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.
**Peacekeeping
As you know, the Security Council will discuss peacekeeping operations this afternoon. The Secretary-General will deliver remarks and he is expected to say that UN peacekeeping is an investment in global peace, security and prosperity, and that we must adapt all peace operations to keep pace with our changing world. He will say that we have a joint responsibility to the people we serve to make sure mandates are clear and achievable, and peace operations are given the support they need. That meeting, I think, is now scheduled for 4:30 p.m., if I am not mistaken.
**Mali
In his first briefing to the Security Council as Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix this morning briefed on Mali. He said that there had been progress in the implementation of the peace agreement, including with the establishment of interim authorities in a number of cities. However, he noted that there remain important delays and that the gains are fragile. The security situation is also of concern and terrorist attacks are continuing.
Mr. Lacroix stressed the need to encourage the parties to accelerate the implementation of the peace agreement. He also noted the need to address the scourge of transnational organized crime and its impact on peace efforts. On this issue, the Security Council has already expressed its intention to consider targeted sanctions against spoilers, and Mr. Lacroix said it is time to consider establishing such a sanctions regime. Finally, he reiterated that the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) continues to adjust its priorities and posture in order to provide the best possible support.
**Syria
At the conclusion of yesterday’s Brussels Conference, you will have seen that 41 donors pledged a combined $6 billion for 2017 in immediate and longer-term support for Syria and the region, and $3.7 billion for 2018 and beyond. The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien, said the conference was “a momentous opportunity for much of the world to come together to commit more support and solidarity for Syrians and those affected [across] the region”.
Meanwhile, today, Senior Adviser Jan Egeland held a meeting of the Humanitarian Task Force in Geneva, saying that there are still nearly 5 million people that are in so-called hard-to-reach and besieged areas which, he said, is actually a euphemism for civilians that are suffering alone. And UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund] says that at least 27 children were confirmed killed in the attack in Idlib, northwest of Syria. A further 546 people, among them children, have been injured. Casualty figures are expected to rise.
**Iraq
From Iraq, our humanitarian colleagues report that as fighting continues in west Mosul, humanitarian partners continue to respond to rising casualties and displacement, as well as providing assistance to families in newly accessible areas, where conditions allow. Some 1,500 trauma cases have been received at stabilization points near the west Mosul front lines since the offensive on western neighbourhoods resumed in late February; more than 6,000 trauma cases have been referred to hospitals in Mosul’s surrounding areas since the start of the Mosul operations in late October.
Rapid expansion and construction work at camps and emergency sites has continued to accommodate rapidly rising displacement. Currently more than 5,000 fully serviced plots of land — which provide space for more than 32,000 people — are available for immediate occupancy. Emergency assistance packages have been distributed to cover the immediate needs of 1.8 million people, with many families requiring such emergency packages more than once.
**UNRWA
In a report presented today, the Secretary-General urges all Member States to actively support and make the funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency [for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] (UNRWA) "sustainable, predictable and sufficient". The report says that Member States widely value the indispensable role that UNRWA plays in the provision of essential services to Palestine refugees and the impact it has had in the context of the unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict. The Secretary-General notes in the report that recurring financial crises threaten to disrupt service provision to as many as 5.3 million Palestine refugees. Mr. Krähenbühl, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, says that the importance of the report lies both in its renewed focus on the plight of Palestine refugees and in the determination to improve the resourcing of UNRWA's vital services. More in a press release available from UNRWA.
**Energy
Global renewable energy capacity has reached record levels in 2016, according to new UN-backed research released today. This surge happened in spite of a drop of 23 per cent in investment in clean technology, whose costs continue to fall. The proportion of electricity coming from renewables, excluding large hydro, rose from 10.3 per cent to 11.3 per cent. This prevented the emission of an estimated 1.7 gigatons of carbon dioxide.
**Food Prices
Our colleagues at the FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization, have released their monthly Food Price Index. It tells us that in March, we saw a decline of the Food Price Index, as sugar and vegetable oils prices slide. The FAO also released its first world cereal supply and demand outlook for the year, expecting it to be "another season of relative market tranquillity" with grain inventories remaining at near-record levels.
**Small Business
Recognizing the crucial role of small businesses in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the General Assembly today adopted a resolution designating 27 June as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. The resolution was spearheaded by Argentina with support from the International Council for Small Business, and co-sponsored by over 45 Member States.
**Refugees
On a cheery note: I also want to let you know that American actress Kristin Davis, whom you, Michele, may remember from Sex and the City, among other roles, has been appointed today as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR [Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Okay. Let's try to…
**Questions and Answers
Correspondent: Which one was she?
Spokesman: What?
Correspondent: Samantha.
Spokesman: No, she wasn't Samantha.
Correspondent: She married the bald…
Correspondent: Oh, Charlotte.
Spokesman: Charlotte. She was Charlotte.
Correspondent: [Inaudible].
Spokesman: You know, “what isn't part of the press briefing” is my question. Michelle, then Masood-ji.
Question: Thank you, Steph. On a serious note, do you have any update for us on South Sudan and Pajok and what's been happening there? Have the peacekeepers been allowed in?
Spokesman: No, I do not have anything since we've updated you. We have asked the Mission for an update, but we haven't received anything. Masood?
Question: Yes, sir. Can you tell us how… this investigation at the United Nations is going to hold an investigation into this attack on Idlib and how extensive is this investigation going to be, if it is… if at all is going to be?
Spokesman: As you know, the… and I think as… it was done in the Security Council yesterday by the head of the… by Mr. Kim Won-soo. The OPCW [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons] monitoring group is trying to analyse what has happened. We're obviously waiting to see what comes out in terms of the Security Council in the next few days and what is said in the resolution in terms of an investigation. But, it is clear that there needs to be accountability, and we need to get the facts about what exactly happened in this horrendous attack.
Question: So… so what you're saying is that the investigation cannot be held unless the Security Council asks for it?
Spokesman: There is an OPCW monitoring group, which is at work, which is already… which, from the information we've received from them, is already trying to move forward on gathering information. As far as international UN-mandated investigations, they do need a mandate. Nizar?
Question: The Syrian mission said that they have sent 90 letters to the Secretary‑General and the Security Council detailing operations of smuggling of chemical weapons into Syria through Turkey. Why these letters have not been acted upon?
Spokesman: You know, let… most of the… and I haven't seen those particular letters. Often letters from Member States are, as requested, distributed to the Security Council. Obviously, the facts will need to be made clear in this attack so that the civilians who suffered in this horrendous attack can get some justice.
Question: Does the Secretary‑General think that these… they deserve some consideration by the Security Council?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General feels that there needs to be accountability for this attack. Mr. Avni?
Question: On another topic, there's a story in one of the news agencies that the Security Council will visit President [Donald] Trump in the next few days. Will that be an opportunity for the Secretary‑General to seek an audience with his Trumpness?
Spokesman: Benny, as you know, the Secretary‑General is not a member of the Security Council, so whatever the Security Council does is separate from the Secretary‑General. As we said, when we have… we have a meeting to announce with the US President, we shall announce it forthwith, forthright.
Question: Has the SG [Secretary-General] tried to receive an audience and so far failed? Is that fair to say?
Spokesman: As… I will leave the analysis to you. I will try to stick to the facts as I know them.
Question: The facts that he tried…?
Spokesman: The fact is that we have obviously been in contact with US authorities, and when we have something to announce, we shall announce it. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask you, the… the pre… in Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi has said, has basically rejected the findings, the term "ethnic cleansing", says it hasn't occurred, seems to be indicating that the… the… the UN team could not access the area but that Kofi Annan, as an individual, could. I'm wondering, what does the Secretariat think of it? Has the Secretary‑General thought, given the standoff over this of actually… has he spoken since he's been Secretary‑General to Aung San Suu Kyi? And is he concerned about the… the… the… the… the… the growing distance between what she says and what the UN's own experts have found?
Spokesman: I believe they… if memory serves me right, they spoke fairly early on in his term. I think he has expressed his concern at the situation in Rakhine State, especially… and also the situation having to do with the Rohingyas, both in Rakhine State and the ones who are being hosted generously in Bangladesh. I think we've seen the reports that have come out of discussions with them from various UN mechanisms. We've also gone… led by the Humanitarian Coordinator, gone into Rakhine State and reported fairly transparently on what we've seen, and it's clear that the situation there remains of great concern to us.
Question: And can I ask you, also on accountability, the… the Sri Lankan Government, after all this time and resolutions in Geneva and commitments made to the previous Secretary‑General, has said it is not and will not agree to any war‑crimes probe. It may look at individuals, but that's basically… what was said about accountability is no longer the case.
Spokesman: I think there is ongoing process between Sri Lanka and our human rights colleagues, and I will leave it at that. Nabil?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Can you please remind us about the previous investigations on chemical attacks in Syria? Did the investigation team ask or request full access to air bases, to officers' names? And how did Syrian Government respond to that…?
Spokesman: That… the… you know, the various teams that were led, I think, if I'm not mistaken, by Virginia Gamba and others before that, is… any investigation team tried to get as much information as they could. And they reported back to the Council on what they found, and I think it's there for everyone, for you, for the international community to see.
Question: And may I follow up? Do you think that this information should be part of the investigation? Names, air bases…
Spokesman: I think any investigation, first of all, as I would say, there's been… at this point, there's been no mandate for the UN Secretariat to conduct an investigation. But, I would say, as a matter of principle, any investigation into what… into horrendous crimes needs to have as much information as possible in order for justice to be served. Yes?
Question: Thank you. There are reports that President Trump is seriously considering a US military action in Syria. Do you have any comment on that?
Spokesman: No, I'm not going to call… comment on speculative reports that come out. Our focus is obviously on finding a political way out of the current situation.
Correspondent: It doesn't seem to be speculation. He has… he's reported to have informed the Congress members that he is going to…
Spokesman: No, I saw what he has been reported as saying. As I said, we would comment on things once and if… once they happen. Masood-ji and then Richard.
Question: Yeah. Follow‑up on this question about Aung San Suu Kyi. She's a… this is not the first time that she has differed from the United Nations report that there's some sort of a, I mean, action going on in Rakhine State, not necessarily before she took power, but even much before she took power, that been going on. And the United Nations has been reporting on it. Why is she making such a big difference between what the UN report is saying what she believes is not true.
Spokesman: I think that's a question you should ask her. I can't speak… you know, I speak for one person, or at least I try. I'm not going to speak for any Member State. We are and continue to remain very concerned about the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. I know the Human Rights Council is trying to send an investigative… a fact‑finding mission. We hope the Government cooperates with that, and we continue to call on the Government to allow for full humanitarian access in Rakhine State.
Question: So… I'm sorry. So, that, briefly, am I to understand that United Nations will try and explain to her what is the situation, what was the…?
Spokesman: I think it's… we are trying to improve the situation in Rakhine State. Mr. Roth?
Question: Oh, I was just being briefed by a de facto spokeswoman. My question was asked earlier, he said pausing, but what would the sec… I know it's hypothetical, but does the Secretary‑General view any military action in a nation like Syria by any nation or new nation to combat would be detrimental to an overall political solution or something that might change the dynamic and punish those responsible for chemical…?
Spokesman: Again, we're talking about speculation. Our focus has always been on finding a peaceful political way out of the crisis. We have seen military action against, as part of an anti… as an effort to combat terrorism in Syria. The position of the Organization has always been to ensure that civilians are protected and that international law, international humanitarian law is followed. We will not… I told your colleague, I'm not going to start pontificating on things that may or may not happen, and once things happen, then we will express our opinion. Mr. Lee and then Nizar.
Question: Sure. One… this is… I guess this is an investigations question. It was said when the Somali refugees were sunken and killed on a boat off the coast of Yemen that there would be some kind of an inquiry. Does the UN have any more idea now on who actually…
Spokesman: You may want to check… you may want to turn off your mic. Thank you, Tom… nope. Tom's checking? All right. You may want to… Sorry?
Correspondent: [Inaudible].
Spokesman: Feels like Friday. That's what it feels like. You should check with UNHCR. Sorry. Nizar and then Evelyn.
Question: The 1996 attack on Qana, UN camp, compound, it was investigated, and there were reports and everything, judgment. However, responsibility has not been placed on… yet or accountability has not been implemented on anyone. Does the United Nations still pursue to do justice to the victims?
Spokesman: We seek to do justice [for] all victims. Evelyn?
Question: On the renewable energy you spoke of, where is that to be found? Is that a statement… nothing's been on the e-mail…
Spokesman: I think it's from our colleagues at DESA [Department of Economic and Social Affairs], but I will check.
Question: Because it's not… and, secondly, when are you releasing the SG's speech on peacekeeping?
Spokesman: We'll see if we can get you advanced copies. Mr. Lee? Oh, sorry. Yes, Evelyn?
Question: You're right. And now the USG [Under-Secretary-General] for peacekeeping talked about… well, recommended sanctions on spoilers. The Russia's deputy ambassador said no. So, what happens now? Nothing?
Spokesman: Well, obviously, the issue of sanctions is firmly in the hands of the Security Council. I think the Secretary‑General, through Mr. Lacroix, has made his own position known. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. I want to ask about the voluntary public disclosure… financial disclosure system under the current Secretary‑General. In looking at the ones that have been filed for the year of 2016, there are several officials that are not listed, even on the list. And I wanted to, I guess, get you to confirm that this means that they've declined to make any financial disclosure. One of them is Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who we've asked a numbers of times. Another is Mr. [Jean-Pauil] Laborde of the counter‑terrorism…
Spokesman: I will check the list for myself.
Question: And I guess I wanted to ask you one thing. I've looked… the Secretary‑General did file, much to his credit, but in comparing his 2016 filing to his filing for 2013 when he filed as head of UNHCR, he, for example, now lists as income from non‑UN sources lifetime entitlement as foreign… as former Prime Minister of Portugal and a number of other things which were not listed in 2013. And I wanted to know, did the rules change or did his… did his… did the level of his commitment to disclosure change? What explains the failure to disclose the things that are in the current form than the past forms…?
Spokesman: The issue of disclosing is one that is primarily to the outside firm that handles it, and then staff members can choose whether to make public or private. So, I would just focus…
Question: Sure. But did, the rules change between…?
Spokesman: I think we can both check if the rules have changed. Thank you.