In UNSC Guterres Supports Equatorial Guinea 40 Year Ruler Obiang Like Biya of Cameroon

By Matthew Russell Lee, CJR LetterPFT Q&A

UNITED NATIONS GATE, February 4 – When the Presidency of the UN Security Council was taken over by Equatorial Guinea on February 1 its Ambassador Ndong Mba held a press conference to take questions. But it was only from the media NOT banned by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, his Alison Smale and spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Now on February 4 Equatorial Guinea is holding and Guterres has performed at a Security Council meeting on “Mercenary activities as a source of insecurity and destabilization in Africa," chaired by 40 year ruler Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo who, not unrelatedly, faced a bid to overthrown him in December 2017. He fought it off with the help of his friend, 36 year Cameroon ruler Cameroon, with verbal support from Guterres. On February 4 Guterres said in the Security Council - after UNTV was told not to film him on the way in - that "Equatorial Guinea itself has reported serious attempts against its own government.  Indeed, last year, Ambassador Anatolio Ndong Mba of Equatorial Guinea underscored to this Council the need for 'vigilance and control of groups that sow insecurity and instability.'" In the run up to the noon briefing Inner City Press was banned from for the 215th day, Evelyn Leopold a retired Reuters correspondents said loudly that she didn't understand why there was a meeting about mercenary; she has previously said of Cameroon, video here, "the Anglophone did some shooting today" then acknowledged she never wrote about the country. This is today's UN. In the Press-less February 1 press conference, one of the few remaining independent minded journalists asked Mba why there is no meeting this month on Cameroon (where Paul Biya is slaughtering Anglophones daily). Mba archly replied, video here, that he had no comment as Cameroon is not on the Council's agenda (colonial power France, and turncoat UK haven't even asked, as UK Minister Liam Fox bragged about a New Age natural gas deal with Biya). Remarked on only by banned Inner City Press: Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema was the firstto congratulate Paul Biya on his seventh term, on 20 October 2018, two full days before the dubious results were announced. But who's counting? Now this, from Chinese state media: Officials of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea said on February 2 that they have agreed on plans to construct a bridge to link both countries.  "It is an integrating project that establishes the possibility of movement between the two countries. Once this project is realized, we will have another possibility of traveling by land through Cameroon and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea," said Paul Tasong, Cameroonian ministerial delegate from the Ministry of Economy Planning and Regional Development.  At the end of the day, the agreement was reached during a meeting in Cameroon's commercial capital Douala between delegations led by Tasong and Baltasar Engonga Edjo, Equatorial Guinean minister in charge of regional integration.  The bridge will be constructed over the Ntem River, on the corridor linking Kribi, Campo in Cameroon and Bata in Equatorial Guinea.  A memorandum of understanding will be signed between both countries on March 15. One Belt One Road?  On Cameroon, Mba said he could not comment on Cameroon because "it is not on the program of work of the Security Council." Video here. But there IS no program of work, still - so it's a strange defense, a bridge to nowhere. On February 1 in the mere eight questions taken there was not one about human rights in Equatorial Guinea, which has had the same president for forty years. The first question was taken by the United Nations Correspondents Association, whose Valeria Robecco said there are two issues in Africa: Boko Haram and the DR Congo. That'll all? This UN Correspondents Association - which at most represents 10% even of the journalist who come into the UN each year, and did nothing about its partners Guterres, Dujarric and Smale's censorship - has said nothing about, for example, the automatic exclusion by Guterres' UN of journalists from Taiwan. We'll have more on this UNCA and the permanent seat they devote to China. On February 1, Inner City Press live-tweeted the increasingly craven "press conference" until, at the end, one of the few independent thinking and asking correspondents made it a point to ask why Cameroon was not on the agenda. Ngong Mba answered archly that he would not say anything about Cameroon, since it is not on the Security Council's agenda. That's deference, from a country with a 40 year president to another with a 36 year ruler, currently slaughtering Anglophones with very little said by UNSG Antonio Guterres including in his meetings with Mba's Cameroonian counterpart when he was chair of the UN Budget Committee where Guterres wanted favors. Mba to his credit did reveal that Kuwait has asked for an Any Other Business meeting about Hebron. The session was brief, perhaps in part because there was no Program of Work handed out. Those who want to knock Kosovo off the quarterly reporting schedule refused to agree to a February 7 meeting. Mba cited the US in September as also not having a program of work. But there was a hand out of the rest of the schedule. Not so with Equatorial Guinea. They should be sending their information to Inner City Press which covers the UN Security Council closely - in person until roughed up and banned by Guterres amid its questions about his spending and silence on Cameroon, Obiang style -  but we'll see. Watch this site, daily.  In the eight questions there was no follow up on the expulsion of Guterres' envoy Nicholas Haysom from Somalia.  Nothing on Burundi, or Gabon or Togo.  But on those, the answer presumably would have been the same. This is today's UN, so far unchanged by the other "new" UNSC members Germany, Indonesia, South Africa and Belgium...

On Burkina Faso, IPU Condemns Overthrow, UN's Ban Ki-moon Was Silent, Took No Africa Questions, Then Canned Statement

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, September 17 -- As political leaders in Burkina Faso were put under military detention on September 16, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon held a carefully controlled press conference, his first one at the UN in 2015, and did not take a single question about Africa, much less Burkina Faso.

  While in the past Ban has churned out statements of concern, at the September 16 press conference there was nothing. Ban's Office of the Spokesperson, when Inner City Press asked in May about restrictions on the media in Burkina Faso, had no direct comment. It's not "Rights Up Front" - it's ignore then pretend, as on Burundi before it, and Sri Lanka before that.

  On September 17, the Inter-Parliamentary Union put this out:

"The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has condemned the overthrow of the transitional government in Burkina Faso and the derailing of the transition to democratic rule. The Organization is urging a rapid and peaceful resumption of the democratic process that should conclude with free and fair presidential and legislative elections next month.

“The military should not meddle in the political process. It should instead ensure the interim government and parliament are safeguarded and elections go ahead as planned in October,” says IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong. “The Burkinabé people rightfully demand democratic rule and it is their will that should be respected above all.”

"The Organization is also calling for the immediate release of acting President Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Isaac Zida and two cabinet ministers and for all parties to refrain from violence.

"The West African country has been in a period of transition since a popular uprising against constitutional changes led to the dissolution of parliament and the demise of then President Blaise Compaoré."

  Demise?

  The UN Security Council, after consulting, issued a unanimous 15-member Press Statement, here:

"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms today’s forceful detention of the President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Isaac Zida of Burkina Faso, as well as a number of Ministers, and demanded that they be released safely and immediately. The members of the Security Council stressed that their detention by elements of the Régiment de sécurité présidentielle is a flagrant violation of the Constitution and the Transitional Charter of Burkina Faso. The members of the Security Council urged all actors in Burkina Faso to refrain from any violence.

"The members of the Security Council expressed their strong support to the transitional authorities of Burkina Faso and urged all actors to comply with the transitional calendar, notably the holding of free, fair and credible elections, scheduled for 11 October 2015. They urged all actors to respect the legitimate aspiration of the people of Burkina Faso for a peaceful transition.

"The members of the Security Council expressed their strong support for the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, as well those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and other international partners to support the transition in Burkina Faso."

  The US released this statement:

"The United States is deeply concerned about the unfolding events in Burkina Faso.  We call for the immediate release of President Kafando, Prime Minister Zida, and all other officials being held.

"The United States strongly condemns any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means or resolve internal political disagreements using force.

"We call for an immediate end to violence, urge the military personnel involved to return to their primary mission, and reaffirm our steadfast support for the civilian transitional government to continue its work of preparing for free, fair, and credible elections on October 11."

  After 5 pm, Ban's office sent this out - "outraged" --

"The Secretary-General is outraged by reports of the detention of President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida of Burkina Faso, as well as a number of Ministers of State, by the Régiment de Sécurité Présidentielle today in Ouagadougou. The Secretary-General calls for their immediate release. This incident is a flagrant violation of Burkina Faso's Constitution and Transitional Charter.

"The United Nations stands firmly behind the transitional authorities and President Kafando. The Secretary-General notes the strong support of the people of Burkina Faso for a peaceful transition and urges compliance with the transitional calendar, including the upcoming elections.

"His Special Representative for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, is presently in Ouagadougou and working closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and other international partners to support and safeguard the transition in Burkina Faso."

 We'll see. 

Back on July 7 when the head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA) Mohammed Ibn Chambas briefed the UN Security Council on he noted that in Burkina Faso "our concerns increased following [the] recent incident on 29 June when elements of the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) reportedly attempted to arrest Prime Minister Zida upon his return from a foreign trip. Several gun shots were heard in the Regiment's camp that evening."

  In the past, Chambas has come to the Security Council stakeout to take questions after briefing the Council. Not this time. When the President of the Council for July Gerard van Bohemen of New Zealand emerged and said the Council urged Chambas to continue his work including in Burkina Faso, Inner City Press asked what Chambas' plan is in light of the attempt to arrest the Prime Minister.

  In response, van Bohemen said he couldn't speak to Chambas' plans - fair enough - and also said that on last week's draft Burundi press statement, it was decided that the previous week's Presidential Statement -- before the June 29 elections -- was strong enough. Periscope video here, at least for 24 hours.

Burundi is on the Security Council's agenda for July 9, so we'll have more on that. But perhaps not on the UN in Burkina Faso. Chambas never returned to take questions, of which there are many.

  On the Srebrenica draft resolution, twice postponed on July 7, van Bohemen confirm that it now set for 10 am on July 8. We'll be there.

Back on November 17, 2014, the Security Council in a French-drafted Press Statement "welcomed the appointment of Mr. Michel Kafando as the civilian President of the Transition."

 That's the same Michel Kafando who was the Blaise Compare's Ambassador to the UN during the country's last turn on the Security Council. Inner City Press has asked Kafando questions, UN now-archived video here.  Some ask, Meet the new boss, same as the old boss?

 On November 13 when the International Monetary Fund held its biweekly embargoed media briefing on November 13, Inner City Press asked about Burkina Faso: "does the IMF have any comment or response to the change of government, any impacts on IMF programs or forecasts for the country or its neighbors?"

  IMF deputy spokesperson William Murray replied that "in terms of Burkina Faso there were some issues with a mission recently but now the situation is evolving. As soon as an internationally recognized transitional government is in place, we look forward to resuming discussions with the authorities."

Citing "signals for donor engagement," Murray said the IMF "anticipates the transitional government  is likely to want to continue a program engagement of some sort. Depending on the authorities' wishes and the commitments they are willing to undertake, options might be a one year program under the Rapid Credit Facility or continuation of the current ECF supported program."

  And there you have it.

From the IMF's subsequently released transcript:

IMF's William Murray: I have a question, again from Matthew Lee, on Burkina Faso. On Burkina Faso, does the IMF have any comment or response to the change of government and any impacts on IMF programs or forecasts for the country or its neighbors. Let me -- I'm going to have to dive into my brief here, Matthew. In terms of Burkina Faso, you know there are some issues there with the mission recently, but now the situation is evolving and we are following developments in Burkina Faso closely. As soon as internationally recognized transitional government is in place, we look forward to resuming our discussions with the authorities. Burkina Faso has a long track record of strong performance with programs supported by the IMF. Since the current program provides a signal for broader donor engagement, we anticipate that the transition government is likely to want to continue a program engagement of some sort. Depending upon the authorities' wishes, and the commitments that they are willing to undertake, options might be a one year program supported by the rapid credit facility or possibly continuation of the current ECF supported program. Program implementation capacity will also be an important consideration. That's our latest update on Burkina.

All right, I think we can wrap this up. Is there any other questions we can? Okay, great

 At the UN on November 4, with the military claiming control of Burkina Faso, after days of silence from the UN Security Council, the Security Council got a briefing on the topic from UN Political Affairs chief Jeff Feltman.

  Afterward Inner City Press asked Quinlan if there had been any discussion of the spread of what some call the African Spring, noting for example that a statute of Joseph Kabila was toppled in Beni in Eastern Congo, even as Kabila asks UN Peacekeeping for military support.

  Quinlan said there has been some discussion of the regional aspect, but not in detail. Inner City Press asked if France had acknowledged in the Council's consultations having helped Burkina Faso's 27 year ruler -- who came to power on the back, so to speak, of Thomas Sankara -- escape the country.

  Quinlan said he hadn't heard of the allegation that France help Compaore get away. Well, here it is: president Francois Hollande told reporters in Quebec City that "we did it... to avoid drama and other convulsions."

   The UN never criticized Blaise Compaore's 27 year rule or his bid to extend it; in the DR Congo, UN Peacekeeping unself-consciously offers military support to Joseph Kabila.  But how will the UN Security Council react, if at all, to military rule in Burkina Faso?

On Myanmar, Inner City Press Asked But UN Muted As Talking with Rohingya Is Banned, Mere "If-Asked" on Coup

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, August 14 -- After Myanmar's authorities banned the UN Special Rapporteur from even speaking with Rohingyas, and forced out the president's main rival in the run-up to elections, Inner City Press on August 14 asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric about it, video here, transcript here:

Inner City Press: I want to ask about Myanmar, I was kind of expecting you to have something, maybe you do... what's the response of the UN and its good offices envoy, Mr. [Vijay] Nambiar, to the ouster of Shwe Mann as a primary rival of the current President right before the elections?  Some people call it a coup.  What is the UN's view of it?

Spokesman Dujarric: we're obviously aware of the change in leadership within the Union of Solidarity and Development, the ruling party.  However, Myanmar is approaching a critical period of impending elections and hope all such actions proceed in conformity with the law in a manner that strengthens the democratic framework, as well as respecting the rules and regulations laid down by the Union Election Commission.  We call on all stakeholders to recommit to free, fair and credible elections in November.

Inner City Press:  Just one more thing.  I remember… did it come up that the Special Rapporteur, who I know is independent, but is part of… you know, is called the UN Special Rapporteur but said publicly in a press conference that she was not allowed to speak to Rohingya.

Spokesman:  I think, again, the issue of Ms. [Yanghee] Lee had come up before.  They are, indeed, independent, but the Secretary-General has repeatedly called on all Member States to work with them in full cooperation and open all doors to them.  Khalas.

 Back on February 12, 2015, the UN read out a glowing statement about Myanmar from envoy Vijay Nambiar. Inner City Press asked this follow up question:

Inner City Press: I wanted to ask a slightly, more specifically on Myanmar.  This same day the President, Thein Sein, has essentially taken away the right to vote that had been granted to Rohingyas and other ethnic minorities to vote on a Constitutional referendum.  So, it seems like this was big news today.

Spokesman Dujarric:  You're talking about the issue of the ID cards?

Inner City Press:  Yes.  And being able to vote…

Spokesman:  The issue of the ID [identification] cards, we've seen that.  We're very concerned about the reported notification that holders of temporary ID cards will be required to hand over their cards.  This is something that Mr. Nambiar is following closely and he's trying to get further details as to what this order actually means and how it fits in with things that have been, the Government had committed itself to before.  So, short answer is that, obviously, we're concerned by these reports, and we're trying to find out a bit more.

Inner City Press:  And, in fact, if they can't vote, will there will be a similar…?

Spokesman:  I think first step is, obviously, to find out what the situation is.  Second step is to talk about it.  

  Let's see if the UN talks about it. Amid attacks on journalists and freedom of expression in countries all over the world, the United Nations under Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is no sanctuary, nor champion, the Free UN Coalition for Access has found. 

  Beyond stealth attempts to get the Press thrown out of the UN, there is often little but platitudes about attacks elsewhere.  FUNCA is Pressing the issue.

  On January 8, Inner City Press on behalf of the Free UN Coalition for Access asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric about Myanmar jailing at least 10 journalists, and Saudi Arabia preparing to flog a blogger,video here:

Inner City Press / FUNCA: I have two “freedom of the press” questions.  One is about Myanmar. The UN country team there. I saw that the Deputy Secretary-General’s meeting with the UN resident coordinator from Myanmar today.  In light of “Je Suis Charlie," I wanted to ask you the following:  Myanmar is listed as one of the top 10 jailers of journalists.  At least 10 journalists are in jail for having criticized the Government.  And I wanted to know, is it possible to know now or perhaps to hear from this resident coordinator, is this among the issues that the UN raises to Myanmar and what does the UN think of Myanmar’s record for locking up journalists for what they write?

Spokesman Dujarric:  I think the meeting is an internal meeting, as there are many between the Secretary-General… between the Deputy Secretary-General and the resident coordinator.  It’s a routine meeting.  As a principle and as I’ve said here repeatedly over the last few days, the Secretary-General has always reiterated his call for full freedom of the press.  He has spoken out when journalists have been jailed and that’s a consistent position of the United Nations.

Inner City Press / FUNCA:  How about flogged?

Spokesman Dujarric: Oh, go ahead.

Inner City Press / FUNCA:  it seems like the timing is just right, if he’s ready to speak out.  There’s a blogger in Saudi Arabia called Raif Badawi, he’s been sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for his blogs.  And according to Amnesty International, he’s going to be receiving 50 flogs a week for the next 20 weeks and it begins Friday.  So I wanted to know… this seems pretty extreme.

Spokesman:  Listen, I have… I have not seen that report.  I will take look at it. 

  Seven hours later, nothing, even as others have commented on the impending flogging of this blogger.

  On January 6, Inner City Press on behalf of the Free UN Coalition for Access asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric about attacks by Turkey on Dutch journalist Frederike Geerdink whose home in Diyarbakir was searched amid dark self-serving of terrorism.

  UN Spokesman Dujarric replied he hadn't heard of the case. Video here.

  Also on January 6, FUNCA asked UN Spokesman Dujarric about Kuwait sentencing to one year and eight months in jail Saqr Al-Hashash for insulting - Tweeting against -- the Emir. The UN's response was a platitude. But FUNCA will continue.

   

On Burundi, UN Security Council Elements to the Press Don't Say Coup or Sanctions, Inner City Press Q&A with IMF

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, May 14, with video -- Amid the protests and crackdown after Pierre Nkurunziza was nominated to run for a third term as President in seeming violation of the Arusha Peace Accord, on May 13 General Godefroid Niyombare announced the ouster of Nkurunziza while the latter was, like UN envoy Said Djinnit, in Tanzania for the East African Community meeting.

After a closed door meeting of the UN Security Council early Thursday afternoon, the Security Council's President for May, Lithuania's Permanent Representative Raimonda Murmokaite read out “elements to the press," the weakest form of Council action.

  “The members of the Security Council were briefed by the Secretary General’s special envoy to the Great Lakes region, Said Djinnit, about developments in Burundi. Members of the Security Council condemned violent unrest in Burundi and specifically condemned both those who facilitate violence of any kind against civilians, and those who seek to seize power by unlawful means,” she said, notably not using the word "coup."

  (Moments later, Al Jazeera English reported that the UN Security Council had "condemned the coup.")

  “The members of the Security Council called on all parties not to resort to violence and to prioritize peace and security. The members of the Security Council called for the swift return to the rule of law and holding of credible elections in the spirit of the Arusha agreements. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support to the efforts of United Nations special envoy Said Djinnit, the African Union and East African Community,” Murmokaite continued.

  Inner City Press asked Murmokaite if Djinnit is in any contact with General Niyombare; she relied about Djinnit expressing an intention to return to Burundi.

  “The members of the Security Council expressed their intent to respond to violent attacks in Burundi that threaten peace and security. Members of the Security Council have expressed their intention to remain seized of the matter,” she concluded. The words sanctions or "measures" weren't used.

  Nkurunziza's failure to yet return to Burundi is due not only to control of the airport -- sources tell Inner City Press that the pilots of the plane he used were unwilling to fly to a closed airport. The sources say Nkurunziza sold the country's airplane and now rents.

  Likewise the sources tell Inner City Press that Team Nkurunziza withdrew $9 million from the country's "Contingent Owned Equipment" fund for serving as peacekeepers in Somalia: where are those funds now, they ask?

 On May 14, Inner City Press has asked the International Monetary Fund's spokesperson Gerry Rice at the IMF biweekly embargoed briefing:

"On Burundi, after the IMF's announcement of $6.9 million in the run up to elections, now with General Godefroid Niyombare saying Pierre Nkurunziza is no longer in power, what is the status of the IMF's funds and program, when will it be reviewed?"

  Rice took this question and replied that the "IMF is following the current developments in Burundi very closely.  The Fund-supported program that was recently approved, it's fair to say that given the current security situation, the timing of our next discussions with the authorities has yet to be determined."

 Tw weeks ago on April 30, the IMF told Inner City Press on Burundi

"Many thanks for your question. Please see our line  below:

'We are continuing to monitor developments in Burundi. Regarding the ECF-supported program that was recently approved, our next meeting with the authorities is tentatively scheduled to take place in June, at which time we will assess progress toward the completion of the 7th review.'"

 So, no more June? Watch this site. 

 On May 15, the UN Peacebuilding Configuration on Burundi is set to hear from UN DPA chief Jeff Feltman. (Inner City Press asked Feltman about it on the morning of May 14; he was not aware).  On Monday they heard from Minister Nduwimana - where is he now?

 Inner City Press was told by one member of the Configuration that they will be going to Burundi. Watch this site.

  Inner City Press sources have told it that France's Ambassador to Burundi had been telling the opposition they should just accept the third term, allegedly in exchange for other "reforms." Now this.

On May 12, Inner City Press had asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric

Inner City Press: I wanted to ask one follow-up on Burundi.  There's been a decision or announcement by a number of European countries to not actually pay funds they were going to pay for the upcoming elections.  Since there's a UN electoral mission there, is that… what does the mission think?

Spokesman Dujarric:  I'll get a… I have not gotten anything from them. 

  That's today's UN.

On May 11, the UN Peacebuilding Configuration for Burundi met and sought answers from Burundi's minister by video.

  Asking questions were Swiss Permanent Representative Paul Seger and his counterparts from Belgium and Tanzania, Ambassador Manongi, as well as the UK's Deputy Permanent Representative Peter Wilson. France, the penholder on Burundi in the UN Security Council, did not send its Permanent Representative Francois Delattre nor his Deputy Alexis Lamec.

  Questions were raised about the armed youth wing, the crackdown on media, the outward flows of refugees. The responses were generally dismissive -- Wilson wondered aloud at the disparity between the Minister's denials on the youth wing and all other available information -- and on press freedom, troubling. Media is political, the minister said, justifying the crackdown.

 But what will come next? Later on May 11, the US issued a travel warning on Burundi saying among other things that "Armed groups operate in Burundi... Exchanges of gunfire and grenade attacks have increased but are usually not directed at foreigners." It's that kind of thinking that the ruling party seems to be counting on. Watch this site.

   

In Burundi, General Niyombare Says Nkurunziza Is Out, Amid Lethargy by UN & Penholder, Ban Ki-moon Waves, No Comment

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, May 13, updated live blog with video -- Amid the protests and crackdown after Pierre Nkurunziza was nominated to run for a third term as President in seeming violation of the Arusha Peace Accord, on May 13 General Godefroid Niyombare announced the ouster of Nkurunziza while the latter was in Tanzania for the East African Community meeting.

  The UN Security Council was late in meeting on events in Burundi - the penholder was less than vocal against the proposed third term - and one wonders how slow they will be on this coup.

  Inner City Press sources have told it that France's Ambassador to Burundi had been telling the opposition they should just accept the third term, allegedly in exchange for other "reforms." Now this.

Update: in front of the UN Security Council on May 13, Inner City Press asked who would brief the Council on the coup. Said Djinnit was the answer, although they didn't know if he is in Tanzania. It was predicted for the afternoon of May 13 -- there is an all day debate on small arms and light weapons -- or on May 14.

 As Ban Ki-moon went into the Security Council meeting he was asked about Burundi. He waved his hand; no comment.

On May 12, Inner City Press had asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:

Inner City Press: I wanted to ask one follow-up on Burundi.  There's been a decision or announcement by a number of European countries to not actually pay funds they were going to pay for the upcoming elections.  Since there's a UN electoral mission there, is that… what does the mission think?

Spokesman Dujarric:  I'll get a… I have not gotten anything from them. 

  That's today's UN.

On May 11, the UN Peacebuilding Configuration for Burundi met and sought answers from Burundi's minister by video.

  Asking questions were Swiss Permanent Representative Paul Seger and his counterparts from Belgium and Tanzania, Ambassador Manongi, as well as the UK's Deputy Permanent Representative Peter Wilson. France, the penholder on Burundi in the UN Security Council, did not send its Permanent Representative Francois Delattre nor his Deputy Alexis Lamec.

  Questions were raised about the armed youth wing, the crackdown on media, the outward flows of refugees. The responses were generally dismissive -- Wilson wondered aloud at the disparity between the Minister's denials on the youth wing and all other available information -- and on press freedom, troubling. Media is political, the minister said, justifying the crackdown.

 But what will come next? Later on May 11, the US issued a travel warning on Burundi saying among other things that "Armed groups operate in Burundi... Exchanges of gunfire and grenade attacks have increased but are usually not directed at foreigners." It's that kind of thinking that the ruling party seems to be counting on. Watch this site.

Inner City Press on May 8 asked Tanzanian President Kikwete what his country and the East African Community are trying to do. Video here.

 Kikwete, at the UN for a press conference about the High Level Panel on Global Response to Health Crises, told Inner City Press to ask him about Burundi after the press conference. Inner City Press did, specifically if the EAC will be opining on if a third term would violate the Arusha Agreements or pose regional threats.

  "Be patient," was Kikwete's response, saying that the foreign ministers who visited Burundi will report back on May 13. We will cover that at that time.

  During the press conference, Kikwete dealt with aplomb when UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq called him the "former president" of Tanzania. There were a number of "formers" (and "futures") on the panel, but Kikwete is current.

   Moments after Kikwete's and the panel's press conference, the UN Security Council issued "elements to the press" which "called upon all parties to refrain from violence and to prioritize Burundi’s peace and stability through the current political dialogue and also to achieve their needs through legal and peaceful means. They stressed the need to hold a credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful electoral process."

 Inner City Press asked the Security Council's president for May  Raimonda Murmokaite of Lithuania how the third term was discussed in the Council's closed meeting. She replied that individual members did express their views on the third term but it was not really the essence of the discussion.  We'll have more on this.

  Inner City Press has asked the UN about Burundi, most recently on May 4 and 5 and now May 6, below. Now it's said the UN's Said Djinnit will belatedly brief the Security Council on May 7 - we'll be there.

  On May 6, Inner City Press asked the UN, " I don't know if you have an update on Burundi?"

  Moments later, beyond an if-asked, a statement was handed to UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, who answered Inner City Press with this:

"Regarding Burundi, after a plenary session yesterday, Burundian stakeholders continued the political dialogue.  Our Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Said Djinnit, is facilitating work in smaller committees.  The objective of the dialogue remains to seek common grounds for creating conditions for the holding of peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections in Burundi.  Meanwhile, we welcome the arrival in Bujumbura of the foreign ministers of the East African community, and we look forward to working closely with the region on this."

  The UN is relentlessly upbeat - and marginalized. Watch this site.

 On May 4, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:

Inner City Press: On Burundi, I want to know if you have any statement on the violence in the capital in which at least two people have been killed today protesting the third-term run of the President?

Spokesman Dujurric:  Sure, we continue to follow the events in Burundi with great concern and deplore the loss of lives and injuries as well as the destruction of property that we've seen.  We reiterate our calls to all the parties to reject violence, exercise maximum restraint, and avoid using inflammatory language, as well as to take the necessary appeasement measures to create conditions for dialogue.  In this regard, the UN mission on the ground, MENUB, has been encouraging all stakeholders to seize the opportunities of the dialogue that is organized by the Ministry of Interior with the support of the UN on 5 and 6 May.  That is tomorrow and Wednesday.  And we trust that stakeholders will see and build on this dialogue as an opportunity to defuse tensions and seek common grounds for creating conditions for the holding of peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections in Burundi.

 Later on May 4, Ban Ki-moon met with Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, but no UN read-out was issued. On May 5, Inner City Press asked for this, and about the judge who fled the country amid death threats. Video here.
   

On Yemen, UN Security Council Presidential Statement As Adopted Does Not Say Coup But Aden Ambassador Cites "Iranian Ambition in my Country"

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, March 22 -- When the UN Security Council convened for a rare Sunday meeting on March 22, its Yemen Presidential Statement had already been agreed to. Online here.

 It did not use the word "coup," but Yemen's Ambassador who spoke before its adoption used the word coup repeatedly, and told the Council events have been “incited by Iranian ambitions in my country.” His speech, in Arabic, is put online here by Inner City Press.

 The Ambassador of Qatar also spoke, for the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as UN envoy Jamal Benomar by video from a small room. Benomar said without talks, Yemen could become like Iraq, Libya or Syria. 

  Hours after the UN Security Council scheduled this emergency meeting on Yemen, the US has  announced:

"Due to the deteriorating security situation in Yemen, the U.S. Government has temporarily relocated its remaining personnel out of Yemen.  We have informed President Hadi of this step as part of our close coordination with the Yemeni government.  We will continue to engage the Yemeni people and the international community to strongly support Yemen’s political transition.  We also continue to actively monitor terrorist threats emanating from Yemen and have capabilities postured in the area to address them.  As we have in the past, we will take action to disrupt continuing, imminent threats to the United States and our citizens.

"There is no military solution to Yemen’s current crisis.  We urge the immediate cessation of all unilateral and offensive military actions.  We join all of the other members of the Security Council in underscoring that President Hadi is the legitimate authority in Yemen and re-emphasize our support for his efforts to lead Yemen through crisis.  We call upon the Houthis, former President Ali Abdallah Salih, and their allies to stop their violent incitement that threatens President Hadi, Yemeni government officials, and innocent civilians.

"We encourage all Yemeni factions to constructively engage in the UN-led political dialogue to achieve an inclusive power sharing agreement.  No unilateral assertion of authority will succeed in Yemen.  We urge a renewed commitment to a peaceful political transition consistent with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative, the National Dialogue Conference outcomes, and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

"We are concerned that the well-being of all Yemenis now stands threatened by increasing instability, with extremists trying to capitalize on growing volatility as witnessed in the unconscionable March 20 attacks that killed over 130 Yemeni men, women, and children.  Progress in the political transition process offers Yemen the best hope to address these grave threats.  The United States remains committed to supporting all Yemenis in this endeavor and to aiding those who continue to strive for a peaceful, prosperous, and unified Yemen."

  Five weeks after the last Yemen resolution of the UN Security Council was adopted on Sunday, February 15, now on Sunday March 22 the Council held another emergency meeting on Yemen. Much has changed, most recently airstrikes on Hadi's headquarters in Aden and more deadly bombing of largely Houthi mosques in Sana'a.

  With less than 24 hours notice on March 21 the new emergency Security Council meeting was reported by the UN Spokesperson, Inner City Press, Lithuania, Jordan which requested the meeting, and France the Council's president for March. 

  It was said Hadi requested the meeting; some speculated he wants the "Houthi coup" language that was dropped from the February 15 resolution revived. But with the Houthis themselves targeted, how would this play? And if a first round of sanctions didn't stop these developments, would a second round?

Update: Sources tell Inner City Press that UN envoy Jamal Benomar abruptly left Yemen, and that Hadi's goal is to get (more) UN Security Council authorization for military action against the Houthis "and Saleh." But he could already claim to be authorized for that. A Presidential Statement doesn't mean victory on the ground, though... 

Update II: a question, of course, is how all this UN Security Council action relates to its P5+1 talks with Iran on the nuclear file. Seems the draft PRST would call on "all member States to refrain from external interference which seeks to foment conflict and instability and instead to support the political transition." ALL member states? Including Saudi Arabia and Qatar? Or only Iran?

  On a cold Sunday in New York, the UN Security Council scheduled a 5 pm vote on a resolution on Yemen.Diplomats rushed in. The Gulf Cooperation Council had submitted a draft with the word "Houthi coup" in it, but the phrase did not survive.

  After the watered down resolution was adopted 15-0, Inner City Press asked Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative about the threat of new sanctions, given how little previous sanctions on Ali Saleh and two Houthi leaders accomplished - and, does he think the Houthis are working with Saleh? (Video here and embedded below.)

  He replied that both are spoilers, they could work together directly or indirectly. The Gulf Cooperation Council will be continuing to push the Security Council, for example on the house arrest of Hadi and others.

  Jordan's Permanent Representative added that come members did not want the word coup.

 Inner City Press notes that while Hadi consented to US drone strikes, a coup would leave such consent "up in the air."

 After the diplomats left, two different Arabic language channels described what had occurred in entirely different terms: one as a "strong message," the other as "weak."  And so it goes.