WEBVTT 1 00:00:04.200 --> 00:00:11.599 Thank you for listening to pictures media Radio. 2 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:24.800 Welcome to policy and rights. 3 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:26.920 Shows. 4 00:00:27.359 --> 00:00:29.760 Welcoming the Policy and Human Joys. 5 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:53.200 Welcome everyone to this press conference with Foreign Affairs Minister 6 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:57.000 Anita and and ye vegno chold I said confidence Presa 7 00:16:57.080 --> 00:17:03.159 Vechler Minister za Anita Nand will begin with opening remarks 8 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:06.960 and go to questions of debut that can discord the answered. 9 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:17.359 The floris yours mercy to lemons c poor but tre 10 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:22.839 monsi some c C com pei a no continue on 11 00:17:23.119 --> 00:17:28.880 the pusse no anti red domestic economy cocy avic diplomacy 12 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:34.960 and some c C poor lepelante crite sa lut and 13 00:17:35.119 --> 00:17:48.119 poor Canada get premier monce yah yah LUs avanci vec poor, 14 00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:54.759 no putty moya ento price a poor not economy on 15 00:17:54.960 --> 00:18:03.680 total savadirs lavoir no shan da Prasian surle defense von 16 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:10.200 replusova a sassage in Bonnevale, poor her economic and Nadian 17 00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:19.480 pasco savadirra, the blue Zampu contra, the Nozalier don ducier 18 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:27.160 mount selot cecile premier u too nosologues e c o 19 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:35.400 c A new zalon e ci poor pussy novla la 20 00:18:35.640 --> 00:18:42.359 multi latter Realisma contre la Protectionisma la co a parassion 21 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:49.039 contre uh la Protectionisma par example dot u c c 22 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:54.680 o c poor lucran a poor her lot Antan nacional 23 00:18:54.839 --> 00:19:06.039 Fronde sur Trosia, Montse Nasutian moyen oriands alone avoir val 24 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:14.079 poor plu de song person quivakite largion o s new 25 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:19.400 zavon a dep plu de sank song Canadian a Canadian 26 00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:28.079 Don Laresian new Continuan, the deplai les service consular super Montage, 27 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:36.000 don la region avac la testre Arian, don't new Continuan, 28 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:43.240 the la far poundt La trees and some la security 29 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:49.920 poor Canadian Canadian tou la monte, don Laresian, don't vexa. 30 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:57.559 Ve Hello everyone, It is wonderful to be able to 31 00:19:57.640 --> 00:19:58.839 speak with you today. 32 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:04.680 H We are here at the NATO Summit and we 33 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:08.799 will be standing for Canada's interests on the world stage. 34 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:10.480 This is Canada's time. 35 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:14.200 This is a time where we will utilize our diplomacy 36 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:20.880 to ensure that Canada's domestic interests and economic interests are 37 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:26.319 being advocated on the world stage. In addition, we must 38 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:31.279 always coach that conversation in the context of Canadian values 39 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:38.480 of peace, of security for civilians, and of the integrity 40 00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:42.839 of the international order. Three main points I want to mention. 41 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:47.559 First of all, yesterday was a very good day for 42 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:51.160 Canada and the Canadian economy as we finalized and signed 43 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:53.880 the agreement between Canada. 44 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:57.640 And the EU with the Security and Defense Partnership. This 45 00:20:57.799 --> 00:21:00.839 is good news. Why because it is going to open 46 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:05.599 up supply chains for Canadian businesses and in particular those 47 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:10.240 in the security and defense industries. Canadian businesses are going 48 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:14.359 to be able to operate on par with European businesses 49 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:17.680 in the defense industry. We've set out a framework and 50 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:21.599 additional work that is going to be done between the 51 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:26.720 two countries and businesses amongst the two regions or jurisdictions 52 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:31.599 I should say, will continue. Second is NATO. This is 53 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:35.680 the first day of the NATO Summit. Of course, everyone 54 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:40.720 is gathering here and Canada is here to represent multilateralism 55 00:21:41.359 --> 00:21:49.079 over unilateralism. We represent cooperation over protectionism. We stand for 56 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:52.720 the rules based international order that has kept us all 57 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:55.680 safe since the end of the Second World War, and 58 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:58.960 we will be here to voice our support for Ukraine 59 00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:02.519 in the short and long term. Then finally, our support 60 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:06.839 in the Middle East. We will see a flight chartered 61 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:11.079 flight leaving the region with over one hundred people on 62 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:15.400 board this evening. We are also assisting our allies in 63 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:19.920 the region if their citizens need assistance, and I will 64 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:25.920 say that we've helped over five hundred Canadians in the 65 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:30.119 region as a whole, So this work continues. We've deployed 66 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:38.799 additional consular services throughout the region, throughout the border area areas, 67 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:42.519 and we will continue to be there to support Canadians 68 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:46.519 and to advocate and ensure to the best of our abilities, 69 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:49.759 the safety and security of that region as a whole. 70 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:54.359 We do urge all Canadians to register with Global Affairs Canada. 71 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:59.160 Don't go Ecsage of Reservoiriston merci. 72 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:03.680 Great, Thank you minister. If you have a question, please 73 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:06.599 use the raise hand functions. It was Evan Keystone to 74 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:11.319 sail bouton level one. Question one follow up in Kestonian Sreeve. 75 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:25.279 We'll start with Mike Blanchfield from Politico. Mike, can you 76 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:25.599 hear us? 77 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:28.880 Hi? Can you hear me now? 78 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:29.319 Yes? 79 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.279 Okay, sorry about that. 80 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:33.160 Good morning, minister. Thanks for taking the time to be 81 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:37.440 with us today, mentioning a moment ago that we're using 82 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:42.640 diplomacy on the world stage to foster our economic interests. 83 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:45.119 In light of that, you you had a conversation with 84 00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:48.960 the Ranian foreign minister the other day, and Donald Trump 85 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:50.799 is on his way to the summit tonight. 86 00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:53.759 With his entourage. 87 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:56.400 What is it that your government needs to know from 88 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:59.640 them about what's going on in Iran and the impact 89 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:02.880 future impact that they have given the events are happening 90 00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:05.119 so quickly, and are you going to be speaking to 91 00:24:05.119 --> 00:24:07.079 the Ranians or the Israelis again anytime soon. 92 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:12.599 So there's a lot in that question, Mike, but let 93 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:15.079 me just take it bit by bit. First of all, 94 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:22.880 my conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister was very much to. 95 00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:28.599 First indicate the need for the safety and security of 96 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:34.160 Canadians in Iran, second to urge for a diplomatic and 97 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:39.559 peaceful resolution to the conflict and a return to the 98 00:24:40.039 --> 00:24:49.039 negotiating table, and third to advocate the importance of Ps. 99 00:24:48.920 --> 00:24:51.599 Seven five to two and the victims of Ps. Seven 100 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:52.079 five to two. 101 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:55.559 It is not a regular occurrence for the Foreign Minister 102 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:59.920 of Canada to speak with the Foreign Minister of Iran. 103 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:05.640 We have not had diplomatic relations with that country since 104 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:12.000 twenty twelve, and we have declared the Iranian regime a 105 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:16.960 terrorist entity in Canadian law. So it was unprecedented, but 106 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:20.279 the reason for the call was very specific, and I've 107 00:25:20.440 --> 00:25:26.599 outlined those three reasons for you here. Secondly, in terms 108 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:29.839 of our interests on the global stage, it is not 109 00:25:30.200 --> 00:25:35.160 limited to advocating for Canadian economic interest. It is to 110 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:40.920 utilize our diplomacy to stand for Canadian values, one of 111 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:46.319 which is global peace, one of which is the protection 112 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:54.279 of civilians, and one of which is the augmentation of 113 00:25:55.039 --> 00:26:03.000 our domestic interests, our domestic economies by fostering diplomatic relationships 114 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:08.240 and building on our relationships with our allies and partners globally. 115 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:13.160 You know, Canada, it is often said, and truthfully, is 116 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:16.079 the only G seven country that has a free trade 117 00:26:16.119 --> 00:26:18.880 agreement with every other G seven country. 118 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:23.440 Well, what does that mean. It means that we have 119 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:28.079 to utilize those agreements and beyond so that we are 120 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:33.160 never again eighty percent dependent on one economy, that being 121 00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:35.599 the United States. And so we have a lot of 122 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:39.359 work in front of us diplomatically, but that sets out 123 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:44.319 the frame within which we are operating and in which 124 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:48.200 our diplomatic relationships will continue. 125 00:26:50.440 --> 00:26:54.279 Just starting off with obviously the latest developments in the 126 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:58.200 Middle East. As you saw earlier today on social media, 127 00:26:58.279 --> 00:27:03.119 the Secretary General welcome President Trump's announcement of a ceasefire 128 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:07.160 between Israel and Iran. The Secretary General urges the two 129 00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:11.720 countries to respect that cease fire fully. The fighting must stop, 130 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:14.960 he said, as the people of both Israel and Iran 131 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:18.759 have already suffered too much. The Secretary General hopes that 132 00:27:18.880 --> 00:27:22.680 this ceasefire can be replicated in the other conflicts in 133 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.599 the region. 134 00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:28.359 Till thirty one. I now give the floor to Miss 135 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:29.400 Ross Marie de Carlo. 136 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:35.160 Madam, President, thank you for the opportunity to brief the 137 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:39.039 Council on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the 138 00:27:39.160 --> 00:27:44.559 implementation of Resolution twenty two to thirty one. As the 139 00:27:44.640 --> 00:27:48.480 Secretary General noted in his latest report, with less than 140 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:52.599 four months left until the termination of its provisions, the 141 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:57.160 objectives of Resolution twenty two thirty one and those of 142 00:27:57.240 --> 00:28:03.200 the JCPOA have yet to be fully realized. This is regrettable. 143 00:28:04.640 --> 00:28:09.279 The JCPOWA was adopted in twenty fifteen to ensure that 144 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:14.839 the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful. 145 00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:21.880 It included sanctions relief, nuclear program restrictions, and monitoring and verification. 146 00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:29.119 The JCPOA has faced many challenges since its inception, including 147 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:31.759 the withdrawal of the United States from the agreement in 148 00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:36.079 twenty eighteen and Iran's withdrawal from some of its commitments 149 00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:41.559 as outlined in the plan. Still, over the last few months, 150 00:28:41.880 --> 00:28:46.839 JCPOWA participants increased their efforts to identify a way forward 151 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:52.559 for full implementation of the plan. In addition, Iran and 152 00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:57.000 the United States engaged in five rounds of bilateral talks 153 00:28:57.279 --> 00:29:04.079 facilitated by Oman. Regrettably, neither of these initiatives produced a 154 00:29:04.119 --> 00:29:08.880 way forward to ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. 155 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:15.119 The military escalation between Israel and Iran since thirteen June 156 00:29:15.880 --> 00:29:19.720 and United States air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities on 157 00:29:19.839 --> 00:29:25.960 twenty one June complicated prospects for achieving full implementation of 158 00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:32.960 Resolution twenty two thirty one. Iran strikes yesterday an ABASE 159 00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:38.039 in Qatar, an action which the Secretary General condemned, further 160 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:46.480 exacerbated insecurity in an already tense region. Madam President. Earlier 161 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:50.440 to day, the Secretary General welcomed the announcement by the 162 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:54.359 United States in co ordination with Katar, of a cease 163 00:29:54.400 --> 00:29:58.759 fire agreement between Israel and Iran, and urged them to 164 00:29:58.880 --> 00:30:04.720 respect it fully. This is a significant achievement that potentially 165 00:30:04.839 --> 00:30:09.240 pulls Iran, Israel, and the region back from the brink. 166 00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:14.559 The people of Iran in Israel have already suffered too much. 167 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:20.720 According to the Iranian Ministry of Health, since the start 168 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:23.400 of the conflict, at least six hundred and six people 169 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:26.480 have been killed, with one hundred seven killed in the 170 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:30.240 past twenty four hours and five thousand, three hundred thirty 171 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:36.160 two injured. According to Israeli authorities, twenty eight people were 172 00:30:36.279 --> 00:30:40.359 killed and one thousand, four hundred seventy two were injured 173 00:30:40.599 --> 00:30:46.359 during the conflict. Madame President. In its quarterly report of 174 00:30:46.480 --> 00:30:50.880 thirty one May twenty twenty five, the International Atomic Energy 175 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:58.039 Agency observed that the significantly increase production and accumulation of 176 00:30:58.240 --> 00:31:02.759 highly enriched uranium by the Islamic Republic of Iran was 177 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:10.559 of serious concern. The IAEA reiterated that its verification and 178 00:31:10.720 --> 00:31:16.559 monitoring activities related to the JCPAA have been seriously affected 179 00:31:17.480 --> 00:31:21.839 by the secession of implementation by Iran of its nuclear 180 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:28.599 related commitments under the plan. The agency also again noted 181 00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:32.319 that it had lost its continuity of knowledge on many 182 00:31:32.400 --> 00:31:36.119 aspects of Iran's nuclear program as it had not been 183 00:31:36.200 --> 00:31:40.920 able to perform verification and monitoring activities and the Islamic 184 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:45.640 Republic of Iran for more than four years. In addition, 185 00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:50.680 the IAEA noted it was unable to verify the total 186 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:54.599 stockpile of enriched uranium in the country and had not 187 00:31:54.799 --> 00:32:02.480 done so since February twenty twenty one. During the reporting period, 188 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:09.200 the Secretary General received several communications from JCPOWA participants. On 189 00:32:09.400 --> 00:32:14.160 seventeen March, the Permanent Representatives of China, the Islamic Republic 190 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:17.720 of Iran, and the Russian Federation shared a joint statement 191 00:32:17.880 --> 00:32:21.799 adopted at their meeting of fourteen March in Beijing, in 192 00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:25.960 which they stress the importance of Resolution twenty two thirty one, 193 00:32:26.599 --> 00:32:31.359 including its time frames. In a separate letter received the 194 00:32:31.400 --> 00:32:35.880 same day, the Permanent Representative of China shared a proposal 195 00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:40.000 for the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, highlighting the 196 00:32:40.119 --> 00:32:44.640 JCPOA as the basis for a new consensus and cooperation 197 00:32:44.839 --> 00:32:49.160 through dialog and a step by step and reciprocal approach. 198 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:55.480 In letters received on nine eleven and twelve June, the 199 00:32:55.559 --> 00:32:59.960 Permanent representatives of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Islamia, 200 00:33:00.119 --> 00:33:03.960 Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation shared their different 201 00:33:04.079 --> 00:33:08.200 views regarding the causes of the impasse in the implementation 202 00:33:08.720 --> 00:33:14.839 of Resolution twenty two thirty one. Despite their diverging outlooks, 203 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:19.960 all five member states reiterated the importance of negotiations and 204 00:33:20.119 --> 00:33:26.680 reaffirmed their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution. Madame President 205 00:33:26.680 --> 00:33:29.039 will now turn to the restrictive measures set out in 206 00:33:29.160 --> 00:33:33.559 Annex B to Resolution twenty two thirty one. The only 207 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:38.640 measures that remain in effect pertain to nuclear activities and transfers. 208 00:33:39.839 --> 00:33:44.000 Those measures will remain in place until eighteen October twenty 209 00:33:44.119 --> 00:33:50.359 twenty five, unless decided otherwise by the Council. The Secretariat 210 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:54.359 received no allegations of violations of these provisions during the 211 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:59.839 reporting period. Moreover, no new proposals have been submitted in 212 00:33:59.880 --> 00:34:02.720 the Procurement channel in the last six months of the 213 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:09.639 reporting cycle. The Security Council, however, received eight notifications regarding 214 00:34:09.719 --> 00:34:14.599 the nuclear related restrictive measures for certain activities consistent with 215 00:34:14.760 --> 00:34:20.920 the jcpoa Madam President. At the heart of this conflict 216 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:27.000 is the nature of Iran's nuclear program. Following the deadly 217 00:34:27.079 --> 00:34:31.360 clashes of the past twelve days, the ceasefire agreement is 218 00:34:31.400 --> 00:34:36.280 an opportunity to avoid a catastrophic escalation and achieve a 219 00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:42.719 peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue. Diplomacy, dialogue and 220 00:34:42.880 --> 00:34:48.679 verification remained the best option to ensure the exclusively peaceful 221 00:34:48.800 --> 00:34:53.519 nature of Iran's nuclear program and to bring about concrete 222 00:34:53.599 --> 00:34:58.159 economic benefits to the people of Iran. As the Secretary 223 00:34:58.280 --> 00:35:02.320 General said earlier today, the United Nations stands ready to 224 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:07.199 support all efforts that advance peace, dialogue, and stability in 225 00:35:07.320 --> 00:35:07.719 the region. 226 00:35:09.159 --> 00:35:14.400 Fine afternoon, and thank you for joining US. Israel's ambassador 227 00:35:14.440 --> 00:35:17.119 to the U and Dannie Dunnan will deliver a brief 228 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:20.400 statement about the recent developments in the region. He will 229 00:35:20.440 --> 00:35:23.360 take your questions afterwards. If you are cool to ask 230 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:25.960 a question, please remember to state your name and news outlet. 231 00:35:26.199 --> 00:35:35.400 Thank you, Good afternoon. Since the launch of Operation Riding Lyon, 232 00:35:36.239 --> 00:35:40.000 ether has walked with clarity and purpose to remove a 233 00:35:40.159 --> 00:35:45.679 double existential threat, both the nuclear threat and the threat 234 00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:51.000 of the Iranian regime's ballistic missile capabilities. The IDF achieved 235 00:35:51.639 --> 00:35:57.000 complete air superiority over Iran, struck a severe blow to 236 00:35:57.119 --> 00:36:02.159 Iran's military leadership, and this entered dozens of the regime's 237 00:36:02.239 --> 00:36:10.039 kyth strategic sites. Our forces acted with precision, resolve, and restraint. 238 00:36:11.239 --> 00:36:14.679 These threats no longer e goovern the people of Israel 239 00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:19.639 as they did just a few days ago. In full 240 00:36:19.679 --> 00:36:24.679 coordination with President Tramp is well as agreed to a 241 00:36:24.800 --> 00:36:28.679 cease file. We thank the United States for its support 242 00:36:29.440 --> 00:36:33.199 and for its critical role in helping remove the Iranian 243 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:40.360 nuclear threat. Last night, four innocent civilians were murdered in 244 00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:45.760 Belosheva by Iran. Their tragic deaths are reminder of the 245 00:36:45.840 --> 00:36:50.519 evil we faced. My friends, Israel is the peaceful nation. 246 00:36:51.519 --> 00:36:54.960 We pray for peace three times a day, but let 247 00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:58.079 no one mistake our desire for peace at the weakness. 248 00:36:59.199 --> 00:37:03.920 Any violation of the ceasefire and any threat against our 249 00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:10.480 people will be met with a forceful response. We have 250 00:37:10.679 --> 00:37:13.880 demonstrated that we can and will act to defend our 251 00:37:13.960 --> 00:37:18.559 people against any threat. We will do so with overwhelming 252 00:37:18.599 --> 00:37:24.719 strengths and moral clarity. We have seen the semic impact 253 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:29.400 of the Abrahma codes. Today, I have no doubt that 254 00:37:29.519 --> 00:37:33.880 the leadership Israea displayed in recent days will enable more 255 00:37:34.039 --> 00:37:39.800 countries to join the past of normalization. Israel has proven 256 00:37:40.280 --> 00:37:43.000 that it can confront the most serious threats in the 257 00:37:43.039 --> 00:37:47.519 region and that we will never hesitate to defend our future. 258 00:37:48.199 --> 00:37:49.599 Thank you, ambassador. 259 00:37:49.800 --> 00:37:50.639 Are two questions. 260 00:37:58.119 --> 00:38:01.559 Very good, Good afternoon everyone. So we're pleased to be 261 00:38:01.760 --> 00:38:05.880 joined today by Jorge Morera da Silva, who is, as 262 00:38:05.960 --> 00:38:09.239 you know, the executive director of the UN Office for 263 00:38:09.400 --> 00:38:13.239 Project Services, which we all know best as you nobs. 264 00:38:14.239 --> 00:38:17.360 He is joining us as you can see virtually, and 265 00:38:17.559 --> 00:38:20.039 he will talk to you about his recent trip to 266 00:38:20.519 --> 00:38:23.800 me and Mar. Please go ahead, you have the floor. 267 00:38:27.840 --> 00:38:33.760 Thank you. I'm in China and beijinga I just came 268 00:38:33.880 --> 00:38:35.159 from me and Mar. 269 00:38:35.280 --> 00:38:38.800 It's midnight here and I'd like to thank this opportunity 270 00:38:38.920 --> 00:38:42.400 to the brief you on my mission to me and Mark. 271 00:38:44.079 --> 00:38:47.840 The purpose of the visit was to meet affected communities 272 00:38:48.440 --> 00:38:51.440 and responders following the earthquake. 273 00:38:53.400 --> 00:38:55.199 That struck me and Mar in. 274 00:38:56.760 --> 00:39:00.679 March twenty eighth, seven point seven magnitude, as you recall, 275 00:39:01.559 --> 00:39:04.360 and we wanted to get a better understanding of the 276 00:39:04.480 --> 00:39:05.320 needs on the ground. 277 00:39:05.960 --> 00:39:07.679 And now UKNOPS can. 278 00:39:08.039 --> 00:39:14.039 Better support recovery and reconstruction efforts. For context, you may 279 00:39:14.159 --> 00:39:18.320 know UNOPS has the largest un presence in me and 280 00:39:18.400 --> 00:39:22.400 Mar with almost five hundred colleagues on the ground for 281 00:39:23.199 --> 00:39:27.599 thirty years. We have supported the people of me and 282 00:39:27.679 --> 00:39:33.360 Mar for the past thirty years, offering solutions to improve health, livelihoods, 283 00:39:34.000 --> 00:39:39.599 rural development and agriculture initiatives across the country. We manage 284 00:39:39.679 --> 00:39:42.719 some of the largest development funds in me and Mar, 285 00:39:43.320 --> 00:39:47.800 Global Fund, Livelihoods and Food Security Fund and Access to 286 00:39:47.920 --> 00:39:53.639 Health Funds, among others. My colleagues support humanitarian efforts to 287 00:39:53.719 --> 00:39:56.559 reduce risks posted by. 288 00:39:56.840 --> 00:40:02.199 Minus as well. Almost three months. 289 00:40:02.079 --> 00:40:07.760 In, communities are still really really from the earthquakes, the 290 00:40:07.840 --> 00:40:12.719 strongest that the country has experience in a century. I 291 00:40:12.880 --> 00:40:19.760 visit Yangon, Sangang and Mandolike. The devastation caused by the 292 00:40:19.920 --> 00:40:25.960 quakes compounded the existing challenges of conflict, displacement and severe 293 00:40:26.280 --> 00:40:27.880 humanitarian needs. 294 00:40:28.599 --> 00:40:30.079 Even before the quake. 295 00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:33.199 More than three point five million people were. 296 00:40:33.119 --> 00:40:35.079 Displaced by conflict. 297 00:40:35.719 --> 00:40:39.800 Now in the most affected areas that I visited, more 298 00:40:39.880 --> 00:40:44.320 than six point three million people remain in urgent need 299 00:40:44.920 --> 00:40:49.159 of assistance and protection. I saw the extent of the 300 00:40:49.239 --> 00:40:52.800 damage and the needs. In my visit to Sagang and 301 00:40:53.159 --> 00:41:00.840 the Mandolike damage, infrastructure is limiting access to physic services, 302 00:41:01.320 --> 00:41:07.400 increasing the vulnerability of communities. Displacement and disease risks are rising. 303 00:41:08.360 --> 00:41:13.320 Many people are still living in temporary shelters without access 304 00:41:13.400 --> 00:41:18.239 to clean water and basic services as the monson season 305 00:41:18.360 --> 00:41:23.800 is underway, exposing communities to flooding and increasing the risks 306 00:41:23.960 --> 00:41:30.440 of disease. Access remains severely limited and localization of assistance 307 00:41:30.880 --> 00:41:36.639 remains essential to reach the most vulnerable. Debris removal is 308 00:41:36.719 --> 00:41:41.320 another key concern. Over two point five million terms of 309 00:41:41.559 --> 00:41:45.960 debris must be cleared to pave the way for recovery. 310 00:41:46.559 --> 00:41:51.360 Of course, response and recovery efforts are taking place amid 311 00:41:52.000 --> 00:41:55.760 active conflict. Let's not forget that the conflict never stopped 312 00:41:56.679 --> 00:42:02.519 even immediately after the earthquake, and insecurity continues to ininder 313 00:42:03.440 --> 00:42:09.440 recovery efforts. We need an injured humanitarian access, especially in 314 00:42:09.880 --> 00:42:11.199 hard to reach areas. 315 00:42:11.519 --> 00:42:15.920 We continue to call on whole parties to the conflict to. 316 00:42:16.159 --> 00:42:21.519 Uphold obligations and the international humanitarian law and to ensure. 317 00:42:21.280 --> 00:42:25.440 Safer and impedded aid access. To conclude. 318 00:42:26.800 --> 00:42:33.760 Despite these constraints, un systems many tariant partners and local responders. 319 00:42:33.320 --> 00:42:37.039 Continue to deliver deliver for those most in it. 320 00:42:38.599 --> 00:42:45.400 Immediately after the earthquake, you knows worked swiftly with our partners, 321 00:42:45.559 --> 00:42:51.199 mobilized twenty five million dollars and scaled up our response 322 00:42:51.960 --> 00:42:57.239 to reach of a million people with life saving assistance 323 00:42:57.320 --> 00:42:57.840 A systems. 324 00:42:59.239 --> 00:43:01.400 My colleagues closely with you. 325 00:43:01.519 --> 00:43:02.920 And family and Family. 326 00:43:04.840 --> 00:43:10.519 And other humanitarian partners to provide immediate assistance and support 327 00:43:11.280 --> 00:43:17.639 recovery efforts efforts, including by delivering emergency shelters, access to 328 00:43:18.679 --> 00:43:26.239 clean water, and deploying infrastructure specialists for rapid assessments. As 329 00:43:26.320 --> 00:43:30.880 we and our partners shifting gears from immediate responts to 330 00:43:31.000 --> 00:43:35.719 early recovery, the reconstruction needs our immense The World Bank 331 00:43:35.960 --> 00:43:41.760 releases some data that shows that the damage damage estimates 332 00:43:42.000 --> 00:43:49.159 amount to eleven billion dollars, with full reconstruction likely likely 333 00:43:49.320 --> 00:43:55.960 cost two to three times more this amount. Giving the 334 00:43:56.039 --> 00:43:59.079 scale of devastation and needs, a much bigger flow of 335 00:43:59.159 --> 00:44:03.719 funding is needed to support our collective efforts efforts. We 336 00:44:03.880 --> 00:44:09.400 are working along other partners to restore social services, rebuild livelihoods, 337 00:44:09.519 --> 00:44:13.679 and support communities. This is a collective effort, but we 338 00:44:14.679 --> 00:44:20.719 and our partners need safe, sustained access to prevent further suffering. 339 00:44:21.239 --> 00:44:25.840 Recovery and reconstruction efforts should support me and mark journey 340 00:44:25.920 --> 00:44:32.039 to peace and reconciliations. Protection of civilians must be a priority. 341 00:44:32.239 --> 00:44:41.159 I'm available to answer to questions. Apologies, I'm not reaching 342 00:44:41.199 --> 00:44:43.320 you in the best conditions. 343 00:44:44.599 --> 00:44:46.400 Much for being with us. Let me just ask the 344 00:44:46.480 --> 00:44:49.559 control room because we have an echo that is on 345 00:44:49.719 --> 00:44:51.400 and off. I don't know if there's anything that can 346 00:44:51.480 --> 00:44:54.599 be done. Apparently not, so we will try to live 347 00:44:54.679 --> 00:44:57.199 with it. We're grateful that you're able to join us 348 00:44:57.239 --> 00:44:59.440 today at the time that it is where you are, 349 00:44:59.519 --> 00:45:02.280 So let me go to questions. Let me go to 350 00:45:02.519 --> 00:45:02.960 edy first. 351 00:45:03.800 --> 00:45:07.519 Thank you very much on behalf of the United Nations 352 00:45:07.719 --> 00:45:12.840 Correspondence Association for doing this briefing. My name is Edith 353 00:45:13.000 --> 00:45:18.639 Letterer from the Associated Press. I know that you were 354 00:45:18.719 --> 00:45:26.800 there to assess the damage from the earthquake and reconstruction needs, 355 00:45:27.480 --> 00:45:32.239 but I wonder if you could give us your assessment 356 00:45:32.719 --> 00:45:38.719 of what you saw about the military situation there. And 357 00:45:39.119 --> 00:45:51.000 a second question is with the current military situation, do 358 00:45:51.119 --> 00:45:58.320 you think that donors will really be willing to spend 359 00:45:58.480 --> 00:46:04.199 millions of dollars millions and billions of dollars on reconstruction 360 00:46:05.039 --> 00:46:08.360 until after that ends. 361 00:46:09.239 --> 00:46:17.480 Thank you, thank you. Indeed, the military. 362 00:46:19.480 --> 00:46:25.239 Situation didn't improve despite the announcements of ceasefire. I visited 363 00:46:25.320 --> 00:46:32.039 several internal displaced people's centers and very close there were strikes. 364 00:46:33.079 --> 00:46:36.840 So I engaged with the population, with communities, with families, 365 00:46:37.400 --> 00:46:41.199 and they were still flewing from the conflict. Some were 366 00:46:41.280 --> 00:46:46.119 in the IDP camp due to the earthquake, but others 367 00:46:46.199 --> 00:46:50.039 were just coming to the IDP camp to flew from 368 00:46:50.119 --> 00:46:53.239 the conflict. So the conflict never stopped. Maybe it test 369 00:46:53.239 --> 00:46:56.920 stopped a couple of days after the earthquake. But what 370 00:46:57.159 --> 00:47:01.320 is particular, really shocking is that even in the aftermath 371 00:47:01.400 --> 00:47:05.119 of the earthquake, when you had half a million people 372 00:47:06.440 --> 00:47:12.239 forced displaces due to earthquake, massive destruction the schools, hospitals, 373 00:47:12.400 --> 00:47:16.880 house the conflict never stopped. And that's why it's important 374 00:47:17.599 --> 00:47:22.440 to continue putting all pressure and making all efforts to 375 00:47:22.599 --> 00:47:25.840 get ceasfire and reconciliation. But at the same time, and 376 00:47:26.000 --> 00:47:29.440 let me be very candid and responding to your question, 377 00:47:30.280 --> 00:47:32.800 I don't think that the fact that we are dealing 378 00:47:32.840 --> 00:47:38.840 with an ongoing conflict justifies any delay or postponement in 379 00:47:39.000 --> 00:47:42.119 support of me and Mark. Me and Mark cannot become 380 00:47:42.159 --> 00:47:52.440 a forgotten crisis. This country has faced cyclones, war, conflict, 381 00:47:52.639 --> 00:47:58.119 violent climate and our image suffering. And therefore, even before 382 00:47:58.239 --> 00:48:03.039 the reconstruction, reconstruction will take time, but even before the reconstruction, 383 00:48:03.559 --> 00:48:04.760 there are basic. 384 00:48:08.079 --> 00:48:11.440 Elements of emergency relief that is needed. 385 00:48:11.760 --> 00:48:16.159 Let's not forget that UN call for the humanitarian emergency 386 00:48:17.119 --> 00:48:21.159 amount two seventy five million dollars and only twenty two 387 00:48:21.199 --> 00:48:24.440 percent of that was provided. And therefore I called the 388 00:48:24.480 --> 00:48:28.320 international community to provide the support to me and Margaret 389 00:48:28.320 --> 00:48:32.039 at the same time giving confidence. Why because for instance, 390 00:48:32.079 --> 00:48:34.800 you NOTPS and we are the largest UN agency underground. 391 00:48:35.119 --> 00:48:38.079 We have found a way to provide. 392 00:48:37.760 --> 00:48:43.960 Direct support to the people without compromising this localization, so 393 00:48:44.119 --> 00:48:48.920 we don't there is no risk of appropriation of funds, 394 00:48:49.239 --> 00:48:54.079 no risks of aid diversion. We have with the local partners, 395 00:48:54.679 --> 00:48:58.280 with local NGOs, we have found a way in those 396 00:48:58.440 --> 00:49:01.239 thirty years to support the people. 397 00:49:01.679 --> 00:49:05.360 And this is also true in the aftermath of the earthquake. 398 00:49:05.440 --> 00:49:10.119 So I really think it's important to mobilize the support 399 00:49:10.880 --> 00:49:14.880 to me and Mark. And it's it's confirmed that we 400 00:49:15.000 --> 00:49:17.519 can do it with many other agencies on the ground, 401 00:49:17.960 --> 00:49:19.719