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PRESS BRIEFING
29 JUNE 2001
(Near Verbatim)
MR. PATRICK COKER- ACTING SPOKESMAN AND
MAJOR MOHAMMED YERIMA- MILITARY SPOKESMAN
SECURITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDS SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR SECOND TERM
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, 27 June, unanimously recommended Kofi Annan, a native of Ghana who five years ago became the first UN staff member to serve as Secretary-General, to a second term at the Organization's helm. In making the announcement, the Council President Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury of Bangladesh, said the decision was taken "by acclamation, with the support of all members of the Council."
Calling the decision "momentous," Ambassador Chowdhury said the Council's action had been unprecedented. "The Council, as a gesture of its recognition of the very excellent work that Secretary-General Kofi Annan has done, has decided months ahead to recommend him for a second term." Past decisions by the Council on the appointment of the Secretary-General were taken much later in the year.
The Council President said he would convey the decision to the General Assembly, which is expected to act on this recommendation today. Mr. Chowdhury also described Mr. Annan's reaction upon hearing the news of the Council's decision, saying, "he's elated and he's very happy that the Council has joined in this unanimous action by acclamation."
For his part, the Secretary-General told a news conference on Wednesday afternoon that he was "deeply honoured" by the Security Council vote. "I'm grateful for the trust and support they have given me," he said.
Mr. Annan's priorities as Secretary-General have been to revitalize the UN through a comprehensive programme of reform and to strengthen the Organization's activities in the traditional areas of development, the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of human rights. He also worked to advocate the rule of law and the universal values of equality, tolerance and human dignity found in the UN Charter; and to restore public confidence in the Organization by reaching out to new partners and, in his words, by "bringing the United Nations closer to the people."
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT ON HIV/AIDS
Culminating an historic three-day special session on HIV/AIDS, the General Assembly on Wednesday, 27 June, adopted a comprehensive Declaration of Commitment containing specific timetables and setting out a blueprint for mobilizing a greatly accelerated response to the pandemic.
The 16-page Declaration, entitled "Global Crisis - Global Action," addresses a wide range of issues: leadership; prevention; care, support and treatment; HIV/AIDS and human rights; reducing vulnerability; children; alleviating the disease's social and economic impact; research and development; HIV/AIDS in conflict and disaster-affected regions; resources, and follow-up.
"The HIV/AIDS challenge cannot be met without new, additional and sustained resources," states the Declaration. It calls for reaching, by 2005, the overall target of $7-$10 billion annual expenditure on the epidemic in low and middle-income countries and those experiencing or at risk of rapid expansion. The text also supports the establishment of a Global HIV/AIDS and Health Fund "to finance an urgent and expanded response to the epidemic based on an integrated approach to prevention, care, support and treatment."
The Declaration calls for the adoption of national strategies and financing plans for fighting HIV/AIDS by 2003. Also by that date, HIV/AIDS priorities should be integrated into the mainstream of development planning. Prevention "must be the mainstay of our response," the Declaration states. It calls for the establishment of national goals for reducing HIV prevalence rate among people aged 15-24 by 25 per cent by 2005. Prevention targets should be in place by 2003, as should universal precautions in health-care settings to prevent HIV transmission.
The Assembly also pledges to ensure, by 2005, "that a wide range of prevention programmes which take account of local circumstances, ethics and cultural values, is available in all countries, particularly the most affected countries." Those should include education encouraging responsible sexual behaviour, including abstinence and fidelity, as well as expanded access to essential commodities, including condoms and sterile injecting equipment.
By 2005, at least 90 per cent of all young men and women aged 15-24 should have access to education and services necessary to develop "the life skills required to reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection." Also by mid-decade, the HIV prevalence rate among infants should be reduced by 20 per cent. In addition, the Declaration calls for strengthening health care systems and addressing the affordability of HIV-related drugs, including antiretrovirals, by 2003.
Concerning human rights, the text calls for legislation to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and members of vulnerable groups by 2003, and outlines a number of measures geared towards the empowerment of women.
On vulnerable groups, the text calls for national strategies, by 2003, to help those at greatest risk to new infection, "as indicated by such factors as the local history of the epidemic, poverty, sexual practices, drug using behaviour, livelihood, institutional location, disrupted social structures and population movements."
In its section on children orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS, the Declaration sets out a series of measures to help them, including counselling, school enrolment, access to food, shelter and social services, and protection from abuse.
The socio-economic impact of AIDS should be addressed, according to the Declaration, through the implementation of national poverty eradication plans which deal with the impact of the pandemic on livelihoods, families and communities.
"With no cure for HIV/AIDS yet found, further research and development is crucial," the Declaration states, calling for increased investment in the search for a vaccine. It also advocates stepped-up research to improve prevention and treatment.
Noting that conflict and disaster contribute to the spread of the pandemic, the Declaration calls for AIDS programmes for people destabilized by armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.
On follow-up, the text calls for national periodic reviews of progress towards achieving the commitments set out in the Declaration. It also requires the Assembly to consider such progress for at least one full day during its annual sessions.
"We recognize and express our appreciation to those who have led the effort to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to deal with its complex challenges," states the Declaration. "We look forward to strong leadership by Governments, and concerted efforts with full and active participation of the United Nations, the entire multilateral system, civil society, the business community and private sector."
SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS SIERRA LEONE ON PATH TO PEACE; SRSG ADDRESSES SECURITY COUNCIL
The peace process in Sierra Leone had witnessed remarkable changes in magnitude and patterns of development in recent months, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji told the UN Security Council yesterday, 28 June. UNAMSIL had continued to work closely with the Government of Sierra Lone and had solidified its contacts with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) since March, the SRSG said, including delicate discussions on the Kambia district. That progress, he stated, had led to a follow-up to the Abuja Ceasefire Agreement to discuss the practical resumption of the DDR process.
Ambassador Adeniji appealed to the international community to step up its support to the DDR process. The SRSG was briefing Security Council members following the release of the 10th Report of the Secretary-General on Sierra Leone, on 27 June, in which the UN chief noted that the positive developments in Sierra Leone over the past eight weeks constitute grounds for "cautious optimism" that the country is on the path towards long-awaited peace.
In his latest report to the Security Council on the work of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), the Secretary-General calls upon the leadership of the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF), as well as the Freetown Government, to continue to work resolutely towards peace.
The report notes, however, that considerable efforts need to be made to maintain the recently achieved momentum. "In particular, the United Nations must remain vigilant and continue its efforts to establish security throughout the country," he writes.
In that context, Mr. Annan warns that, following UNAMSIL deployment in diamond-producing regions, the establishment of State authority in those areas will be a particular challenge. "I urge the Government to give this issue its full attention in order to avoid the serious consequences that could result from a possible surge in uncontrolled diamond mining," he writes.
Stressing the importance of the country's disarmament programme to the overall peace process, including the creation of conditions conducive for elections, the report urges Sierra Leonean authorities and international partners to move demobilization activities forward, and calls on donors to contribute funds to those efforts. It warns that, once certain areas are opened up as a result of the disarmament process, it will be crucial for the Freetown Government to extend its administration throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the security situation in the subregion remains "difficult," the Secretary-General says, urging again for the countries of the Mano River Union to start a political dialogue to restore stability to the area, which would allow the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people and refugees to "return to their places of origin and resume their lives in peace."
In terms of law and order, the report, which covers the period since mid-March 2001, states that UNAMSIL could play an enhanced role in providing training and advice to Sierra Leonean law enforcement officials. To that end, the Secretary-General intends to bring the civilian police component of the UN mission to its authorized strength of 60 police advisers.
DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL DECORATES UKRAINIAN CONTINGENT AT HASTINGS
The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) yesterday presented medals to more than 600 members of the Ukrainian Aviation and Transport and Maintenance units.
At a colourful ceremony held in Hastings, outside the capital Freetown, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Operations and Management, Mr. Behrooz Sadry, decorated 628 Ukrainian peacekeepers. Also attending the presentation ceremony were the First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Guinea, Mr. Sorokin, the Commanding Officer of the Ukrainian Battalion, Col. Serdyuk, and the Commanding Officer of the Russian Aviation Unit, Lt. Col. Tkatehenko.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Sorokin said that Ukraine had been involved in several United Nations peacekeeping missions including Kosovo, Lebanon, East Timor and Angola. He said Ukraine was determined to play a role in bringing lasting and sustainable peace to Sierra Leone.
In his address after the medal presentation, DSRSG Sadry congratulated the members of the Ukrainian contingent for performing their duties with commitment and dedication. He praised them for providing logistics to other contingents that could not afford it themselves.
After the ceremony, Mr. Sadry inspected the Ukrainian equipment on display, which included small arms, vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, mobile workshops and helicopter gunships.
The UN medals are awarded to military personnel who complete 90 days in the mission without committing an offence.
DSRSG DOSS VISITS KOIDU AND KAILAHUN
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Governance and Stabilization, Mr. Alan Doss, led a multidisciplinary team to conduct a first assessment of the humanitarian needs in Koidu and Kailahun. The team was composed of representatives of the National Commission for Reintegration, Reconstruction and Resettlement, OCHA, UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF, WFP and UNAMSIL officials. The team witnessed the massive destruction of the towns and the lack of basic infrastructure, but also observed some signs of recovery such as the increase in agricultural activities, travel and market goods. Health and education services were virtually non-functioning. The team also visited the DDR campsite in Yengema and noted some progress in its preparation. The camp manager indicated that the camp would open as planned on 1 July.
The DSRSG also met with RUF representatives in Koidu and Kailahun, whom he encouraged to prepare for and support the disarmament process in the districts, starting in Kono in July. He also stressed the need to start planning for recovery and the restoration of state authority in the two districts, including the provision of basic social services as well as the return of civilian police once disarmament was over. In both locations, the RUF representatives reiterated their commitment to the peace process and their willingness to work toward the resumption of state services. They also pointed out recent alleged skirmishes with the CDF as threats to the peace process and were assured that such incidents were being investigated.
FORUM ON REVITALIZATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A two-day regional consultative forum on the need for revitalization of local government, elections and greater citizens' participation in nation building as elements for peace-building and development in Sierra Leone, organized by the Peace and Development Initiative of the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UNDP, began in Bo on 25 June. Speakers at the opening ceremony included the Provincial Secretary and representatives of UNDP and UNAMSIL Civil Affairs Section. Participants were drawn from a cross-section of civil society, including traditional leaders, women and displaced groups, as well as representatives of the business and academic community in the province. Recommendations from all the regional forums are expected to be considered at a national forum on the same theme in Freetown from 5-6 July.
UNAMSIL AND GOVERNMENT AGREE ON SECURITY PROCEDURES NEAR STATE HOUSE
Following reports of misunderstandings regarding security procedures along the road leading to the State House, the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) yesterday, 28 June, agreed to mount a "No Thoroughfare" signpost along the route as an interim arrangement to forestall any confrontation between commuters and the security agents at the checkpoints.
The decision was made at a meeting held yesterday at the State House between the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Operations and Management, Mr. Behrooz Sadry, and the National Security Adviser to the President, Brig. (rtd) Kellie Conteh. UNAMSIL's Sector II Commander, Brig. Gen. J. Kasaon, and the Commanding Officer of Nigerian Battalion 6, Lt. Col. D.D. Enetie, also attended the meeting.
An assessment done during the meeting revealed that some commuters use the State House access road to avoid heavy traffic, despite the existence of a standing regulation preventing the use of the route as a thoroughfare for security reasons. Both the Government and UNAMSIL agreed that access would be allowed into the State House only after proper identification.
It was also noted that UNAMSIL peacekeepers and the Sierra Leone Police have been working in close collaboration according to laid-down directives to ensure the security of the State House. These duties have been performed with diligence and self-control.
UNAMSIL'S SECTOR 2 HEADQUARTERS DONATES HUMANITARIAN ITEMS
The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) peacekeepers from the Sector 2 Headquarters donated humanitarian food items to Portee Primary School in the town of Kissy, outside Freetown, on Wednesday, 27 June. The food items included rice, corn flour, curry powder and wheat flour.
Addressing people at a function held at the school ground, the Sector 2 Commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph Kassaon, said that the donations were in line with the African culture of sharing what one had with those in need. He expressed his hope that they would provide relief and assist in fostering education, which is an important element in preparing and producing good citizens of the country who would play important roles in reconstructing the war-shattered country to enhance development.
Brig. Gen. Joseph Kassaon also intimated that there was a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) camp in Freetown at No. 34 Spur Road for combatants to disarm. He urged the Kissy community to encourage combatants in their midst to join the DDR process.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients of the donations, Mr. Zainabu Kamara, one of the councilors for the area, thanked the peacekeepers for the donations and acknowledged the sacrifice made by members of Sector 2 and UNAMSIL to restore peace in Sierra Leone.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: You did not mention anything regarding progress in the disarmament programme. Will you agree with me that the momentum seems to be slowing down? Why?
A: UNAMSIL has a concept of operations and we have a strategy. Within this context, UNAMSIL is progressing according to its plan. We do not have any slowed momentum; we have phased activity. The disarmament process will take place next in Bonthe and Kono.
In addition to that, construction of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration camps (DDR) are ongoing in Yengema. The first phase of construction finishes on 1 July and UNAMSIL will start the disarmament during the first week of July.
Q: I gather that the Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Opande, has departed Freetown for New York to brief the UN Security Council. Could you throw light on that matter?
A: The Force Commander accompanied the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji, to United Nations Headquarters in New York to brief the members of the Security Council on the progress made so far in the Sierra Leone.
Q: A follow-up to that question. I heard during the UN morning news, the Secretary-General of the United Nations expressing "cautious optimism". Could you comment on that?
A: The benefits of hindsight will prevail here that there must be cautious optimism in the DDR process. You will agree with me that before the May incidents, everybody was confident about the DDR process. Then something happened. So that cautious optimism is to inform everybody involved in the peace process that indeed we are making progress; but at the same time we should always be on our guard. UNAMSIL will use this opportunity to call on all parties to the conflict to refrain from doing anything that could disrupt the peace process. Indeed, Sierra Leoneans are pleased with the progress made so far.
Q: How true is it that one DDR officer in Daru has been hospitalized after a serious beating by ex-combatants?
A: A small misunderstanding occurred in a DDR camp in Daru. Some ex-combatants were stealing some mattresses and were caught during the robbery. This resulted in a fight, during which a peacekeeper was injured. The issue has been handled through the proper channels.
Q: There was a press release and allegations regarding an incident involving Ms. Elizabeth Lavali, Acting Speaker of Parliament, who was, according to her, assaulted by a peacekeeper. Comments please.
A: I would rather say she assaulted a peacekeeper. We have the evidence and the peacekeeper can be presented to the members of the press. Ms Lavali and her daughter manhandled the peacekeeper, which is against the regulations. If you can recall, some time ago a member of parliament manhandled a police officer and he was asked to apologize for this incident.
Gentlemen of the press, this is the peacekeeper that was manhandled by Ms Lavali. Ms Lavali's daughter used her shoe to hit the peacekeeper. As you can see for yourself, his uniform was torn. A complaint was put before the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Behrooz Sadry, that led to an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. Mr. Sadry went there accompanied by the Sector Commander, other UNAMSIL senior officials and members of the state security apparatus. In the interests of the security of the State, and following the Government's request, it was decided a no thoroughfare signpost should be erected immediately at the entrance of the road, and that a policeman would check and identify people entering the State House. UNAMSIL peacekeepers will only give them a back-up. This was a very unfortunate incident, but the issue has been resolved amicably.
Q: What steps is UNAMSIL taking to prevent any further reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents?
A: During the assessment of the situation on the ground, the Commanding Officer of NIBATT-6 did inform us that he had passed instructions to all his troops to remain calm and not to respond to any kind of harassment. Indeed, to a large extent that explains why there was no response from troops on the ground when the soldier was assaulted. Based on that, all peacekeepers have been informed to show restraint while performing their duties. UNAMSIL uses this opportunity to call on all law-abiding citizens to please show restraint when dealing with peacekeepers.
Peacekeepers have directives coming from higher authorities; they are only implementing directives given to them by the political leaders. All necessary complaints should be forwarded through the appropriate channels.
Q. Most of the time when these type of incidents occur, Nigerian peacekeepers are involved. Why?
A: This gives me an opportunity to address an issue arising in the media. Nigeria should not be a scapegoat. Nigerian soldiers in Sierra Leone are peacekeepers and part of UNAMSIL. Nigerian peacekeepers represent the international community of which Sierra Leone is a member. So we entreat the public to downplay the country issue and look at the average peacekeeper as part of an international body. In addition, note that NIBATT 6 area of responsibility is Freetown. NIBATT 6 is a Nigerian Battalion; and the incident took place in State House, Freetown that is manned by Nigerian peacekeepers.
*********** For additional information, contact UNAMSIL Public Information Office: UNAMSIL Headquarters, Mammy Yoko, P. O. Box 5, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Tel: 232-22-273-183/4/5 Fax: 232-22-273-189
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