Secretary-General

Noon briefing of 21 August 2006

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC
SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Monday, 21 August 2006

U.N. DELEGATION MEETS WITH ISRAELI & LEBANESE LEADERS IN MIDDLE EAST

  • The delegation that the Secretary-General dispatched to the Middle East to deal with the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 is in Israel today, where the team met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

  • Following that meeting, one of the delegation’s senior members, Terje Roed-Larsen, said that the delegation discussed with Livni all matters related to the full implementation of all provisions of resolution 1701. Among the topics discussed, he said, were the issues of the release of prisoners, the necessity of implementing the Security Council resolution’s call for an arms embargo and the lifting of the blockade in Lebanon.

  • The delegation also met this morning with the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Prime Minister's office, Yoram Turbowicz. They are meeting now with Defense Minister Amir Peretz, and expect to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres later this afternoon.

  • Over the weekend, the delegation, headed by the Secretary-General’s Special Advisor Vijay Nambiar, met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and other senior officials in Lebanon. The delegation also met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Elias Murr, and Minister of Interior Ahmed Fatfat.

  • In a press briefing yesterday as the team left Beirut, Roed-Larsen said the UN delegation had impressed on all interlocutors that the implementation of resolution 1701 should be reached through national consensus, based on the Taef Accord and national agreement.

  • Nambiar said the discussion with Lebanese officials also focused on the question of massive civilian losses and destruction, in addition to the efforts of UN agencies to help in that regard, including on the issue of reconstruction.

  • Asked about the delegation’s work, the Spokesman said that the team would report back to the Secretary-General when they return to New York, possibly by the middle of this week.

  • Asked when the Secretary-General would visit the Middle East, the Spokesman said he had nothing to announce on any eventual trip. He noted that resolution 1701 asks the Secretary-General to report on developments by the end of the month, so first, the Secretary-General would need to hear from Nambiar and Roed-Larsen once they have returned.

  • Asked whether the Secretary-General would travel to the region at all, the Spokesman said he would go when it is best for him to go.

  • Asked whether he would seek advice from members of the US Congress before visiting Iran, Dujarric said any such decision on travel there would solely be the Secretary-General’s to make.

ANNAN CONCERNED BY ISRAELI VIOLATION OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

  • A statement was issued on Saturday expressing the Secretary-General’s deep concerned about a violation by the Israeli side of the cessation of hostilities, as laid out in Security Council resolution 1701. The incident involved an Israeli raid in eastern Lebanon on Saturday. The Secretary-General spoke on Saturday to the Israeli and Lebanese Prime Ministers on the matter.

  • According to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), there have also been several air violations by Israeli military aircraft.

  • All such violations of Security Council resolution 1701 endanger the fragile calm that was reached after much negotiation and undermine the authority of the Government of Lebanon. The Secretary-General further calls on all parties to respect strictly the arms embargo, exercise maximum restraint, avoid provocative actions and display responsibility in implementing resolution 1701.

  • He has further instructed that daily reports of compliance on the cessation of hostilities by the parties should be provided to the Security Council.

  • Asked what the Secretary-General said to Prime Minister Olmert, the Spokesman said the talks focused on the fragility of the cessation of hostilities and the need for all parties to exercise restraint.

  • Asked whether the Secretary-General could regard the Israeli operation in Baalbek as a defensive operation that was permitted under resolution 1701, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General clearly saw it as a violation of the cessation of hostilities.

  • Asked further about interdiction of arms into Lebanon, the Spokesman noted that the Secretary-General called on all parties to respect strictly the arms embargo and display responsibility in implementing resolution 1701.

  • Asked whether the Secretary-General had spoken to the President of Syria over the weekend, the Spokesman said he had not.

  • Asked about the implementation of other UN resolutions on the Middle East, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General would like to see a successful implementation of resolution 1701 as a step towards the resolution of the situation in the Middle East.

LEBANESE DEPLOYMENT & ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL CONTINUING, U.N. MISSION REPORTS

  • The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reports that the Israeli Army withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese Army continue in accordance with the plan and timeline agreed during a trilateral meeting that the UN Force Commander, General Alain Pellegrini, had yesterday with senior representatives of the Lebanese and Israeli Army.

  • UNIFIL move into areas vacated by the Israeli Defense Forces early yesterday afternoon. Today, the Lebanese Army shall take control over those areas.

  • The UN peacekeeping mission also distributed 35,000 litres of drinking water to several villages.

  • Asked about the arrival of additional UN troops, the Spokesman said that the Secretary-General had been on the phone with leaders over the weekend and remains confident that the United Nations can have a vanguard force in Lebanon within 10 days. In response to a further question on when the force could be deployed, he reiterated the Secretary-General’s conviction that it can be done in 10 days, “the sooner the better”.

  • In response to several questions concerning rules of engagement for the expanded UN force, the Spokesman said that the Member States were provided with draft rules of engagement last week for their comment. No comments or requests for clarification have been received so far from any State he said, and added that the United Nations will be pro-actively seeking responses from States. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations is always available to provide further clarification.

  • He said that UNIFIL would not go in as an offensive force but would have the authority to use force in cases where combatants forcefully resist efforts to disarm them.

  • In response to further questions on the rules of engagement, the Spokesman said that the creation of a weapons-free zone in southern Lebanon is primarily the responsibility of the Lebanese Government, and UNIFIL would support those efforts. In that capacity, UNIFIL can under certain circumstances use force, but that, he added, would be a tactical decision to be made by commanders on the ground.

  • Asked about comments from US President George W. Bush about the need for a new resolution concerning the rules of engagement, the Spokesman said that was a matter for the Security Council Ambassadors, and reiterated that draft rules of engagement had already been sent to Member States.

  • Asked whether UNIFIL would have a force commander coming from Italy or another potential new troop contributor, Dujarric said that the decision on appointing a Force Commander is up to the Secretary-General.

  • He said that the Secretary-General continues to have full confidence in General Pellegrini, of France, who he feels has done an outstanding job, particularly during the past few weeks. Asked when Pellegrini’s current term expires, the Spokesman said it would be next February.

  • As for other top positions, the Spokesman said that other senior officers at UNIFIL headquarters could come from the largest contributors to the Force.

  • Asked about the composition of the force, and whether it would include countries that do not recognise Israel, the Spokesman said that the composition would be decided by the Secretary-General, who has been in discussion with a large number of countries.

  • The force, Dujarric said, would need to have military and political legitimacy, and it should be no surprise if it includes European and Muslim troops, among others.

  • Asked whether the United Nations would require potential troop contributors to recognise Israel, the Spokesman said that the first step is to put a force together, with the aim of resolution 1701 being to shore up the Government of Lebanon to assert its full authority in southern Lebanon. The United Nations would support Lebanon’s Government in those efforts.

  • Asked whether the United Nations would help Lebanon to demarcate its borders, the Spokesman said that the United Nations would help the Government of Lebanon at its request but noted that the bulk of UN forces would remain in the country’s south.

  • Asked about the lessons learned by UN troops in Bosnia following the Srebrenica massacre, the Spokesman said that those lessons have been studied.

  • Asked where Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno is, the Spokesman said he is currently meeting with French officials in France.

MORE THAN 50 HUMANITARIAN CONVOYS HAVE DELIVERED AID IN LEBANON SINCE LATE JULY

  • The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that three humanitarian convoys were dispatched from Beirut today, bringing the number of convoys sent since 26 July to 52.

  • Since the current crisis started, the World Food Programme has fed 460,000 people, and UNICEF has provided essential drugs for 70,000 people and carried out vaccination campaigns against measles for 13,000 children and against polio for 9,000. UNICEF has also provided water for 135,000 people, in addition to water kits for 80,000 throughout the country.

  • OCHA also reports that the entire Sidon region, with the exception of Marjayoun, is heavily contaminated by unexploded ordnance; de-mining will take up to six months in the region of Nabatiye alone. UN agencies have worked with the Government on a public awareness campaign on the dangers posed by the ordnance -- TV and radio spots have already aired, and 100,000 leaflets and 10,000 posters have been handed out.

  • On the fuel front, the UN facilitated the entry of 135,000 tons of fuel for the Government and aid agencies into Lebanon between 2 and 17 August.

  • On the Lebanon oil spill, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced that aerial surveys of the Lebanese coast will be getting underway quickly, as a result of assurances given today by the Israeli authorities. The surveys will determine the quantity of oil remaining at sea, which will, in turn, determine the exact next steps for the clean-up operation.

  • Meanwhile, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is today sending a team of experts to Lebanon to meet Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and members of his government, in an effort to determine how UNESCO can help the country’s early recovery efforts, with regard to cultural heritage and education.

LEBANON: ANNAN ENCOURAGED BY RESULTS OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES BUT WARNS SITUATION STILL FRAGILE

  • The Security Council is holding consultations this morning on Lebanon and other matters. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hedi Annabi is briefing on the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of resolution 1701, which was given to Council members last Friday.

  • In that report, the Secretary-General provides an update on the cessation of hostilities and on ways to reinforce the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

  • The Secretary-General says that he is encouraged by the positive first steps that have followed the coming into effect of the cessation of hostilities, but he cautions that the situation is still very fragile. He calls on all parties to do their utmost to ensure that the cessation of hostilities holds and to transform it into a durable ceasefire.

  • He says that a reinforced UNIFIL is not going to wage war on any of the actors in the theatre, nor can it be a substitute for a political process. But that political process will need the kind of help, assistance and confidence that only a robust peacekeeping presence can provide.

U.N. COMMENDS HIGH PARTICIPATION IN CONGOLESE ELECTIONS BUT REPORTS TENSION IN CONGOLESE CAPITAL

  • The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) says that it has taken note of the poll results for the presidential election and commends the massive participation of the Congolese people. However, the Mission also reports that the situation in the capital Kinshasa remains volatile and tense following clashes yesterday between armed guards for the two leading candidates, President Joseph Kabila and Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba, who are scheduled for a run-off on 29 October.

  • The Secretary-General’s Special Representative, William Lacy Swing, is currently negotiating a dialogue between the President Kabila and Jean-Pierre Bemba and we will update you on that.

  • Meanwhile, the Secretary-General in a statement yesterday urged the Congolese parties and candidates to abide by the electoral law in the resolution of any disputes related to the electoral process. He also urged them to accept and respect the final results of the elections, in a spirit of peace and reconciliation. He said that it should be noted that the elections are a vital step in the long process of peace consolidation, with many major challenges ahead. He added that the UN remains deeply committed to supporting the people of Congo in their efforts to achieve lasting stability and democracy throughout the country, as well as sustained economic development.

  • Asked about reports of a gun battle in Kinshasa, the Spokesman said that the United Nations was trying to obtain more information and was working with the parties to restore calm. He said that Special Representative William Swing was talking to all parties, and he and others had appealed for calm.

  • Asked about the challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Spokesman said that the main challenge is that all political parties accept the electoral process and deal with any complaints through that process rather than through the streets. Also, he added, the country faces the challenging task of reconstruction.

ANNAN APPEALS TO IRAN TO SEIZE HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY

  • In a statement issued yesterday, the Secretary-General said he was pleased that the Islamic Republic of Iran has indicated it will respond to the proposal of the EU3 plus 3 for a comprehensive solution to the nuclear issue on Tuesday, 22 August 2006. He appealed to the Government of Iran to seize this historic opportunity. The Secretary-General trusts that Iran's reply will, be positive and that this will be the foundation for a final, negotiated settlement.

  • In a time of acute crisis in the Middle East, the Secretary-General believes that progress on the nuclear issue is essential for the stability not only of the region, but the international system itself. It is time to take steps in the right direction. He is convinced that a way is now open for setting a milestone for international non-proliferation efforts.

  • The EU3 plus 3 have reaffirmed Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It is important that Iran now assures the world that its intentions are peaceful, and that it re-builds confidence in its nuclear programme, as both the IAEA and the Security Council have called for.

  • Asked whether the Secretary-General has in mind a nuclear-free Middle East, the Spokesman noted that the Secretary-General has repeatedly expressed his disappointment that Member States have not been able to come to agreement on strengthening the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He hopes that a resolution of the Iranian issue will strengthen nuclear non-proliferation efforts. This is an issue that the Secretary-General wishes that Member States would focus on more, he added.

  • Asked who would receive Iran’s reply, the Spokesman said the United Nations believed the information would go to Javier Solana, the European Union High Representative, who had been dealing with the issue.

ANNAN WELCOMES POLITICAL AGREEMENT IN TOGO

  • The Secretary-General welcomes the signing yesterday by Togolese political parties, the Government and civil society of an agreement aimed at promoting lasting political reforms in the country. He sees this as an important undertaking by Togolese as a whole to put the past behind them and to build a brighter future based on reconciliation, transparency and the rule of law.

  • The Secretary-General commends President Compaore for facilitating the process that led to the successful conclusion of the inter-Togolese dialogue. He is encouraged by the spirit of conciliation and compromise demonstrated by Togolese political leaders throughout the process and welcomes President Faure Gnassingbe’s commitment to ensure the agreement is implemented fully and rapidly.

  • The Secretary-General calls upon the international community to help Togo consolidate the new chapter in the country’s process of democratic reform through renewed and increased cooperation and support, in particular to revitalize the economy.

SUDAN: U.N. MISSION CONDEMNS ATTACK ON AFRICAN UNION TROOPS

  • The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), in a statement issued over the weekend, strongly condemned the attack on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and the killing of two of its soldiers on Saturday by an unidentified group of armed men. That attack took place in the Kuma area in North Darfur.

  • The UN Mission called on all parties to the Darfur conflict to respect the neutral and impartial status of AMIS and recalled that any attack against the African Union personnel deployed in Darfur is a serious violation of international law.

  • The UN Mission supported the AMIS decision to carry out a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators of the attack and urged all parties to fully cooperate to ensure that those responsible for this attack are held accountable and brought to justice.

ANNAN CALLS FOR MORE RESOURCES TO PROMOTE CONFLICT PREVENTION

  • Available today is the Secretary-General’s report on conflict prevention, in which the Secretary-General says that that conflict prevention can be achieved through greater efforts on three different fronts: Addressing the sources of tension within and between societies, States and regions; strengthening norms and institutions for peace; and strengthening mechanisms for resolving inter-State disputes.

  • Among its recommendations, the report calls for states to dedicate an amount equal to a percentage of peacekeeping budget to conflict prevention; to strengthen the UN Department of Political Affairs and its capacity for analysis, early warning and conflict mediation and increased support for development assistance through UN Development Programme.

  • This is the Secretary-General’s second comprehensive report on the prevention of armed conflict, and it responds to resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. The first was issued in 2001, followed by an interim report in 2003.

  • And the report and its recommendations will be formally discussed on 7 September in the General Assembly in an open debate, with the Secretary-General introducing the document and making an opening statement.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNAN CONCERNED BY ARREST OF SENIOR PALESTINIANS: Asked about the recent arrests of members of the Palestinian Parliament, the Spokesman said that the arrest of many senior Palestinians is a cause of particular concern to the Secretary-General, since it further undermines the Palestinian institutions which must be preserved if a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to be achieved.

BIRD FLU VIRUS STILL A THREAT: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today that the bird flu virus continues to threaten 55 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Among them, the Caucasus and southern Balkans are considered high-risk areas. To efficiently contain the spread of the virus, weak veterinary services must be improved and long-term funding is needed, FAO says.

*** The guest today was Thomas Schindlmayr from the Secretariat for the Disability Convention. He briefed on the progress of the negotiations on the Convention.