The UN chemical weapons team was to continue its investigation at a different site today, but following yesterday's attack on the convoy, an assessment determined that the visit should be postponed by one day in order to improve preparedness and safety. Confirmation of access is expected later today.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
A vehicle of the chemical weapons investigation team in Syria was deliberately shot at by unidentified snipers this morning. The team later returned to work in the area and visited two hospitals, where they interviewed witnesses, survivors and doctors, and collected some samples.
With the Syrian crisis into its third year, the number of Syrian children forced to flee their country as refugees has now reached 1 million, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN refugee agency announced today. They said that children make up half of all refugees from the conflict. UNICEF estimates that more than 2 million have been internally displaced within Syria.
The Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by the reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria and says those incidents should be investigated without delay. He has been in touch with world leaders on the matter and he calls for the United Nations mission in Damascus to be granted permission and access to investigate.
The Secretary-General is shocked to hear the reports of the alleged use today of chemical weapons in the suburbs of Damascus. He reaffirms his determination to ensure a thorough investigation of the reported alleged incidents that are brought to his attention by Member States. He reiterates that any use of chemical weapons would violate international law.
Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, told the Security Council today that, despite an ever-challenging regional environment, there has been a small but important opening with direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians — an opening neither side can afford to lose.
Before the Secretary-General wrapped up his Middle East visit today, he met the Israeli President, Shimon Peres, and held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Justice and Defence Ministers, and the Leader of the Opposition. As in Ramallah yesterday, the main focus has been on the Middle East peace process.
With a focus on the Middle East peace process, the Secretary-General met with the Jordanian Foreign Minister today in Amman, and then flew to Aqaba to meet with King Abdullah. He is also meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. He meets with Israeli leaders today and tomorrow in Jerusalem.
The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the deadly violence today in Cairo that occurred when Egyptian security services used force against demonstrators. He regrets the authorities’ response, and in the aftermath of the violence, urges all Egyptians to promote genuinely inclusive reconciliation.
Having arrived in Islamabad overnight, the Secretary-General has been meeting with Pakistani leaders. He also inaugurated the Centre for International Peace and Stability, at which he praised Pakistan's leading role in peacekeeping operations, and he participated in a college event to promote girls’ education.