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.
**Noon Briefing Guest
In a short while I will be joined by Lise Kingo, the Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. She will be briefing on the Global Compact Leaders’ Summit to be held in New York on 22 and 23 of this month.
**Afghanistan
I want to start out with a statement on Afghanistan. The Secretary-General condemns the attacks on 20 June in Badakhshan Province and Kabul city, Afghanistan. In the Kishem district of Badakhshan Province, an improvised explosive device (IED) in a market area killed and injured dozens of civilians, including children. In Kabul, a suicide attack in a crowded area killed and injured a number of Nepalese contractors, including diplomatic security guards, as well as Afghan civilians. Meanwhile, another IED attack injured several civilians, including a provincial council member.
The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Governments of Afghanistan and Nepal. He calls for those responsible for these indiscriminate attacks to be brought to justice.
**Secretary-General’s Travels
And I have a trip announcement — The Secretary-General will be in Nice, in France rather, [on 24 June] where he will attend the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to support private sector efforts to raise awareness and action for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The following day, on 25 June, the Secretary-General will travel to Paris where he is expected to receive an honorary doctorate from the Pantheon-Sorbonne University. In Paris, he will also meet with President [François] Hollande and Foreign Minister [Jean Marc] Ayrault.
On 26 June, the Secretary-General will be in Kuwait, where he is scheduled to meet with the Amir of Kuwait, H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; the Prime Minister; and the Deputy Prime Minister, as well. He will also take the opportunity to meet with his Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, as well as the Yemeni parties participating in the UN-facilitated peace talks in Kuwait.
The following day, he will depart for Israel and the State of Palestine. While in Jerusalem, he will meet with President [Reuven] Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He will also visit Tel Aviv University, where he is expected to receive the George S. Wise Medal, and speak to students and faculty. He will meet with private sector representatives and the University’s research centres focusing on innovation and sustainable development.
On 28 June, the Secretary-General will travel to Gaza, where he will visit a girls’ school run by UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) and participate in a meeting of the Gaza central school parliament. He will also visit a reconstruction project and hold a town hall meeting with UN staff working in Gaza.
Later in the day, the Secretary-General is expected to visit the Palestinian city of Rawabi in the West Bank. Also in Ramallah, he will meet with President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. And he is expected to receive the Star of Palestine Order and attend Iftar dinner with the two leaders. And he will then be back in New York late on 29 June.
**Mali
On Mali, you will have seen the statement we issued last night on the first anniversary of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation, in which the Secretary-General noted with satisfaction the decision to appoint a High Representative to follow up on the Agreement. The Secretary-General trusts that the signatories will ensure the swift and full implementation of the agreement, bearing in mind the many challenges that lie ahead. And that statement is available in English and in French.
**Yemen
And on Yemen — Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the Special Envoy for Yemen, briefed the Security Council this morning via video from Kuwait, where he continues to hold talks with the Yemeni parties. He said that the talks have been characterized by a positive spirit at times, and also by a certain apprehension. Progress has been made in some cases and further efforts are still needed in others.
The Special Envoy said that while he will provide the Yemeni parties, in the next few days, with a written proposal for the upcoming period. He said he is working towards reaching a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement that will create security and stability for Yemen and its people. He called on all parties to show the political courage and make their highest national interest prevail by making the concessions necessary to reach a comprehensive agreement that will preserve the safety of Yemen and its citizens. His remarks are available in my office.
**Syria
And Staffan de Mistura meanwhile also briefed the General Assembly by video from Geneva about developments in the political process around Syria. He said that political talks cannot proceed while Syrians are starving. He added that in recent days, there has been progress on the humanitarian front but noted Government attacks on the towns that received aid. Mr. de Mistura said that there have been violations of the cessation of hostilities although he highlighted that the level of fighting remains below where it was when the cessation went into effect earlier this year.
Stephen O’Brien, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, provided further details of the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Syria, which we’ve mentioned to you in recent days. And Mr. [Ivan] Šimonović, the Assistant High Commissioner for Human Rights, briefed the Member States on atrocities being committed in the sixth year of fighting in Syria. He described attacks on medical facilities, noting that even in parts of Syria that still provide medical care, people may be too scared to seek help.
**Weapons of Mass Destruction
And the Secretary-General today urged Member States to take steps to ensure that non-State entities do not acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Speaking at a meeting of a committee that is reviewing Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), which requires States to prevent the proliferation of WMDs, he urged all Member States to make sure they are properly equipped to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. “Our collective security depends on this,” he said.
He added that he was concerned about the increasing danger of malicious use by terrorists of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear material against a population centre. “The best way to prevent non-State actors from using WMDs is by eliminating all such weapons, completely and irreversibly,” he said. His full remarks are available to you.
**Iraq
Our colleagues at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is deeply concerned about continuing allegations of serious human rights violations and abuses against civilians fleeing Fallujah by armed groups operating in support of the Iraqi security forces. Among other things, the Office has received shocking footage showing the body of a man being dragged at speed by a military truck while a man wearing a military uniform hits his disfigured and bloodied head.
Following the announcement by the Iraqi Defence Minister that four army members have been arrested, the Human Rights Office calls on the Iraqi authorities to ensure that there is no impunity for the very grave violations and abuses that have been reported.
Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said today that $17.5 million is urgently needed to meet the immediate needs of refugees fleeing Fallujah. It says that more than 85,000 people have fled Fallujah and the surrounding area since a Government military offensive to retake the city from extremists began on 23 May.
And yesterday, Stephen O’Brien released $15 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to provide urgent assistance for people impacted by the ongoing fighting in Fallujah.
**Bahrain
And Bahrain — the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights today expressed its concern at an intensified crackdown in Bahrain on the freedoms of expression and association and the right to a nationality. The Office urges the Bahraini authorities to seek to de-escalate the situation, instead of taking such damaging steps in quick succession with a serious risk of escalating the situation. The Human Rights Office also notes that yesterday, Sheikh Issa Qassem, the highest Shia authority in Bahrain, was stripped of his citizenship.
Since last night, a mass protest has been taking place outside of his house in the north-west port village of Diraz. The Human Rights Office urges the Government of Bahrain to ensure that the freedom of peaceful assembly is fully respected and the protests are handled in line with Bahrain’s obligations under international human rights law. It also calls on the protestors to exercise their rights peacefully and to avoid any act of violence.
**Central African Republic
And our colleagues from the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) reported a series of violent incidents yesterday on 20 June. At least six people were reportedly killed and one peacekeeper was injured during a UN operation aimed at extracting Central African and UN policemen from a police station in the PK5 area of Bangui.
The police station was surrounded by an alleged armed “self-defence group”. During the course of the operation, shots were fired at the UN forces which in turn returned fire. Three people were arrested. The Mission has launched an investigation into the incident.
The UN Mission condemned these actions and reiterated that attacks against UN personnel could constitute a war crime punishable under international law. The Mission called on all parties involved to act with restraint, to refrain from violence and work for a peaceful and inclusive future for all.
The Mission also reports that in the Ouham prefecture, clashes between ex-Séléka coalition and the UPC (Union for Peace in Central Africa) continued yesterday for a second day in different locations, leaving at least 10 combatants and one civilian dead. Civilians, meanwhile, sought refuge at the MINUSCA camp.
**Yoga
And in his message for the International Day of Yoga, the Secretary-General urges everyone to commit to unity with fellow human beings, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, age, gender identity or sexual orientation.
The Secretary-General adds that other than having health benefits, yoga can also help raise awareness of our role as consumers of the planet’s resources and as individuals with a duty to respect and live in peace with our neighbours. His full message is online. For those of you who are limber enough, who are interested, there will be an opportunity to practise some yoga at 1:15 p.m. in the [UN Secretariat] Circle — I will be watching with envy but not participating.
**Olympics
Meanwhile, the WHO [World Health Organization] released today its advice for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games geared towards national health authorities and health workers.
The health advice gives measures travellers can take to be as safe as possible from any public health risk, including against mosquito-borne diseases. Regarding Zika in particular, as you know, WHO advises pregnant women not to travel to areas of ongoing Zika virus outbreaks, including Brazil. All travellers are advised to practice safe sex or abstain from sex during their stay in Brazil and for at least eight weeks after their return.
**Press Conferences
First of all, we just wanted to flag that tomorrow I will be joined by Philippe Lazzarini, Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Resident Representative, to talk to you about Lebanon.
**Honour Roll
And today we say thank you to the Kingdom of Tonga for having paid its regular budget dues in full with the number now being… 89. Close enough, Joe. You win. All right. Go ahead, Joe. You…
**Questions and Answers
Question: Okay. Some time ago, the Iranian Foreign Minister had sent the Secretary‑General a letter, asking him to use his good offices to intervene in connection with the seizure of approximately $2 billion in assets of the Central Bank of Iran in the United States. So I wanted to ask what the status is and whether the Secretary‑General has responded and, if so, whether you can characterize generally the nature of the response.
Spokesman: Sure. Let me… I’ll check if there was a response. Yes, sir?
Question: Stéphane, on the Secretary‑General’s visit to Gaza, do we expect any ease in restrictions, in terms of goods going in and out, with the Secretary‑General’s visit? Will there be any improvement?
Spokesman: Obviously, I think we would… we’re very keen on seeing an improvement of the goods… the flow of goods into Gaza, whether it’s from Egypt or from Israel, and obviously, that will be one of the messages that the Secretary‑General is carrying. Abdelhamid?
Question: Yes. Thank you, Stéphane. First, there was an attack on the Jordanian security forces on the border this morning. Six were killed. Fourteen were wounded. Is there any statement or expected statement?
Spokesman: Yes, no, I do expect… we do expect something. Obviously, we condemn such attacks. And I think our condolences go out to the people and Government of Jordan.
Question: Now, regarding the visit of the SG to the West Bank, Gaza and… would he go first to Israel, then to Gaza, then to the West Bank? Is that the con… the sequence of his visit?
Spokesman: He will be… the first day will be focused on Israel, and the second day will be focused on Gaza and then the West Bank.
Question: Would he raise the issue of this latest legislation passed by Israeli Knesset about the… what is called anti‑terror law, which is widespread, extremely extensive rules that could involve everything charitable in the West Bank and even inside Israel?
Spokesman: You know, I don’t have enough details about this specific law, but one of the… you know, one of the messages the UN has been underscoring is that, in any effort to fight terrorism, that that needs to be done within the parameters of respecting human rights and international law. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask you, I saw the… the readout of Ban Ki‑moon’s discussion with the, I guess, military leader of Thailand, saying that he supports the process on the referendum. Lot of people are saying that basically what… the… the… the observation centres to watch the voting on the referendum on 7 August have been closed by the Government. The Government will arrest anyone who tries to observe it. So it doesn’t… in the statement, what is Ban Ki‑moon’s position on the closure of the centres? Is he… has he received any request to speak to the opposition that wants to observe them, and will the UN play any role in observing the referendum…?
Spokesman: I don’t know about any role the UN will have. I can check. I’m not aware of any. Obviously, we would hope that the referendum goes on peacefully and that all those who want to express themselves are able to do so and that the basic rights of people are guaranteed. There’s been no request that I’m aware of, the Secretary‑General speaking to the opposition. I have seen reports that there have been… they’re trying to speak or may have spoken to our colleagues in Geneva in the Human Rights Office.
Question: But are the right under the referenda, do they include a right to observe? It seems pretty extreme to say they’ll lock up observers…
Spokesman: I don’t… obviously, I think it’s important that the referendum go in in a way that is… in which the results are then acceptable to both parties. Oleg?
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. During his… Ban Ki‑moon’s visit to South of France, is he going to attend any of the soccer matches of the championship of UEFA?
Spokesman: No.
Question: No?
Spokesman: He’s not. At least, I’m not and he’s not. Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Still on the visit of Secretary‑General to Israel, Gaza, and West Bank, is he carrying any new ideas or initiatives? Is he going to discuss the international conference in the fall on the process?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General will obviously… his discussions, not surprisingly, will be focused around the peace process and the need for all the parties to recommit themselves to the two‑State solution. I think the UN’s position is regularly outlined in our Security Council briefings. We support any initiative that would help to bring the parties back and closer together. Stefano?
Question: Thank you. Stéphane, Syria coalition claims that Russia is using cluster bomb in Aleppo, and also Russia Today last week broadcasted a video that Syrian… Russian jets has cluster ammunition in Syria. Do you have any information?
Spokesman: I have no independent confirmation, at least at my level, of the use of cluster bombs, which is something we have decried whenever they’re used anywhere around the world. Herman?
Question: Thank you. On Mali yesterday, there’s a press release issued by Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Portugal and Sweden about their commitment to provide a military transport aircraft to MINUSMA [United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali]. Could you please give us more detail about it?
Spokesman: Sure. It was an agreement that was signed, I think, yesterday between those countries and the representatives of the Peacekeeping Department and the Department of Field Support, which is basically a commitment to provide on a rotating basis airlift capacity through a C130 for the peacekeeping mission in Mali, which is extremely welcomed. As you know, it operates… I mean, Mali’s a difficult place to operate, and any support and improvement we can have to our airlift capacities in the mission is very much welcome.
Question: Is the aircraft already in Mali or…
Spokesman: It’s a valid question, and before I say what I think, let me check what the facts are. Maria? Sorry. Go ahead. Go ahead. Yeah, go ahead.
Correspondent: It’s Anna.
Spokesman: I’m sorry, Anna.
Question: It’s okay. I have two questions actually. One is about Pakistan. In Eastern Pakistan, a married couple was tortured and murdered, their bodies thrown into canal in the province of Punjab in the name of honour. And these honour killings have been happening very frequently. At the beginning of this month, another teenager was burned to death by her mother and brother. Another one’s throat was slit. Another eight‑month pregnant woman was killed, and this has been going on since the beginning of this year. And the Human Rights Commissioner reported in Pakistan that as many as 212 people were killed in the name of honour. Is UN going to do something about this?
Spokesman: The issue of honour killing is one that we have spoken about that obviously the High Commissioner for Human Rights has spoken about and one that Governments need to address, societies and communities need to address to ensure that everyone is ensured of their rights and we see an end to what are so‑called honour killings.
Question: It sounds perfect, but is UN going to do something to reinforce these principles?
Spokesman: I think the message is being reinforced and repeated over and over again. But it’s an important and… our human rights colleagues work with communities, and it’s… it needs to be done also at the grass-roots level by the communities themselves.
Question: And the second question, to continue the topic about Russia, as we know, Russia has been instrumental in her coalition with the West in the fight against Da’esh, like liberating Palmyra and many other territories. But somehow European Union… and it’s been confirmed by 28 ambassadors… is going to prolong the sanctions against Russia till 31 January of 2017. Aren’t ally support… aren’t they supposed to be supportive of each other, allies? And what’s the UN’s take on all this?
Spokesman: I think those are questions that you need to ask the European Union and the Russians. Abdelhamid?
Question: Thank you. I have two questions. One about the meeting of the Secretary‑General tomorrow with Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. First, we don’t know the time. And second, can we go for photo opportunity? And third, would he discuss with him the human rights situation inside Saudi Arabia? That’s one question. My second is a procedural question. In the past, when the Secretary‑General travels to a region, usually he takes one or two journalists from UNCA [United Nations Correspondent Association] with him to that region. Is that process stopped? And if it’s not… if it didn’t stop, what are the… what are the conditions? What is the procedure to that…?
Spokesman: You know, we haven’t been in a situation where we’ve been able to take journalists. First of all, the vast majority of the flights we take are commercial flights, so there’s also a cost involved, obviously, for the journalists. When we can, we would like to take journalists. On your second… on your first question, rather, the meeting, which comes at the request of the Saudi Arabian mission, will take place around lunchtime tomorrow, I think around 11:50. We’ll confirm that by the end of the day. And as it will be a traditional photo op, which journalists who take parts in photo ops can photo. That’s it.
Question: What about human rights…
Spokesman: Oh, sorry. The discussions are going to be… there are a lot of subjects to touch upon, and we’ll issue a readout afterwards. Ms. Fasulo?
Question: Thank you, Steph. I have two questions regarding Syria. One is, do you have the latest statistics regarding the actual giving of contributions to the international appeal? And, secondly, yesterday on International Refugee Day, the SG talked about the need to treat refugees with respect, treat them better, and spoke directly about… to the EU and, he often does talk about the EU and the neighbouring countries. I was just wondering, while he says that it’s a global responsibility to deal with refugees, has he ever said publicly to countries that have not stepped up to taking some of these refugees, whether it’s people in the region or…
Spokesman: Yeah. I think it’s a message that he has raised at a global level, if you looked at what he… the message he’s given to countries around the Andaman Sea, when we saw many migrants and refugees leave Myanmar and other countries in the region. I think the focus in the last… you know, yesterday in his remarks at the event were focused on, really, his personal impressions that he took away from his recent visit to Lesbos and what he saw there.
Question: But has he ever actually, you know, asked whether it’s Gulf States, name names, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or whomever?
Spokesman: My sense is he has. And I think who… the numbers on refugees are extremely transparent. All right. UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) takes very good care in keeping data. And I think they just released their annual report. What is clear is that about 80 per cent of refugees are being taken care of in developing countries, in countries that them… they themselves also have their own domestic challenges, whether it’s in Cameroon, in Kenya, just to name a few. And so I think the… who does what for refugees is clear for all to see. Mr. Klein?
Question: This is a follow‑up to Linda’s point. I think, specifically, the concern is that Saudi Arabia, Qatar or other Gulf States, but particularly Saudi Arabia, have not been called out publicly for essentially total dereliction. They haven’t taken in virt… any refugees or very, very few. And given their resources, some have questioned why that’s the case. So will the Secretary‑General bring up this issue specifically in his discussions tomorrow?
Spokesman: This is a general message he has been pushing. Again, I think there are a number of countries that haven’t taken many refugees. There are a number of countries that have also given amounts of money to humanitarian aid, others who have done neither. And I think those numbers are very transparent and for all… for you to analyse and to comment on. We will get an update from OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) as to where we are on the underfunded appeals around the UN’s humanitarian needs.
Question: But shouldn’t he comment on it? I think…
Spokesman: He did…
Question: The way he singles out the EU specifically.
Spokesman: I think he does and not just the EU. Go?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. As you know, one of the American presidential potential candidates mentioned that, once elected, he may reject the Paris Accord. Can you tell us how much UN is concerned of possible change or impact over the UN/US relationship up to the result of the election in November?
Spokesman: Look, I think there’s no… I don’t think we really want to get into the debate that we’re seeing in this particular presidential campaign. However, what I would say is I think the Paris agreement was signed unanimously. It brought together every Member State of the United Nations. It was painstakingly negotiated. There is no debate that climate change is real and that action is needed now. I think all those countries that signed on to the agreement, including the United States, agree on a practical and realistic way forward to tackle climate change. And I think it would be terrible — and even catastrophic — to go back on that agreement and to undo the historic agreement that we saw in Paris. Mr. Abbadi and then Mr. Avni?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. We have been asking these questions a number of times in this room. When would the Secretary‑General come here give… and give a general press conference?
Spokesman: As soon as we can get something set up. I know… I hear you every time you mention it, and we will try to get him here. Mr. Avni?
Question: I don’t know if you addressed that, and if you did, my apologies, but there are reports that one of our colleagues, Razi Canikligil, was arrested in Istanbul. Is… does… as an accredited UN correspondent, do we have anything to say about that?
Spokesman: No, we were kept informed last night as soon as, I think, your colleagues heard. The Secretary‑General’s Office was fully briefed on the matter. We understand that, this morning, he was released, which we’re glad… obviously, very glad to hear. But the episode, obviously, raised a lot of concerns here.
Question: Can you share what was… how… what was in the briefing that the Secretary‑General got?
Spokesman: No, I said the Secretary‑General’s Office was briefed last night. I spoke to some people on the 38th Floor. But, obviously, the… as I said, the case was resolved as far as I was told… I was told this morning.
Question: But do you know what he was arrested for?
Spokesman: No, I know nothing more than what your colleagues have told me and what I read in Hurriyet this morning. And I’m just glad… I’m glad he’s no longer being detained. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. Actually, just on that, the… the… I see the Sec… his meeting with Reporters Without Borders this afternoon, and I know that their Turkey representative is also… is still in jail, Erol Önderoglu. Is that… do you expect that to be among the topics? And is the Secretary‑General concerned about the other journalists who are…?
Spokesman: No, we’re concerned about the arrests of any journalists. We’re concerned about the arrests of human rights defenders, defenders of journalists, the request… the meeting with the Reporters Without Borders was prescheduled, and it was the… it is… comes at their request.
Question: And I think… just… and I have a question on South Sudan, but I want… since you said you didn’t know, the Turkish Mission that has answered and said that he was arrested for previous tweets that he’d written about a previous case. So I guess I wanted to know, does the Secretary‑General think that it’s… that it’s legitimate for an arrest…
Spokesman: I haven’t seen… I haven’t seen the statement that was put out, but it’s clear to me that the Secretary‑General has stood up to defend the rights of journalists to express themselves in print, verbally, orally and…
Question: Can I ask you something on South Sudan…?
Spokesman: …and on tweeter… on Twitter. Sorry. Yes, you may ask about South Sudan.
Question: In South Sudan, there’s a leaked e-mail by the DSS [Department of Safety and Security] of South Sudan.
Spokesman: That’s a surprise.
Question: Yeah. The reason I want to ask you is it seems to implicate… it might even be related to the thing you just said. But what I’ll ask you about… It tells UN staff that they should not… that there may be a strike by judges and teachers in South Sudan and that during this time of uncertainty, they should not show their ID cards while they’re in town, and they should not give over their driving permits to the authorities if requested. So I wanted to know, I mean, maybe it’s a smart thing to suggest, but given host country agreements, is it… is it the norm for UN officials, UN personnel, to not show their UN ID cards or to not turn them over to authorities…?
Spokesman: I don’t know if it’s the norm or what’s the norm. And again, I have no clue as to know the validity of the e-mail you’re referring to. What is clear is DSS has a responsibility to ensure that our staff is kept safe, and so…
Question: I wanted to ask you here whether security has a duty to give their names.
Spokesman: I don’t think that… that’s two different issues. Yes, Anna?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. How would you evaluate the situation in Okinawa and the protest that’s been going on there? It’s been reported that the Governor of Okinawa, Takeshi Onaga, was actually lobbying UN to remove the U.S. base because of the crimes committed by the members of the base.
Spokesman: I have no comment, and I don’t believe it’s in the UN’s authority to remove… I have no comment. I’m not…
Question: So is UN dealing with the situation, or it’s been completely dismissed?
Spokesman: There’s a difference between not… perhaps not being aware and no one has said it’s being completely dismissed. What I’m saying to you is that I’m not aware of any issues relating to Okinawa and the UN… and the US base and I have no comment… particular comment on this situation in Okinawa. Mr. yes?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask you, while… I guess it was while the Secretary‑General was travelling, the President of the Security Council, François Delattre, said there’s positive momentum, and it will be up to the Secretary‑General to respond. It said that the proposal by Morocco is to have 25 civilian staff out of the 80… more than 80 that were reject… that were ejected return. Is the Secretary‑General aware of this offer that apparently Mr. [Hervé] Ladsous has or Mr. [Jamal] Benomar has? And what’s his response, and what’s the procedure…?
Spokesman: As we said, there was… a few days ago, there was a meeting in El Aaiún with UN officials and Moroccan officials on a possible way forward. I think the discussions were constructive. The discussions are obviously continuing here, but we look forward to the return of the full functionality of the mission, as requested in the Security Council document.
Question: One other question. I saw that you did write a letter to the editor of Ottawa Citizen, well… to Allan Rock, saying Mr. Rock is right. But I wanted to know, just to figure these things out, there’s an interview with the professor… CUNY Professor Thomas Weiss in a Korean newspaper that’s pretty hard‑hitting. Basically says Ban Ki‑moon is the second worst SG ever. And I wanted to know, where do you… how do you… do you respond only to… do you respond to things written in the first person by former UN officials? Is this something that you intend to respond to?
Spokesman: It’s my own secret strategy as to where I respond, when I respond. No one should be safe. [Laughter] Mr. Avni?
Question: [inaudible] Do you have any idea when the Quartet report is going to be released…?
Spokesman: From your… from your mouth to God’s ears. I have no idea. Okay. I’m going to go get our… I’m going to get our guests.