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.
**AIDS
The Secretary-General is in South Africa today for the AIDS2016 Conference, where he met with Government officials, including South Africa’s Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, civil society organizations, health professionals and scientists working against the epidemic. In a press conference at the event, he stressed that remarkable global progress had been made. As you know, today is Nelson Mandela Day, and the Secretary-General recalled that Madiba had brought his towering courage to this cause, supporting all people affected by HIV. That was a turning point, he said.
He called on Durban 2016 to mark the commitment to a new era when we finish what we started: the era of a fast-track response. To end this epidemic, we must close the gaps that keep people from accessing services and living with dignity. He said that we have to expand resources, science and services, and we have to protect and promote the rights of people living with HIV, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, people who inject drugs and prisoners.
**Kenya
And on Sunday, the Secretary-General participated in the opening in Kenya of the fourteenth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD. He said that UNCTAD — with its integrated approach to trade and development — has a vital role to play in implementing the 2030 Agenda and added that trade, finance, technology and investment can be positive forces to end poverty.
The Secretary-General also addressed the press in Nairobi following a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta. He welcomed the Kenyan Government’s commitment to abide by its international obligations regarding the voluntary, dignified and safe repatriation of refugees from Somalia. He also thanked President Kenyatta for his leadership and personal engagement alongside the United Nations to ensure that peace returns to Juba and the rest of South Sudan.
**Rwanda
As you know, South Sudan has been central in the discussions of the Secretary-General in Kigali, Rwanda, during the African Union Summit there over the weekend. He met with many leaders of the region, including the Presidents of Chad, Uganda and Rwanda, as well as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, among others.
During an extraordinary Summit of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), he said that the people of South Sudan need to hear the region and the world speak with one voice to end the mindless violence in the country. He added that the hopes and dreams of the South Sudanese had been tarnished at the expense of warring parties enriching and empowering themselves.
He reiterated the need for the Security Council to take action on three fronts: impose an immediate arms embargo on South Sudan, enact additional targeted sanctions on leaders and commanders working to unravel the peace process, and fortify the UN Mission in the country. He also said that the restoration of the Transitional Government of National Unity will depend on the full demilitarization of Juba. And he added that what this conflict needs is a viable political solution. Readouts of his meetings and his remarks are online.
**South Sudan
On South Sudan, the UN Mission in the country (UNMISS) reports that the situation in Juba remains calm but tense. The Mission also reports instances of sporadic firing in Leer over the weekend, including near UNMISS' temporary operating base.
Further to Friday's search operations for weapons at the UN Tomping compound, the Mission reports that a similar exercise was conducted in the Protection of Civilians site 1, adjacent to UN House, on Saturday. The operation resulted in a number of items confiscated, including small arms and ammunition rounds, machetes, and military uniforms.
Meanwhile, a total of 140 non-critical UNMISS staff have been temporarily relocated from Juba. The Mission continues to carry out all its critical operations.
Our humanitarian colleagues also report new arrivals into several of the sites for internally displaced people in Juba, including both UN sites, namely UN House and Tomping. The number of people displaced following the recent fighting is now estimated to be nearly 15,000, including more than 10,830 at the UNMISS sites and more than 4,100 outside. Humanitarian organizations continue to respond in several of the affected locations.
The humanitarian community condemns the recent looting of the WFP (World Food Programme) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) warehouses in Juba, which stored food for at least 220,000 people and livelihood support for thousands of vulnerable families across South Sudan. Humanitarians also condemn the looting of humanitarian compounds in Leer during the recent fighting. They note that these incidents will have a substantial impact on the humanitarian operations at a time when needs are growing. They stress that the destruction and damage to humanitarian facilities and violence against aid workers are unacceptable and must stop.
**Syria
Our humanitarian colleagues inform us that violence continues in Syria’s Aleppo city, with aerial attacks on east Aleppo city and hundreds of mortars and projectiles launched on west Aleppo city in the past week, causing numerous civilian deaths and injuries. Hospitals have also reportedly been affected by the fighting.
Due to the closure of the Castello road, the last access road into east Aleppo city, humanitarian assistance and commodities cannot get in. The freedom of movement of an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people in east Aleppo in urgent need of assistance is also curtailed.
While there is enough food in east Aleppo city for at least 145,000 people for one month and enough essential medical supplies for approximately four months, replenishing fuel supplies is crucial to power medical facilities, water facilities and bakeries. Rationing of supplies has already been reported. Access to fresh food, including fruit and vegetables, is limited, according to reports. One cross-line convoy has been approved by the Government of Syria.
Safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access into east Aleppo city through the most efficient means is critical to save lives and reduce suffering.
**Central African Republic
The UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) today welcomed the release of the 11 remaining Cameroonian hostages that were held by the Democratic Front of the Central African People armed group for two years.
The mission also called for the release of several Central African local officials, including the mayor of Baboua, still detained by the same group. It called on all armed groups to renounce violence and to join the dialogue process initiated by the Government.
**Iran
Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, briefed the Security Council this morning on the follow-up one year after the adoption of resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed to between six nations and Iran on non-proliferation.
The Secretary-General’s first report on the implementation of resolution 2231, which has been issued today, informs the Security Council that, since 16 January 2016, the Secretary-General has not received any report, nor is he aware of any open source information, regarding the supply, sale, transfer or export to Iran of nuclear-related items undertaken contrary to the provisions of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and resolution 2231.
Also since 16 January, Mr. Feltman told the Council, the Secretariat has received no information regarding the supply, sale, transfer or export to Iran of ballistic missile-related items undertaken contrary to the provisions of resolution 2231.
However, in early March 2016, during military exercises, Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles. While it is for the Security Council to interpret its own resolutions, Mr. Feltman noted that the Secretary-General stressed that we must maintain the momentum created by the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, consistent with its constructive spirit. In this regard, the Secretary-General calls upon Iran to avoid such ballistic missile launches, which have the potential to increase tensions in the region. Mr. Feltman’s briefing is available in our office.
**Yemen
The Yemeni peace talks hosted by the State of Kuwait resumed on Saturday evening at the request of the Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, in a plenary session with delegations from the Yemeni Government, the General People's Congress and Ansar Allah.
The Special Envoy said the forthcoming phase will focus on the consolidation of the complete and comprehensive cessation of hostilities, the activation of the De-escalation and Coordination Committee and the Local De-escalation committees, in addition to the formation of the security committees that will supervise withdrawal and the handing over of weapons and on the opening of safe corridors for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that the parties are to continue holding meetings in Kuwait for an additional two weeks.
**Lebanon
The Office of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Philippe Lazzarini, has released the latest update of donor support provided to the country since the beginning of the year. The funding level mid-year indicates a continued high commitment by donors to support Lebanon in mitigating the impact of the Syrian crisis.
As of the end of June, available resources stood at $1.17 billion, with $828 million disbursed this year and $344 million carried over from last year.
Donor support has been translated into important results since the beginning of the year, including the provision of food assistance to almost 865,000 people; the enrolment of 197,000 Lebanese children and 150,000 refugee children in public schools for the 2015-2016 academic year; the extension of some 86 km of publicly-owned water supply networks, bringing safe water to almost 670,000 people; and improvements to municipal solid waste management systems, benefitting over 350,000 people.
**Sustainable Development
The Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, spoke this morning at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Noting how ambitious the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is, he said that every country needs to accelerate the pace of implementation.
He stressed the need for strong leadership to make the 2030 Agenda truly transformative. He further said that the UN system would continue to support Member States as they work to implement the goals and make a difference for people and the planet.
**UNICEF
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that despite remarkable global progress in tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic, much work remains to be done to protect children and adolescents from infection, sickness and death.
Since 2000, concerted action to prevent mother-to-child transmission in countries with high HIV/AIDS, including in sub-Saharan Africa, prevalence has brought the transmission rate down by roughly 70 per cent worldwide.
But the numbers of AIDS-related deaths among adolescents from 15 to 19 years have more than doubled since 2000, reports the agency. Globally in 2015, there were on average 29 new infections an hour among those in this age group. There is more information is available on UNICEF’s website.
**Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a new survey highlighting the need to intensify national action to meet the global targets Governments have agreed to protect people from heart disease, cancers, diabetes, and lung diseases.
Globally, these four non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent the largest cause of death in people under the age of 70, posing a major threat to sustainable development.
The survey also points out that some countries are making remarkable progress, including through measures to protect people from exposure to tobacco use, harmful effects of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. More information is available on WHO’s website.
**FAO
And the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today released its State of the World's Forests (SOFO) report at the opening of the twenty-third session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO), which started today in Rome.
Its key message focuses on the urgent need to promote more positive interactions between forestry and agriculture, which remains the most significant driver of global deforestation, to build sustainable agricultural systems and improve food security. More information is available on FAO’s website.
**Mandela
Marking Nelson Mandela International Day today, the Secretary-General urged everyone to take action and inspire change, and do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world for all.
He added that we should seek to continue building on Mandela’s legacy of selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose as the world sets out to implement the newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As you know, the Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, and UN Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder attended a General Assembly commemorative event. Mr. Eliasson stressed that the best tribute we can give to an extraordinary man is to be a part of the Mandela movement to make the world a better place.
And also in line with the Day, in a short while, at 12:30 p.m., the Deputy Secretary-General will participate in a public service activity at the Secretariat Circle where people can donate professional clothing to New Yorkers in need.
**Staff
I was asked last Friday about the policy regarding the placement of staff in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG).
The General Assembly, in resolution 57/305, approved Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s proposal to grant discretionary placement authority of staff leaving the Executive Office at the end of their service. In his proposal, Secretary-General Annan had explained that in staffing the Executive Office, the required expertise was often available within the Organization, and while the Secretary-General could bring staff into his Executive Office outside established procedures, this action separated the staff from their posts in their previous office. The Secretary-General was of the view that, logically, there should be a corresponding arrangement, allowing him authority to outpost staff from his Office as well, which would ensure that the career opportunities of these staff are not jeopardized by service in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. In addition, such placement facilitates providing an incoming Secretary-General with the possibility of selecting staff of his or her choosing. The decision remains in force until and unless the General Assembly decides otherwise.
Since the Assembly’s decision, the Secretary-General has exercised the authority granted in certain cases. In the interest of good administration and transparency, a Secretary-General’s Bulletin was recently promulgated, setting forth the eligibility criteria for placement and the process.
**Press Conferences
And for press conferences: tomorrow at 12:30 p.m., in this room, there will be a press briefing on "Business Engagement on the SDGs". Speakers will include Lord Mark Malloch Brown, Chair of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission.
That is it from me. Are there any questions? Yes.
** Questions and Answers
Question: I mean, I have a number of questions including about the one you just read, but I'm assuming and I was expecting something on… do you have any response of what has been happening in Turkey since the coup or attempted coup was put down; i.e., the arrest of near… more than a thousand Judges, closing down of websites, what is the UN position on this?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, you have seen, of course, the statement we issued on Friday evening at the time that the coup attempt was happening. And, of course, since then it's clear to us, the point that the constitutional order needs to be fully preserved in accordance with the principles of democracy and fundamental rights, including through the full respect of freedom of speech and assembly and adherence to due process. That is a point we made then and we are continuing to stress that in the subsequent days, that these steps would be critical to help preserve Turkey's democracy and its future stability. And, of course, the UN continues to stand firmly by Turkey and its democracy during this difficult moment.
Question: And as impacts Syria and I guess the work of Envoy [Staffan] de Mistura, some people are saying that this makes the right… currently the border is less secure than before in terms of the entrance of extremist forces in and out of Syria. And did Staffan de Mistura or the UN system see any impact of the event, of these events on the attempt to reach a political solution in Syria?
Deputy Spokesman: No, Mr. Staffan de Mistura is continuing with his work. We don't believe that this should have any long‑term adverse effect on the work that we're doing in Syria. Yeah?
Question: Could you kindly repeat what you said on Mark Malloch Brown? And then on Syria, is anyone talking to the Damascus Government, which keeps bombing and killing anything that moves in Aleppo?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, yes. I mean, regarding, first of all, regarding Mark Malloch Brown, just to say tomorrow at 12:30 in this room there will be a press briefing on business engagement on the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Lord Malloch Brown will be one of the speakers and he is the chair of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission. Regarding Aleppo, our concern is that the recent developments in and around Aleppo City have effectively cut off humanitarian, commercial and civilian movement in and out of East Aleppo City. And in effect, what that means is that an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people are at risk of being besieged. And the situation is particularly worrying to people in East Aleppo, because most of the people rely on humanitarian assistance just to meet their daily needs. Our humanitarian workers have not been able to reach East Aleppo City since the clashes that started on 7 July, which is now more than ten days ago. And those were the clashes between the Government of Syria forces and non‑State armed groups, which have rendered the roads impassable. And so our highest priority right now is to establish immediate, safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access into East Aleppo City, using both cross-line convoys and cross-border operations from Turkey.
Question: Why can't they come in from Turkey? Do they have to have Damascus' permission for even that?
Deputy Spokesman: Of course, for any sort of activities, whether it's cross-line or cross-border, we need approvals from the respective authorities controlling the ground. Yeah?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. On Saturday there was an attempt to issue a statement by the Security Council standing with the democratic Government in Turkey and it was blocked, as the news said, by Egypt. Can you explain what happened on Saturday?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, regarding that, it's not for me to describe the workings of the Security Council. As you know, statements by the Security Council, press statements by the Security Council, have to be accepted by consensus among the 15 members of the Council. And, as you're aware of this case, the situation on the ground in Turkey was changing so quickly that it's easy to imagine that it was difficult to come up with a statement that would reflect the circumstances. As you know, at some point, the coup attempt had clearly failed. Yes, in the back, Carla?
Question: Thank you. Does the UN have anything to say about the imminent placement of THAAD missiles in South Korea? There are demonstrations actually by South Koreans against this, and it will inevitably heighten tensions not only in Asia but as far as Russia, as well.
Deputy Spokesman: No. I mean, we don't have any specific comment about the deployment of those missiles. What we have stressed in general about the situation on the peninsula is that all concerned parties need to step up efforts to reduce tensions and find a path to resume dialogue for denuclearization. I'll wait. First you, Herman, and then you.
Question: Is there any message that the UN sent to the South Sudanese Authority on Alfred Taban case, who is a well‑known journalist and has been detained since two days ago by South Sudanese security services without any formal charge against him?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, certainly, we have concerns about any efforts to crack down on the freedom of the media. We've made clear our concerns also. As you know, when journalists, including journalists who were in areas of protection, had been targeted last week, and, clearly, we would have concern about any arrest of a journalist and hope that if there is any actual due reason for this that there would be due process being observed. But, in any case, we want to make sure that the authorities are not taking actions against the media or trying to take any steps to restrict freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
Question: You are aware of that specific case of Alfred Taban?
Deputy Spokesman: I've heard of it. I'm not aware of the full details regarding the case about what the charges would be. But, certainly, our concerns are a more generalized concern that there have been signs over the recent days of harassment of journalists in many different ways and we want all of that to cease. Yes?
Question: Sure, actually I wanted to ask about South Sudan, but on that, I mean, basically he wrote an op-ed in Juba Monitor, saying that both [Salva] Kiir and [Riek] Machar are responsible for the violence and should step down. That is from the outside, that is the only reason that he was arrested. So I'm just wondering, is UNMISS asking the Government to release him?
Deputy Spokesman: I don't know about the steps UNMISS has taken. I've just said that… what our concerns are from here.
Question: Also since, given his trip, it sounds like the Salva Kiir Government has said that they don't want or won't accept any further foreign troops in their country and that President [Yoweri] Museveni of Uganda has said he is opposed to any arms embargo and, in fact, seems to have provided arms to the Government. So does the Secretary‑General view this trip and his engagement in Kigali as successful? Are there things taking place beneath these two announcements that seem to basically throw cold water on both proposals?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, we are aware of the various comments that have been made. But you are also aware of what the Secretary‑General has said and you will have seen the many readouts we put out of his meetings and he is continuing to go about his work to build up support for the proposals he has made. And, of course, he also made those proposals, as you're aware, to the Security Council and we will await what their reaction is. But it's clear from the Secretary‑General's perspective what are the fundamental steps that are needed to make sure stability can be restored to South Sudan.
Question: At the time there, did he, beyond… I mean, I read the readouts, but it seems like there is now a proposal that is now pending in the Council for sending police to Burundi. Is it something that he spoke to regional States about? Is there any thinking of who the police would be if the Council approves it and the Government accepts it?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, you know what the Secretary‑General's proposals have been and we have been waiting for the Security Council to come up with their own ideas of where we go forward in Burundi. So we are awaiting guidance from the Council and we would welcome any steps that move us forward along that way. Joe?
Question: Yes, on Friday, 28 pages that were previously classified from the 9/11 Commission Report were released, outlining some possible evidence, not conclusive but some possible evidence of links between Government officials and Saudi Arabia and one or more of the 9/11 hijackers, and I'm wondering whether the Secretary‑General has any comment?
Deputy Spokesman: No. We wouldn't have any comment about this. It's not our report, obviously. We're aware of the contents of the report and we certainly hope that all countries that receive this information will follow up on the information that they receive. Yes?
Question: Farhan, just on Turkey, when you mentioned concerns about preserving democracy there, what is the UN doing, aside from perhaps speaking from this podium. Thousands of people have been detained; has there been any official communication or anything else?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, we are certainly monitoring the situation but we will be in touch with our counterparts. We do note that the Turkish Prime Minister, as well as other representatives of the Turkish authorities, have reaffirmed the pre-eminence of the rule of law and the need to act responsibly, and we certainly hope that is what will be the watchwords as we proceed in the days ahead. We have appealed, as you know, for calm, nonviolence, and restraint on the part of all sides and we will continue to do that.
Question: Do you have anything specifically on reinstating the death penalty?
Deputy Spokesman: You're well aware of what our concerns are about the death penalty. And we have made it clear repeatedly that for countries that have abolished it, we would prefer to see that it not be reinstated. And similarly for countries who have moratoria on the death penalty, we want those moratoria to be upheld. Yes?
Question: Farhan, does it seem that conditions on the ground in Syria, also given the outbreak of violence in Aleppo, are getting more or less conducive for the resumption of talks, the intra-Syrian talks?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, Staffan de Mistura has made it clear that for the talks to be productive, you want to have a situation on the ground that allows for us to convince the people of Syria that their interests are being upheld. It's hard to convince them of that at a time when such a large city as Aleppo has so many people who are at risk from being cut off from my outside support. I mean, this is a huge amount of people, 200,000 to 300,000 people, so this is a matter of concern. At the same time, Mr. Staffan de Mistura is continuing with his efforts to see what can be done to get the talks restarted. But anything like this that happens does not help the overall atmosphere. Okay, yeah?
Question: Seeing this report that the Secretary‑General's plane had an emergency landing or in one Malawian newspaper, it was called a crash landing on its way to South Africa due to lack of fuel. Can you… what is up with that?
Deputy Spokesman: No. This is not… you know, my colleague, as you know, travels with the Secretary‑General. That is not what we have from him.
Question: Right, but did he land in Malawi? And if so did he only meet with the agricultural minister and there were no discussions with the Government? And if so why did he land there?
Deputy Spokesman: I don't have anything about any landings beyond the one in South Africa. I was informed by my colleague of when he left Kenya and when he landed in South Africa. Those were the only bits of information I got from my colleague was of those two landings. [He later said that the Secretary-General’s plane had stopped for 20 minutes in Malawi for refuelling.]
Question: Can I… I wanted to ask you, in Mali, the mission in Mali, the Netherlands is withdrawing its seven helicopters, three transport, four attack helicopters, and said that there is no provision to replace them. And given the dangers faced by the peacekeepers there, is there another country stepping in line? Has the Secretary‑General reached out to the Netherlands to ask them to stay? What is the status of that?
Deputy Spokesman: Hold on one second. One second, please. Yes, we can confirm that the Government of the Netherlands has indicated its intention to withdraw the attack and military utility helicopter units from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, MINUSMA. We are consulting with troop contributing countries to determine what options may be available. Yes?
Question: Yes, Farhan. Tony Blair is no longer the Quartet representative, but he is still in this luxury suite at the American Colony Hotel. Do you know if somebody else is going to go in there or is the UN is still paying for it or what the situation is?
Deputy Spokesman: No. We don't make any arrangements for him. He does not work for the Quartet, so we don't even have one quarter responsibility for him.
Question: Who pays for that hotel?
Deputy Spokesman: You would have to ask Mr. Blair and his foundation what the arrangements are for his own arrangements.
Question: Yes. I wanted to ask about the answer you gave at the end of your opening, but first just on Yemen, since you talked about the talks and people were saying that Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has written sort of a side letter to President [Abd Rabbuh Mansur] Hadi's side, giving certain assurances that got him to return to Kuwait. And I'm wondering, one, can you confirm that there is such a letter? And, two, will you disclose the letter or if not, three, why not?
Deputy Spokesman: No. I can't confirm that there is any such thing.
Question: Okay, well, and I wanted to ask you and thanks, I asked on Friday about that outplacement of staff, and I wish you sent it to me but now that you have read it, I want to ask you this: The Staff Union, as I'm sure you know, opposed this in writing and say that it was sort of a lack of transparency and said that the Kofi Annan thing that you are citing was done long ago and it's not really applicable anymore. And I'm reading directly from their thing. Here is what they say. They say this is from prior to Galaxy, and I won't go through the whole thing, I'm just saying there obviously was pushback to this and I'm wondering, you make it seem like it's good for the staff that work in Secretary‑General's office, but they say that this gives rise to legitimate expectations by equally hardworking staff elsewhere affected by budget cuts to be placed in more secure posts?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, two things. First of all, as I just mentioned, the decision which was a discussion made by the General Assembly in 2006 remains in force until and unless the General Assembly decides otherwise, so that is where we stand with that. It's a decision that has been in effect basically for a decade. Secondly, we have been in touch with staff representatives and we will continue to be in touch with them on their concerns. Have a good afternoon, everyone.