YouSaid · the spoken record

Al-Bader

lines on the record: 211
first: 2002-04-18
most recent: 2007-06-29
sittings or episodes: 37
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“They constitute a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. Furthermore, they will only exacerbate the violence in the region and lead to the abandonment of the road map, thereby dealing a severe blow to any chance to bringing about peace in the Middle East, as will the provocative flights being carried out by the Israeli air force in the airspace of a neighbouring Arab State. It is incumbent upon the international community, represented by the Security Council, which has sole responsibility for international peace and security, to adopt a responsible attitude and put an end to such violations. Last week, we held an open debate on strengthening international law and the rule of law and preserving international peace and security (see S/PV.5474).”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“The military campaign is by no means proportionate to its declared objective. Rather, it represents the punishment of Palestinian civilians through the destruction of civilian property far removed from military targets and which do not in any way contribute to military activities. Such measures represent acts of collective punishment, which are banned under the terms of article 43 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. These latest practices are but a link in a chain - the Israeli Government's escalation of policies that harm the Palestinian people, including extrajudicial killings and the indiscriminate bombardment of the civilian population. Such irresponsible Israeli practices constitute a grave violation of international treaties, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“The Gaza Strip was totally closed to access by air, land and sea, thereby isolating about 1.5 million Palestinians from the outside world and restricting the movement of citizens, leading to the economic strangulation of the Gaza Strip and to grave food shortages. The Beit Hanoun crossing point, which is used by international relief workers, was also closed, which constitutes an obstacle to the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Israeli air force is flying low over the Gaza Strip, breaking the sound barrier and causing sonic booms in an attempt to intimidate and terrorize the civilian population. The occupying Power has detained 64 members of the Legislative Council and Palestinian Government ministers - about one third of the elected Palestinian Government.”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): I should like at the outset to thank you, Madam, for having convened this emergency meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. We would also like to thank Ms. Angela Kane for her briefing to the Council today. Over the past two days, Israeli military forces have conducted a large-scale military operation involving air bombardment and the use of ground forces, leading to the total destruction of infrastructure. Bridges, universities and power stations were deliberately targeted, paralysing daily life in the Gaza Strip.”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“With regard to the transition from an African Union to a United Nations peacekeeping mission and the difficulties that may result, we believe that a dialogue should be undertaken with the Sudanese Government in order to address any problems that may ar1se. There is no doubt that resort to Chapter VII has had very negative consequences, as we noted during the visit of the Security Council mission with the Government and parliament of the Sudan. For that reason, we believe that we should build upon the positive initiatives of the Government of the Sudan in order to address points of contention in a thoughtful and measured way. In any case, the issue that the Council must now address is the transition from the African Union Mission in the Sudan to a United Nations force.”
2006-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5478 (2006) · source
“We must also strengthen the Tripoli Agreement in order to resolve the humanitarian crisis of displaced persons, both in Darfur and in Chad, and address the consequences of a complex crisis situation. We welcome the Abuja Agreement, whose full implementation must be ensured, and we must persuade those parties that have not acceded to the Agreement to sign it. We note that the Sudanese Government was the first party to become a signatory to the Agreement. In that respect, we wish to commend the Sudanese Government for the efforts it has undertaken in order to resolve the very complex crisis in Darfur.”
2006-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5478 (2006) · source
“We heard the views of all parties involved in the question of the Sudan. There were differences of opinion, in particular with regard to the tense relations between Chad and the Sudan. The state of relations between those two neighbouring countries - the Sudan and Chad - is particularly important in terms of alleviating the situation of displaced persons. My delegation deems mediation efforts important so as to ensure that the parties can settle their political differences and, in turn, resolve the issue of displaced persons so that the latter can return home. In the absence of such political solutions, the situation will remain tense, which will not serve the interests of displaced persons.”
2006-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5478 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): Madam President, like other Security Council members, I should like to commend you for this mission. Our visit to the region was an important initiative that allowed us to take stock of developments in the Sudan and in particular of the humanitarian situation in Darfur; the agreement reached between the parties; the realities on the ground; and developments aimed at ensuring stability in the region. We have also listened attentively to the views of the African Union, and we commend the efforts it has undertaken in support of the peace process. We note also the developments that have taken place in the relations between Khartoum and Chad and their implications for refugees and displaced persons along the borders. 06-41082 Without a doubt, the visit was positive.”
2006-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5478 (2006) · source
“We must also reactivate the role of the humanitarian organizations, while stressing the need for them to respect neutrality, objectivity and independence.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“Protection requires a set of appropriate actions, approaches and measures, which depend to a great extent on the conditions in a region and the stage of the conflict there. The only common factor is the suffering of civilians. We must be prudent and avoid applying a one-size-fits-all solution to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Prevention is better than cure. We must treat the symptoms, but, above all, we must deal with the root causes. Hence, we must develop policies aimed at promoting sustainable development in order to create coherent, strong societies and to strengthen cooperation and preventive diplomacy. We need to take an approach that respects the current mechanisms that are in use, and we must implement such mechanisms in emergencies.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“Despite the progress made in the strengthening of such protection, our region, the Middle East, remains a particular case - one that the international community has not dealt with as it should. More than 50 civilians, including children, have been killed in the occupied Palestinian territories this month alone. Even as we debate this issue, civilian populations are suffering as a result of attacks by the occupation forces. It goes without saying that we are extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population. The situation in Iraq is no better. Civilians are suffering as a result of terrorism- one of the most dangerous aspects of armed conflict. Those two cases cast a shadow over the responsibility to protect civilians.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“Most of the parties to conflict today are non-State actors who disregard humanitarian and international law. That situation should be dealt with first and foremost by the Governments concerned. We must not ignore the fact that armed conflicts are caused by a number of complex factors that cannot all be tackled from the same angle. Nor can we forget that arbitrary intervention will only complicate the situation and cause further harm to civilians. Qatar reaffirms the importance of respecting the Charter and international law, given their role in strengthening international relations. They provide a framework for cooperation among States with a view to dealing with common challenges. To date, the Security Council has adopted six presidential statements and three resolutions on the protection of civilians.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): I would like, first of all, to thank Mr. Egeland for his briefing today. Throughout history, humankind has suffered enormously as a result of armed conflict. Recent years have seen an increase in armed conflict in various parts of the world, as well as a notable change in the nature of such conflicts. Urban areas have been transformed into battlefields in the context of internal conflicts and civil wars, leading to an increase in the number of civilian victims. Increasingly, children and young people are suffering as a result of armed conflict. Armed conflicts can spiral out of control. Civilians are no longer safe, and can be injured as a result of combat that takes place in their vicinity. Not only are they injured accidentally, but they are also sometimes deliberately targeted.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“We commend the role that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in Kosovo is playing in supporting the Provisional Institutions, in the fight against crime and in adapting those structures so as to make them more competent and to promote a political settlement.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“While the Special Representative has, in past assessments, pointed out the slow pace of standards implementation, his current assessment is more positive and indicates that a great deal of progress has been made in standards implementation during the period covered by the Secretary-General's report. We share his hope that the Provisional Institutions will sustain their current commitment, which will make it possible to accomplish even more in the months to come. There is no doubt that the total commitment of the new Government and of the new Prime Minister, Mr. Ceku, to standards implementation, as well as the high priority given this process, will allow progress to be made in the implementation of the eight standards.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“For that reason, national reconciliation and the participation of all of the parties in the process is a crucial element to ensure a multi-ethnic Kosovo. As a result, the participation of non-Albanian minorities in all of the workings of the State and society remains pivotal. To that end, the Government must continue its efforts to ensure governmental participation of minorities. Belgrade must also facilitate their work in the context of those institutions. That would be reassuring for the inhabitants of Kosovo, who would be returning in a climate of security. We would like to know what measures are being taken to facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons, and how financial support could improve the situation on the ground.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I should like to thank Mr. Soren Jessen- Petersen, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for the constructive efforts that he is making in Kosovo and for his technical assessment and the progress that has been achieved in connection with standards for Kosovo. The situation of Kosovo depends on the effective participation of Albanian and Serb leaders in this process, as the region is at a critical juncture with respect to forging a better future for itself. All categories must participate in the dialogue in order to ensure its legitimacy and sustainability. The international community must support these efforts and this process. The Kosovo of the future will be stable and prosperous only if it is based on a recognition of multi- ethnicity.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“We call upon non-reporting States to do so now, and we call upon the Committee to provide the technical assistance requested by States to make further progress against the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The Committee must proceed cautiously in ensuring the non-proliferation of WMDs by State or non-State actors. At the same time, non-proliferation measures cannot be selective. Finally, I call upon all three Committees to coordinate and cooperate closely with a view to achieving the greatest possible effectiveness in the fight against terrorism.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“The most important aspect of the fight against terrorism is the defence of human rights. States must ensure that any measures they take to combat terrorism conform with their obligations under international law in that regard. In the fight against terrorism, specific rights cannot be restricted under any circumstances or at any time. We believe that the United Nations should have a comprehensive strategy to ensure respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism. My delegation shares the positive view of the progress being made in the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We believe that the Committee must continue to consider the reports submitted by States. My delegation welcomes the fact that many States have submitted national reports.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“The listing and delisting of individuals and entities must be fair and transparent. Sanctions must also be implemented in an accountable manner. Radicalism must be combated in a number of ways, most importantly by creating societies that are free from and extremism and hatred of others. We should recall that resolution 1624 (2005) stresses the continuing need for international efforts to promote dialogue and wider horizons for cooperation between societies in order to prevent hatred of others. We also recall the international appeal for a dialogue among civilizations and for coexistence among peoples, as well as the need to prevent extremism. We call on the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) once again to take up that issue very firmly and to call on States not to distort religion.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“However, we must be clear in stating that the imposition of sanctions is also a legal tool; the Security Council must take into consideration both the legal aspect and human rights, which must not be violated. More than 50 States have pointed out the need for the Committee to ensure legality and transparency when listing or delisting names. At the moment, many cases are being put forward by individuals on the Committee's list and by domestic courts alleging that the United Nations is violating human rights in listing names. In this regard, my delegation would like to stress once again the need for checks and balances when including the names of individuals and entities on the list. Our methods must be effective and accountable. Implementation must be monitored and sanctions must be transparent.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“The Committee also examined the various legislative and legal measures that are in place in Qatar aimed at combating terrorism in a firm and realistic manner through the rule of law, the promotion of democracy and full respect for human rights, as well as domestic legislation to combat terrorism. Sanctions remain an important tool for the Security Council, but we understand that there is a need to move from comprehensive sanctions to targeted sanctions. However, such sanctions must be imposed with a view to achieving a clear objective. They must be implemented objectively, effectively and in a balanced number. Some believe that the imposition of sanctions is a political tool of the Security Council.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): I should like at the outset to express my thanks to Ambassador Mayoral, Ambassador Loj and Ambassador Burian for their briefings on the activities of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004). Those Committees play an important role in our efforts to combat terrorism. There is a need for cooperation between the Al- Qaida and Taliban sanctions Committee and Member States - hence the visit organized by the Committee to my country, during which the Chairman was able to hear Doha's views about the Committee's work and the need to continue to implement its activities, which are S/l'V.5446 of the utmost importance to Qatar.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“This is why our decision to abstain was based on resolutions 1591 (2005) and 1593 (2005), as well as on the Committee's procedures. We consider the Committee to be the technical and legal specialized body entrusted with producing recommendations to impose sanctions. In addition, given the positive report of Mr. Salim, African Union Special Envoy for the Inter- Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur, and given the positive developments in the Abuja process, we thought that it would not be suitable to adopt this kind of resolution at this particular juncture and that it would be preferable to postpone the vote until after the end of the Abuja process on 30 April 2006. It is for all of these reasons that Qatar abstained during the vote.”
2006-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5423 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): In the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) we did not get clear and consistent evidence that would condemn those individuals in the way required for imposing sanctions on them in accordance with the Committee's measures and guidelines. We have frequently stated that we are ready to take note of any piece of proof available, as we are committed to the relevant resolutions and guidelines applicable within the Committee. We are of the view that it is our duty to leave any such accusations to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to deal with and not to influence any investigations being carried out or that may be carried out in this respect.”
2006-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5423 (2006) · source
“The Council and the international community, in particular the sponsors of the peace process - that is, the Quartet - should deploy greater efforts to bring about the resumption of the process on the agreed bases, in particular the resolutions of the Security Council, the principle of land for peace and the Arab peace initiative adopted at the Beirut summit, to which Arab leaders referred recently in Khartoum. The State of Qatar appeals to the parties concerned to shoulder their responsibilities and to return to the negotiating table. We call on the Israeli Government seriously to engage in the peace process and to withdraw to the 4 June 1967 boundary line. The primary reason for the existence of this conflict is Israel's continued occupation of Palestinian land, which stands in the way of a just and lasting peace in the region.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Thirdly, repressive measures and illegal policies such as the building and expansion of settlements, the construction of the barrier and the isolation of Palestinian towns and villages pose further obstacles to peace and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis afflicting the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. Fourthly, owing to changes in the Government, the Palestinian people are at a crucial juncture with respect to their future, since the Security Council has repeatedly called for the creation of a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian State, existing side by side with Israel in peace and security.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Those practices target innocent men, women, children and disabled persons; they include extrajudicial assassinations and have led to counter-measures, have increased instability and have prevented any peaceful settlement. We reaffirm that the elections to the Palestinian parliament were honest and democratic and the outcome was a free expression of the Palestinian people's democratic choice. We stress the fact that the Palestinian people's freely expressed choice must be respected, as must the authorities elected by the Palestinian people. Secondly, any unilateral settlement that contravenes the reference texts and the bases of the peace process will not provide a comprehensive and lasting peace.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): I would like first to thank you, Ms. President, for convening this meeting, which is providing additional information to Council members about events in an important part of the world. Qatar is convinced of the need to settle disputes through peaceful means, in particular through negotiations based on international resolutions and peace initiatives such as the road map and the Arab peace initiative adopted at the Beirut summit. The violence and repressive practices carried out by the Israeli army of occupation are in flagrant contravention of international law and the resolutions of international legitimacy.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“When a peacekeeping operation is established by the Council, instructions and training must be given to its personnel, and the gravity of acts of sexual exploitation and abuse must be made clear. We must sensitize contingents to United Nations standards in this area. We need also to draw on Prince Zeid's report as well as on the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations with respect to cases of sexual abuse and to establish ethical-conduct teams within the United Nations. We should also create a climate and a culture on the ground that does not tolerate this type of abuse. Finally, we would like to pay tribute to those who have fallen during peacekeeping operations for having fulfilled their mission - those faithful soldiers of the United Nations.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Secondly, such actions sully the reputation of peacekeeping operations, which are vital, as well as that of the Organization - a very serious matter indeed. We must study all of the various aspects of this phenomenon and consult with the troop-contributing countries so that we can put an end to all such violations and breaches of conduct. We must do so with the appropriate resources and within the general framework of the United Nations. We need to conduct investigations and adduce evidence in cases of sexual exploitation, and impose the appropriate sanctions. The participation and cooperation of the troop-contributing countries is, of course, pivotal to the success of this undertaking.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): First of all, I should like, on behalf of Qatar, to thank the Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, and His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al- Hussein, Adviser to the Secretary-General on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by United Nations Peacekeeping Personnel, for their briefings. Qatar attaches great importance to this matter and to the serious accusations of breaches of conduct and acts of sexual violence on the part of peacekeeping contingents. We vigorously condemn such actions, which are shameful, unjustifiable and unacceptable, especially given that they target vulnerable persons - the very persons we are supposed to be protecting.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“We would also like to reaffirm that the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention remains entirely in effect, and should therefore be complied with in all circumstances.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We call on the Council to use monitoring mechanisms and fact-finding missions and to end the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, given the adverse impact of such weapons on civilian populations. We also believe that the Council should devote more attention to the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, and in particular to the use of sexual violence as a weapon and tool of war and suppression, take steps to end the forced displacement of populations and pursue further approaches and measures to protect civilians in armed conflict. We want the dignity of women to become the centre of the international community's attention. We also need to ensure that terrorist groups committing such atrocities do not escape punishment, as mentioned in the Security Council's presidential statement of 14 April 2004.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Since protagonists include States, and in particular their armed and police forces, as well as non-State armed groups, we should underscore the fact that the fundamental humanitarian principles of independence, integrity and neutrality apply to this question in all circumstances. Respect for those principles is a sine qua non condition for the creation of an adequate environment for humanitarian intervention, whether inside or outside the United Nations umbrella. Last but not least, the State of Qatar is determined to spare no effort to promote those principles and values during its tenure as a non- permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2006 to 2007.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Failure to take such action would mean that the universal culture of protecting civilians pursued by the international community had failed. We would like to emphasize that the protection of civilians - whether in times of transition and armed conflict or while fighting terrorism - should be anchored in respect for international humanitarian, human rights and refugee laws. Respect for the relevant instruments requires raising awareness among the ranks of protagonists to ensure that they shoulder their responsibilities. We must end impunity from law at the national and international levels.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“They must also be encouraged to sign and ratify existing legal instruments within the wider framework of protecting civilians in armed conflict. Pressure must be also brought to bear on belligerent parties to bring them into compliance with the rules and principles of international law. The United Nations has an important role to play in that regard. It is impossible to develop a culture of protecting civilians in armed conflict unless all stakeholders adequately coordinate their actions. The time has come to act seriously and decisively and to pursue an integrated and systematic approach to preventing the outbreak of conflict, promoting a culture of respect for human rights and putting an end to impunity from law.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The international community and the United Nations should continue to denounce and strongly condemn such violations and attacks, which are cowardly and inadmissible acts. We should therefore spare no effort to mainstream questions pertaining to the protection of civilians into State policies, United Nations programmes and the mandates of peacekeeping operations. Those questions must include reporting human rights violations and taking the necessary legal actions, as well as putting in place strict special measures to protect women and girls from rape and other forms of violence and exposure to HIV/AIDS infection and the destruction of homes and property, as well as to put an end to the displacement of entire communities. Member States should guarantee the success of efforts aimed at capacity-building in this field.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“My delegation notes with concern that civilians are the most adversely affected parties in armed conflicts and that, by comparison in many instances, fatalities and injuries are disproportionately high among civilians, despite the fact that they do not participate in combat activities. Moreover, civilians are often attacked and tortured and are subject to other serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Targeting United Nations and other humanitarian personnel who work in the humanitarian field is clear evidence of the increasingly vulnerable environment in which they live, attacked and killed as they often are because of the lack of any security guarantees.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“To that, we add the life-long scars and trauma that surviving victims often suffer, which alone become great impediments to progress and development. We also note the dramatic increase in the recruitment of children and youth as soldiers and the use of civilians as human shields. Increasingly, modern wars are no longer confrontations between regular armies, but more like street and urban warfare fought by civilian rebels and uniformed soldiers - citizens of the same country - or local conflicts raging among civilian factions. Such non-conventional battles are extremely lethal, with no marked distinction between combatants and non-combatant civilians and a total lack of respect for law.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“It is one of the most important issues on the Council's agenda because of its close linkage to the maintenance of international peace and security. We would like to commend the Secretary-General for his excellent report on this matter in document S/2005/740. The report clearly sheds light on the problem and on the road to achieve progress, and places the humanitarian aspect of the issue before the Council. The State of Qatar expresses its grave concern over the proliferation of war and conflict in poor developing countries, where the majority of the victims are women, children and the elderly. Furthermore, war and conflict directly threaten international peace and security, adversely affect the sustainable development of small developing countries and consume valuable resources directed towards conflict resolution and peacemaking efforts.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Mr. Al-Bader (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to apologize on behalf of Ambassador Al-Nasser, who is unable to make this statement as he had to travel outside of the United States. I would like to join the others who have congratulated you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council during the month of December, and would like to thank Council members, through you, for holding an open meeting to discuss this important matter. The protection of civilians in armed conflict leads us to the basic reason for the establishment of the United Nations and for the promotion of respect for the rule of law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. As such, the provision of such protection is not an option, but a duty and a raison d'etre of the United Nations.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The Palestinian people must be provided guarantees for the return of their refugees, for their right to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, living side by side with Israel in peace, in conformity with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), which reaffirm the principle of land for peace; with other Conventions concluded by the two parties; and with various peace initiatives, particularly that of the Summit of the Arab League, held at Beirut, and with the road map.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“While we witnessed the fall of the Berlin wall - a wall that was condemned by the international community - today we are witnessing the building of a wall that is much more dangerous than the Berlin Wall was, since it does not only directly threaten the establishment of a Palestinian political entity but will have negative effects on the Palestinians themselves, on the fabric of their daily lives, on their economic, social and cultural situation and on their health. Moreover, it will have negative effects on the entire negotiating process and on the prospects for a lasting settlement. Israel has imposed this wall as a fait accompli, thereby occupying the territories it wishes to occupy. Violence can only lead to counter-violence; thus this violence must end.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“The situation has continued to deteriorate, particularly since Israel's decision to build the separation wall, which has been condemned by the international community - even including a portion of Israeli society - given its negative effects on the economic and social life of the Palestinian people, on the movement of citizens and on free trade. The wall has annexed the lands of 25 Palestinian towns, completely destroying their economies and cutting them off from one another. The second phase of the wall will isolate East Jerusalem, and thus 200,000 Palestinians will be living within the Green Line. According to an estimate by the World Bank, the separation wall will take up to 12 per cent of the West Bank's territory.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“The Israeli occupying forces are flagrantly defying international law and the international community by putting President Yasser Arafat and other elected Palestinian leaders under siege and by demolishing houses, killing individuals and attacking religious sites - barbarities that we have not seen since the end of the Second World War - which have led the International Committee of the Red Cross and officials of various humanitarian organizations to condemn those acts. The responsible parties should be brought to justice before international tribunals and charged with human rights violations on the scale of war crimes.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“At a time when we are seeing a deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and acts carried out against the Palestinian people in full public View, we note with sadness the grave deterioration of the security situation in the occupied Palestinian territories as a result of the recent Israel invasion of Rafah, the full siege and the imposition of a curfew on civilian populations that has made it impossible for officials of international humanitarian organizations to carry out their work.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“Its most recent acts of aggression against Syria and Rafah are irrefutable proof of Israel's ongoing violations of international law and of the principles of international conventions, including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, and Israel's defiance of international legitimacy and its resolutions.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“Today, Israel continues to violate both General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, including resolution 242 (1967) which demands Israel's full withdrawal from the territories occupied in 1967 - including Al-Quds Al-Sharif - and resolution 338 (1973), which demands that Israel fully implement resolution 242 (1967) and stipulates that the parties to the conflict must begin negotiations leading to the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. We are meeting today at a time of escalating military threats that threaten the whole region and that are difficult to control. We cannot predict the results, given Israel's provocations on several fronts.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“The Assembly also decided to establish a Special Committee that would monitor events in Palestine after the withdrawal of the mandate Power and would be charged with adopting the measures and laws necessary for the establishment of the two States. Subsequently, when the State of Israel came into being, the Palestinians unfortunately were unable to create their own State, given Israel's continued violations of resolution 181 (II) and its annexation of a great number of Palestinian territories. As a result, conflict and violence erupted between the Israeli and Arab sides.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source