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Briefing by Spokesperson for Secretary-General
In Rome today, the Secretary-General held meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, with the President of the Senate, Pietro Grasso, and the President of the Chambers of Deputies, Laura Boldrini. In his meetings, he said that he had discussed some of the most pressing issues on the international agenda, including Syria, Libya and the refugee and migrant crisis.
In remarks to the press in Rome, the Secretary-General said that yesterday marked a historic day for the United Nations and the human family.
He said he was pleased to report that 73 countries -- representing more than 58 per cent of emissions -- have now officially ratified the Paris Agreement. As a result, the agreement will enter into force on 4 November. He said that this demonstrates unstoppable momentum for action to meet the threat of climate change, the defining challenge of our times, as well as his top priority throughout his 10 years in office.
In that same spirit, the Secretary-General congratulated Antonio Guterres, who has been nominated by the Security Council for the General Assembly’s consideration to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Secretary-General said that he considers Mr. Guterres to be a superb choice, and that he looks forward to working closely with him and his team to ensure a smooth transition.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is reporting that Hurricane Matthew has severely affected southern parts of Haiti, especially the departments of Grand Anse and South, where the wind caused severe damage.
The World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), along with NGO partners are all scaling up support for critical shelter, water, sanitation and food assistance.
Meanwhile, the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is supporting the Haitian authorities in their assessment and reconnaissance efforts, especially towards the most affected areas in the south western tip of Haiti, and the cities of Jeremie and Les Cayes.
Staffan de Mistura, the Special Envoy for Syria, spoke to reporters in Geneva today and said that the decision of the co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to suspend their bilateral cooperation was a setback. At the same time, he said that the UN will continue to hold meetings of the Humanitarian Task Force created by the ISSG.
In response to questions, the Deputy Spokesperson said that any support to Iraq must conform to the principles of the UN Charter, notably the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference. The Secretary-General hopes the Government of Turkey will ensure that all activities in Iraq are conducted with the full consent of the Government of Iraq.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Martin Kobler, today called for a humanitarian pause in Benghazi’s Ganfouda neighbourhood. Mr. Kobler said he is deeply disturbed by reports that civilians in that neighbourhood continue to be caught in cross-fire and suffer from shortages of food, water and medicines.
The Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, arrived yesterday in Oman after a three-day visit to Riyadh, where he met with a number of political representatives and diplomats who reiterated the international community’s strong support to the UN-led peace process.
The UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) reports that the situation remains tense in the capital, Bangui, following recent violence in the PK5 area. A MINUSCA team visited affected communities yesterday to assess the situation and noted the presence of armed youth, some in armed forces uniforms, in almost all areas of PK5.
In response to questions about recent violence in Ethiopia, the Deputy Spokesperson said that the Secretary-General deplores the deaths resulting from a stampede following a security response to protests which occurred during the celebration of Oromo Irreecha, or thanksgiving, festival last weekend in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia. He expresses his condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people and Government of Ethiopia. He wishes those injured a quick recovery.
The Gambia has become the 127th UN Member State to pay its regular budget dues in full.
