Noon Briefings

The United Nations fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict, released its findings today in New York.

Sergio Duarte, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, read out a statement on the Secretary-General’s behalf at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference meeting in Vienna today.

The Secretary-General condemns the firing of at least two rockets against Israel from southern Lebanon on 11 September.

Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Patricia O’Brien delivered a message on the Secretary-General’s behalf to the Consultative Conference on International Criminal Justice.

The Secretary-General has noted with deep concern the recent decision of the Government of Israel to approve further construction in settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The Secretary-General strongly regrets the decision of the Sri Lankan Government to expel Mr. James Elder, Spokesman for UNICEF in Sri Lanka.

Today, as the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala marks its second anniversary, the Secretary-General reaffirms his strong support and appreciation for CICIG’s ground-breaking efforts to help strengthen the justice sector and rule of law in Guatemala.

The Secretary-General takes note of the preliminary results of the 30 August presidential elections announced by the electoral authorities of Gabon, and expresses concern over reports of disturbances in some regions of the country.

The Secretary-General has wrapped up his visit to Norway after ending a boat trip this morning that took him to the polar ice of the Arctic Circle yesterday, where he stood on the ice and urged world leaders to take action against climate change.

The Secretary-General today is on his way to visit the polar ice rim, while onboard a Norwegian boat, the Svalbard. Earlier, the he and Mrs. Ban visited a Norwegian Zeppelin Station, a research centre where the air in the Arctic region is being monitored, in part to determine the effect of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.