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

“While it appears that these acts have been designed to create panic and perhaps provoke reactions amongst the Lebanese public, our impression is that there has been a mature and calm approach in the face of these provocations. It is clear that the majority of Lebanese are determined not to have their progress towards a united, sovereign and democratic Lebanon derailed. We must continue to work to help the Lebanese achieve this. Over this past month, the Blue Line also remained relatively calm, despite the firing of two missiles from Lebanese territory on 25 August. One landed close to the Lebanese village of Meis el Jabal, the other across the Blue Line close to a residential area of Kibbutz Margilot in northern Israel. Fortunately, there were no casualties.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The Secretary- General and other members reaffirmed their intention to assist the Government of Lebanon in its efforts to institute reforms and achieve lasting stability. Another major challenge for the new Government is to implement effective reforms in the security apparatus. We were reminded of the importance of this last Friday when a new bomb went off in a densely populated area in eastern Beirut, killing one person and injuring more than 20. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of terrorism. He expresses the resolve of the United Nations, and indeed the international community, to assist the Government of Lebanon in its efforts to improve the security situation in the country and to bring to justice the perpetrators of this and other similar acts of terror.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The withdrawal of Israeli soldiers resulted in the removal of internal movement restrictions imposed by Israel in the Gaza Strip. Tight restrictions continue on issuance of permits for Gaza Strip workers in Israel and the Erez industrial estate at the north of the Strip. On 1 September, Palestinian merchants from the West Bank were allowed to enter Israel for the first time since a general closure was imposed on 12 July 2005. Only a limited number of Palestinian workers with permits are allowed entry to Israel and East Jerusalem. I now turn to the situation in Lebanon. On 19 September, Prime Minister Siniora presented his Government's plans for political, economic and institutional reforms to the core group ministerial meeting on Lebanon in New York.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The biggest impact of this easing is to improve Palestinian access to health and education services, particularly from villages to main towns. It is unlikely, however, that this will result in a significant improvement in the economic situation, as delays still occur as a result of random vehicle checking and restrictions on movement entering and exiting from main cities, especially Jerusalem. Through a series of discussions, OCHA and the IDF have reached a common understanding on the number and location of checkpoints and other obstacles, albeit with minor differences in definition. Further dialogue with the Palestinian Authority and the Israel Defense Forces, with the aim of easing restrictions on Palestinian movement, combined with a more in-depth examination of the impact of physical obstacles, is being conducted by OCHA.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“In James Wolfensohn's words, based on the Bank's findings, "without the re-establishment of free movement inside the West Bank, a viable Palestinian economy is not possible". Since the beginning of 2005, there has been a 37 per cent reduction in the number of internal obstacles on roads in the West Bank, including checkpoints. These obstacles now number 376, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Much of the reduction has been in the northern West Bank, where movement has been freed up in line with disengagement from four northern West Bank settlements. Obstacles have also been removed in the western area of the West Bank, where the barrier is under construction, making many of those obstacles redundant.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Construction of this segment of the barrier has not begun. As concerns the controversial El plan for settlement construction in the area between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim, the Deputy Prime Minister recently reiterated Israel's commitment to keep it frozen, while reiterating Israel's intention to build it in due course. I turn now to the question of closures and movement restrictions. In a June 2004 report entitled "Disengagement, the Palestinian Economy and the Settlements", the World Bank stated that "Palestinian economic recovery depends on a radical easing of internal closures throughout the West Bank, the opening of Palestinian external borders to commodity trade, and sustaining a reasonable flow of Palestinian labour into Israel".”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“On barrier construction and settlement activities, the construction of Israel's West Bank barrier is progressing rapidly in those parts of the route which have not been contested in court and for which judicial orders to suspend construction have not been issued. As of 1 July 2005, approximately 215 kilometres had been completed and 176 kilometres are under construction, or about 58 per cent of the barrier's total length. When my colleague, Ibrahim Gambari, head of the Department of Political Affairs, briefed the Security Council a month ago (see S/PV.5250), he mentioned land requisition orders to allow the extension of the barrier around Jerusalem eastward so as to envelop the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim, which has elicited great concern, as it could have the practical effect of bisecting the West Bank.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Earlier in the month a Palestinian stabbed two yeshiva students, one British and one American, in the Old City of Jerusalem, killing one and injuring the other; the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) killed five Palestinians in Tulkarem, and a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in Beer Sheva in Israel. Home-made rockets, mortar shells and anti-tank missiles were also fired from different locations inside the Gaza Strip towards Israeli-controlled areas and nearby Israeli towns, though at a significantly decreased level. During the reporting period, a total of 15 Palestinians, in addition to one foreigner, were killed.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“It was reported by the Palestinian Authority that, amid the Palestinian celebrations at Rafah following Israel's withdrawal, some light arms had been smuggled into the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas pledged to prevent further border infiltrations. On 15 September, as the Egyptian border police force was completing its deployment along the Philadelphi route, the border with the Gaza Strip was closed, ending four days of large-scale free passage in both directions. The border remains closed. Violence continued elsewhere during the past month. This morning Israeli special units killed three Palestinians in Tulkarem, and rockets were fired from Beit Hanoun into Israel.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The success of those activities will depend, to a great degree, on swift and efficacious access and on an adequate security environment, particularly in the Gaza Strip, so that United Nations agencies can operate safely and effectively. With regard to security and violence, in last month's briefing we referred to the worsening in the Palestinian internal security situation during the run-up to the withdrawal and immediately afterward. The killing, apparently an extrajudicial execution, of former security chief Musa Arafat, and the chaos of spontaneous Palestinian celebrations in the wake of Israeli withdrawal, particularly at the Egyptian border, underscore the need for credible action by the Palestinian Authority to bring the perpetrators of past violent actions to justice.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The Quartet continued to note with concern the route of the Israeli separation barrier, particularly as it results in the confiscation of Palestinian land, cuts off the movement of people and goods and undermines Palestinians' trust in the road map process, as it appears to prejudge the final borders of a Palestinian State. With regard to disengagement, I do not need to dwell on the details of the withdrawal referred to in last month's briefing and earlier in this presentation. It was executed with surprising speed and well in advance of the scheduled dates. There are no longer any Israeli military personnel or installations, and what has been left behind is being dealt with in accordance with understandings reached between the parties. United Nations agencies and programmes are working in support of the goals laid down by the Quartet.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“They should be able to count on the necessary cooperation of all concerned so that the transition proceeds successfully. Beyond disengagement, the Quartet urged the parties to return to the cooperative agenda agreed upon at Sharm el-Sheikh and to avoid unilateral actions that prejudice final status issues. The Quartet reaffirmed that any final agreement must be reached through negotiations between the parties and that the new Palestinian State must be truly viable, with contiguity in the West Bank and connectivity to Gaza. While noting that in Gaza and the northern West Bank Israel had in fact acted beyond its obligations as provided in the first phase of the road map, the Quartet expressed its concern that settlement expansion elsewhere must stop and urged Israel to remove all unauthorized outposts.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The Quartet noted that the Palestinian Authority leadership has condemned violence and has sought to encourage Palestinian groups who have engaged in terrorism to abandon that course and engage in the democratic process. "Ultimately", said the Secretary-General speaking on behalf of the Quartet at the subsequent press conference, "those who want to be part of the political process should not engage in armed group or militia activities, for there is a fundamental contradiction between such activities and the building of a democratic State". (Press release SG/SM/JOIJS) In response to questions, Quartet members made clear, against that background, that they viewed the forthcoming legislative elections as part of a transition towards a democratic system. That must be a Palestinian process, on which Palestinians must be in the lead.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Quick-impact, employment-generating projects are envisaged for that purpose, but it is also urgent that the parties should come to resolution on the four issues related to movement of persons and goods, out of the six issues identified by James Wolfensohn. The Quartet also focused on the need for renewed action in parallel by both parties on their obligations, in accordance with the sequence of the road map. Elections are foreseen soon in occupied Palestinian territory, and possibly in Israel down the road. Bold initiatives will have to await the propitious moment. Another issue discussed by the Quartet was that of armed groups and the political process in the Palestinian territories.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“With regard to Quartet engagement and activities, the Quartet met at the United Nations on 20 September to discuss the Israeli withdrawal and the prospects for movement towards peace in the Middle East. A statement was issued following the meeting, and the principals held a press conference. I can therefore spare members of the Security Council a detailed exegesis. However, I should like to highlight a few issues that were discussed. One was how to take advantage of the momentum gathered and move ahead. It was essential to bring about an early improvement in the daily lives of Palestinians.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“However, all relevant sectors of the Palestinian Authority worked diligently and constructively to coordinate with their Israeli counterparts, with the good offices and assistance of James Wolfensohn, the Quartet's Special Envoy for Disengagement; General William Ward, the United States Security Coordinator; and other international actors, the Egyptian Government prominent among them. Early fears that the operation might have to be conducted under fire were dissipated. Palestinian armed groups by and large held back from violent action against settlers. The Israeli settlers, armed forces and police withdrew in peace. The habit of coordination developed among Palestinians and Israelis in the last few months is a valuable asset on which to continue building in the coming period.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Looking ahead, the Prime Minister added, "Successful implementation of the disengagement plan opens a window of opportunity for advancing towards peace, in accordance with the sequence of the road map. The State of Israel is committed to the road map and to the implementation of the Sharm el-Sheikh understandings. And I hope that it will be possible, through them, to renew the political process". (Ibid.) The timing of Israel's disengagement was not the result of an agreement with the Palestinian side, but of a unilateral Israeli decision.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“The exemplary consideration shown by the Israeli armed forces towards those affected, on some of whom carefully measured force had to be employed, shows that they can be held to the highest standards in dealing with civilians. In his statement last week at the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly, Prime Minister Sharon said to the gathered leaders that the Palestinians "are also entitled to freedom and to a national, sovereign existence in a State of their own" (A/60/PV.5). By withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and ending military law there, he said, "[T]he State of Israel proved that it is ready to make painful concessions in order to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians".”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“On 20 September the Quartet, meeting in New York, welcomed that development, paid tribute to the political courage of Prime Minister Sharon, commended the Israeli Government, its armed forces and its police for the smooth and professional execution of the operation and expressed its appreciation for the responsible behaviour of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people for helping to maintain a peaceful environment during the evacuation. Facing vociferous opposition, the Israeli Government has proved its ability to carry out democratic decisions in the general interest while knowing that they would cause pain and disruption to a significant number of its citizens.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“Mr. De Soto: In the early hours of 12 September, Israel withdrew the last of its military personnel and installations from the Gaza Strip, the first such withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territory since 4June 1967. Furthermore, as of 20 September, and following the completion of the evacuation of civilian army infrastructure from four settlements in the northern West Bank, Israeli forces put an end to their permanent presence in the area of the evacuated settlements.”
2005-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5270 (2005) · source
“We aspire to the end of the occupation that began in 1967, the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, viable and contiguous Palestinian State and its coexistence in peace and security alongside Israel. We also continue to work towards the broader realization of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, in accordance with the road map and the 2002 Beirut Arab summit declaration and based on resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), and 1515 (2003). In sum, while there was a perilous turn back to the abyss in the past month or so, there have been some glimmers, particularly in the last week, that may point to a new beginning.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“While it would not be entirely fair to hold the Government to a perhaps inadvertent choice of words of an official in the heat of a radio interview, that and the revelation that some 55,000 Palestinian residents of Jerusalem will be shut out of the city as a result of the routing can only fuel the fear that the barrier is designed to prejudge the outcome of eventual permanent status negotiations. Those issues should be as much a part of the short-term action agenda as energetic Palestinian action against militants targeting Israelis. The broader implementation of the road map and the eventual realization of the two-State solution, as outlined in Security Council resolution 1397 (2002), must remain the goal.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“One area in which Israel can and should take the initiative is meeting its parallel obligations under the road map, in accordance with which Israel should freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, and immediately dismantle all settlement outposts erected since March 2001. The recent voluntary evacuation of the West Bank outpost of Amuna - after a petition had been filed against the settlers living there following the Government's official adoption of the Sasson report's recommendations - illustrates that it is possible to meet those obligations. It is equally important that Israel take steps to meet its legal obligations related to the barrier. One senior Israeli cabinet minister recently stated that, among other things, the route of the barrier "also makes Jerusalem more Jewish".”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Such empowerment will also be an element of central significance in the preparations to take control of the areas that Israel is withdrawing from. As we have stated repeatedly in the Council in recent months, and as United States Security Coordinator Lieutenant General Ward has pointed out, Israel could and should do more to support the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to reign in the militants. Consequently, both the Palestinian Authority and Israel have homework to do: the Palestinian Authority has to continue to exert control and authority, while Israel has to strengthen the hand of moderate forces and enable the Authority to impose itself successfully.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“The unease, suspicion and even cynicism that bedevil Israeli-Palestinian relations can be attributed in large part to the fact that the disengagement is not taking place within an unequivocally agreed framework for the next steps towards the overall solution to which both sides claim adherence, that is, two States living alongside one another in peace. Israelis need to be assured of their security, and Palestinians need to be provided with hope. Beyond the tangible improvements in their daily lives, the intangible element of a perspective for the future would be critical to instilling that hope. It is of paramount importance that stability be preserved and that the Palestinian Authority be empowered to successfully counter militancy and extremism.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Israeli authorities have provided clear evidence that they will not allow Israeli extremists to prevent the plan from being carried out. It is to be hoped that the combination of measures by the Palestinian Authority and the return of relative calm will make it unnecessary for the Israeli Defence Forces to use the unlimited discretion that they have reportedly been given to take intrusive military action to quash attacks against Israelis from Gaza. At this time, it is essential not to lose sight of the overall goal.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Although the deterioration of the informal ceasefire is profoundly disquieting, there have been encouraging developments since late last week, consisting of the vigorous actions of the Palestinian Authority security forces, pursuant to President Abbas's efforts, to restore law and order and particularly to intercept militants preparing to attack Israelis. The President's forceful address to his people at the end of last week was a most welcome display of leadership. Hope was also provided by the report only two days ago that the ceasefire has been renewed and that the Palestinian factions are committed to end internal fighting. I have no doubt regarding the determination of the Government of Israel to proceed unswervineg with disengagement.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Here, however, we are in the presence of an important step which defies that calculus: how could the dismantling - the first ever - of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory be anything but a gain for the Palestinian side, offering as it does - through the efforts of James Wolfensohn, with the strong support of the international community - the prospect of an early and tangible improvement in the daily lives of Palestinians and a return, via the road map, to substantive peace efforts?”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“The driving force behind the Israeli Government's decision to remove settlers from Gaza and to end the Israeli presence there is Israel's own interest. Prime Minister Sharon describes evacuation from Gaza as "vital" to Israel. In the classic calculus that a win for one side is a loss for the other, satisfying an Israeli interest may strike some Palestinians as a loss, judging from their efforts to jeopardize it.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Without detriment to the United Nations commitment to the achievement of a comprehensive peace, I will concentrate on the Israeli-Palestinian portion of my mandate. As I said at the outset, Israel's disengagement from Gaza dominates the agenda less than one month before the announced starting date. Some commentators draw an incongruous parallel between rocket and mortar attacks by Palestinian militants in Gaza against Israelis and the less lethal but very strident physical efforts of Israeli disengagement opponents to impede the implementation of that decision. They have in common only that they are rear- guard efforts to obstruct a move that is viewed positively by clear majorities on both sides.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Maximum restraint will be required in order to prevent the deterioration that all sides state they wish to avoid. My erstwhile colleague Kieran Prendergast last briefed the Council in June and announced that I would come this month to give members my "first impressions". That is a tall order. The old vaudeville expression that someone is a hard act to follow applies doubly in this case: I walk in the footsteps not only of Kieran Prendergast, but also of Terje Roed-Larsen. Both brought to their work vast Middle East experience - decidedly not my case. I ask members to bear in mind those mitigating circumstances as they consider the very personal closing comments I am about to offer, barely six weeks after taking on my current assignment.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Also over the past two weeks, there have been a substantial number of daily ground violations by Lebanese shepherds and civilians along the length of the Blue Line. The Secretary-General's report on UNIFIL (S/2005/460) refers to all of those matters. The incidents along the Blue Line of 29 June and 12 July illustrate once again the need for the Government of Lebanon to make every effort to prevent attacks from its side of the Blue Line. Responding to the situation on the ground, the Secretary-General's Personal Representative for Southern Lebanon again urged the Lebanese authorities to exert their control over all of the country and to refrain from any violation of the Blue Line. He also called on Israel to cease its continuing violations of Lebanese airspace.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Siniora announced agreement on the membership of the Cabinet, which will be subject to a vote of confidence in parliament early next week. On 29 June the Security Council met to discuss the exchange of fire that had taken place that day between Hizbullah and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which began when a group of Hizbullah fighters breached the Blue Line in the Shaba'a farms area - one of several incidents along the Blue Line. The day after, Israeli helicopters violated Lebanese airspace and flew over the cities of Tyre, Sidon and Beirut dropping leaflets. Another incident occurred on 12 July, when, according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), unidentified armed elements approached the Blue Line from the Lebanese side and fired four rounds from an AK-47 rifle towards an IDF position.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“I now turn briefly to Lebanon, where the situation remains a cause for concern. The Council has already been briefed on the assassination of George Hawi on 21 June, and I will not dwell on it. On 12 July, an explosion in a northern suburb of the capital caused the death of one person and injuries to 13 others, including the then Deputy Prime Minister and current Minister of Defence, Elias Murr. Both the Secretary-General and the Security Council have issued statements on those matters. After the successful conclusion of the parliamentary elections carried out under the Government led by Prime Minister Nejib Mikati, Lebanon set about forming its new Government. On 28 June, Nabih Berri was re-elected as the Speaker of the National Assembly and Fuad Siniora, former Minister of Finance, was designated Prime Minister. Two days ago, Mr.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“At its meeting on 24 June, the Quartet once again expressed its concern over Israeli settlement activity and reaffirmed the need to avoid any action that would contravene the road map or prejudice final-status negotiations. On the other hand, on 10 July, buildings in the West Bank settlement outpost of Amuna were evacuated voluntarily after a petition against the settlers living there. Israel has also continued and accelerated construction of its barrier in the West Bank. On 10 July, the Israeli Cabinet discussed and approved remaining details of the route of the barrier around Jerusalem, which, it is projected, will cut off some 55,000 Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from the rest of the city. The Government also decided on 1 September as the new deadline for the completion of the barrier around Jerusalem.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Following that vote, the Knesset, with an equally clear majority, rejected three bills calling for a delay of the withdrawal on 19 July, amid prolonged protest and demonstrations by those opposing disengagement and attempting to march on the Gaza settlement block of Gush Katif. There is considerable evidence that settlement activity continues. Recent figures from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics indicate that construction in West Bank and Gaza settlements during the first quarter of 2005 significantly exceeded the overall rate of construction in Israel. New tenders have also been published, most recently on 6 July, when the construction of 18 housing units in Elkana was publicized.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“The Israeli authorities have had to deal with protests and demonstrations, efficaciously clearing a building in Gaza taken over by extremists opposed to disengagement. In addition to a number of arrests and minor injuries, a Palestinian teenager was attacked by Israeli extremists on 29 June but was rescued by an Israeli soldier. Following those incidents, the Gaza Strip was permanently closed off to Israelis not residing in the settlements there on 13 July. A similar order was issued with regard to the northern West Bank region, though its application has been left to the discretion of the local operational command. On 3 July, the Cabinet had overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to postpone the withdrawal, thus underlining again the fact that the Government remains committed to the implementation of its plan, without delay.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“We will not allow anyone to obstruct the Israeli withdrawal." Since then, with the help of Egyptian mediation, the clashes between Palestinian factions have given way to a renewed commitment to the relative calm that prevailed previously. Turning to the Palestinian Authority elections, on 18 June, the Palestinian Legislative Council passed, with a significant majority, a new election law introducing the amendments proposed by President Abbas. The President additionally asked the PLC on 27 June to amend the Basic Law in order to create the position of Vice-President. No official decision has yet been announced concerning the date of the elections for the legislature, but the target appears to be January 2006. Israeli domestic preparations for the withdrawal continue at a rapid pace.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“On 16 July, in a prime-time radio and television address, President Abbas made a ringing appeal to the Palestinians in which he strongly reiterated his commitment to assert his authority vis-a-vis militants threatening to upset the fragile calm that had prevailed in recent months. He stated: "No one is above the law, and we will chase those who participated in the attacks and punish them. There will be no more weapons on the street or in our cities and camps...We will use force against anyone who tries to trigger internal fighting Some have mistaken our keenness to preserve national unity as a sign of weakness.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Rejecting an offer by President Abbas to join the Authority, a senior leader of the group threatened open confrontation with the Palestinian Authority and the continuation of attacks against Israel, "in order to liberate the West Bank and Jerusalem". But the Palestinian Authority has lately shown resolve to confront militants challenging its authority and to live up to its obligations under the road map to end the violence and begin dismantling terrorist capabilities. On 23 June, a deal was reached involving the handover of weapons by more than 200 militants in Nablus, after earlier such deals had been reached and partially implemented in Tulkarem and Jericho. Upon Palestinian Authority President Abbas's arrival in Gaza last week, the barrage of rockets that was fired by militants against Israeli targets aggravated the problem further.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Gun battles erupted on 24 June, as Palestinian Authority security forces searched for and arrested 10 men suspected of being connected to the shooting incident. Two international development workers were kidnapped on 13 July by armed Palestinians seeking the release of a family member from prison. United Nations intercession with the family helped to secure the release of the two later the same day. More ominous were the statements and challenges to the Palestinian Authority emanating from Hamas prior to the confrontation between the militant group and the Palestinian Authority on 14 and 15 July.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Palestinian Authority President Abbas reiterated his commitment to working towards "one authority, one gun" - a clear pledge to assert the Palestinian Authority's monopoly on the use of force. I have referred to recent efforts following the increase of rocket firing from Gaza by militants against Israeli targets, which saw a number of casualties among Palestinian security forces, militants, and the civilian population in Gaza. Earlier, a number of worrying incidents had underscored the imperative need and urgency for the Palestinian Authority to assert its control and end violence and internal unrest. On 23 June, a Palestinian policeman was killed as gunmen opened fire on a police station in Jenin. Later that evening, the house of a Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member in Jenin came under attack.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“In the following days, the violence escalated further, with Israel, breaking the restraint observed in the past few months, resuming its earlier practices of targeted killings with the stated purpose of preventing terrorist operations. Seven Hamas militants were killed. Several escaped a missile attack on their vehicle. Israel began amassing military forces outside the Gaza Strip but vowed to give the Palestinian Authority a last chance to prevent mortar and Qassam rocket fire against Israeli targets inside and outside the Gaza Strip. Prior to those incidents, Israelis and Palestinians had continued their regular meetings in the realm of security with the help of United States Security Coordinator General William Ward. The Palestinian Authority has been hard-pressed to establish law and order in both the West Bank and Gaza.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“The suicide bombing on 12 July in Netanya that killed five Israelis and wounded many others prompted Israeli forces to enter the West Bank city of Tulkarem, which, in turn, led to a firefight in which two Palestinians, one of them a member of the security forces, were killed. Israeli forces have continued to operate in the West Bank city and have arrested large numbers of Palestinians. On 14 July, a Qassam rocket killed a young Israeli woman and wounded others, and Israel retaliated by firing missiles against targets in the Gaza Strip, after the Palestinian Authority's declaration of a state of emergency in the Strip and Palestinian security forces acting forcefully to prevent the launching of further rockets.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Palestinian militants staged a number of attacks with mortar and Qassam rocket fire against Israeli settlements, as well as urban centres inside Israel. Shooting incidents in the West Bank, in particular, claimed the lives of several Israeli settlers, and the level of frequency of such incidents grew significantly. Partially in response to such incidents, Palestinian militants as well as unarmed Palestinians, among them teenagers, were killed by Israeli troops and security forces. On 20 June, a young woman from Gaza carrying 10 kilos of explosives -apparently a suicide bomber -was caught at the Erez crossing trying to enter Israel. Following the gradual increase in the violence of the last 10 days, Israel is taking more forceful action.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Those are, first, the Palestinian Authority's fiscal crisis and development of a fiscal stabilization plan for incorporation into the 2006 budget; secondly, the creation of a broad development plan linked to a fiscally sound financial plan for 2006 to 2008; and thirdly, the design of a package of quick-impact economic programmes that would provide an adequate response to pressures and demands for employment generation in the short term. United Nations agencies operating in the occupied Palestinian territory remain committed to supporting Mr. Wolfensohn's rapid action programme. With respect to violence, the last few weeks have seen a gradual erosion of the informal quasi-ceasefire that had prevailed since the Sharm eI-Sheikh summit and President Abbas' Cairo agreement with Palestinian factions.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“They are, first, border crossings and trade corridors; secondly, connecting Gaza with the West Bank; thirdly, movement within the West Bank; fourthly, the Gaza airport and seaport; fifthly, the houses in Israeli settlements; and sixthly, the greenhouses and dairy industry in the settlements. In addition, Mr. Wolfensohn has pointed out three essential areas the Palestinians should address, with the support of the international community.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“James Wolfensohn, and his efforts to assist with the non-security aspects of disengagement and the revival of the Palestinian economy. The Quartet is intensifying its monitoring of the situation. Envoys met in Jerusalem only last week and will meet again next month and in September. Mr. Wolfensohn has spent much time on the ground devoting his energy and ingenuity to restoring a sense of hope and security among Palestinians and Israelis following the apparent paucity of results of the much-anticipated meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and Palestinian President Abbas on 21 June. Specifically, Mr. Wolfensohn's efforts are focusing on a set of six key issues, which the parties are addressing jointly and urgently with his help and encouragement.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“In a statement released after its meeting in London on 24 June, the Quartet underscored its commitment to the broader implementation of the road map, which this Council endorsed in its resolution 1515 (2003), and to the vision of two States -Israel and a sovereign, viable, democratic and contiguous Palestine -1iving side by side in peace and security. The Quartet continues to consider the road map and the two-State vision to be the best way to achieve a permanent peace and an end to the occupation that began in 1967. The Quartet condemned the upsurge in violence in Gaza and urged both parties to avoid and prevent any escalation in violence so that the Israeli withdrawal could proceed peacefully. It highlighted the importance of Israeli withdrawal and reiterated its full support for its Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement, Mr.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Mr. De Soto: The forthcoming Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank continues to overshadow all other issues. That is a statement of fact. Disengagement is an important step forward and withdrawal from occupied territory, albeit partial and on terms largely set by the occupier, is a positive, precedent-setting step and one that the entire international community cannot but support. Moreover, as stated repeatedly by the Quartet, it offers an opportunity to re-energize the road map. It is a moment pregnant with hope, but also fraught with peril. With respect to the Quartet's engagement and activities, the Quartet has met in recent weeks to review the situation at this critical time.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source