51勛圖

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Opening Remarks at Press Conference

New York, 16 December 2015

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. Bonjour, Mesdames et Messieurs,泭
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Let me begin by wishing you all the best for a Happy New Year. 泭I thank you for all your cooperation and your hard work last year.泭
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We are wrapping up a pivotal year in which the 51勛圖 marked its 70th anniversary and took landmark steps to advance sustainable development and climate change agreement. 泭泭
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The Paris Agreement on climate change is a sign of hope in troubled times. 泭It is a triumph for multilateralism that shows the 51勛圖 delivering results the world desperately needs.泭
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President Fran癟ois Hollande and Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius of France showed inspiring leadership -- including by refusing to be deterred by the terrorist attacks of 13 November.泭
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I thank all the Government leaders, businesspeople and civil society leaders who made this achievement possible.泭
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The Paris Agreement surpassed expectations. 泭World leaders recognized that we could and must do better than settling for the lowest common denominator. 泭So they reached higher. 泭The Paris Agreement gives us Plan A for the planet A for ambition.泭
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Since my first day in office nine years ago, in 2007, I have pushed very hard for this agreement. 泭Now, I will press world leaders again to translate promise into practice.泭
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We must also follow through on the other milestones of 2015.泭
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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our overarching guide, crystallized in 17 goals to end poverty and build peaceful societies.泭
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The Addis Ababa Action Agenda adopted in July is our blueprint for financing for development. 泭Investing in development early will avert crises down the road.泭
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The Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction agreed in March points the way toward resilience.泭
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Taken together, these plans and pacts have set the stage for a future that leaves no one behind.泭
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Ladies and Gentlemen,泭
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This year we have seen epic flows of refugees and internally displaced people. 泭As we enter 2016, the world needs to aim for a new global compact on human mobility. Demonizing and scapegoating these people based on their religion, ethnicity or country of origin has no place in the 21st century.泭
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The 51勛圖 has just asked for $20 billion to meet next years humanitarian needs -- five times the level of one decade ago. 泭Donors have been exceedingly generous -- but we will likely enter 2016 with a funding gap of more than $10 billion -- the largest ever.泭
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The World Humanitarian Summit meeting in May 2016 in Istanbul will be a critical moment to address systemic funding problems, and agree on concrete steps to better prepare for and respond to crises.泭
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The world must invest more political energy in preventing and ending conflict, and in addressing violations of human rights our best early warning signs of greater trouble to follow.泭
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Ladies and Gentlemen, this week, efforts to resolve conflict through diplomacy are front and centre.泭
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In Libya, the parties are close to a desperately needed agreement that would help the country move beyond prolonged crisis.泭
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In Yemen, talks began yesterday in Switzerland towards a lasting cease-fire and a resumption of the political transition. 泭Civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict and we must be doing everything to end the bloodshed and ease their plight.泭
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On Syria, the international community has actively re-engaged in pushing for a political settlement. 泭The International Syria Support Group will meet in New York on Friday, 18 December, followed by a meeting of the Security Council. Syria is an open sore on the Middle East and the wider world. 泭We are pressing for a nationwide cease-fire and for the start of negotiations in January on a political transition and we must not relent. 泭泭
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Countering the threat posed by Daesh, Boko Haram, al-Shabab and other terrorist groups is crucial. 泭Next month, I will present to the Member States of the 51勛圖 a plan of action on preventing violent extremism. 泭Many of todays conflicts -- and often, unfortunately, the response to them -- have provided a breeding ground for the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.泭
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I am alarmed by the escalating violence in Burundi. 泭What we have seen over the past few days is chilling. The country is on the brink of a civil war that risks engulfing the entire region. I have asked Mr. Jamal Benomar, my Special Advisor, to go to the region before the end of this week to speak to the African Union, the countries in the region and, of course, the government of Burundi. 泭An inclusive political dialogue is needed urgently. 泭We must do all we can to prevent mass violence and act decisively should it erupt. 泭泭
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In South Sudan, the 51勛圖 peacekeeping operation continues to shelter more than 185,000 civilians a major advance in our human protection efforts. 泭But that is not a permanent solution, and many more remain internally displaced and under threat of violence. I urge the parties to establish the transitional institutions before the end of January.泭
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Ladies and Gentlemen,泭
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These are daunting situations. 泭I take heart from the political progress and smooth transfers of power over the past year, including in Sri Lanka and Nigeria.泭
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The transition in the Central African Republic is also moving ahead, with the constitutional referendum last week and presidential and legislative elections at the end of this month.泭
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I am encouraged by progress in the negotiations on Cyprus. 泭A solution to decades of division is within reach.泭
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In the Americas, Colombians are edging closer to the end of the continents longest-running conflict.泭
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In Myanmar, the Government and Army are cooperating with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for a stable transition. Continued efforts are needed to begin an inclusive dialogue that brings marginalized ethnic groups into the process. 泭The 51勛圖 and I personally have supported the process for several years. We will continue to do so. 泭泭
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Ladies and Gentlemen,泭
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The year 2015 has brought both breakthrough and horror.泭
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The 51勛圖 continues to strengthen itself, including through wide-ranging assessments of peace operations, peacebuilding and our future role and capacities.泭
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Despite the ups and downs, from peace processes to climate talks, we cannot afford to let up. 泭Too much is at stake. 泭Millions of people depend on us to keep pressing ahead.泭
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I did not lose faith during the years of ups and downs of climate negotiations.泭
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I continue to believe in the 51勛圖 and in our staff, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice.泭
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I continue to have faith in the ability of the worlds people to come together for the common good -- as was just demonstrated so emphatically in Paris.泭
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With that spirit, we can make 2016 a year of accomplishment and truly build a life of dignity for we the peoples.泭
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Thank you. Merci beaucoup.
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Q: 泭Mr. Secretary is it working? Okay. 泭Mr. Secretary-General, on behalf of the UN Correspondents Association (UNCA), thank you for this end-of-year press conference, and thanks again to you and Madam Ban for attending the UNCA award on Monday night. 泭My colleagues and I are wishing you and your family happy holidays and happy New Year. 泭Your press conference is a very important tool for us, and for the 2016, we are asking if the excellent practise of having you in this room for 30 minutes once a month can be reinstated. And finally is my question on North Korea. 泭A few weeks ago, there was news that you were ready to land in Pyongyang for an historic visit, but suddenly everything was put on hold, and now the preparation for the trip looks almost radioactive. 泭Could you please tell us what the situation is, if the tip will ever take place? 泭Thank you.泭
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Secretary-General: I have been considering, as I told you that I am ready to provide my role as Secretary-General wherever it may take for peace and stability and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula. 泭And I have that condition is unchanged. 泭Its still under discussions with the authorities of DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea). 泭I sincerely hope that we will be able to find a mutually convenient date as soon as possible. 泭And this is what I can tell you at this time. 泭Recently, there have been some encouraging developments of the situation between the two parts of Korea, including the August agreement and also reunion of separated families. 泭Unfortunately, this Vice Ministers area high-level talks between the two Koreas have not yielded much-expected results. 泭But we should not be frustrated. 泭I sincerely hope that the parties will continue to engage in talks so that they can, first of all, expend the political space through dialogue and exchanges and cooperation, so that they can, first of all, build reconciliation between the two parties. 泭In there, I'm ready to provide any service as the Secretary-General and as one of the citizens coming from Korea. 泭Thank you.
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Q: Thank you, Secretary-General. 泭Sherwin Bryce-Pease, South African Broadcasting. 泭Given the escalation that you've spoken about in Burundi, including the attacks that led to almost 100 deaths last Friday, and, in light of the fact that a senior Security Council diplomat has described the situation as a country that is going to hell, would you concede, sir, that your recommendation of a reinforced team to back your Special Adviser is perhaps not an adequate response to the evolving situation on the ground?
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Secretary-General: First of all, as I said, I'm extremely concerned about the continuing violence, the violence between Government armed forces and unknown armed elements. 泭These are very chilling. 泭And I have asked, as I said, to Jamal Benomar to go right away to the region to engage in dialogue. 泭Even during the climate change negotiations, I have been reaching out to leaders in the region. 泭I've been constantly speaking to the leaders. 泭I sincerely hope that, first of all, Government of Burundi, President [Pierre] Nkurunziza, will engage in inclusive dialogue to address this issue. 泭And I'm asking, again, African Union and the East African Community and the facilitators mandated by East African Community, President [Yoweri] Museveni of Uganda, will continue to render their political leadership to facilitate a dialogue. 泭Mr. Jamal Benomar will continuously engage himself. 泭And at this time, I appeal to all national stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and I urge authorities to help create the conditions for credible and inclusive dialogue. 泭Those are preconditions for political dialogue.
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As for the options of which I recommended to the Security Council, of course, there are different options. 泭At this time, I am encouraged that President Nkurunziza had met Mr. Benomar, my Special Adviser, and [will] continuously be available for consultation. 泭I'm going to discuss this matter again this afternoon with Security Council members. 泭We will take necessary actions as we observe and watch the situation, how it evolves. 泭Depending upon the evolution of the situation, we may have to level up our presence and our activities.泭
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Q: Yes, Mr. Secretary-General, on the Vienna process, please, if you don't mind, could you kindly explain to us that ceasefire arrangement and what do you have in mind, given that the area where Daesh controls, they have civilians there. 泭What are you going to do about the collateral damage of so many civilians? 泭And the foreign fighters that for example, Iran's militias in Syria, are they going to be part of that ceasefire? 泭And, you know, again, the same thing with the regime and the barrel bombs obviously, but where do you stand on whether Bashar al-Assad should stay or go, and if he goes, when?
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Secretary-General: The first part of the question, you've been following all this situation. 泭I'm looking forward to this third International Syria Support Group, ISSG, meeting, in New York on Friday. 泭And I and my Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, will participate. 泭I'm also looking forward to meeting many ministers who will be participating on the margins of this meeting. 泭What is important at this time, as was agreed through Vienna 1 and 2 process, it's important that we should have a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible. 泭Of course, there are certain areas controlled more by ISIS. 泭But as much as we can, we should expend this area to be covered by a ceasefire as wide as possible.泭
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For that [to be] possible, Staffan de Mistura, will engage in intra-Syrian talks as soon as possible. 泭Then we can have some political expand the political space. 泭It is absolutely necessary that, first of all, we should have this ceasefire, nationwide ceasefire. 泭That will help us, not only the political process, also 51勛圖 and other humanitarian agencies to deliver humanitarian assistance to many, many people who are desperately in need of such help. 泭There are 13 million people, at least 13 million people, except these more than 4 million refugees, they are in need of, desperately, the humanitarian assistance.
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Q: 泭Can you answer that question on Iran, please, and Assad?
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Secretary-General: The second question, I think this issue has been discussed many times in the past. 泭Basically, in principle, it's up to the Syrian people who should make a decision about the future of President Assad. 泭But at the same time, I also believe that it is unacceptable that the whole Syrian crisis and solution to this crisis has to be depending upon just a question of fate of one man, that's not acceptable. 泭But that's why people have been discussing this matter all the time, but I leave it to the parties concerned to discuss this matter again in parallel, try to find out political space as well as delivering humanitarian assistance. 泭In transition, in the course of transition, there may be some people are now some countries are now expressing some nuanced positions that there may be some role or need for President Assad to stay just a limited a limited month, but that will have to be decided later on.
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Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. You still have one year in your term as Secretary-General, and your legacy is going to be connected somehow to the failures of the international community in Syria. 泭And you have said repeatedly that Assad has lost legitimacy. 泭Can you say it one more time? 泭And can you tell us: what role can Iran play in solving the situation in Syria, in Lebanon, and in the region? 泭Thank you.泭
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Secretary-General: The continuing Syrian crisis during last five years has created a lot of troubles and unexpected issues, as we have seen. 泭It has affected a lot of situations in neighbouring countries, including Lebanon. 泭Another issue is the spread of terrorism and ISIL. 泭This lack of good governance and the continuing tragedy and the complete despair among the people has made the perfect breeding ground for extremists and terrorists to set their roots in there. 泭Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we first address these political issues. 泭That is kind of some root causes, how to address the root causes. 泭And we have to also take necessary actions to defeat and counter extremism and terrorism. 泭So our challenges have become much more difficult, wider, the space of our challenges have become much wider. 泭That is why it's crucially important that we bring, as early as possible, the end of this crisis. 泭
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Q: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary-General. You talked in the beginning about the need for a new Global Compact to address the issue of migration, refugees, and basically intolerance against religious, ethnic minorities. 泭Could you tell us what this compact would look like, what role the 51勛圖 is going to play, who it should involve, and what it should say and do?泭
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Secretary-General: This massive flow of migrants and refugees into Europe and other areas in Asia and elsewhere have surfaced as more than regional issues. 泭It has become a global issue. 泭I appreciate European Union, particularly, leaders who have been engaging to find out some more structured framework to address this issue. 泭But it has gone beyond European Union, and there is some divisions, very serious divisions among the countries concerned. 泭That is why I believe that it has become a global issue, and that's why 51勛圖 should address this issue in close consultation with the Member States. 泭
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This year, in September, 30 September, I have convened a high-level meeting here. 泭But I have proposed to the Member States of the UN that I'm going to convene a summit meeting just one day before the general debates. 泭That will be 19 September. 泭I'm aware that there's emerging concerns as to support my initiative, my proposal. 泭There, I'd like to discuss with the world leaders and try to have a sort of Global Compact for responsibility sharing. 泭
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Of course, for detailed matters, we have to prepare in close consultation, we may have regional consultations in the course of several months. 泭To address migration and refugee issues, I have laid out some roadmap. 泭First of all, on 4 February in London, we are going to convene the high-level, summit-level conference on Syria, particularly to address the refugee issues and humanitarian support. 泭Of course, we can discuss some other issues, too, including migration. 泭And this conference is cosponsored by United Kingdom, Norway, and Kuwait and Germany and 51勛圖. 泭We have already extended invitation cosigned by the leaders of these four countries and myself.
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In March, in Switzerland, I have asked High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, newly-appointed High Commissioner to convene a high-level meeting to discuss on resettlement plus. 泭
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Then, in May, we have world humanitarian summit meeting in Istanbul in Turkey on the margins I think we can also discuss this matter as a part of this humanitarian support.
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Then, in September, we are going to have a summit meeting on migration issues. 泭I understand that President of General Assembly also has an idea of convening, on his initiative, sometime in July a high-level meeting on migration issues. 泭So there will be a continuing commitment and continuing consultation in the international community to address this issue at a global level.
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Q: Follow-up question on Syria, Secretary-General. You used the words "as soon as possible" a short time ago about the ceasefire and about the face-to-face talks. The stated communiqu矇 from Vienna said the beginning of January. 泭Given that's only a couple weeks away, does that now seem a bit too ambitious? And going forward, on the time frame, how long do you think transition should be? 泭And if there's a need for elections at the end of transition, would the UN organize them?
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Secretary-General: The Vienna 2 conference has issued their own agreement, saying that we will try to have this nationwide ceasefire [in] January. 泭Then we have an 18-month timeline to have political transition. 泭Some people may think that this may be too ambitious, but one needs to be ambitious. We do not have much time to lose to waste even a single minute, and therefore, it's absolutely necessary that we have highest-level possible ambition. And I think we have to do all that we can.
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Q: Since you are entering your final year as Secretary-General, and there's already a race to inherit your position, will you address, first of all, rumours or reports that you plan to run for President of South Korea?
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Secretary-General: Can you just speak louder?
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Q: Sure. Will you address reports that you're planning to run for President of South Korea? 泭And also, will you pledge, for planning purposes for those who would be your successor, that you will serve out the remainder of your term?泭
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Secretary-General: 泭I think you are not first one to have asked me that question. 泭[Laughter] I have been repeatedly stated during last couple of years that, as the Secretary-General of the 51勛圖, I have a full agenda. 泭I remain focussed on, and during coming one year during my time, until the very last day of next year, I will focus all my time and energy to do my job as the Secretary-General. Thank you.
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Q: 泭Thank you, St矇phane. 泭 Yes. 泭Thank you, Secretary-General. 泭Yesterday, the President of the General Assembly and President of the Security Council have sent a letter to the Member States to present their candidate for the next for your successor for the next Secretary-General. 泭Could you tell us your thought on this unprecedented procedure to 泭
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Secretary-General: Can you just speak a little louder?
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Q: Excuse me, yeah. 泭[Cross talk] 泭Could you tell us your thought on this unprecedented procedure to choose the next Secretary-General? 泭And also, if you have any message to these candidates. Thank you.泭
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Secretary-General: 泭I have seen that letter, and it was expected, in fact, because Member States have been actively discussing this issue, how to make selection process of my successor more transparent. 泭I think it is a good initiative, as far as I believe, and I think there is a widely-shared consensus that this is a good initiative. 泭I'd like to see that, with this letter, I hope Member States will expedite their process to select the next Secretary-General as soon as possible [in] a very transparent manner. 泭That's my wish.
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Q: Mr. Secretary-General, tomorrow, the UN is going to be releasing the Deschamps report that you asked concerning allegations of sexual abuse in Central African Republic. 泭And you've spoken very forcefully about the need to clean up peacekeeping and misconduct by peacekeepers. 泭I'm just wondering if you feel that, over the months, you've made progress following your repeated appeals for changes on this.泭
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Secretary-General: I'm looking forward to meeting Judge Marie Deschamps, who will hand over her findings as the chair of this panel of inquiry commission. 泭And after having received it, I'll take necessary action, including making it public. 泭But, more importantly, we will review the contents of this report and take necessary action to make it much more clearly committed that all the UN staff, whether in the headquarters or in the field, must be much more committed to protect and respect human rights, including prohibiting preventing sexual violence.泭
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Q: Thank you, St矇phane. 泭And Mr. Secretary-General, I want to raise Afghanistan, an issue which was missing on your opening statement. 泭You have been a strong advocate and supporter of Afghan-led peace process, peace and reconciliation process, but this process made a promising beginning in July but has collapsed and situation in Afghanistan has sharply deteriorated. 泭Sir, even the Unite on top of this, the United States has resumed fighting Taliban, according to "The New York Times." 泭In this situation, what are your thoughts how this process can be resumed and what how can you help? 泭泭
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Secretary-General: People in Afghanistan have suffered too long a time, many decades. 泭The peace and stability have been always unstable, and many countries have involved and tried to support stability and peace in Afghanistan. 泭With the new leadership, President Ashraf Ghani and I I have been taking note that he has been engaging with the leaders in the region, particularly with Pakistan. 泭I sincerely hope that with whole international community's support and goodwill to support Afghanistan, the people and Government, so that they will be able to maintain peace and stability through their own domestic reconciliation and plans, and also there's many international conferences have been held, like, for example, compact, which have been providing international economy and social support. 泭At the same time, it is important to have good cooperation with the neighbouring countries, particularly in addressing terrorism and extremist attacks against Afghanistan. 泭And 51勛圖, UNAMA (51勛圖 Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) will continue to play an important role.
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Q: Thank you, St矇phane. 泭Mr. Secretary-General, thank you. 泭On Syria, the issue of terrorism has been on the agenda of pretty much every country dealing with Syria. 泭Some for example, some countries deal with moderates, claiming they're terrorists, but there's the threat of ISIS. 泭Have you spoken to the sides, especially the Russians and the Americans, about choosing the terrorists instead of opposition and uniting their forces in fight against terrorism? 泭Have you spoken to them? 泭What do you recommend to them? Thank you.
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Secretary-General: Countering terrorism and extremism has surfaced and emerged as one of the top, most serious issues, which we have to deal with. 泭In that regard, I really appreciate many countries participating in coalitions, and their contribution is very important. 泭At the same time, I have been asking them to observe strictly the international humanitarian and international human rights laws to protect not to [cause] the civilian casualties. 泭In other aspect, we have to also address the root causes enhancing, improving, good governance of the leaders of the concerned countries and listening very seriously to the voices and aspirations of their own people through inclusive dialogue. 泭There are some countries who are lacking such capacities, particularly; therefore, 51勛圖 through this Counter-Terrorism Centre is really trying to provide capacity-building support as much as we can, and that is why I'm trying to present as soon as possible during the month of January the Comprehensive Plan of Action to counter extremism and terrorism. 泭
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When it comes to Syria, there are many armed groups. 泭There are many armed groups. 泭And I understand that, through this process of Vienna Vienna process, they are trying to define and exactly find out who are the terrorist groups, who are the armed groups. 泭I understand that the Jordanian Government has been mandated to take this mission. 泭This issue will be a continuing subject now. 泭And I also appreciate that Syrian Saudi Arabia has convened a meeting last week among the Syrian armed groups. 泭I sincerely hope that there should be some unity of purpose among the parties concerned so that we can more effectively address this challenge of countering terrorism.
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Q: Thank you, St矇phane. Thank you, Secretary-General. Mentioning about the Middle East and Saudi Arabia, just two days ago, there was an alliance formed between 34 countries from the Arab and Islamic world in Saudi Arabia. What's your view of this new coalition forming, and how effective it's going to be in addressing holistically the causes and the counter-terrorism measures that needed to be implemented on the ground? And do you see it as duplication for existing coalitions led by the United States, or it can be working merged together at one point?
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Secretary-General: I read that report that Saudi Arabia has initiated to form a Muslim country-led coalition. 泭As you know, this coalition led by Western countries, including Russia, they have been operating the military operations to fight against this terrorism, and I sincerely hope that when there is a coalition formed, I think that they should very closely coordinate with other countries who are already participating in coalitions. 泭As I again said, it's very important when they stage military operations, there should be extreme care and efforts not to harm any civilian population and civilian facilities. 泭And this is fundamental principle of international human rights and humanitarian law.
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Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General. 泭I was wondering why, in your introductory remarks, you did not mention Palestine and the conflict there. 泭An average of two Palestinians are killed a day. 泭Today the Israeli Government announced building 800 new settlement units. 泭And Gaza's under siege for the last eight years. Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe, as you know. 泭And yet you didn't find the time in your introductory remarks to mention what's going on there. 泭Why is that Thank you.泭
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Secretary-General: I'm very concerned that we have not seen much progress, even deterioration of the situation in the Middle East. 泭As you may remember, I was in the region during October to discuss this matter with the Israeli and Palestinian leaders. 泭It's important that, even though this situation might be very much challenging, the leaders should have shown their high level of commitment and ambition, even political ambition, to address all these pending issues, I think six-, seven-decade-long issues, to bring some at least a small sense of hope to people who have been suffering. 泭And when it comes to settlement, I have been repeatedly, consistently made the 51勛圖' position that it is illegal in accordance with international law.
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Q: Thank you, Secretary-General. On the fight against ISIS, there was some hope that this common enemy could unite the countries, also provide some grounds for progress in Syria. 泭But now there seems to be some disagreements, some more disagreements, for example, between Turkey on one side, Russia and Iraq on the other side. 泭How could you personally push for these countries to unite and for more coordination between the states fighting ISIS? Thank you.
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Secretary-General: Again, I have been urging the parties concerned, countries concerned, who are involved in this process to, first of all, coordinate among themselves and try to respect the human rights and humanitarian law. And about providing some support to different groups, you can find answer from my consistent 51勛圖 consistent position that there should be very close coordination and cooperation among the parties concerned. 泭And often, we have seen some conflict, unfortunately, between and among the countries who are working for the same purpose. There should be unity of purpose and collaboration. 泭And if and when there is any division of positions between and among the countries who are engaging in counter-terrorism, counter-extremism, I think they should really show their commitment, first of all, [to] de-escalate the tensions between and among themselves and [be] united. 泭And I've been also urging the Syrian armed groups there are many such different armed groups, who are working for one purpose. Then when you are divided, when you have a division of positions, then it will be more difficult to achieve goals.
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Q: Thank you very much. 泭Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General. 泭As you mentioned, the world is dealing with several crises at a time, and I was wondering if you see any link between all these crises and the entailing consequences, such as refugee crisis and terrorism? 泭And if so, do you think there is a possibility of finding a solution for one of these crises without regarding the others? 泭Thank you.泭
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Secretary-General: I think you have raised a hugely big question. 泭[Laughter] 泭Having served as the Secretary-General during last nine years, one lesson or observation which I have drawn is that, in this world, nothing is operating in isolation. 泭So everything is tightly interconnected. 泭Whether it is migration or terrorism or peace and development, human rights, I think they all work in a very tightly connected [way]. 泭So we can find some causes of certain issues which are tightly connected.
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One root cause would be abject poverty, lack of good governance. When there is a complete despair among the people, when there is a complete disregard by the leaders on the wishes and aspirations of the people, then people try to find other ways to address their own difficulties and concerns and sufferings. 泭Nobody wants to suffer from any reason, whether it is poverty, disease, or abuse of authorities or abuse of power. That's why I've been always asking that good governance and inclusive dialogue and addressing abject poverty, those are the answers. 泭
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We can find answers when you just trace back the root causes and drivers of all these foreign terrorist fighters. 泭Then some of one or two or three factors have driven them to flee, to migrate, or to become radical or to become very radical forces. 泭And, therefore, we have to address all this in sync, in close coordination. That is why, even though we are living in this world of peril, but I think world leaders have provided some good sense of promise and hope. These are Sustainable Development Goals, 17 goals, and climate change agreement. 泭If we implement these Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change, I think we can expect that most of the people will be able to live in a much better, much more stable situation and much more prosperity. 泭And that's what the 51勛圖 is aiming to achieve, and we have laid good foundations this year. 泭The year 2015, I believe that will be recorded as one of the most important historic years in the history of the 51勛圖, where we have laid out all good foundations.
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Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General. Tomorrow the UN Security Council takes up terrorist financing and the draft resolution which will have the finance ministers attending calls on your office, on the Secretary-General, to provide a report in 30 days and, in particular, to define and report on recruitment of ISIL and the sources of terrorist financing. 泭How does your office expect to do that, to speak with intelligence agencies? 泭And do you believe that that will unite countries in trying to tap down on terrorist financing? 泭Thank you.
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Secretary-General: I'm very much encouraged by the fact that the Security Council is going to take a landmark decision in preventing financial flows to the terrorists and extremists. 泭This is very important sign of demonstrating their leadership for unity of purpose in addressing terrorist and extremists. 泭Unfortunately, they have been receiving a lot of funds without much difficulty, particularly Islamic State, they have according to reports, they have a lot of money available in there. 泭And they pay for their own people living controlled under their influence. 泭Therefore, its very important that we have to do whatever is required to cut off all this source of financial support to these people. 泭I think that is one of the ways, very effective in addressing this issue. 泭And I'm looking forward to my own participation tomorrow.
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Q: Yes. Thank you. Sir, what are your views on Iran's testing of ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons? 泭And in particular, do such actions give you concern as to Iran's good faith going forward in complying with the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)? Thank you.
泭
Secretary-General: Iran and all the powers, P5+1, they have made a very good agreement. Therefore, I would expect that the Iranian Government will continue to implement in accordance with this agreement and in accordance with all relevant Security Council resolutions. 泭And I think that is the best way for Iran, first of all, to achieve what they have set out. 泭And I'm sure that, based on this agreement, the international community is going to work together with the Iranian Government. Thank you.
泭

HIGHLIGHTS OF OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE U.N. SYSTEM

WEDNESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2015

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SECURITY COUNCIL RECEIVES UPDATE ON CONTINUING ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN VIOLENCE

  • The Assistant Secretary-General for , Miroslav Jenca, informed the today that the bloodshed has not stopped among , with some seven Israelis and 34 Palestinians killed during recent weeks.
  • Stabbings, vehicle attacks and shootings by Palestinians targeting Israelis continue to claim victims on an almost daily basis, as suspected assailants are shot and killed in return and as clashes continue to result in Palestinian deaths.
  • Mr. Jenca reiterated the UNs firm condemnation of all terrorist attacks. He said that leaders on all sides have the responsibility to stop incitement and to consistently, and unequivocally stand against acts of terror and violence in all its forms.
  • He added that overcoming today's challenges in Israel and Palestine will require unprecedented vision by Israeli and Palestinian leadership to see beyond today's confrontations and take bold steps to create a peaceful future.
  • Mr. Jenca called upon them to let go of their immediate political fears and focus on the greater good of achieving a sustainable long-term peace for the Palestinian and Israeli people.

U.N. ENVOY IN LIBYA SAYS SIGNING OF POLITICAL AGREEMENT TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN MOROCCO

  • In a statement issued today, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for , Martin Kobler, said that the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement is due to take place tomorrow, 17 December 2015, as agreed to by the Libyan political dialogue and as welcomed by the UN Security Council and by the ministerial meeting in Rome on 13 December.
  • Mr. Kobler added that the signing ceremony has been scheduled for 17 December and a large number of Libyan participants and high-level international participants, including many Foreign Ministers, have committed to attend.
  • Mr. Kobler, has taken note of the meeting between the President of the House of Representatives Mr. Agila Saleh Essa Gwaider, and the President of the General National Congress, Mr. Nouri Abusahmain, in Malta on 15 December 2015.
  • The UN continues to encourage all Libyan efforts to end the current divisions through inclusive dialogue.

U.N. REFUGEE CHIEF STRESSES NEED TO ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES TO TACKLE GLOBAL DISPLACEMENT

  • The High Commissioner for Refugees, Ant籀nio Guterres, today the need to understand the root causes behind the current high levels of people being driven from their homes.
  • Speaking at the opening of a two-day forum entitled Understanding and addressing root causes of displacement, Mr. Guterres noted how our world today is at a crossroads, spotlighting the effects of conflicts and natural hazards on both the present ad the future. He called for an approach that looks beyond emergency response.
  • Government donors today nearly $690 million for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to help the nearly 60 million forcibly displaced or stateless people in the world next year.
  • UNHCRs financial requirements for 2016 stand at US$ 6.5 billion, the largest budget ever presented at the beginning of a year and significantly higher than the $500 billion promised at the same time last year.
  • Apart from a small annual contribution from the UN regular budget, UNHCRs programmes are entirely funded by voluntary contributions from government and private donors.

D.R. CONGO: U.N. SUPPORTED INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS 375 HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS DURING RECENT ATTACKS

  • An investigation by Beni-Butembo military prosecutors office in Eringeti, Democratic Republic of the Congo (), supported by the UN, found that 375 violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law were committed during recent attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group active in the Eastern part of the country.
  • The judicial investigation was conducted between 3 and 12 December 2015, with the support of the UN Joint Human Rights Office for the Democratic Republic of the Congo () and the UN Missions Justice and Corrections Section. 233 sources were interviewed including 225 victims - 145 women and six children.
  • The Director of UNJHRO, Jose Maria Aranaz, said that the results of the joint investigation confirm systematic attacks committed with extreme cruelty and without distinction by ADF combatants against civilian population, which are serious violations of international humanitarian law.
  • Mr Aranaz also stressed the urgent need to neutralize ADF combatants with no further delay in order to put an end to the inacceptable insecurity faced by civilian population in Beni.

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS PAYS ITS DUES TO U.N.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis paid its regular dues to the UN in full, becoming the 140th Member State to do so.

SECURITY COUNCIL COUNTER-TERRORISM COMMITTEE TO MEET ON EXPLOITATION OF INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA TOMORROW

  • The Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) is expected to hold a special meeting tomorrow on preventing terrorists from exploiting the Internet and social media to recruit terrorists and incite terrorist acts, while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  • The meeting will be complemented by thematic sessions organized by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate () sessions that will all take place in Conference Room 4 at UN headquarters in New York, starting at 10am on 16 and 17 December. The meeting is open to UN-accredited journalists.
  • The CTC meeting will feature panellists from inter alia Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, and Weibo, as well as the Chief Prosecutor of Paris, and civil society activists confronting terrorist recruiters on the digital frontlines.

Secretary-General

Schedule

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