The Secretary-General condemned in the strongest terms the attack perpetrated by Al-Shabaab yesterday on the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu. He affirmed that this egregious attack will not deter the United Nations and international partners from their steadfast commitment to help the people and Government of Somalia realize a peaceful future for their country.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, has condemned an attack on its camp in Aguelhok, which was today targeted by mortar fire. MINUSMA peacekeepers reinforced the camp and sent out patrols to locate the area from where the shells were fired and ensure the safety of the civilian population.
The Secretary-General took note of the broadly peaceful conduct of polling in the Burundian presidential elections on 21 July and called on all parties to continue to remain calm and immediately resume an inclusive political dialogue to resolve their differences and address the challenges facing the country. He reminded Burundian authorities of their responsibility to guarantee and protect the safety and security of the civilian population and to ensure an end to further acts of violence as well as accountability for any human rights violations committed.
The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, briefing the Security Council, said the country has been living through one of the most difficult phases in its modern history. However, despite the daunting problems, hope and a vision remain for a way out of the crisis, he said.
The Secretary-General took note of the indefinite suspension of the inter-Burundian dialogue that started on 14 July. He reiterates his appeal for the resumption of a frank dialogue among all parties and urges them to avoid undermining progress achieved in building democracy.
The Secretary-General today welcomed the adoption of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015), which he said will ensure the enforcement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Secretary-General congratulates Member States on their adoption today of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the far-reaching outcome of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, as a major step forward in building a world of prosperity and dignity for all.
Stephen O’Brien, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, expressed deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen. He said millions of people are facing terrifying violence, extreme hunger and little medical aid, and renewed his call for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian pause.
The Secretary-General welcomed the historic agreement reached in Vienna today between the P5+1 and Iran on Iran’s nuclear programme. He believes the accord is a testament to the value of dialogue and will lead to greater mutual understanding and cooperation on the many serious security challenges in the Middle East.
The Secretary-General attended the opening of the Third Financing for Development Conference in Addis Ababa today, urging world leaders and ministers to agree on an outcome commensurate in ambition with the sustainable development goals and calling on them to exercise flexibility and compromise and to overcome narrow self-interest in favour of working together for the common well-being for humanity.