Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Good afternoon. I warn you, we have a lot of words today.
**Canada
The Secretary-General of these United Nations today met with the Governor-General of Canada in Ottawa. They discussed humanitarian issues, the sustainable development goals and climate change. He then travelled by road to Montreal, and as we speak, he is meeting with the Mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre and is expected to speak to the press shortly afterwards. We will of course share that transcript with you. The Secretary-General will also address students at McGill University and he will meet with the Secretary-General and the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), which as you know is headquartered in Montreal. Later today, he will meet with the Prime Minister of Quebec, Philippe Couillard. We will put out a readout later as well.
**Syria
Last night in Munich, the members of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) decided that humanitarian access will commence this week to besieged areas, and an ISSG Task Force will within one week elaborate the modalities for a nationwide cessation of hostilities. The full statement was shared with you last night. In accordance with the decision taken by the International Support Group, the UN hosted today in Geneva the first meeting of the Task Force on Humanitarian Access in Syria. The meeting was chaired by Jan Egeland, Senior Adviser to the Special Envoy for Syria.
The purpose of this initial meeting was to agree on how the Task Force and its members can ensure that immediate access is granted to civilian population in besieged and hard to reach areas in line with the agreement reached in Munich. Mr. Egeland said that requests have already been submitted for access to the parties surrounding besieged areas. He obviously expects to get access without delay. Of course, the Secretary-General very much appreciates the work done by the ISSG in Munich and the momentum it has sustained in resolving the situation in Syria.
And in a statement issued earlier today, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O’Brien, welcomed last night’s agreement and urged the parties to the conflict to ensure full, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access, including to besieged and hard-to-reach areas. His full statement has been released.
**Mali
I also have a statement on the situation in Mali. The Secretary-General condemns the complex attack perpetrated against the camp of the [United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali] (MINUSMA) in Kidal this morning that claimed the lives of at least five peacekeepers and injured approximately 30. The Secretary-General underscores that attacks targeting UN peacekeepers constitute war crimes under international law and calls for the perpetrators of this attack to be brought to justice.
The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against the UN peacekeeping force in Mali will not weaken the determination of the United Nations to support the Malian Government, the parties to the peace agreement, and the people of Mali, in their efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability. The Secretary-General conveys his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and to the Governments of those concerned. He expresses his profound sympathy and support to those wounded and wishes them a speedy recovery.
**Liberia
I also have a statement on the departure of an all-female Formed Police Unit from Liberia. The Secretary-General wishes to pay tribute to the first ever all-female Formed Police Unit deployed to a United Nations peacekeeping operation, which will end its mission in Liberia after nine years. The 125 women and supporting personnel will return to India this weekend.
Through their unwavering performance, professionalism and discipline, including during the Ebola epidemic, these brave women gained the respect of both the Government of Liberia and its people. The Secretary-General commends the Police Unit for their contributions in creating an environment for the Government of Liberia to assume fully its security responsibilities by 30 June, as mandated by the Security Council. Through their work, they managed criminality, deterred sexual and gender-based violence and helped rebuild safety and confidence among the population of Liberia.
The Secretary-General underscores that the conduct of the Formed Police Unit served as an example of how the deployment of more female uniformed personnel can help the United Nations in its efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse. The Secretary-General thanks all the women who served in the Police Unit for inspiring all Liberians, as well as current and future generations of female police officers, and becoming role models for gender equality, and he pays tribute to the outstanding contribution of the Government of India, in support of United Nations peace operations. That statement is now online.
**Joint Investigative Mechanism
Just to let you know that the Secretary-General has submitted the first report of the Joint Investigative [Mechanism] by the OPCW [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons] and the United Nations to the Security Council today, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2235 of last year. The report provides an overview of the work of the Joint Investigative Mechanism to date, the sources of information available to the Mechanism and the methodology behind their investigation. The Secretary-General very much appreciates the professional, independent, objective and impartial work that is being carried [out]. We expect the Security Council to discuss the report on 22 February.
The Joint Investigative Mechanism team reviewed the incidents where the OPCW Fact-Finding Missions determined that chemicals were used or likely used as weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, and identified potential cases for further investigation. Full cooperation from the Syrian Government and all parties in Syria remains essential in the discharge of the Joint Investigative Mechanism’s mandate.
**Quartet
The Representatives of the Quartet — which as you know include the European Union, the United Nations, the Russian Federation and the United States — have met in Munich at the Principals level. Those included the EU [European Union] Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the United States Secretary of State John Kerry, and the United Nations was represented by the Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson.
In a statement issued today, the Quartet condemned all acts of terror and expressed its serious concern over the continuing violence against civilians. Reiterating its call for restraint, the Quartet called upon all parties to reject incitement and actively take steps to de-escalate the current tensions.
It also expressed its serious concern that current trends on the ground — including continued acts of violence against civilians, ongoing settlement activities and the high rate of demolitions of Palestinian structures — are dangerously imperilling the viability of a two-State solution. The Quartet reiterates that unilateral actions by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of a negotiated solution.
The Quartet reaffirms its commitment to act in coordination with stakeholders, including regional countries and the UN Security Council, to stabilize the situation and to actively support a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In that regard, the Quartet will prepare a report on the situation on the ground, including recommendations that can help inform international discussions on the best way to advance the two-State solution. Full statement is in my office.
**Libya
Yesterday, the Secretary-General spoke by phone with the Prime Minister-designate of Libya, Fayez Serraj. And he also spoke to the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al Sisi, to discuss the latest developments in Libya. In both calls, the Secretary-General emphasized the urgency to form a Government of National Accord, so that Libyans can address together the many challenges they are facing, including the threat of an expansion of Da’esh and economic decline. The readouts are in my office.
**Central African Republic
Yesterday, following a year of dialogue and efforts supported by the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic [MINUSCA], a non-aggression pact was signed between the Muslim community from Bangui’s PK5 area and Christian residents from the so-called Boeing area in Bangui’s outskirts. The pact was signed during an official ceremony with the participation of the Transitional Authorities of the country, the Head of the UN peacekeeping mission Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, UN agencies, the diplomatic community and 300 members of the communities. The agreement includes provision on the freedom of movement, a significant achievement towards enhanced security and reconciliation between those communities.
**South Sudan
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) welcomes yesterday's announcement by President Kiir of the appointment of Riek Machar as First Vice-President of South Sudan. It is an important step in the formation of the Transitional Government and the implementation of the peace agreement. The Mission urges Mr. Machar to return to Juba, in order for the transitional Government to be established as quickly as possible and outstanding issues delaying the implementation of the agreement to be addressed.
The Mission however is concerned by reports of clashes and ongoing tensions between the parties in Upper Nile, as well as by ongoing violence between communities in Jonglei, which is leading to displacement and violence against civilians. The transitional Government, once formed, must do its utmost to take forward its primary responsibility in protecting civilians within its borders.
**Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR today said that more than 80,000 refugees and migrants have arrived by boat in Europe during the first six weeks of this year, with more than 400 people having died making the journey. Despite rougher seas, harsh winter weather and numerous hardships endured upon arrival, the agency says that more than 2,000 people a day continue to risk their lives and the lives of children attempting to reach Europe. More on UNHCR’s website.
**El Niño
I also want to flag a joint statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme and partners on the impact of El Niño on southern Africa’s harvests and food security. They warn that southern Africa is currently in the grip of an intense drought that has expanded and strengthened, driven by one of the strongest El Niño events of the last 50 years. Across large swathes of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Madagascar, the current rainfall has so far been the driest in the last 35 years. While it is too early to provide detailed estimates of the population likely to be food-insecure in 2016-2017, it is expected that the population in need of emergency food assistance and livelihood recovery support will increase significantly. More information online.
**iLibrary
I wanted to flag that our friends at the UN Publications are pleased to announce the launch of the UN iLibrary, which you can find at http://www.un-ilibrary.org, the first comprehensive global search, discovery and dissemination platform for digital content created by the United Nations. To begin with, the UN iLibrary includes publications, journals and series comprising facts and expertise on international peace and security, human rights, economic and social development, and a host of other topics, including statistics. In future releases, the platform will also provide access to other resources such as working papers and statistical databases. At its launch, it comprises 750 titles in English, and 250 in other languages including French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic. More information online and my colleagues from the Library are in the back if you have questions.
**Honour Roll
Lastly, we want to say a big thank you to our friends in the Netherlands. They have given us money and they have joined the Honour Roll becoming the thirtieth [Member State to do so]. Give me a hallelujah. Let's go. Happy Friday. Madame Landry, then Mr. Lee.
**Questions and Answers
Question: Stéphane, on the JIM [Joint Investigative Mechansm], you've mentioned that they've identified cases for further investigation. Are we to conclude then that at this stage they were unable to come up with a list of names — which is their mandate — of perpetrators?
Spokesman: I think the reporting mechanism continues. I would urge you to actually look at the report, which will be out as a public document, and obviously, the mechanism will follow the mandate that it was given. Mr. Lee.
Question: Sure. Some other questions, but I… I just expected you to have some readout on the repatriation of Burundian peacekeepers from Central African Republic. On Tuesday, I'd asked you about Jimmy… you know, Jimmy Rusheshe, Pierre Niyonzima, and you said I will try to get an update. Did you get an update? And I have a follow‑up on that.
Spokesman: Yes, my understanding is that those three are being repatriated.
Question: And I guess my question is, given… this is a pretty high‑profile thing. This is the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights saying that these individuals took part in a crackdown in Burundi. I've seen other DPKO [Department of Peacekeeping Operations] quoted elsewhere giving this answer out to other media. And I'm wondering, why didn't your office… did you check… how long have you had that answer? And what's the policy on actually answering a question that's asked in this room?
Spokesman: The policy is I don't like to burden myself with content, so as soon as I have an answer, I unburden myself.
Question: Right. So when… you got this as you were standing at the podium?
Spokesman: I got this earlier today, and it's been in my head since this morning.
Question: Did… okay. Because… can you understand why I'm asking…?
Spokesman: I understand. Okay.
Question: Is it acceptable?
Spokesman: Yes, go ahead.
Correspondent: Stéphane, Mr. Assad just one day after this agreement said keep fighting until they capture…
Spokesman: Sorry. Who…
Question: Mr. Assad, Bashar Assad said that keep fighting until they capture all the country. And Russia saying that keep fighting, keep bombing Da’esh and other terrorist organizations. And they were saying and doing the same before. So, what is the meaning of this agreement then?
Spokesman: Well, I think the meaning of the agreement is that we would… is to have… is to bring hope to the Syrian people on humanitarian access, which we hope to see as soon as possible, and on a cessation of hostilities. There are 17 countries who are members of the ISSG. I think it is incumbent on all of them and especially those who have the most influence to bring pressure among the parties to see a cessation of hostilities. Nizar.
Question: Yeah. Turkey has threatened to unleash or send refugees in its territory into Europe, millions of them. Are you taking any precautions if such thing happens really… actually?
Spokesman: I think, you know, the issue of refugees is one that needs to be dealt and whose responsibility needs to be shared globally. As we've said here, we are very grateful and I think the international community is very grateful for the assistance and the relief that Turkey, along with the other border States, have given to Syrian refugees fleeing violence. Niz… Masood.
Correspondent: This is a direct threat from Mr.…
Spokesman: You know, I don't… there are a lot of things that are said throughout the world, and I'm not going to react to everything that is said.
Question: Stéphane, maybe you've been asked this question earlier. I just want to know, on the ceasefire that has been reached on Syria, what is the mechanism that the United Nations will use to ensure that this ceasefire is being adhered to and as to who is violating it, if at all?
Spokesman: I think it's important to use the right words. The words in the statement are "cessation of hostilities," which is different from a ceasefire. A ceasefire, obviously, involves negotiations and other things. A cessation of hostilities is exactly that, is the parties agreeing to cease hostilities. It will be again the responsibilities of all the parties on the ground to ensure that they abide by the cessation of hostilities. Yes, sir.
Question: Thanks. I wanted to ask about this aid delivery to Moadamiyeh last week. The ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross] released a statement on 4 February. I think it happened on 3 February. It did a delivery along with the Syrian Red Crescent, and they said it's… it's… the gist was that they had gotten aid into the town. Yesterday OHCHR [Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights] released something that said the aid had only gotten to the eastern part of the town, which is full of regime supporters. Do you know what happened during this delivery?
Spokesman: I don't. I think I would encourage you to check with the Red Crescent, but we can also ask our colleagues at OCHA [Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] if they have more information.
Correspondent: Yeah, because the UN wasn't involved, it seems.
Spokesman: Yeah. Ronda. And then Evelyn. Sorry.
Question: Two questions. The Security Council did something about sanctions yesterday, and it's come out that the Secretary‑General appoints the people for the expert committees and the different sanction committees. The question I have is, how does he get those names? Essentially, what I've heard is that it's not the countries [that] recommend them. Does he… you know, who gives him the recommendations that he then appoints? Do you…
Spokesman: You know, I'm sure there's a perfectly clear answer to your question. It's just not in my head.
Question: Can you find out for me and let me know?
Spokesman: I will.
Question: Okay. Second question is that 10 former comfort women petitioned the UN over the South Korean‑Japan settlement, and they said they were giving that, as well, to the Secretary‑General. They said they were going to give that in February, early February. Can you find out if…?
Spokesman: I will find out.
Question: …they have given that and what the Secretary‑General…?
Spokesman: The Secretary‑General's position on that was iterated in a statement that we issued. Evelyn.
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. In Mali, who did it? They say Islamic radicals, but what does that mean?
Spokesman: I think it shows that, obviously, there are people who are continuing… armed groups that are continuing to act against the signed peace agreement and against the bringing of stability to Mali. I personally have not seen a claim of responsibility. We're obviously still investigating the attack, which was quite a massive and complex one. Go ahead.
Question: I'm also confused… and it could be me… in your answer to Carole's question. Is the JIM report on Syria chemicals supposed to be procedures the next one coming, or will it actually name who's responsible for the…?
Spokesman: I would encourage you to take a look at the report. Dulcie.
Question: The report isn't online yet, is it? Or it's coming out 22 February?
Spokesman: No, it will… it's been sent to the Council. It will be issued as a public document. And my colleague, Sasha, at the JIM office can also answer further questions as they are independent. Yeah.
Question: So back to cessation of hostilities and the definition, it's also being called a pause. Is that correct?
Spokesman: I would encourage you to focus on the exact terminology that is being used in the statement. So… I mean…
Correspondent: Well, that's what it says, "cessation of…
Spokesman: It's a "cessation of hostilities."
Correspondent: But, it's not clear what exactly that means.
Spokesman: Well, I think, to me, a cessation of hostilities is exactly that, is a halting of the hostilities.
Question: Also known as a pause or…?
Spokesman: We're using the term "cessation of hostilities." I think the important thing is that those who have their fingers on the trigger remove that finger.
Question: [inaudible] what is the difference then…?
Spokesman: I don't really want to go into a whole detailed discussion here, but obviously... to me, a ceasefire is a much more… is a more complex and negotiated event. A cessation of hostilities is an agreement by all parties to cease hostilities.
Question: Is the 25 February meeting in Geneva still on or is that…?
Spokesman: You know, obviously, we're working on that date. Is that… yeah, go ahead.
Question: So, Reuters reported that three peacekeepers were killed in Kidal this morning, three people from Guinea. You just said five.
Spokesman: Yeah, that's the latest numbers we have. They are… we can confirm that they are from Guinea, but there may be other nationalities… there may be other nationalities involved.
Question: So all five are from Guinea…?
Spokesman: There are five that were killed… that were… that were killed. Some of those are from Guinea. We're trying to confirm the nationalities if there… of the others. Zach.
Correspondent: My question concerned 25 February, as well, whether or not that was going to be moved up given the agreement in Munich.
Spokesman: You know, I think we're taking things one step at a time. The agreement in the ISSG was reached yesterday. Already this afternoon they're meeting in Geneva to work on the modalities of the delivery of aid that is unhindered, delivery of aid to all those who need it. There's another issue, which is the cessation of hostilities. Obviously, our aim is to… continues to be to bring the parties back to the table. Go ahead.
Question: What was the difference between this meeting and what happened in Geneva? There was a breakthrough obviously regarding the cessation of hostilities. So what happened… what didn't happen in Geneva that did happen in Munich?
Spokesman: Well, I think, you know, you would have to ask — while Mr. de Mistura was present — the ISSG is led by the Russian Federation and the United States. I think some of those questions best be asked of them. We're obviously pleased with the outcome, but the outcome is a test. I think the Syrian people would like to see the implementation of what has been decided. They have gone through many conferences and many statements, but what the ISSG released yesterday will really become a test to see what is possible to implement. Mr. Lee.
Question: Sure. On South Sudan and Sudan. You read out this… you know, obviously praise at Riek Machar being named first Vice-President again. But, he's since said that he will actually only return if the… if, he says, the agreement is complied with and the government demilitarizes Juba and moves its soldiers out. Does… given the UN's involvement in this whole process of trying to get things back together, what is the UN's position on the demilitarization of Juba by the Government?
Spokesman: Obviously, we very much hope that both sides will come to an agreement and to ensure that there is security for Mr. Machar to go back to Juba.
Question: And on Mundri and Maridi, the last… I've asked you about this fighting that was still taking place there, and you'd said take a look at the Joint Mechanism website. So I did. Between a praise of this recent Riek Machar announcement on the 12 and 2 February, there's nothing there, so I'm returning to you. I guess I'm wondering, what is UNMISS' role in… just as a protection of civilians…
Spokesman: Obviously, I think, as we've said… they try… obviously, the focus… the protection of civilians is a huge focus of their work, as you know we're housing almost 200,000 people in the camps. They too try to do patrols, but as I said here, access and freedom of movement issues have arisen. As soon as they have something to report, they will.
Question: And do you have anything on the strike?
Spokesman: No.
Correspondent: I ask because, on 14 February, there's the threat that 7,000 workers…
Spokesman: No, my understanding is that discussions are being had. Obviously, this also involves, from what I understand, a review of the banking system in Sudan, and we do hope that the issue gets resolved. Nizar and then…
Question: Yeah. Mr. Lavrov yesterday said that whereas the Syrian Government has respected its obligation to enter aid into Madaya. Other areas, such as Kefraya and Foah, were not respected. I mean, the militants did not respect and there were some short delivery of aid. Can you shed some light on that, please, if you have any?
Spokesman: No, again, our message to all the parties is that aid needs to be allowed in to all those who need it. This was the clear message from all 17 members of the International Support Group for Syria. This will be put to the test. We are meeting today… the ISSG subgroup is meeting under the leadership of Jan Egeland to work out on those modalities, and we hope for the sake of the Syrian people to see progress very soon.
Question: My question is on that. Also, it was mentioned yesterday Nusra and ISIS are both terrorist groups, and there are other terrorist groups, according to the United Nations. Which ones, which groups are considered as terrorists away from Al-Nusra and ISIS?
Spokesman: I think… terrorist groups under sanctions from the United Nations are there for all to see. I'm not going to pick apart what was agreed to in Munich as, again, our focus is on getting the humanitarian access and getting cessation of hostilities. Dulcie.
Question: Yeah, just one other question about the Kidal attack. Do you know whether the peacekeepers fought back?
Spokesman: I don't have any more details, but as soon as we can or we can get some from our colleagues at DPKO. Okay? Matthew.
Question: I just wanted to nail something down. I'd asked you about the Yemen Envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and his reported… because I heard trip to not only South Korea but also to Japan. You'd said he was at some conference. Do you have either… do you have any info on that? But, also did he go to Japan and if so, what was that for?
Spokesman: I said, I think from last time you asked the question, I did confirm that he was in…
Correspondent: South Korea.
Spokesman: …in South Korea and Japan. That's what I remember saying. As far as what the conferences are, I think I have the information. If I don't have it with me, I'll share it with you. Go ahead. You have to speak a little louder.
Question: Yeah. JIM report on chemical weapons in Syria, the report is not out yet. It's in the Council, you said, but do you have anything to say about it… about the findings or…?
Spokesman: No... Not more than I just read out in terms of the statement. All right. Thank you. Have a good weekend.