YouSaid · the spoken record

Fernandez-Taranco

lines on the record: 315
first: 2009-07-27
most recent: 2019-06-14
sittings or episodes: 17
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

“However, in an apparent sign of disagreement about certain competencies, Prime Minister Hamdallah tendered his resignation on 20 June, but stayed on as caretaker until a successor was named. That creates renewed uncertainty for a Government still relying considerably on international support and facing a critical period ahead. The United Nations looks forward to continuing to work with the Government of Palestine and President Abbas in support of their state-building agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at a resumption of meaningful peace negotiations. The continued viability of the Palestinian Authority remains a core interest of the United Nations.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6986 (2013) · source
“We also note with disappointment that, according to data released by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, during the first quarter of 2013 there were 865 starts in construction of housing units in settlements, representing a 176% increase compared to the equivalent period in 2012 - a seven-year record. Those are unhelpful decisions that undermine progress towards the two-State solution. The Secretary-General reiterates that settlement activity is illegal, and calls on Israel to abide by its commitments under international law and the road map. A new Palestinian Cabinet was sworn in on 6 June under the leadership of Rami Hamdallah to carry on the administration of the affairs of State until a national consensus Government is formed.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6986 (2013) · source
“Rather, progress necessitates serious political commitments by both leaders - Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas - who should show statesmanship, recognize a partner in each other and finally negotiate and achieve a two-State solution, which is a vision that they have both agreed on. However narrow, the current window of opportunity should not be lost. The de-facto settlement restraint observed earlier this spring has seen signs of unravelling. The Secretary-General has been particularly troubled by reports that planning for hundreds of housing units in the settlement of Itamar, deep in the West Bank, has advanced to the next stage, as is also the case in the outpost of Bruchin.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6986 (2013) · source
“However much the parties need to re-engage in negotiations as the only way to achieve the two-State solution, there must be a substantive and well-prepared framework, as well as a credible timeline, in order for talks to have a chance of success. There is also a need for a conducive environment on the ground, including confidence-building steps. However, while substantive progress is urgently needed, rushing the parties back to the table without having in place the necessary framework and buy-in from both sides would be counter-productive. What is also not needed are unhelpful statements with regard to the prospects for the two-State solution.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6986 (2013) · source
“In March, the United States President underlined that peace was necessary, just and possible. As the international community, we bear a great responsibility in transforming that possibility into reality. Secretary Kerry's several rounds of visits - he announced that he would visit Jerusalem and the region for the fifth time this week - provides the first real opportunity since October 2010 for a serious effort to reach a final status agreement. While United States engagement is central, we are convinced of the need for broader regional and international engagement in support of any peace effort. We also welcome the reaffirmed willingness by Arab States to revive the Arab Peace Initiative. We hope that the Israeli Government will respond positively.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6986 (2013) · source
“On the same day, in his message to the international meeting in in Beijing in support of Israeli-Palestinian peace, the Secretary-General stressed that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and safeguarding the two-State solution was no less urgent. The current regional turmoil makes it all the more imperative to build upon the opening created by the diplomatic push by the United States and create a positive momentum towards an Israeli-Palestinian peace that can provide a stabilizing horizon and give hope for the whole region. However, so far there are too few encouraging signs on the prospects for breaking the deadlock. The United Nations has consistently pointed out the risks of prolonged impasse and the consequences of inaction. The United Nations has welcomed the determined re-engagement of the United States.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6986 (2013) · source
“Mr. Fernandez-Taranco: As the human tragedy in Syria continues to unfold, the whole region is feeling the reverberations, with neighbours, such as Jordan and Lebanon, absorbing much of the humanitarian impact. A resolution is not yet in sight. Earlier this month, the leaders of the Group of Eight reached an understanding on achieving a political solution on Syria and committed to bringing the Syrian sides to the negotiatingtable. The Secretary- General reiterated his readiness to convene the Geneva Conference on Syria as soon as possible. He further welcomed the announcement of additional contributions of $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid, which is critical to saving lives.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6986 (2013) · source
“Let me reassure the Council that the Secretary-General, together with our Quartet partners, will continue to stress the necessity of renewing dialogue and making real progress towards the two-State solution, which is long overdue and, as the Special Coordinator warned in his briefing last month, increasingly at risk. We thus strongly encourage them to urgently consider taking the necessary constructive steps that would allow them to renew the meetings between their negotiators and work towards resumed direct negotiations. Goodwill gestures will go a long way towards removing the lack of trust. Only a direct and meaningful dialogue can help restore the belief in a negotiated peace.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“The Secretary-General's report on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) will be submitted to the Council by the end of the month. The Secretary-General continues to follow the events in Egypt closely. He looks forward to the early handover of full authority to a civilian Government. He underscores his concern that the country's transition should meet the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people and of the international community for the establishment of strong, representative, democratic institutions and for the popular will to be respected, both in the elections and in the drafting of a new Constitution. Given such dramatic regional developments, progress on the Israeli-Palestinian track is of even greater urgency and would have an important positive impact on the region.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“A joint declaration was issued after the meeting that, among other things, effectively commits all of the country's leaders to the policy of disassociation from regional crises. The next dialogue session is scheduled for 25 June and is expected to address the sensitive issue of weapons outside State control. Calm has prevailed in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations as UNIFIL continued to carry out its operational activities in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Israel Defense Forces completed without incident construction of the wall to replace the existing technical fence in the sensitive area of Kafr Kela. However, air violations by the IDF continued on an almost daily basis.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Additionally, there have been reports of Syrian Army incursions into the northern area of Akkar and in the Bekaa, with two persons killed during such incursions. In other incidents, Lebanese citizens were abducted and taken across the border to Syria. Most of them were subsequently released, in some instances in exchange for the release of abducted Lebanese Alawites. The 11 Lebanese Shia pilgrims kidnapped in Syria have not yet been released; on 9 June a video of them recorded approximately five days earlier was broadcast. Against that background, President Sleiman succeeded in reconvening the national dialogue on 11 June, after an 18-month gap. The session was attended by many of the country's senior leaders from across the political spectrum, representing both the March 8 and the March 14 political movements.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“It is worth noting that the 5 June anniversary passed without incident, both in the occupied Syrian Golan and in southern Lebanon. Let me now turn to the situation in Lebanon. Since the last briefing (see S/PV.6775), Lebanon has continued to face challenges to its security and stability, owing partly to the continued crisis in Syria. On 1 June, further fighting broke out in Tripoli between the predominantly Sunni and Alawite neighbourhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jebel Mohsen, which continued for several days and left 15 people dead and several dozen injured. The deployment of the Lebanese Army and the Internal Security Forces in the area contained the fighting, but the situation in Tripoli remains fragile. United Nations Special Coordinator Plumbly visited the city on 12 June.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Humanitarian organizations continue to scale up their activities, reaching over 400,000 people in the first 10 days of this month and providing 50,000 people with basic living items this month alone. However, access is still very limited, and the gap between what is needed and what is provided remains far too wide. Due to the increase in fighting, there are now well over one million people in need inside Syria. The number of assisted refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey has reached 86,000 and continues to rise. The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Syria and the opposition groups to facilitate access by humanitarian organizations to all those in need. In that context, the regional aspects of the peace process are stalled.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Joint Special Envoy Annan and his deputies continue to work with the concerned Governments and a broad spectrum of the Syrian opposition towards launching a political process, which would provide a chance for a peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis, which is already in its sixteenth month. We welcome and encourage the ongoing efforts to find common purpose in the international community. It is urgent that those consultations yield real results soon. As was recommended by the Secretary-General and the Joint Special Envoy on 7 June, a truly joint effort by the Council - one that delivers unified and sustained pressure to demand compliance in full with the six-point plan - is urgently needed. Otherwise, we may be reaching the day when it will be too late to stop the crisis from spiralling out of control.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“The situation in Homs is particularly alarming. The tragic human suffering resulting from the escalating conflict calls for urgent and concerted efforts to avoid a full-scale civil war. Time is running out. The Secretary-General has repeatedly underscored that the Government of Syria bears the prime responsibility for changing course and fully implementing the six-point plan. Shelling and firing against population centres by Government forces, including from tanks and helicopters, must stop immediately. The cessation of armed violence in all its forms is an obligation for all sides. The opposition, too, must abide by it.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“That important step should enable better decision-making within both the public and private sectors and, in so doing, should contribute to the pursuit of sound macroeconomic policies by the Palestinian Authority. Let me briefly turn to the situation in Syria. Achieving a full and sustained cessation of violence and seeking a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Syria remains at the centre of our efforts. General Mood will provide the view from the ground in relation to the activities of the United Nations Supervision Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic (UNSMIS) this afternoon. I will therefore limit my remarks to emphasizing that the Secretary-General remains gravely concerned about the intensification of violence and the rising death toll, as well as the continued human rights abuses and unmet humanitarian needs.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Among the most significant challenges is unemployment, which increased by 3 percentage points in the first quarter of this year. Unemployment is now 24 per cent across the occupied Palestinian territory. Again, it is higher in Gaza than in the West Bank, and young people are particularly affected by the lack of employment opportunities. Despite those challenges, the Palestinian Authority continues to realize progress in building the institutions of a future Palestinian State, including its ability to collect economic and other data. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics achieved an important milestone when it subscribed to the International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard for the dissemination of economic and financial statistics.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Gaza continues to face an electricity shortage, and despite the gradual transfer of Qatari-supplied fuel from Egypt, the fuel that is reaching the Gaza power plant cannot produce more than 30 megawatts (MW) of the plant's current 90-MW potential. That, together with a decline in fuel procured from Israeli suppliers, means that the energy situation in Gaza remains bleak. The United Nations will continue to monitor the situation with the aim of helping to restore a sustainable level of energy supply. Overall, the Palestinian economy is showing signs of slowing. Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by only 2 per cent in the last quarter of 2011, with GDP growth slightly higher in the West Bank than in the Gaza Strip.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“With the closure entering its sixth year, the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009) and Gaza's recovery and long-term economic growth remain fundamental objectives of the United Nations. As reported in previous briefings, some significant progress was made towards that goal, but much more needs to be done. For United Nations agencies to continue to play a major role in the international efforts towards that end, further Israeli approvals of outstanding United Nations projects are required. The United Nations continues to urge Israel to allow the unrestricted import of key building materials and particularly aggregate, iron bar and cement, which continue to be illegally imported through tunnels with Egypt.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“We are also concerned about serious security incidents over the weekend in the vicinity of the Israeli-Egyptian border. Two rockets were shot from the Sinai into southern Israel on 16 June, one landing in the proximity of the Israeli town of Mitzpe Ramon and the other in the Ovda area, both approximately 30 kilometres from the border. No damage or injuries were reported. In the early morning of 18 June, at least three militants attacked Israeli workers constructing the security fence at the Israeli/Egyptian border near the locality of Kadesh-barnea. One Israeli worker was killed and two were injured. The IDF deployed in the area, exchanged fire with the militants, and two militants were killed.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“That incident was followed by several exchanges of fire until 6 June. Violence resumed on 17 and 18 June, when rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, while Israeli air strikes resulted in four Palestinian militants killed and several Palestinians injured, including a woman and her child. Overall, for the reporting period, a total of 15 rockets and 27 mortar shells were fired from Gaza into Israel, while Israel Defense Forces conducted seven incursions and 14 air strikes into Gaza, resulting in 9 Palestinian militants killed, 9 Palestinian militants injured and 15 Palestinian civilians injured. Two Palestinians were also killed in tunnel-related incidents. We continue to condemn all indiscriminate rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, which must stop. We also urge Israel to show maximum restraint.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Efforts to promote Palestinian reconciliation continued, following the most recent 20 May reconciliation agreement. Fatah and Hamas delegations met in Cairo on 6, 7 and 15 June to discuss candidates for a transitional technocratic Government to be headed by President Abbas. President Abbas insists that any new Government must follow his political programme and abide by Palestinian Liberation Organization commitments. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission resumed operations in Gaza, with full cooperation from the de facto authorities, and plans to register voters in Gaza between 3 and 14 July. In Gaza, the relative calm that prevailed since April was disrupted on 1 June, when an Islamic Jihad-affiliated militant breached the southern Gaza border and opened fire on a group of Israeli soldiers, killing one before being killed himself.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Despite the agreement reached on 14 May that ended the hunger strike of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody and amid reports that some additional Palestinians have been put in administrative detention, two prisoners are reported not to have ended their hunger strikes. On a positive note, Mahmoud Al-Sarsak, who started his strike on 19 March, ended his hunger strike yesterday, after an agreement was reached for his release to Gaza on 10 July. Family visits from Gaza are scheduled to resume shortly, and, on 31 May, Israel transferred the remains of 91 Palestinian militants to the Palestinian Authority. We continue to call for the agreement to be implemented in full by all sides and for the urgent resolution of the ongoing hunger strikes on humanitarian grounds.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“The recent opening of state-of-the-art police training and corrections/rehabilitation facilities in Jericho provides further evidence of Palestinian progress in advancing their governance and rule of law agenda. Support from the international community remains essential if continued progress is to be ensured. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted 189 operations in the occupied West Bank, during which 114 Palestinians were injured, including one child, while 79 Palestinians were arrested, mostly in connection with protests marking the anniversary of the 1967 war. Demonstrations also continued against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention of the advisory opinion (see A/ES-10/273) of the International Court of Justice.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“On 12 June, a final demolition order was issued against 51 structures in the village of Susiya, near Hebron, which if implemented could lead to considerable displacement of affected Palestinian inhabitants and result in the destruction of international assistance projects in the village. Palestinian security forces have continued working to maintain law and order in the West Bank, for which the Palestinian security forces need to be adequately equipped. Palestinian security forces defused a number of unexploded devices and returned to Israel a number of Israeli citizens, including a soldier, who had entered the West Bank. A Palestinian security operation aimed at restoring order in Jenin following the death of its Governor in May was extended to Nablus in early June. Around 50 suspects have been detained.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“The attack is linked to the Israeli decision to evacuate the Ulpana outpost, adjacent to the settlement of Beit El. We note that the Israeli Government has condemned that desecration and vowed to use all means necessary to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The United Nations condemns that flagrant act against a Muslim holy site and calls upon the Israeli Government to protect Palestinian individuals and property. Additionally, 24 Palestinian structures, including seven residences, were demolished in the West Bank, leading to the displacement of 28 Palestinians, including 14 children.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Let me reiterate that all settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, whether on private land or elsewhere, is in violation of international law and Israel's road map commitments, and it makes the two-State solution all the more difficult to achieve. On 17 June, near Hebron, an Israeli truck driver allegedly shot and killed two Palestinians after having been attacked himself and injured. Clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians continued in the West Bank during the reporting period. Palestinian attacks on Israelis in the West Bank resulted in three Israelis being injured, including a child. Settler attacks on Palestinians near Hebron on 5 and 11 June resulted in several students and a farmer being injured. Early this morning, a mosque near Ramallah was spray painted and set on fire.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“The envoys agreed that there was an urgent need for the parties to continue to pursue the present efforts towards resumed dialogue and substantive negotiations and that it was time for them to take the necessary steps towards that goal. On 6 June, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the construction of approximately 850 settlement units in several West Bank settlements. The timing coincided with efforts to reach agreement with settlers to relocate five housing units in the settlement of Beit E1. The units were built on private Palestinian land and are due to be relocated no later than 1 July, following an Israeli High Court decision.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“Mr. Fernandez-Taranco: Last month, we reported that there was a series of quiet and informal meetings between the parties characterized by positive engagement and the constructive handling of several potentially destabilizing events on the ground. At that time, Special Coordinator Robert Serry warned that the situation remained uncertain and fragile, highlighting the need for mutual confidence-building measures in order to sustain the talks. We are worried that that has not happened thus far and that the earlier positive environment brought about by quiet engagement between the parties appears to be challenged. The latest announcements related to settlements are an added setback. As we speak, there are ongoing intensive efforts to avoid a renewed deadlock. It is in that spirit that Quartet envoys met in Brussels on 15 June.”
2012-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6788 (2012) · source
“The parties should now redouble their efforts to resolve all permanent status issues, end the conflict and establish an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace with a secure Israel, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative. 5”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Turning back to the Middle East peace process, let me conclude by reiterating our determination to contribute to the ongoing talks, help the parties build mutual confidence, and develop concrete proposals on territory and security. Leadership is needed to ensure that the process moves forward with the support of regional and international partners. As the Secretary- General recalled in Beirut, a two-State solution is long overdue. The status quo offers only the guarantee of future conflict. We must all do our part to secure a lasting peace that will end the occupation and the conflict and realize the legitimate rights of all.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“The Syrian authorities rejected the resolution, which they described as a flagrant interference in Syria's internal affairs with the aim of drawing foreign interference. Time is pressing for the violence and human rights violations to stop and for a credible, inclusive and Syrian-led political process to start in Syria, with the aim of effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and ensuring the full exercise of their fundamental freedoms. We hope that the international community will act in a concerted and coherent manner in support of ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the crisis.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“The plan also calls on the Syrian authorities and the opposition to engage in a serious dialogue under the auspices of the Arab League with the objective of forming a transitional national unity Government to oversee a peaceful transition to a democratic and pluralistic political system. The Arab League resolution envisages that the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Chairman of the Arab League Committee on Syria inform this Council and seek its support. The Arab League ministers also decided to extend the Arab observer mission by one month, and requested Mr. Elaraby to continue his cooperation with the United Nations Secretary-General in providing assistance to the Arab League observer mission.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“The foreign ministers of the League of Arab States met in Cairo on 22 January and adopted a resolution that proposes a political plan, with a specific timeline, for resolving the crisis in Syria. The plan calls for all violence and acts of killing to stop. It reminds the Syrian authorities of their obligations to withdraw all military forces from cities and population centres, release all prisoners, and ensure the freedom of peaceful demonstration and full 12-21354 and unhindered access to the Arab League organizations and Arab and international media throughout the country.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“The United Nations continues to coordinate closely with the Government of Lebanon on the provision of assistance to the displaced. While in Lebanon, the Secretary-General also attended a conference on reform and transitions to democracy in the Arab world, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. In his keynote address to the meeting, the Secretary-General outlined the United Nations firm commitment to helping Arab countries through the transitions that they have embarked upon. The Secretary-General also reiterated his clear call on President Al-Assad to stop the violence and the killing of people. For over 10 months now, Syria has continued to be engulfed in a violent political crisis, with a rising death toll on a daily basis.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“On 27 December, three Lebanese nationals were killed and one injured in the area of Wadi Khaled by gunfire from the Syrian side of the border. President Sleiman condemned the killing and called for an investigation of the incident. On 21 January, a 16-year-old Lebanese fisherman was killed at sea off the coast of Arida at the Lebanese- Syrian border. Two other fishermen were detained by Syrian security forces and subsequently released. The United Nations continues to monitor the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon. As of 13 January, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government had registered over 5,660 Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The significant increase in number is due largely to intensified registration with UNHCR and the Government.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“All these incidents are violations of resolution 1701 (2006) as they manifest the presence of unauthorized weapons and related material in the UNIFIL area of operations. The investigations into the rocket launchings towards Israel on 29 November and 11 December and the attack against UNIFIL personnel on 9 December in the vicinity of Tyre are still ongoing. UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, 12-21354 intensified its operational activities and maintains a high level of vigilance in order to prevent any hostile activities. In an ongoing violation of resolution 1701 (2006), almost daily Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace continued during the reporting period. The situation along the Lebanese-Syrian border remains of concern.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“He strongly encouraged President Sleiman's effort to reconvene the national dialogue, including the effort to enable progress on the development of a national defence strategy that would address the question of arms outside the control of the State. A number of security incidents that illustrate the continued fragility and vulnerability of conditions in UNIFIL areas of operation took place during the reporting period. On 19 December, four rockets were found, and subsequently removed, by the Lebanese armed forces near Wadi Khancha. A UNIFIL investigation is ongoing. On 28 December, an explosion 4 the third since mid-November - took place in Tyre in front of a restaurant, causing minor damage. The Lebanese authorities are conducting investigations into the explosions.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“From 13 to 15 January, the Secretary-General visited Lebanon and held talks with President Sleiman, Prime Minister Mikati and Speaker Berri, as well as a number of representatives of Lebanese parties. The Secretary- General also paid a visit to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura, in support of the mission and efforts of UNIFIL peacekeepers, who play a crucial role in preserving the calm along the Blue Line. In his discussions with Lebanese interlocutors, the Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations unwavering commitment to Lebanon's stability and security, as well as the need for Lebanon to meet all its international obligations, including those under the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“However, three key housing projects of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, totalling over $60 million, have yet to be approved. Efforts between the factions to advance Palestinian reconciliation are continuing. Fatah and Hamas representatives met again in Cairo on 21 December to that end. On 14 January, the Palestinian Central Election Commission obtained permission to reopen its offices in Gaza. We continue to support Palestinian unity within the framework of the commitments of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), the positions of the Quartet, and the Arab Peace Initiative. Allow me to turn to the situation in Lebanon.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“In the short term, we believe that the full opening for the import of construction materials would bolster the legitimate Gazan economy and enable much needed reconstruction activities. It is important that exports be allowed to resume at scale, including transfers to the West Bank and Israel. These changes could be applied with due consideration for Israel's legitimate security concerns and could make a significant difference in the lives of many Gazans. We will continue to work with the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority in this regard. At present, the United Nations has received approvals for a total of approximately $270 million of works requiring construction materials that are still classified as dual use.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Turning now to the situation in Gaza, a total of 29 rockets and 12 mortar shells fired from Gaza hit Israel without resulting in injuries or damage. The Israel Defense Forces conducted six incursions and 10 airstrikes into Gala, resulting in four Palestinian militants being killed and seven injured, and 15 Palestinian civilians injured. We condemn in the strongest terms any indiscriminate firing towards civilian areas and call on Israel to show maximum restraint. Obligations under international humanitarian law must be respected for the protection of civilians. It is essential to strengthen the calm in order to improve the conditions of the population in Gaza. We continue to call for the lifting of the closure in the framework of resolution 1860 (2009).”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“The structure of gross domestic product in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip reveals a continued concentration of economic activity 3 in non-tradable sectors, including certain services, public administration and construction. Sustained growth will require an expansion of this productive base and the tradable goods sector. Increased measures to enable this and to reduce access impediments will be essential for continued growth, such as in manufacturing, mining and agriculture. Weekly demonstrations continued in the West Bank against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 2004. Clashes with the Israel Defense Forces left 28 Palestinians injured; one Israeli soldier was injured by rock-throwing.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“In 2011, direct budget support amounted to only $742 million out of the $1 billion that had been expected. Continued shortfalls could challenge the impressive progress realized through the State-building agenda. The United Nations encourages donors to deliver their contributions for 2012 as early as possible in the year. The pace of economic growth slowed in the third quarter of 2011, increasing by only 0.5 per cent over the previous quarter. This, however, was still a 12 per cent increase over the third quarter of 2010. During the third quarter of 2011, the West Bank actually saw its real economy shrink by 0.3 per cent, whereas the Gaza Strip experienced an economic expansion of 2.6 per cent in real terms.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“On 29 December, Palestinian security forces seized and defused an improvised explosive device, and on 6 January they arrested eight Palestinians on criminal charges in Hebron. On 14 January, Palestinian firefighters put out a blaze on an Israeli bus travelling south of Hebron and evacuated Israeli passengers. We also would like to remind the parties of their Road Map commitments to end incitement. In this regard, we have noted with concern the statement of the Palestinian Authority Mufti on 9 January. The Palestinian Authority continues to build its institutions, which in April 2011 had already achieved a level sufficient for a functioning Government of a State. However, in a meeting with Special Coordinator Serry on 16 January, Prime Minister Fayyad expressed his grave concern about the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Last night, another Hamas PLC member was arrested from his home in Ramallah. Two other PLC members were previously arrested at the ICRC building and transferred to Ramallah in 2011. The Palestinian negotiator subsequently delivered a letter to his Israeli counterpart complaining about the detention of the PLC Speaker, referencing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody in general and calling for their release. We are troubled by reports that the Israeli authorities have subjected Mr. Dweik and possibly others to administrative detention. Palestinian security forces continued to maintain law and order in the parts of the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“The IDF arrested nine Palestinians allegedly in possession of illegal weapons and ammunition. On 4 January, the IDF shot and injured a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Bethlehem. On 22 January, a Palestinian man reportedly carrying a metal object was shot and injured by IDF soldiers at the Qalandia checkpoint. In another concerning development, several members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) have been arrested by Israeli security forces. On 19 January, two Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, including Speaker Aziz Dweik, were arrested. On 23 January, Israeli security forces entered the compound of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Jerusalem and detained the 12-21354 two remaining Palestinian Legislative Council members who had sought refuge there since July 2010.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“During the reporting period, Israeli authorities demolished structures related to a number of unauthorized outposts. The demolition of outposts is an Israeli commitment under the Road Map. However, in parallel, new initiatives to retroactively legalize some outposts were advanced by the Government and in the Knesset. Israeli authorities also demolished 88 Palestinian structures in different locations of the West Bank during the reporting period, including seven in East Jerusalem, citing lack of building permits. Demolitions included 21 residences and 25 water- related structures. Citing security, the Israel Defense Forces conducted 336 operations in the occupied West Bank, during which 74 Palestinians, including three children, were injured and 273 arrested. Two IDF soldiers were also injured.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians also remains troubling. On 25 December, an Israeli woman was injured by stones thrown at her car near Hebron. On 9 January, seven Palestinians were arrested by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) near Ramallah for throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at vehicles travelling on road 443 through the occupied territory. Settlers injured 12 Palestinians, including four children. Three Palestinian children were hit and injured by Israeli vehicles in Hebron and Nablus between 10 and 12 January. On 11 January, a mosque near the Palestinian town of Salfit was desecrated with Hebrew graffiti referencing "price tag" in connection with the dismantlement of an outpost. Settler attacks on Palestinian orchards also resulted in injuries and more than 100 Palestinian trees being uprooted.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“In the short term, it is essential that provocations stop, as called for by the Quartet, and that early progress be made to build confidence among the parties and sustain these nascent talks. Neither the international community nor the parties can afford to let this opportunity pass by. The Secretary-General continues to call on the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to show vision, courage and determination to reach a historical peace agreement that would meet the legitimate aspirations of the people on both sides. Unfortunately, actions on the ground continue to contribute to tensions. Settlement activity in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, continued during 12-21354 the reporting period, and Under-Secretary-General Amos briefed this Council last week on the current situation.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source