YouSaid · the spoken record

De Soto

lines on the record: 195
first: 2003-04-10
most recent: 2007-02-13
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“The ongoing jockeying concerning the Palestinian security forces introduces an element of uncertainty as to the precise locus of responsibility for law and order within the Palestinian Authority. There is an immediate need for closer coordination among the various security bodies. The Secretary-General has called on the Government of Israel to ensure that its military actions are proportionate and that they do not endanger the civilian population. Both parties must abide by their obligations under international law and refrain from actions that further escalate the situation and put civilians at risk. The second challenge is to meet the basic needs of the Palestinian people. The United Nations carries out a wide range of activities throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“In closing, allow me to return briefly to the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, where the security, humanitarian and political challenges are growing. The first challenge is to stabilize the security environment. Here, the primary responsibility rests squarely with the parties. I take this opportunity to reiterate the Secretary-General's condemnation of last week's suicide attack against civilians in Tel Aviv and his call on the Palestinian Authority to take a clear public stand against such acts of terrorism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances. The responsible authorities must take firm measures to prevent such attacks, as well as rocket attacks.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“As regional tensions continue to rise, all parties must exercise maximum restraint and show full respect for the Blue Line in order to maintain the relative calm that currently exists and that all sides state they seek. I would add that on 13 April, Lebanon marked the thirty-first anniversary of the start of its long and destructive civil war. It is fitting that Lebanese leaders came together on that day to renew their determination to avoid a return to violence and to recommit themselves to addressing issues of national concern through dialogue. We continue to support the Lebanese in their attempts to reach consensus through such means and to implement the decisions reached in the national dialogue.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“As reported in the previous briefing to the Council, and as Prime Minister Siniora said in his address to the Council on 21 April, Lebanese leaders reached agreement on a number of important issues. We encourage Lebanon's friends and neighbours to support it in the implementation of those nationally endorsed decisions. We also welcome and encourage Lebanon's economic and social reform efforts and its determination to address the challenging but essential task of ameliorating its economic performance and alleviating its debt burden. Southern Lebanon has been tense but, on the whole, quiet. We welcome the significant reduction in Israeli overflights north of the Blue Line during the reporting period and hope that further efforts will be made to cease such air violations.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“The Israeli Cabinet also decided to accelerate the pace of construction of the barrier in and around Jerusalem, notwithstanding the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The Israeli High Court of Justice recently rejected a petition against the construction of the barrier in northern Jerusalem. Let me turn briefly to developments in Lebanon, about which the Council heard from Prime Minister Siniora at the end of last week (see S/PV.5417). The fifth round of the national dialogue took place on 3 April to discuss the question of the presidency. Participants in the dialogue will seek to achieve an agreement on this issue by 28 April, when the dialogue next convenes. If no agreement is possible, the issue will be removed from the agenda, and participants will turn their attention to Hizbollah's weapons.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“That has somewhat eased the crisis that had developed in Gaza. The daily average number of trucks exporting goods out of Gaza through Karni between 1 and 14 April was seven, as compared with the target of 150 envisaged in last November's Agreement. Stocks of staple foodstuffs would be quickly depleted again if Karni were to be closed. However, Kerem Shalom has been opened for the import of essential food commodities from Egypt; of course, no goods are exported through Kerem Shalom. In the West Bank, there were 476 checkpoints at last count. In the aftermath of last week's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, existing measures to divide the West Bank into distinct areas have been solidified.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“It is important for all concerned to alleviate the humanitarian situation; Israel's responsibilities in this regard under international law are well established. The Council will recall that the Movement and Access Agreement was the result of months of painstaking efforts by Quartet Special Envoy James Wolfensohn and a last-minute intercession by United States Secretary of State Rice. Of the six parts of that Agreement, only the Rafah crossing for persons at the southern border of Gaza is operating satisfactorily, monitored by the European Union Border Assistance Mission. President Abbas recently moved to ensure that border security falls under the authority of the presidency. The Karni crossing - another aspect of the Movement and Access Agreement - reopened this month, but only for a limited number of days.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“Most important, without additional revenues, the Palestinian Authority may not be able to deliver the basic services needed to sustain Palestinians and stave off a humanitarian crisis: health care, sanitation and maintenance of sewage, electricity and water networks. The education of young Palestinians is also likely to suffer if the current trend continues, given that 95 per cent of secondary school education is provided by Palestinian Authority-salaried teachers. I would like to add a word here about closures and barrier construction. Closures are the main factor leading to the depression of the Palestinian economy, and it had been hoped that the implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access of 15 November 2005 would pave the way to economic revival.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“There have been protest demonstrations, many of them at the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process office in Gaza, against the decision to withdraw funding and against Israeli military operations. United Nations security officials expect these demonstrations to increase. There is also a clear potential for a deterioration in the humanitarian situation, which could be preceded or even triggered by the worsening security crisis. Nearly one million Palestinians rely on a Palestinian Authority wage earner and Palestinian Authority salaries account for about 25 per cent of gross domestic product. The fiscal crisis could therefore lead to rising unemployment and soaring poverty rates.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“We should not forget that even before the January election, the Palestinian Authority was facing fiscal difficulties as a result of the high wage bill, which had been expanded to unsustainable levels by the Palestinian Authority prior to the assumption of power by the new Government. The Palestinian Authority has to date not paid March salaries to more than 150,000 civil servants, of whom some 70,000 are members of the security forces. As a result, there is potential for a deterioration in the security environment. Already, members of the security services have vented their anger at the prospect of non- payment of salaries by taking over government buildings.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“Secondly, Israel continues to withhold tax clearance revenues that it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, citing the Palestinian Government's policy positions. Israel has, however, announced that it will use a portion of this money to pay electricity, water and fuel bills owed to Israeli companies by the Palestinian Authority. Thirdly, contraction of economic activity is expected to reduce Palestinian domestic tax revenues. A crisis in the banking system has compounded these acute problems. The crisis has arisen because private banks are wary of the political risks of financial transactions in the occupied Palestinian territory in the present circumstances.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“Israel has stated that its actions were in response to planned terrorist attacks as well as to Palestinian rocket fire into Israel from Gaza. During the reporting period, at least 113 rockets were fired towards Israel, according to OCHA. There were fortunately no injuries or significant damages reported. The Palestinian Authority is facing a growing fiscal crisis, due to a complex combination of factors. The Authority's revenues are falling sharply mainly for three reasons. First, key donors have discontinued direct support, in view of the Government's failure to meet Quartet principles. While other donors have said that they would provide budgetary support to meet immediate needs, no support has yet been confirmed as received.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“Those targeted during the month were alleged by Israel to be militants. However, among those killed in these operations were at least three children and a Palestinian police officer. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Israeli military fired 2,415 artillery shells and 62 missiles inside the Gaza Strip during the first two weeks of April. In addition to causing human casualties, the shelling caused damage to structures and roads, left unexploded ordnance that poses a danger to civilians and created constant noise that caused stress to the civilian population in Gaza. The Israeli Government has expressed regret at the civilian deaths. But it has indicated its intention to intensify operations unless action is taken to prevent Palestinian attacks.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“However, no condemnation was forthcoming from the Hamas-led Palestinian Government, and Palestinian Cabinet ministers and spokesmen referred to the attack as legitimate resistance, as self-defence or as the natural consequence of Israeli aggression and occupation. The Government of Israel held the Palestinian Authority responsible for the Tel Aviv suicide bombing. Israel tightened security in the West Bank, carried out a number of arrests and moved to revoke the Jerusalem residency rights of three Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council. The Palestinian fatalities and injuries were the consequence of a range of Israeli military operations, including air strikes, artillery and tank shelling in northern Gaza, targeted killings and ground operations in the West Bank.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“At least 29 Palestinians have been killed, among them at least six children; 180 Palestinians have been injured. During the same period, 10 Israelis have been killed, among them one child, and many have been injured during the reporting period. Three foreigners were killed in the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. The Israeli fatalities were the consequence of two suicide bombings, one outside the settlement of Kedumim in the northern West Bank on 30 March, the other in central Tel Aviv on 17 April. The Al-Asqa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility for the first attack, Islamic Jihad for the second. President Abbas condemned both attacks, while urging the Quartet to intervene to prevent a grave deterioration in the security situation.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“On the Israeli side, negotiations on the formation of a new Cabinet continue, with a Cabinet expected to be finalized in the very near future. Coalition talks are based on the programme outlined in interim Prime Minister Olmert's speech on election night, indicating a determination to move to set the permanent borders of Israel by removing settlements east of the barrier, consolidating the large existing settlement blocs and linking Jerusalem to Ma'ale Adumim. The Israeli caretaker Cabinet decided on 11 April that the Palestinian Authority had become a "terrorist entity". Among other measures, Israel has stated that it will not receive on the same visit foreign visitors who met with the new Government or Hamas members. Regarding security concerns, there has been an alarming increase in violence since 30 March.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“President Abbas has issued a presidential order cancelling that appointment. The head of Hamas's political bureau publicly claimed over the weekend, in Damascus, that senior Fatah officials were "conspiring" to deprive Hamas of its ability to govern, as part of a "plot" to overthrow the Government. Senior Fatah members strongly criticized these statements and rejected the allegations, accusing the Hamas leader of inciting civil war. After protest marches and clashes between Fatah and Hamas supporters over the weekend, efforts are under way to ease tensions between the Hamas-led Government and Fatah. We shall be keeping a close watch on the evolution of the novel, ongoing Palestinian experiment in cohabitation. The political strife, non-payment of salaries, military pressure and closure make for a potent and volatile brew.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“Lawlessness, already endemic, is worsening amid certainties concerning command and control of the security forces within the new dispensation and signs of a struggle, still unresolved, between the presidency and the new Government. President Abbas has made important security appointments and decisions in the past few weeks. For his part, the Palestinian Interior Minister recently announced the formation of a new "special force" within the Ministry of Interior, with members drawn from existing security services and various factions, with the aim to "end the security chaos and illegal activity in the Palestinian territory". He announced the appointment to a senior or supervisory position in the Ministry of a leader of the Popular Resistance Committees who is on Israel's wanted list.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“Mr. De Soto: We are witnessing a potentially dangerous deterioration of the situation in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. In the light of the failure of the new Palestinian Government to commit to the principles articulated by the Quartet related to non- violence, recognition of the State of Israel's right to exist and acceptance of previous commitments and obligations, several key donors have withdrawn direct support to the Palestinian Authority, while expressing a desire to meet basic needs of the Palestinian people. Other donors have indicated a willingness to provide funds, and efforts to obtain support continue within the region. The new Government is experiencing grave difficulties in meeting the running costs of the Government, including the payment of salaries of civil servants, security forces among them.”
2006-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5419 (2006) · source
“And I stress the Quartet's own continued commitment to the road map and to the principles that underlie it, which include non-violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist and respect for previous agreements. I very much hope that a new Palestinian Government, fully cognizant of the responsibilities now thrust on its shoulders, will commit to those principles not because of the appearance of pressure from outside but because the Palestinian people have a right to expect that their new Government will address their aspirations for peace and statehood.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“I need hardly elaborate on the consequences of that happening - for the parties, the region and international security. Finally, today no less than yesterday, a credible political horizon for resolving the conflict is vital. Peace cannot be imposed unilaterally, and it cannot be achieved durably outside the regional framework of the Middle East peace process. In that respect, we have seen the engagement of certain regional countries in recent weeks, and their efforts to bring back onto the agenda the Arab peace initiative, which is a building block of the road map and a vital part of the agreements to which continued adherence by the Palestinians is expected. Indeed, the Quartet has signalled its determination to consult closely with the key regional actors.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“Fourthly, in the Palestinian context it is very difficult to make a neat distinction between humanitarian and emergency aid and basic service provision. Also, we must keep in mind that the Palestinian Authority is not something that can be turned on and off like a light switch. It is through the Authority that basic social and economic services and salaries are provided. If those services are not provided and if those salaries are not paid, the humanitarian, economic, institutional, political and security consequences could be severe. And if the Authority - essentially a creature of the Oslo process - is allowed to collapse or is sacrificed, then with it may go hopes of achieving a Palestinian State in a reasonable time frame, for a functioning Authority is an essential building block of a Palestinian State.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“I welcome the decision of the European Union, announced yesterday, to provide $143 million of emergency assistance. I recall in that regard the appeal by the Quartet to the international donor community to do its part to avert this short-term crisis. Thirdly, the formation of a new Government and its programme are awaited in order to assess its commitment to the principles the Quartet has articulated and to make determinations regarding future assistance in that light. We should be alert to the danger that cutting off assistance prior to that date might be interpreted by Palestinians and the Arab world as a whole as punishment of the Palestinian people for the way they voted on 25 January.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“The choices Hamas makes are the single most important variable that will shape the future of the conflict; and, as the Secretary-General has noted, it may take time for clarity to emerge. Secondly, I wish to remind Council members of the need - stressed by the Quartet - to stabilize the finances of the Palestinian Authority during the period remaining to the caretaker Government. The Quartet's Special Envoy, James Wolfensohn, has recently stressed to Quartet members that the Palestinian Authority faces a budget deficit of at least $260 million over the expected lifespan of the caretaker Government, mainly because of Israel's decision to withhold tax and customs revenue transfers of up to $130 million - money that belongs to Palestinians.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“Jets breaking the sound barrier were heard in certain parts of the country. The United Nations reiterates its call on the Israeli authorities to halt those breaches of Lebanese sovereignty and fully respect the Blue Line. I wish to conclude with five brief observations. First, as President Abbas recalled in his speech to the Palestinian Legislative Council, the Palestinians made fundamental choices 13 years ago, to which they remain committed. Hamas has clearly undergone an evolution of sorts with respect to its earlier rejection of those commitments, including overall respect of a ceasefire and participation in elections which it had earlier rejected. But it is too early to say whether that evolution is irreversible and whether it will continue in the right direction.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“The IDF responded with artillery and small arms fire directed at Hizbullah positions, and also launched two air strikes. Hizbullah responded with small arms fire and fired 15 Katyusha rockets at several IDF positions. The exchange of fire was limited to the Shab'a farms area. Three artillery rounds fired from unknown locations impacted approximately 200 metres east of a United Nations position near Kafr Shuba. Israeli air violations of the Blue Line have continued, albeit less frequently during the past month. Eight air violations have been recorded since the last briefing to the Council, on 31 January (see S/PV.5361). Lebanese military and media reports have indicated that Israeli jets violated Lebanese airspace on 14 February during the first anniversary of Hariri's assassination, although those violations were not observed by UNIFIL.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“The United Nations stands ready to support Lebanon in the national dialogue. On 5 February, demonstrators protesting the depiction of the prophet Muhammad in cartoons attacked the Danish embassy in Beirut. The past month witnessed one shooting incident and a subsequent exchange of fire across the Blue Line. On 1 February, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shot a Lebanese shepherd in the Shab'a farms area; his body was found on the following day. An investigation by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) found that he had been shot north of the Blue Line. In response to the shooting, on 3 February, Hizbullah fired two rockets in the direction of an IDF position in the area in which the shepherd's body had been found.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“That important process will constitute a framework within which Lebanese political groups will discuss issues of national concern, such as the continuing investigation by the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission, and in particular the court of an international character to try those accused in the assassination of Rafik Hariri; the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004); and Lebanon's relations with Syria. Consultations are under way between the various political parties in preparation for the dialogue, which is scheduled to begin on 2 March. The Speaker of the House has played a key role in promoting the national dialogue, which reflects Lebanese and international consensus on the importance of addressing such issues through a Lebanese-led process involving all political actors.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“Since the last briefing of the Council, there have been several important developments in Lebanon. While some are encouraging, others give cause for concern. On 14 February, hundreds of thousands of people converged on Martyr's Square in Beirut on the first anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 22 others. The crowds and political leaders commemorated Hariri's contribution to Lebanon's development and reaffirmed their determination to establish the truth behind his murder and of those killed along with him. Three days after that anniversary, on 17 February, the Government of Lebanon announced that a Lebanese national dialogue would take place.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“During the reporting period, the chief Palestinian negotiator brought to our attention the details of a number of new Israeli measures in the Jordan Valley that prevent almost all Palestinian non-residents who do not work in the area from accessing that part of the West Bank. This month, Israel carried out the evacuation of the Amona settlement outpost despite violent resistance by Israeli settlers. Israel announced further barrier construction in the Gush Etzion area, and also that it would construct a road protection fence in the southern West Bank near the original route of the barrier. On 30 January, the Quartet reiterated its concern regarding the route of the barrier - a route on which the International Court of Justice has issued a clear advisory opinion.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“The Secretary-General made public statements concerning rocket attacks against Israel, targeted killings of Palestinians, and the escalation of Israeli military operations in Nablus and Gaza. Israel has, since August, increased by about 25 per cent the number of physical obstacles to Palestinian movement within the West Bank, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. There are now 471 such obstacles. The Karni crossing, which was opened following the Agreement on Movement and Access in November, has been closed since 22 February and was also closed between 15 January and 5 February, with unavoidable consequences for the economy of Gaza.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“Violence instigated by Palestinians included almost daily rocket fire against Israeli targets in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip, an attack on an Israeli military post at Erez, stabbings of Israeli civilians, the kidnapping of foreigners - including an Egyptian diplomat, who was later released - and violent protests related to the publication in the West of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed. The Israeli Government has also reported having foiled several suicide bombings by Palestinians. Israel has conducted a series of targeted killings of alleged militants and other security operations. The most extensive military operation was conducted in Nablus beginning 19 February and resulted in a number of Palestinian deaths.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“Since taking over as leader upon the illness of Prime Minister Sharon, the Acting Prime Minister has spoken both of entering into final status negotiations with the Palestinians, should a Palestinian Government accept the principles laid down by the Quartet, and of the possibility, if that does not happen, of setting Israel's permanent borders unilaterally, in ways that would keep all of Jerusalem and the large West Bank settlement blocs in Israel and the Jordan Valley under Israeli control. In the reporting period, at least 32 Palestinians and one Israeli were killed by violence, while at least 130 Palestinians and 25 Israelis were wounded.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“The Government of Israel decided that it would immediately withhold the payment of value added tax and customs revenue to the Palestinian Authority, which is due monthly pursuant to agreement in the framework of the Oslo accords. The Government also put a stop to the transfer by the international community of equipment for the Palestinian security forces. Additional measures, as yet unspecified, will be taken. Israel is entering the final month of a Knesset election campaign.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“Khaled Meshal, a Hamas leader based in Syria, has been visiting several countries in and outside the region. On 19 February, a day after the inauguration of the Palestinian Legislative Council, the Israeli cabinet met to consider its response to the new situation created, in the View of the Government, by the swearing-in of the new Council. Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made clear the Government of Israel's view that, in the face of Hamas' majority in the Palestinian parliament, the Palestinian Authority is turning effectively into a "terrorist Authority". Israel, he added, would not hold contacts with an Authority led partly or completely by Hamas.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“The Quartet, mindful of the needs of the Palestinian people, also called for immediate measures to stabilize the Government and reminded the members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and members of a future Government of the need to respect all signed agreements. It also appealed to the international community not to punish the Palestinian electorate for its democratic choice, as expressed at the ballot box. On 21 February, President Abbas asked Mr. Ismail Haniya of Hamas to form a Government. Mr. Haniya has three weeks to complete the task, but that period can be extended by another two weeks. The leaders of the Hamas and Fatah blocs have begun consultations on the programme of a new Government, with a View to Fatah's joining it. I should also add that Mr.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“In that respect, members of the Council will recall that, when the Secretariat last briefed them, the Quartet had met in London in the aftermath of the Palestinian legislative elections. On that occasion, the Quartet congratulated the Palestinian people on an electoral process that was free, fair and secure, and stressed its conviction that all members of a new Palestinian Government must be committed to non- violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map. The Security Council subsequently took the same position.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“In Lebanon, a national dialogue is scheduled to begin shortly to discuss issues of national concern, including the continuing investigation by the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) and Lebanon's relations with Syria. This is an unscripted moment, particularly in Israel-Palestine. It falls to the parties to make the choices that will largely determine their future. But the international community also has an important role to play in helping the parties to make wise choices and in ensuring that we keep sight of the overall goal of achieving a two-State solution by peaceful means.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“Mr. De Soto: In the occupied Palestinian territory, a democratically elected Government is in the process of being formed that will be led by the Hamas list of Change and Reform, an organization which is still formally committed to the destruction of Israel and which has a condemnable record of terrorism against Israel. Israel, which is entering the final month of a Knesset election campaign in which future policy vis- a-vis the occupied Palestinian territory is a central issue, has already halted the transfer of customs and value added tax (VAT) payments to the Palestinian Authority and tightened the closure regime in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2006-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5381 (2006) · source
“To renew the Israelis' faith, the Palestinians would have to show that they indeed will be such a neighbour, by making concrete and convincing efforts to end violence. Thus, understanding each other's needs and concerns, the parties would advance on parallel, mutually reinforcing tracks.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Beyond disengagement, it is difficult to see how this conundrum can be resolved, and the process moved forward, other than by the discharge, in parallel, of the parties' respective obligations, which is the approach of the Quartet in the road map, which has been endorsed by the Council. In the light of the mix of facts created on the ground and declarations of intent by Israel, many Palestinians wonder about the prospects for a viable Palestinian State down the road. Only Israel can persuade them that this is still achievable and thus encourage them to work cooperatively toward that goal. For their part, the Israelis have reason to query whether the State that is emerging next door will be a good neighbour.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Development of a State run by the rule of law, in which the Government holds the monopoly over the instruments of violence - clearly a Palestinian interest - goes hand in hand with the strengthening of Israel's sense of security. A State at peace with itself generates security in its neighbours. Let me conclude with this thought. It is unfortunately difficult to circumvent the classic chicken-and-egg conundrum: Israeli leaders demand an end to violence before addressing further Palestinian concerns; Palestinian leaders find it difficult, for their part, to persuade extremists to restrain themselves and accept to work toward a democracy if they are unable to point to a visible prospect of satisfaction of their legitimate goals on the horizon.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The Palestinian people at large demand that law and order be established in the streets, which means not only an efficient police but also a reliable court system and an end to impunity and to corruption. The Palestinian Authority is the underpinning for a still incipient State- to-be; the Palestinians understandably expect it to discharge the responsibilities which normally fall to the Government in a State. As members of the Quartet said on Tuesday, 20 September, at their press conference, the Palestinian Authority is in transition to democracy. It must be seen by the Palestinians that it is indeed pointed in that direction and moving toward it. The political will of the Palestinian Authority must be unequivocal.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Palestinians - not just the leadership and not just the mainstream - must accept that there can be a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine only in the framework of two States living alongside each other and sorting out their differences peacefully and respectfully. They must renounce the resort to violence as a means to achieve their ends, however legitimate these may be. Those who have carried out acts of terror or instigated them should understand that this has rendered the achievement of the goal of a State in which Palestinians live in freedom and dignity more distant rather than the contrary. It is often overlooked that security, broadly writ, is not just an Israeli requirement.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Beyond the relief of recovered land and freedom of internal movement, the Palestinians who live in Gaza will wonder what has changed if this is not followed by their ability to link up with their brethren in the West Bank and in the outside world. While Israelis should understand those considerations and recognize that it is ultimately in their interest to address them, Palestinians for their part must understand, accept and address Israel's need to be assured of the safety and security of its citizens. Countless innocent Israelis have fallen victim to terrorist acts, and Israelis have a right to demand that this should cease.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Apart from impeding economic revival, to many Palestinians - and I speak here of the millions who have no connection with, or sympathy for, those who resort to violence, and who merely wish to move about to earn their living or visit their separated loved ones, attend school or seek medical care - the barrier and the closures, and the travails of traversing them, are a source of humiliation and a constant check on their aspiration to one day run their own affairs. The expense incurred in the building of the barrier raises doubts in some minds as to its stated provisionality. Questions have also been posed as to whether the purpose is only to ensure security.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“A basis has been laid for a true partnership, which should encourage each party to understand and address the other's legitimate needs and concerns. The Israeli need for security has led them to install, encroaching on Palestinian occupied territory, a barrier - a generic term encompassing a combination of grid fences, barbed wire, trenches, electronic devices, watch towers and, in some places, most prominently around Jerusalem, a dauntingly high and very forbidding-looking wall. In addition, Israel runs a system of roadblocks and checkpoints - some stable, some intermittent - to control the movement of persons and goods into and throughout much of the West Bank.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The Palestinians have experienced the joy of the departure of the occupier; the Israelis are no longer saddled with the unrewarding, Sisyphus-like grind of securing a piece of land in which, to paraphrase Prime Minister Sharon's 15 August speech, squalor and resentment are untenably juxtaposed with prosperity. Israel has demonstrated that it can make the sacrifices that are required to make peace; the Palestinians have shown self-restraint in the face of unilateral decisions and tight time frames. Forces of moderation have prevailed over those of extremism to mingle again - dare I say it? - in a shared mainstream of moderation and willingness to compromise. A mechanism for coordination at all levels is in place and is working.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Tension increased on 16 September when two Lebanese shepherds who had crossed the Blue Line in the Shab'a farms area were apprehended by the IDF. UNIFIL liaison with both sides worked in the first instance to handle the issue in a calm, non-escalatory manner. This facilitated a resolution, with the IDF releasing the shepherds the next day through UNIFIL. Allow me to close with a few personal comments. The objective benefits of the recently concluded disengagement from Gaza and the northern West Bank are obvious and fairly easy to itemize.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Hizbullah denied any involvement, and there was a claim of responsibility from Palestinian Islamic Jihad. However, it has not been possible to definitely establish who was responsible. It is nonetheless clear that this again underlines the need for the Government of Lebanon to exert its full authority in the south and prevent such violations from taking place. Over this past month, there were seven Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace observed by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the latest on 22 September. On 8 September the Israeli authorities handed over the body of a Hizbullah fighter who had been killed in the Shab'a farms area on 29 June. The arrangements for this transfer were made through the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source