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.
**Austria
Just to remind you as you know, the Secretary-General will be leaving later today for Vienna, where he is to chair the formal session and retreat of the UN System Chief Executives Board (CEB). And he will also participate in a high-level panel commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The Secretary-General is expected to be in the Austrian capital through 29 April.
**Security Council
Earlier today, the Security Council was briefed this morning by the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, on Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea in the Gulf of Guinea. Mr. Zerihoun noted that over the past few years, there has been a steady decline in the number of recorded incidents but that insecurity at sea remains a source of concern in the region. He added that countering the current threats required improvements in the collection and sharing of intelligence; enhancement of the capacities at the level of local law enforcement agencies; and the establishment of an effective customs and border control system throughout the subregion.
**Yemen
Meanwhile, the Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, welcomed reports today that indicate tangible progress in bringing an end to hostilities and an improvement in the general security situation in Yemen. He said that the De-escalation and Coordination Committee and the Local Committees are exerting extraordinary efforts to ensure the safety and security of Yemenis. He added that it is clear that these [efforts] and the recommendations from the members of the delegations assigned to follow up on support for the cessation of hostilities are contributing to the stabilization of the security situation in the country. Building on these positive developments, the Special Envoy began consultations with heads of the delegations today on a general framework for the talks, proposed by the UN. That framework will be discussed by the two delegations over the coming days.
**Syria
A team from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been sent to the World Heritage Site of Palmyra in Syria. That is a team of technical experts. The objective of the mission is to assess the overall state of conservation in Palmyra and identify the emergency safeguarding measures, including a damage assessment of the site and the museum. UNESCO stresses that Palmyra cannot be delinked from other heritage sites in Syria, and that the assessment of the cultural damage should be viewed in the context of the humanitarian situation in the country. The mission will conclude its work tomorrow, 26 April.
**Iraq
The Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kate Gilmore, ended a week-long visit to Iraq and said today that Iraq must immediately take concrete steps to plan for “the day after” the defeat of Da’esh, grounded in equality, the rule of law and a vision that has earned the confidence of the country’s diverse communities. She said that all the leaders of Iraq, at every level, both in word and action, need to demonstrate a far greater commitment to peace, equality and to the rule of law than to grievances or to vengeance hardwired by sectarianism. Ms. Gilmore stressed that Iraq’s challenges are not military alone and its future is not solely a matter of defeating Da’esh and liberating its territories. She said that the existence of armed conflict in certain regions does not excuse or justify the absence of the rule of law in the broader Iraq.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
Turning to the [Democratic Republic of the Congo], the Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Maman Sidikou, expressed serious concern following the announcement by some political groups and parties of their intention to organize political gatherings in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, and measures taken by the security forces to prevent the holding of these gatherings. Mr. Sidikou stressed the need for all Congolese political actors to demonstrate maximum restraint and reiterated the critical importance of adequate political space to foster a genuinely inclusive political dialogue that would pave the way for peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
**South Sudan
The UN refugee agency, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) said today they are deeply concerned at funding shortfalls which could affect the assistance provided to South Sudanese refugees in Sudan. Together, they are appealing for additional funding to meet the greater needs created by the rapidly increasing number of South Sudanese fleeing into Sudan. Over 50,000 South Sudanese have crossed into Sudan since the beginning of 2016, surpassing the planning figure set for the entire year. The agencies also say that funding shortages coincide with a period of heightened food insecurity in part of South Sudan. This, in addition to the ongoing violence, is rapidly driving increasing numbers of South Sudanese into their northern neighbour. There is more information in a joint press release.
**Myanmar
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that severe weather conditions around Myanmar have resulted in deaths and injuries, as well as large-scale damage to housing. Since 19 April, strong winds, hail and heavy rains have affected over 40 townships across Mandalay and Sagaing regions and Shan, Kachin and Chin states. Over 1,100 houses were destroyed and 11,600 houses damaged, according to the Government.
**Nepal
From Nepal, one year after the earthquake which killed more than 8,700 people and damaged over a quarter of a million houses, the UN and our partners are calling for more support to help people build back better and become more prepared for future emergencies. The UN is concerned that the monsoon season is expected to begin in a few months and many vulnerable families remain without adequate shelter. The ad interim Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Craig Sanders, says the UN remains committed to support preparedness and longer-term development in the country.
According to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, support must be extended to the 3 million or more people who lost their homes a year ago [so] they build back better to earthquake-resistant standards. UNEP [United Nations Environment Programme] and its partners are also supporting green and sustainable post-disaster recovery in the country. And the UN Children’s Fund reports that an estimated 1.6 million school children are now starting the new academic year in affected areas. Many of them, however, continue to study in temporary classrooms.
**Ecuador
On a more recent earthquake, experts from UNDP in Ecuador and Ecuadorian authorities overflew some of the most devastated areas to assess the damage to infrastructure and housing in the five most affected towns — and therefore estimate the volume of debris that needs to be immediately removed. Nearly 7,000 buildings were destroyed and almost 1,000 severely damaged. UNDP will promote rapid housing repairs to prevent more families from moving into temporary camps.
**Malaria
Today, as you may well know, is World Malaria Day. In his message for the day, the Secretary-General noted impressive results against the disease, but stressed that malaria is a formidable opponent, with still more than 214 million new cases last year, and more than 400,000 deaths. He warned that if we lower our guard, experience shows that the disease may come back. A new report issued today by the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the goal of eliminating malaria from at least 35 countries by 2030, although ambitious, is achievable. However, WHO stresses that with mosquito resistance to insecticides, further progress against malaria will likely require new tools and the further refining of new technologies.
**Refugees
For those who are interested, an interactive panel discussion themed “Understanding Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants” is taking place right now in Conference Room 7, co-organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Global Migration Group.
**Press Conferences
And tomorrow, in this room, at 10:30 a.m., the US Mission is sponsoring a press briefing entitled “Burundi — One Year Anniversary of the Conflict”.
**Honour Roll
Today, we thank our friends in London who have paid their dues in full, joining the honour roll and being the 70 Member State to do so. Edie, you still get the first question, because you got the first question right. So…
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thank you, Steph. You notice… you noted I was totally quiet on the number of countries that have paid. I have two questions. There appears to be a lot of concern in Nepal that the Government has been exceedingly slow on rebuilding. Is this a concern of the Secretary‑General? And secondly, when are we going to get an update on the sex… alleged sexual abuse cases in the Central African Republic? Thank you.
Spokesman: I'd hoped to have one for you today but was not able to get one, so we hope soon, on the CAR [Central African Republic]. You know, on Nepal, I think it's… the rebuilding is extremely challenging, due in part anyway to the remoteness of the country, to the lack of funding. So, I don't think the Secretary‑General is pinning any particular blame on one quarter or another. Yes, ma'am?
Question: Stéphane, just follow up on what happened during the weekend, North Korea allegedly had nuclear tests, submarine missile. The United States was asked to stop their tests, and that way they will stop their own. What the United Nations can say? We know the Security Council condemned again what has been happening, but from the Secretary‑General?
Spokesman: Obviously, we very much welcome the statement that was issued over the weekend by the Security Council, in which they strongly condemned the launch. I think, for us, the latest launch continues… is extremely troubling as it constitutes another violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. And, once again, we would urge the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] to cease any further provocative action. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask, on Western Sahara, now that the final report is out, in comparing it to the version that was signed off on by Deputy Secretary‑General [Jan] Eliasson, there are a number of changes, all of which go to the appeasement or to the side of Morocco. For example, paragraph 91 is switched from "must do something" to "should". [Paragraph] 92 drops a line about the mission's political function. And paragraph 72 drops a reference to "investment not benefiting the residents of Western Sahara". So, what… I… I… because of these changes, because this has happened in previous years, what explains… I mean, I probably wouldn't be asking if there were changes going the other way, but if all were done this way, can you describe the interaction between the Secretariat and Morocco prior to the finalization of the report?
Spokesman: No, first of all, I think it's a problem… you know, you put online a document that was not final. Documents are final once they're published in all [six] languages, and they are the Secretary‑General's reports. Contacts were had with both parties, but I think, you know, you can… what I will tell you is that the report is… the final report is the one that's out as an official UN document. And, as I've said… told you before, I can't attest to the veracity of what you've put online with what may be the Deputy Secretary‑General's signature.
Question: Okay. There's supposed to be an Arria Formula meeting on Tuesday. It's been requested by Angola. And I wanted to know whether the Secretary‑General would have any involvement in it and if you think it would be useful for the Council to hear from the African Union about Western Sahara.
Spokesman: The Council is a master of its own domain. It will… an Arria Formula meeting is not for me to comment on it. There will be a more formal meeting, I believe, on Wednesday, which the Secretariat will participate. Masood-ji and then… sorry. And then we'll go to you.
Question: Thank you. Thank you, Stéphane. On this incarceration of Palestinian children, Israeli jail, in that particular reference on the so‑called release of the Palestinian girl, 12‑year‑old, after being tortured so much, do you think Israel should be thanked for doing that?
Spokesman: Masood, I think we have raised the issue of… you've raised this question before. The issue of administrative detainees and detention of minors is something that the Secretary‑General has raised and his team have raised at different levels with the Israeli authorities. I think we should all be happy to see the release of the 12‑year‑old girl, and we'd like to see more movement in that direction.
Question: But, she was tortured. I… that is a fact and also…?
Spokesman: I don't have any particular information on her, on her case.
Correspondent: I have also asked about incarceration. You know I've been asking. Incarceration Israeli… I mean to Palestinian children in Israeli jail and women.
Spokesman: Yes, and I think… Masood, you've been asking, and I've been answering, and the Secretary‑General has been raising it. Yes, sir?
Question: Yeah, thank you. It's on… today, there was a big explosion in Damascus. Is there any statement about it? Also, Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim, the prior Foreign Minister of Qatar, last week gave an interview to The Financial Times. And he said: We had a green light that Qatar would lead this in Syria because Saudi Arabia did not at that time want to lead after there was a change of policy in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia did not inform us that they wanted us in the back seat. We ended up competing and it was not healthy…
Spokesman: Sir… sorry. It is Monday, but I don't…
Correspondent: Okay. What he is saying here is that he was given the green light to lead the situation in Syria.
Spokesman: Who was given the green light?
Correspondent: The former Prime Minister of Qatar. And Saudi Arabia did not want to take the lead in Syria, and so he ended up in the… in the lead. And later Saudis changed their mind and they wanted them to be in the back seat and this way, this was…
Spokesman: With… with all due respect, I think this is a question best left for historians after the fact. I think our… our focus remains on the political talks, which Mr. [Staffan] de Mistura is continuing to hold, will hold until Wednesday. On your first part, we've seen the reports. We obviously condemn any of these types of attack, especially against what appears to be a hospital and a health facility.
Correspondent: What… just follow‑up on that. Number one, I mean, what Qatar and Saudi Arabia have done in Syria has ramifications and has… has generated the worst immigration or… or refugee crisis in modern history. And this cannot be just ignored. Someone…
Spokesman: Nizar, Nizar, with all due respect, I think the last thing we are doing here and the last thing I do here is ignore the situation in Syria, in Yemen and the global refugee crisis. I'm… all I'm saying to you is I'm not going to comment on these reports. Yeah?
Correspondent: Another question.
Spokesman: Habibi, I will come back to you.
Question: Stéphane, thanks. On South Sudan, what is the Secretary‑General's views on the delays we've been seeing in the return of Riek Machar to Juba? And we're seeing reports that the United Nations is now trying to facilitate a flight for his return home. Can you just speak to what your involvement is in that?
Spokesman: Obviously, the Secretary‑General has made his position very clear in the numerous phone calls he's had with Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, and that is for a quick implementation of what was agreed to and for Mr. Machar's return to Juba. I just got… was informed by the mission that they've confirmed that, this afternoon, a private aircraft was brought into Juba more… about 127 personnel from the SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] in Opposition, including the Opposition's Chief of Staff, this afternoon. The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and the AU [African Union] have requested the UN to facilitate the return of Riek Machar and we're trying to continue to fulfil this request. We obviously would like to see him back as soon as possible as an integral part of hopefully the return of some peace for the South… people of South Sudan.
Question: So, the UN cannot confirm that he will, in fact, arrive tomorrow?
Spokesman: No. I mean, I think… like a number of the issues we deal with here on a regular basis, we see reports of things happening tomorrow. Once something happened, we'll confirm it, but we're not going to get into the prediction game. Sir?
Question: Can I follow up? The 127 that arrived today, what… how does that change or advance the… your effort?
Spokesman: Well, obviously, I think the arrival of Mr. Machar's Chief of Staff is hopefully seen as a positive and harbinger of things to come and the return of the man himself.
Question: Thank you, Steph. On Western Sahara again, there have been discussions between the Secretariat and Moroccan authorities regarding the fate of MINURSO [United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara]. Are these discussions still ongoing? And what… what is the aim of those discussions?
Spokesman: Well, the discussions continue, but, obviously, right now, the focus is on the Security Council, the renewal of mandate. The Secretary‑General has put forth his recommendation in the report. We would like to see, again, strong Security Council backing for the return of the civilian component of MINURSO to Western Sahara. This… it's a peacekeeping mission. It is not a creation of the Secretary‑General. It is a creation of the Security Council, and it's important that the Security Council firmly back the Secretary‑General this… his recommendations. Sir. Then we'll… sorry.
Question: The US announced today that they will send 250 troops to Syria. Do you think this is a step in the right direction? You think other countries should do the same?
Spokesman: Our focus is on the political talks, a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Ms. Fasulo.
Question: Thank you, Steph. This is in regard to the North Korean submarine launch. We know the Security Council issued a statement condemning it. But, I was wondering, has the SG issued any statement or plans to…?
Spokesman: Well, I think I was… I was asked by one of your colleagues, and that's our reaction. Oleg.
Question: Farhan [sic], to stay on the same topic, I'm sure you saw that DPRK proposed that they would stop the nuclear tests in return if the US will stop the joint manoeuvres with South Korea. Do you think that this is something that should be seriously looked at? Because you may heard that President [Barack] Obama yesterday… or on Saturday he basically turned down… immediately turned down this proposal. And Ban Ki‑moon… I remember you saying and him saying personally that he would play any role in normalisation of the situation. Is this something that should be grabbed, like… this proposal by the DPRK, should it be seriously looked at?
Spokesman: You know, I think this is not the first time we've heard it. I think the important first step is to follow… for the DPRK to follow the… and abide by Security Council resolutions. Yep. Sorry. You're next.
Question: President Obama, I think, yesterday or on Sunday… Saturday… talked about Syria and the areas of… protected areas you have there, and he said kind of it is not at all clear how it should be done and how we do it, et cetera. So, my question is, the UN or envoy of the Secretary‑General was talking about this since almost a year or half a year. Do you have a clear plan on this regard how should these areas be protected and… yeah?
Spokesman: You know, I think there's been discussion about safe zones in Syria. I think we've seen experiences in the past in conflict with safe zones. What is important is anytime a plan like that is put forward is to see all the details, because often these things can have unintended negative consequences. But, we're always interested at looking at options, but I think these are things that need to be studied in detail. Yeah?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. On SG's travel, there are reports that he may be visiting Korea… this is South, not North… for the NGO [non-governmental organization] event there. Could you give us a little…?
Spokesman: Sure. I mean, if I have something official to announce, I will do so from this podium. Yes?
Question: President Obama may become the first standing President to visit Hiroshima on… after the G7. Is there any reaction we could have from the Secretary‑General on this possibility and what significance it would have?
Spokesman: Listen, I can't… I'm not going to speculate, because I have no… we have no direct insight as to what the plans are for the President of the United States. What I can tell you is, obviously, as you know, the Secretary‑General has been there, and he has… and other years he sent representatives. I think for him it's a very important commemoration to either attend or to honour. Yep?
Question: Thank you. The parties to the inter‑Yemeni talks don't seem to have agreed on an agenda of the talks. Can you update us on the status of those talks?
Spokesman: I mean, not more than what I read out earlier. I think what is important for us is that these talks are continuing and that there is a focus on bringing an end if not at least lowering the violence through the de‑escalation committees. And, you know, we're… just like with the Syrian talks, with a less… shorter timeline, we're dealing with bringing parties together that have fought violently over more than a year. A lot of destruction, a lot of bad blood. These things take time. I think what is important is that the parties, both sides, remain in Kuwait and remain in discussions with the envoy. Emoke?
Question: Steph, do you have any reaction to the ICC [International Criminal Court] opening an investigation into the violence in Burundi? And how do you think it will influence the situation on the ground?
Spokesman: No, I'm not going to speculate. Obviously, the ICC is free to do its own investigation. I think it is important to get a political process very much back on track, but it is also just as important to ensure that there is justice for the hundreds of victims that we have seen through the political violence that has occurred in the country. Mr. Lee, and then Carla. Sorry. I didn't see you.
Question: Follow‑up on Burundi and one on South Sudan. On Burundi, there's been a pretty high‑profile assassination of a general, General Kararuza, who actually was… spoken out about what he called killings and disappearances in Mugamba that I'd asked you about last week. One, are you… is the UN aware of the killing of this general and his family as they delivered their child to school? And, two, do you have any update on Mugamba? Your office had e-mailed me that there were three detentions, and I guess, two deaths. People are saying that the number's a lot higher. Have you received any updated information on that?
Spokesman: No, no updates on Mugamba. On General Kararuza, we're very much aware, and I expect a statement to be issued shortly, if not during the… this briefing.
[He later issued the following statement: The Secretary-General condemns the assassination of Brigadier General Athanase Kararuza, his wife and daughter, in Bujumbura today. Brigadier General Kararuza had served in senior positions in both the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic loss. The assassination of Brigadier General Kararuza comes in the wake of several instances of politically-motivated assassination attempts in Burundi over recent weeks, including yesterday’s attack on Martin Nivyabandi, Minister of Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender, as well as those on prominent members of the security forces. All such acts of violence serve no purpose other than to worsen the already volatile situation in Burundi. The Secretary-General urges that a rigorous and prompt investigation of these events is undertaken. The Secretary-General underlines that a political process is the only way for Burundians to put their country back on the path of national reconciliation and peace. He calls on all political leaders, including those in exile, to firmly renounce the use of violence in pursuit of political agendas and commit to an inclusive and genuine dialogue. The United Nations will continue to provide its full support and assistance to all efforts aimed at promoting a peaceful settlement in Burundi.]
Question: And on South Sudan, I just wanted to ask you, in terms of Riek Machar coming back, I wanted to ask you… and again, you may say you can't confirm this… there's a UN e-mail that was sent out to all UN staff in South Sudan. I can tell you it's 057‑SB‑2204‑2016, and it says… this is why I'm asking you about it. It says that… for Riek Machar's arrival, that IDPs [internally displaced persons] in the Protection of Civilian (POC) camps will not be allowed to leave, that POC 1 and 3 remain closed. So, I wanted to ask you, how is it appropriate for the UN to essentially lock in camps, civilians, some of whom are supporters of Riek Machar, when he returns in what's described as a peace move…?
Spokesman: I think you're… again, it would be helpful if you asked whoever's sending you these e-mails to copy me on it so at least we get on the same page.
Correspondent: You're copied on some things, but I never get an answer.
Spokesman: I will assume, which I don't like to do, that you're getting security updates. I think it is the role of the UN to ensure that there is no violence, and there's no trouble for the return of Mr. Machar. And they will take and give advice and take the steps that are necessary.
Question: Can people be locked into the POC camps if they're nonviolent supporters of Riek Machar?
Spokesman: I think the issue is that we're dealing with a very volatile situation. And we try to take the measures we can to avoid any sort of civilian deaths or injuries. Carla? Go ahead. You've been patient.
Question: Thank you. I may not have heard accurately. I believe you said that the Secretary‑General would seize upon any opportunity to normalize the situation in the Korean Peninsula. Was that what you said? Because…
Spokesman: No, I think somebody else said that, but the Spokesman did not utter those exact words.
Question: What did… what did the Secretary‑General say, regarding the…?
Spokesman: I mean, the Secretary‑General said he was… as always, would be available to help de‑escalate the tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Correspondent: Well, then why didn't the offer by the DPRK with a quid pro quo that the US…
Spokesman: I think one of your colleagues just asked that question a few minutes ago. And the answer, surprisingly, has not changed, which is that the aim right now… I will just ask all of you just to pay attention to the answers that I give to your colleagues, so I'm just saying the answer was five minutes ago that the focus should be on the DPRK abiding by the relevant Security Council resolutions.
Question: I heard that, but the question is, if an opportunity arises to de‑escalate tension, why is it ignored?
Spokesman: I've answered the question to the best of my ability. Nizar?
Question: Yeah, it's about the 28 pages of 11 September 2001. This is matter of interest to the whole world, of course. Does the Secretary‑General encourage the United States to publish these… the 28 pages?
Spokesman: I think there's a process going on in the US right now, and we'll see how that plays out.
Question: But, you don't have a position…?
Spokesman: I don't have a position. Oleg?
Question: On another question regarding today, ISIS attacked or blew up a church, a very ancient church, in Mosul. And also, they blew up in, Damascus, Seyeda Zeinab area. There was a lot of bloodshed, lot of victims, more than 100. Do you have a statement regarding these two attacks?
Spokesman: I did not see those things, but I will look… I will look into it. Oleg?
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. The trip to the Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan was postponed, however you put it. But, I think Ban Ki‑moon was supposed to take part in the Alliance of Civilisations forum in Baku, which had opened today. So, will he take part in it?
Spokesman: There will be a video message that has been sent to be played at the opening meeting of the Alliance…
Question: All right. And on a separate topic, there was a letter some time ago, two weeks ago… around two weeks ago, by the Permanent Representative of Syria to Ban Ki‑moon and the President of the Security Council listing all the terrorist attacks that took place in Syria in March, and I counted more than 60, I guess. And I don't remember that Ban Ki‑moon actually came up with a statement on any of those. So, how do you answer that?
Spokesman: I think we have denounced terrorist attacks repeatedly, wherever and whenever they occurred in Syria. Mr. Lee and then Nizar.
Question: Couple questions on, I guess, alleged UN corruption, but I wanted to ask about DRC and Haiti first. I heard… I mean, the Secretary‑General met with President [Joseph] Kabila on Saturday. I don't know if there was any photo op or kind of notice of that. But, I've note… as you may have noticed, despite what you read, since then, there have been arrests of a number of opposition leaders and their families in Lubumbashi, Mr. Katumbi. So, it doesn't seem that this call made on Saturday for… for, you know, allowing nonviolent protests was heard. Is there… is the UN really tracking those?
Spokesman: The statement from MONUSCO was today.
Question: Right. The other was on Haiti. I was expecting you to have something on the postponement on the second round of elections and pretty massive protests there. What does the UN… what does MINUSTAH [United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti] say?
Spokesman: So was I, but clearly not ready.
Question: Okay. Should I do corruption now or after Nizar?
Spokesman: Go ahead.
Question: Okay. Cool, cool. Okay. So the US Attorney Preet Bharara has requested access to the full database of the Panama Papers, which he says are relevant to a criminal investigation his office has. Since one of his criminal investigations involves Ng Lap Seng and the UN bribery scandal, I wanted to know, does the UN have a position on whether documents related to tax evasion or avoidance should be made available to prosecutors? And I say it in the context of everything we heard about SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] and illicit financial flows.
Spokesman: I think the Sec… the…
Question: Do you call for these documents to be released?
Spokesman: Listen, I… first of all, I'm not going to comment on whatever the US Attorney here in New York said. I think the SDGs do call for greater transparency.
Question: Okay. There's one other related one. Should I do it now?
Spokesman: One. And that's your last question.
Question: All right. This is the one. Now I did… this happened on Friday, so there was no briefing, so I got to ask you about it today. The OIOS [Office of Internal Oversight Services] report into the John Ashe/Ng Lap Seng matter was put on OIOS'… its website. It's final. So, now that it is and now that it's no longer discussing a “leaked document or improperly uploaded document”, I wanted to ask you, given that the OIOS audit in paragraphs 37 through 40 and in 20B specifically say that the Under‑Secretary‑General of the Department of Public Information did not conduct due diligence, thereby allowing these… the activities in the lobby and at the slavery memorial, how is it appropriate that this official without recusal ordered the ouster and eviction of a journalist asking about this very issue? I just need to have a one‑sentence answer.
Spokesman: First of all, I think you're mixing up two things. You know very well why the actions against you were taken. It had nothing do with the questions you're asking or have asked.
Question: You understand what recusal is? Recusal…Spokesman: I may not have gone to law school, but I do understand it. And on your first… on the first part of your question, I think the audit is clear as to the recommendations that departments need to make.
Question: What actions are going to be taken?
Spokesman: Khalas. Sorry, Nizar, I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Question: Okay. On Mukalla, there was a major attack during the weekend, the seaports of Mukalla. And there are conflicting versions of stories about what happened there. Do you have the… an official version from the United Nations, given that there is cessation of hostilities, and this is a major battle. Some say that 800 people died…?
Spokesman: Obviously, we haven't seen the cessation of hostilities we'd like to see. I have not yet received a report on that battle. Thank you.