The Secretary-General has appointed his two Deputy Special Representatives in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). They are Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal and David Gressly of the United States of America.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General wrapped up his visit to Denmark today. Yesterday, while in Copenhagen, he inaugurated UN City with Queen Margrethe II. The Secretary-General said UN City is an example of how modern, energy-efficient offices can play their part in building the future we want.
The Secretary-General is following with grave concern the situation in Homs, where heavy fighting is raging and an estimated 2,500 civilians remain trapped. He calls on the warring sides to avoid civilian casualties and allow immediate humanitarian access, and to let the civilians leave without fear of persecution.
This morning in Bamako, a ceremony marked the official start of the UN peacekeeping operations in Mali, with the transfer of authority from the African-led International Support Mission, AFISMA, to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission, MINUSMA. Under-Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous attended.
The Secretary-General, stressing the right of people to demonstrate peacefully, encouraged Egyptians to remain committed to the universal principles of non-violence and dialogue. He also called upon the international community to support the country’s efforts towards democratic processes and an inclusive environment.
The Secretary-General will depart New York for Geneva on Sunday, where he will participate in the opening of the high-level segment of the annual meeting of the Economic and Social Council on Monday. The same day, he will travel to Reykjavik, Iceland, and on Wednesday, 3 July, he will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he will inaugurate the UN-City, which gathers UN organizations under one roof.
The Secretary-General spoke this morning at a special event on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, calling on Governments, the media and civil society to do everything possible to raise awareness of the harm caused by illicit drugs.
Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, condemned in the strongest terms the killing and injuring of dozens of Turkmen protesters who were calling for more protection, including two prominent Turkmen. He said that such attacks aim to heighten tensions and urged Iraqi leaders to ensure that communities are protected.
The Secretary-General spoke this morning at a Security Council open debate on women and peace and security, saying that the UN system is committed to “Delivering as One” to end the culture of impunity that prevails regarding sexual violence.
A new session of the tripartite talks on Syria involving the Russian Federation, the United States and the United Nations will take place next week in Geneva on 25 June. The United Nations delegation will be headed by the Joint Special Representative for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi.