In progress at UNHQ

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative today called on the anti-balaka militia to lay down their arms and on the ex-Séléka to stand ready to enter the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. He said that the support that the international community is trying to mobilize for the country will be in vain if the parties do not act responsibly for the long-term stability of the country.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General condemns the mortar attack on an electoral rally in southern Syria that reportedly killed at least 21 people today. He deeply regrets the inability of the international community to unite in stopping this conflict, and in finding ways to hold accountable perpetrators of atrocities such as today's attack.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General, speaking at the closing plenary session of the Global Summit in Support of the “Every woman, every child” initiative, said that improving the health and well-being of women and children is an issue close to his heart. He said that 289,000 women die each year while giving life, while an estimated 18,000 children die each day, mostly from preventable causes.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General welcomes the 2 June announcement of the formation of a Palestinian Government of national consensus headed by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. He notes renewed assurances by President Mahmoud Abbas that the Government will continue to abide by the commitments of recognition of Israel, non-violence and adherence to previous agreements.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General has asked his Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, to represent him at the inauguration of President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine, which will take place this Saturday in Kyiv. While in Kyiv, Mr. Feltman is also expected to hold meetings with senior Government officials and others in the spirit of the Secretary-General’s good offices.