Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Daily Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General on various topics including ATT, Libya, Iraq, Gaza, Liberia, Central African Republic, Tunisia, Banana Disease, security incident

• Categories: Media / Press Conferences
• Video Length: 00:25:40
• Production Date: 23 December 2014
• Asset Language: English
• Subject Topical: ARMS TRADE TREATY; SECURITY SITUATIONS
• Geographic Subject: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC; GAZA; IRAQ; LIBERIA; LIBYA; TUNISIA
• MAMS Id: 1272553
• Parent Id: 1272518

Description

Statement from the Secretary‑General on the Arms Trade Treaty, in the Secretary‑General’s own name: “Tomorrow, 24 December 2014, the Arms Trade Treaty will enter into force… This marks the opening of a new chapter in our collective efforts to bring responsibility, accountability and transparency to the global arms trade. From now on, the States parties to this important Treaty will have a legal obligation to apply the highest common standards to their international transfers of weapons and ammunition…”

Security Council this morning held consultations on Libya, during which the Secretary‑General’s Special Representative, Bernadino León, updated Council members on the situation on the ground, including his mediation efforts, via video conference from Tunis.

From Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government and the UN have called for an additional $152 million to meet the basic needs of close to one million displaced Iraqis across the region until March 2015.

From Gaza, the UN’s Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict, and that is the one, the Commission was set up by the Human Rights Council in July.
On the Central African Republic, regarding the situation in Yaloke in CAR, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said today it was concerned by the deteriorating situation for Muslims in the Peuhl ethnic minority there.

This statement attributable to the Spokesman on the presidential elections in Tunisia, “The Secretary General commends the Tunisian people on the successful holding of the second round of democratic presidential elections on 21 December and congratulates Mr. Beji Caid Essebsi on his election. This historic event is a critical step in the country's transition and a clear demonstration of the people's desire for accountability and representative government. The Secretary General expresses the hope that the Tunisian people and their newly elected authorities will continue to embrace the spirit of inclusiveness that has guided the transition up to this moment.”

The UN peacekeeper from Liberia (UNMIL) [United Nations Mission in Liberia] who tested positive for Ebola virus disease, and who was evacuated to the Netherlands on 6 December, has now recovered. The Nigerian peacekeeper has returned to the mission area yesterday evening and will resume duties while receiving psychological counselling and close monitoring.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says today that a global effort is needed to prevent the rapid spread of the deadly Fusarium [wilt] disease that hits bananas.

There is a long-standing organizational policy that does not permit visitors to come in wearing political messages, display banners or distribute leaflets outside of a planned event and with proper authorization. In this case, the security officer acted properly in accordance with regulations.