest…?
Deputy Spokesman: Matthew, Matthew, Matthew. You called this a question about Sri Lanka. This is actually a question about yourself. I have nothing to say about you and your particular thing.
Question: It took place in Jaffna. Have you seen it? Mr. [Jeffrey] Feltman has seen it. How does it relate to the work of the UN in Sri Lanka?
Deputy Spokesman: It's a question for which neither I nor Mr. Feltman, by the way, have any comment. Have a good day.