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

“United States Envoy Mitchell visited Lebanon and Syria on 19 and 20 January in the course of consultations on a comprehensive regional peace, and met with the leaders of both countries. On the ground, the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan remains stable, although settlement activity continues. Progress in Lebanese-Syrian relations was highlighted by Prime Minister Hariri's first visit to Damascus on 19 December 2009, where he met Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad for extensive talks. The Prime Minister also visited Turkey Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and France during this reporting period. President Sleiman held talks with French President Sarkozy in Paris on 30 December. On the security front, an explosion took place in the evening of 26 December 2009 inside a building used by Hamas in Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiye.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“On 15 January, an arrangement was concluded whereby the Government of Israel made a payment of $10.5 million to the United Nations in respect oflosses sustained in the nine incidents investigated by the Gaza Board of Inquiry. In the light of this payment, the United Nations has agreed that the financial issues relating to those incidents have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion. As members of the Council are aware, the Secretary-General has written to the President of the Council informing him of this arrangement. We hope that Israel will allow the entry of sufficient materials to allow the rebuilding of the damaged United Nations buildings and facilities now that funds are available. We continue to support all efforts towards a resumption of Israeli-Syrian negotiations, and comprehensive regional peace.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“There has still been no satisfactory Israeli response to the United Nations proposal to complete stalled projects for housing, schools and health facilities. This is extremely disappointing, and the Secretary-General intends to continue to pursue this matter. We note with concern restrictions that appear to be preventing senior international visitors from entering Gaza. Towards the end of 2009, there was an increase in impediments within Gaza due to demands from Hamas for information from aid agencies, leading to several incidents involving the confiscation or interference with aid supplies. Following interventions by the United Nations, the goods have been released and operations resumed. We will continue to insist on non-interference with international aid operations in Gaza.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“It is also vital that the entry of materials for repair of electricity infrastructure be facilitated by Israel, together with sufficient quantities of fuel. On 1 January, citing concerns over tunnelling and the risk of attack, the Israeli authorities announced that the Nahal Oz crossing, which is used for the transfer of fuel from Israel to Gaza, will no longer be operational. The bulk of fuel imports will now pass through the much smaller-capacity Kerem Shalom crossing. With the exception of a conveyer belt at the Karni crossing used for the import of grain, it is very concerning that Kerem Shalom is now the only operational crossing for the import and export of goods into and from Gaza.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“In particular, since 29 December, and following an appeal to the Israeli Government by the Secretary-General, 57 truckloads of glass have entered the Gaza Strip as part of an Israeli clearance for a total of 100 truckloads. This has enabled more ordinary families to repair some of the lesser damage caused during operation Cast Lead. In addition, Israel permitted the export of 41 truckloads comprising nearly 2 million carnations and over 40 tons of strawberries during the reporting period, with approximately 300 tons of strawberries expected to be exported by the end of the season. The Gaza power plant faces fuel shortages, largely as a result of funding shortfalls, and efforts are continuing to resolve this important issue to prevent a shutdown of the plant, which would have worrying humanitarian consequences.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“The Egyptian authorities have called on Hamas to ensure that those involved in the killing are brought to justice. We repeat our call for an end to the blockade of Gaza. During the reporting period, a weekly average of 534 truckloads of imports entered the Strip, a 10 per cent decline in quantity from the last reporting period, although it is positive that in December there was a slight expansion in the types of allowed imports, with goods such as candles, brooms, eye glasses and blankets entering. There was a 13 per cent increase in the amount of cooking gas entering Gaza, although shortages remain. There has also been a limited response to the United Nations call for a winterization package for Gaza.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“Reports of weapons smuggling continue to cause concern. Egyptian efforts to combat smuggling have continued, including through the use of tunnel- detecting sensors and the insertion of metal sheeting in parts of the ground along the border. Goods smuggled through tunnels are both sustaining and distorting the Gaza economy. There is an urgent need for all crossings into Gaza to be opened as foreseen in the Agreement on Movement and Access. On 6 January, during a demonstration by Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza, demanding the entry of a solidarity convoy of humanitarian aid, an Egyptian soldier was shot and killed on the Egyptian side of the border with Gaza. As the incident evolved, at least 13 Palestinians were injured on the Gazan side of the border.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“Efforts to secure the release of Israeli captive Gilad Shalit in exchange for a number of the 9,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails have not so far achieved a breakthrough. There was a notable increase in the number of projectiles fired from Gaza by militant groups during the earlier part of this reporting period. Over 70 projectiles of different calibres were fired, 19 of which reached Israel. There were 20 Israeli incursions and 11 air strikes against targets in the Strip, leading to 11 Palestinian fatalities, including six civilians, and six injuries. This spike in violence is worrying and underscores the fragility of the current situation. However, we continue to believe from our contacts that major constituencies wish to maintain calm. We urge all parties to refrain from violence and respect international humanitarian law.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“We regret its refusal to sign the Egyptian reconciliation proposal, accepted late last year by factions of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) following an extended process of discussions, and urge Hamas to reconsider this position. We continue to support the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority, and to express the hope that free and fair elections throughout the Palestinian territory can be held as soon as possible. In the meantime, with the passing of the 25 January 2010 date by which the ranks of elected officials would ordinarily have been renewed by elections, the presidency and legislature have been extended by PLO decision until elections can be held, though the legislature is unable to meet due to the internal divide.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“We note that the Israeli police detained a number of settlers on suspicion of involvement in the mosque arson at Yassuf, which was reported in the last briefing. However, more must be done to impose the rule of law on violent settlers. Turning to Gaza, as he stated on the first anniversary of Operation Cast Lead on 27 December, the Secretary-General remains gravely concerned that neither the issues that led to the conflict nor its worrying aftermath is being addressed. This has created an unsustainable situation and a sense of hopelessness for the civilian population in Gaza, more than half of whom are under 18. Hamas remains in de facto control of Gaza, asserting security control and pushing forward its social and institutional agenda.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“In an action strongly denounced by the Palestinian Authority, Israeli forces entered Nablus on 26 December and killed three Palestinians alleged to be the perpetrators. Palestinian security forces arrested several individuals in the course of their own investigations into the killing of the settler. In total, there were 107 violent incidents between settlers and Palestinians during the reporting period, which left 22 Palestinians and 18 settlers injured - partly due to the "price tag" policy to protest the Israeli Government's policy of settlement restraint. Following the evacuation of the Givat Menachem outpost yesterday, settlers attacked Palestinians and their property in the neighbouring village of Bitilu.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“Palestinian, Israeli and foreign protestors continued demonstrating in the villages of Nil'in and Bil'in, where the barrier is built on occupied Palestinian territory contrary to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. There have also been clashes between protestors and Israeli security forces. During the reporting period, there was a substantial increase in Israeli military operations in the West Bank - 143 in total - in response to alleged security threats. Three Palestinians were killed, 87 injured and over 300 arrested, 12 of whom were found to be carrying explosives. In a serious episode, Palestinian gunmen killed a settler on a road near Nablus on 24 December.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“On 20 January, Defence Minister Barak upgraded to university status a college in the large settlement of Ariel in the occupied West Bank, while Prime Minister Netanyahu planted trees in Gush Etzion and Ma'ale Adumim on 24 January. Settlement activity throughout the territory occupied in 1967 is illegal, and its continuation is contrary to the Road Map. We once again strongly urge the full implementation of Israel's obligations to freeze all settlement activity, including as a result of natural growth, and to dismantle the outposts erected since March 2001. On 12 January, Prime Minister Fayyad announced that the Palestinian Authority is seeking to implement a boycott of settlement products within Palestinian areas.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“The international community does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem. The status of the city remains a final status issue for negotiations, through which a way must be found for Jerusalem to emerge as the capital of two States. The policy of partial temporary settlement restraint in the remainder of the West Bank announced in November by Prime Minister Netanyahu is being broadly implemented. Teams of Israeli inspectors have visited settlements to verify that stop-work orders are being put into effect. However, due to the exemptions in the policy and, in some cases, the fact that construction is continuing contrary to the policy, construction activity has been reported in several settlements.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“New cracks that appeared in roads after recent heavy rain have been attributed by some reports to those activities. There continue to be official announcements of intent to expand settlement construction within the Israeli-determined municipal boundaries of occupied East Jerusalem, in areas of existing settlement and in Palestinian neighbourhoods. Those include the 692 new housing units in three existing settlements announced on 28 December, a new project announced on 4 January to house 24 settler families in the Palestinian neighbourhood of the Mount of Olives, and a plan announced on 6 January to establish 50 new settler housing units in the Palestinian neighbourhood of Shuafat. We urge the Israeli Government not to finalize the approval of those plans.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“As they have for nearly a decade and contrary to the Road Map, Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem remained closed during the reporting period, including Orient House and the Chamber of Commerce. Protests by Israelis and Palestinians alike against Israeli actions in Sheikh Jarrah - where several families have been evicted and a further 25 face the same threat - have continued and now take place most weeks. Seventeen demonstrators arrested on 15 January were released the following day after the Israeli court ruled their arrests illegal, but a further 20 were detained on 22 January. There are also persistent concerns with regard to settler-run archeological excavations, including tunnelling activities, in the sensitive Silwan neighbourhood, which is adjacent to the Old City.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“3 We urge Israel to take more far-reaching measures to facilitate Palestinian development in the West Bank, including the further easing of closures - which stand at 569 obstacles to movement - facilitating improvements in Area C and refraining from demolishing Palestinian homes. During this reporting period, demolitions left over 100 Palestinians, including 34 children, homeless. I would like to reiterate the Secretary-General's concern about the situation in East Jerusalem. He calls on Israeli authorities to put an end to activities such as settlement construction and expansion, house demolitions, the closure of institutions and the revocation of residency rights.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“The Palestinian Authority also continues to make progress in the areas of law and order and combating potential terrorism, in accordance with the Road Map. Four hundred newly trained Palestinian security personnel were deployed in Hebron in early January. Progress has been made in recent months in addressing human rights concerns in Palestinian Authority prisons. We note positively new Israeli measures to facilitate economic activity in the West Bank. On 4 January, the opening hours of the Tarkumiya commercial goods crossing between the southern West Bank and Israel were extended to improve access for goods. On 15 January, a section of a road south-west of Hebron that connects two major routes and provides critical access for some villages to service centres was reopened to Palestinian traffic for the first time since 2001.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“On 14 January, Prime Minister Fayyad presented the Government's priority interventions for 2010: institution-building, strategic infrastructure and the delivery of services. We urge the international community to support that programme. The total cost is estimated at $5.5 billion, of which only 50 per cent is fully or partially funded. The Palestinian Authority also faces a recurring budget deficit that is estimated at $1.2 billion. It is therefore in need of further budgetary support in 2010. In fulfilling outstanding pledges from the Paris and Sharm el-Sheikh donor conferences, the Palestinian Authority has requested that assistance be frontloaded and that measures be taken to ensure the predictability of financing.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“Notwithstanding certain steps, Israel can and should do considerably more to build confidence through the implementation of obligations on the ground and by signalling a genuine commitment to negotiating and resolving all core issues, including Jerusalem, within a clear time frame. While we do not underestimate the difficulties and concerns involved, the Palestinians should continue to engage in earnest, as they are doing, in an effort to bring about resumed negotiations. Despite the political impasse, the Palestinian Authority continues its efforts to advance its State- building agenda. During the reporting period, the Palestinian Authority marked the completion of its 1,000th small project since 2008 targeting underserved communities.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“The Secretary-General and his Envoy are actively engaged with the parties and regional partners, and within the Quartet, in an effort to support the initiation of a meaningful process that leads to a clear endgame. The Secretary-General met Envoy Mitchell on 6 January, and we welcome Mr. Mitchell's engagement with Quartet envoys and other partners in Europe on 12 and 13 January. We also note the efforts of Egypt, which hosted Israeli and Palestinian leaders for discussions this month. Special Coordinator Robert Serry recently visited Cairo and Amman. We believe that the Quartet can and must play its full role at this crucial juncture if obstacles are to be overcome and a process is to be resumed with prospects for success. The parties must also assume 10-22064 their responsibilities.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“Mr. Fernandez-Taranco: An extremely worrying impasse persists in efforts to bring about Israeli- Palestinian negotiations, amidst low confidence between the parties, disputes over the terms of reference for negotiations, continued creation of facts on the ground, tensions in Jerusalem, uneven developments in the remainder of the West Bank and unsustainable conditions in Gaza. Intense diplomatic activity has continued, to try to bring about resumed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, including United States Envoy George Mitchell's recent visit to the region. These efforts are continuing, and the parties have indicated that they are reviewing developments, but a breakthrough has not been achieved.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265 (2010) · source
“We look forward to the outcomes of the current consultations on the UNIFIL mandate. 09-4866} In conclusion, we urge the parties to respond positively to the efforts under way to create the conditions for an early resumption and early conclusion of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, as well as to efforts to promote progress towards comprehensive regional peace. The Secretary-General remains committed to working with the parties and his international partners for an end of the occupation that began in 1967 and the establishment of a Palestinian State living side by side in peace with Israel, within secure and recognized borders, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Separately, in the early hours of 17 August, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) removed the watchtower that they had earlier set up south of the Line of Withdrawal near the village of Kfar Shouba, where there had been protests and the consequent violation of the Blue Line by a group of civilians on 17 July. The Special Coordinator, Mr. Michael Williams, and UNIFIL Force Commander, Major General Claudio Graziano, have been in constant contact with the Lebanese Armed Forces, Israeli authorities and the IDF command in order to defuse the tension caused by the incidents of recent weeks in southern Lebanon. We believe that the dismantling of the watchtower will aid this effort. Meanwhile, Israeli air violations continued on an almost daily basis during the reporting period.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Turning now to Lebanon, efforts to form a new Government continued since my last briefing on 27 July. Political leaders announced that they had reached an agreement on the distribution of Cabinet seats, but not yet on the names of ministers. We expect the new Government to commit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The overall situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has remained generally quiet. The tensions in the area of Khirbat Salim and Kfar Shouba have gradually 09-48663 subsided. The investigation into the 14 July incident in Khirbat Salim is ongoing.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Nineteen other Fatah members, 14 of whom were not members of the previous Central Committee, were elected to the new Central Committee, and a new Revolutionary Council was elected. We continue to call for efforts to reunite Gaza and the West Bank within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. We support Egypt in its efforts in this regard and hope that reconciliation talks are resumed again in earnest soon. In the occupied Syrian Golan, the situation remained quiet, although Israeli settlement activity continued. During a visit to the area on 10 August, Special Coordinator Serry expressed the continued commitment of the United Nations to a comprehensive regional peace and our hope for the early resumption of negotiations between Israel and Syria.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Following the public hearings in Gaza and Geneva that were reported on last month, the fact- finding mission led by Justice Goldstone has completed its investigations and is in the process of finalizing its report. The report is expected to be issued in early September, with presentation and discussion of the report at the Human Rights Council scheduled for 29 September. Between 3 and 10 August, the Fatah party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held its sixth party congress in Bethlehem, the first in 20 years and the first in the occupied Palestinian territory. Most Fatah members from Gaza were unable to participate following prevention of their travel by Hamas, but voted by telephone. President Abbas was elected by acclamation as Fatah leader and Chairman of the party's Central Committee.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“The passage of time leaves little hope of rebuilding homes, education and health facilities before winter, which is essential to begin restoring a semblance of normality to life for the civilian population. It remains unacceptable that no early recovery or reconstruction activities for the Gaza civilian population have been enabled some seven months after Operation Cast Lead. We also reiterate that the United Nations has effective measures in place to ensure the integrity of programming in Gaza. We continue to call for the release of Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit. We express the hope that negotiations on a prisoner exchange will be pursued in good faith by both parties to facilitate his release, along with the release of a number of the more than 11,000 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“On 27 July, for the first time in 10 months, Israel permitted the shipment of 100,000 litres of diesel and 40,000 litres of gasoline into Gaza for private use. On 6 August, three truckloads of cement and steel bars were allowed into Gaza for the Palestinian Water Authority's north Gaza wastewater treatment plant. While welcome, these measures are not sufficient to meet the needs of Gaza's civilian population. Consultations are ongoing with the Israeli authorities regarding the United Nations proposal to start early recovery construction activities for schools, homes and health clinics in Gaza. We hope for and expect a clear answer on the proposal from the Israeli Government very soon.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Security Council resolution 1860 (2009), which calls for mechanisms to prevent illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition into Gaza and for the sustained reopening of the crossing points, is yet to be operationalized. Overall, an average of 87 trucks per day were allowed into Gaza, as compared to 78 per day in July. This is significantly higher than the 18 trucks per day in November 2008, before the start of Operation Cast Lead. However, in May 2007, prior to the imposition of the comprehensive closure regime, 475 trucks per day were entering Gaza as part of normal commerce and trade. Today, the overwhelming majority of imports are limited to food and sanitation items, with little or no entry for all other goods, including items intended for recovery. Notwithstanding that, there were some positive developments with respect to access.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“However, there were two rocket and mortar attacks against Israel by militant groups in the Gaza Strip, including an attack on 9 August on the Erez crossing point while Palestinian patients were being evacuated for medical treatment in Israel. In response, Israeli forces conducted an air raid shelling the areas of the tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border. Israeli forces have also conducted six ground incursions during the reporting period. Since the last report to the Council, four more lives have been lost in accidents in the tunnels. Nevertheless, large-scale 3 smuggling continues. This, along with the closure regime, is undermining the regular economy and people's livelihoods in Gaza, as well as forces of political moderation.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Both the de facto security forces in Gaza and the militant wing of Hamas were involved in acting against the group, and heightened security measures were put in place in other parts of the Gaza Strip. These events highlight concerns regarding the radicalization of certain elements in Gaza, the dangers of continued smuggling of weapons and explosives into the Strip, the absence of an appropriate legal framework for ensuring public security and order, and the need for full respect of international humanitarian law by all parties to ensure the protection of civilians. These developments took place during a period in which there have been no casualties due to Israeli- Palestinian violence. A relative calm, enforced on the Gaza side by Hamas, prevails.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“We remind Israel of the Quartet's united position on this issue, and of its recent affirmation that unilateral actions cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognized by the international community. Turning to the situation in and around Gaza, there have been serious developments inside the Strip. Late last week, a radical group calling itself Jund Ansar Allah, armed with firearms, rocket-propelled grenades and explosives, took refuge inside a mosque in Rafah, declared an Islamic emirate and criticized Hamas for insufficient efforts to launch attacks against Israel and apply strict sharia law. After that group refused to respond to calls by Hamas for its surrender, on 14 August a violent confrontation ensued, in which at least 28 people were killed and more than 100 wounded, among them a number of unarmed civilians.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Under the protection of Israeli security forces, the property was handed over to a settlement organization, and Israeli settlers took over the buildings immediately after the evictions. The families evicted are now living on the sidewalk near the homes from which they were forcibly removed, and tensions in the area remain high. Settlement plans in other parts of Sheikh Jarrah have put approximately 450 other residents of the neighbourhood at risk of displacement. In addition, on 5 August, eight Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli forces delivering demolition orders in the Al-Bustan neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. 09-48663 We reiterate our call to Israel to adhere to international law and its Road Map obligations, and to cease and reverse provocative actions such as the demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Also, the barrier, which deviates significantly from the 1967 line into occupied Palestinian territory despite the statement by the International Court of Justice that this is contrary to international law, continues to restrict Palestinian access to East Jerusalem, as well as to key social services and agricultural land. Israeli actions in support of settlers in the heart of East Jerusalem have been a matter of particular concern in the reporting period. On 2 August, following a decision by the Israeli High Court, Israeli security forces forcibly evicted nine Palestinian families, amounting to 53 people, including 20 children, from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“We welcome recent transfers made by key donors, who have made significant pledges, and we encourage all donors to fulfil pledges made in Paris in December 2007 and at Sharm el-Sheikh in March of this year. The issue of continued Israeli settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is a matter of grave concern. We urge the Government of Israel to heed the call of the Quartet to honour its Road Map obligations and freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to remove outposts erected since March 2001.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Other measures that would greatly enhance economic 09-48663 development in the West Bank include further removal of obstacles; removal of the permit requirement for Palestinians to travel into the Jordan Valley; significantly improved access to East Jerusalem; an increased number of permits for Palestinian workers in Israel; and increased capacity of commercial crossings and redeployment of Palestinian customs authorities to Allenby Bridge. The easing of the tight restrictions on infrastructure development in Area C is also critical for Palestinian economic development. We continue to be concerned at the critical budget deficit facing the Palestinian Authority.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“In addition, the Government of Israel announced that, as of 5 August, passenger crossing hours at Allenby Bridge will be expanded on a pilot basis, which we hope will ease the flow of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who Visit the West Bank. This measure follows an earlier announcement of the expansion of commercial crossing hours, an important step for facilitating Palestinian exports. We welcome these actions and the statement of the Government of Israel that it intends to take further steps to ease movement and access. This is essential if change is to become truly transformative, because significant obstacles to movement and access persist in the West Bank, including around East Jerusalem; the total number of obstacles stands at 614.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and their property continued, along with a lack of enforcement of the rule of law. Altogether, 24 Palestinians, of whom five were children, and seven Israelis, all adults, were injured. There were no fatalities to report. In last month's briefing, we reported that Israel had eased some movement restrictions, improving access to certain West Bank towns and aiding efforts to improve living conditions and promote economic growth. According to the Nablus Chamber of Commerce, that city has seen a slow, albeit significant, revival of commercial activity since the beginning of the year.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“During September, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee and Quartet principals are expected to meet on the margins of the general debate. The principals will also consult with the members of the League of Arab States Follow-Up Committee on the Arab Peace Initiative. The Secretary-General looks forward to those meetings as important benchmarks for progress in the renewed effort by the international community this year to achieve genuine forward movement on the political, security and economic tracks. In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority continues its efforts to impose law and order in Palestinian cities and towns. Since mid-June there has been a notable decrease in the number of Palestinians injured by Israeli military activities, and we hope this welcome trend will continue.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“Mr. Fernandez-Taranco: Since my last briefing and the open debate on 27 July on the situation in the Middle East (see S/PV.6171), there have been several important developments on the ground and continued international efforts to create the conditions for the prompt resumption and early conclusion of Israeli- Palestinian negotiations. United States Envoy Mitchell completed a regional visit on 29 July to seek commitments and actions from the parties, including with regard to the implementation of phase I Road Map obligations, as well as on broader regional steps, as outlined by the Quartet in its Trieste statement of 26 June. The Quartet envoys met in the office of the 2 Special Coordinator in Jerusalem on 31 July in a follow-up to the principals' meeting in Trieste, and are expected to meet again soon.”
2009-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6182 (2009) · source
“We remain determined to actively and vigorously seek a comprehensive resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003) and 1850 (2008), the Madrid framework, including the principle of land for peace, the Road Map and agreements previously reached between the parties.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“The recent incidents in South Lebanon have been a stark reminder of how quickly and dangerously the situation can deteriorate. Despite the seriousness of those incidents, however, we remain hopeful that we can move towards full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and towards greater security and stability in the Middle East. Now is the time for Israel, the Palestinians and all actors in the region to play their part to end the Arab- Israeli conflict and to create a better future for all in the Middle East. The Quartet will meet on the margins of the General Assembly in New York in September, and there will also be a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. We continue to support the convening of an international conference in Moscow in 2009.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“In a further effort to defuse the situation, Mr. Williams Visited Israel on 23 July where he raised the question of the newly-erected watchtower in Kfar Shouba and requested that it be removed. An immediate priority is for all parties to refrain from any provocative actions that could spiral into undesirable results. Even as we await the outcome of the investigation into the recent events, UNIFIL will continue to coordinate closely with the Lebanese armed forces to ensure that the situation in UNIFIL's area of operation remains under control in line with resolution 1701 (2006). On the Lebanese side, the challenge ahead remains the formation of a new Government after parliamentary elections on 7 June. We hope that ongoing negotiations over the formation of the Government will proceed as expeditiously as possible.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“He was handed over to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) the following morning. During the month, Israeli air violations took place almost daily. In meetings with Lebanese and Israeli officials and political leaders in the past week, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Mr. Michael Williams stressed the seriousness of these recent events and the gravity of the violations to resolution 1701 (2006) that had taken place as well as the need to de-escalate the situation. With Lebanese leaders, he requested that there be no further incursions by Lebanese civilians across the Blue Line. Mr. Williams was reassured by Prime Minister Siniora, Speaker Berri and Prime Minister-designate Hariri that no further demonstrations would take place in the area. A senior member from Hizbullah also gave the same reassurances.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“The Quartet called on Arab States to take steps to recognize Israel's rightful place in the region, to affirm that violence cannot achieve regional peace and security, and to assist the Palestinian people in building their future State through consistent support for the Palestinian Authority. The situation in the occupied Syrian Golan remained quiet during the reporting period, although settlement activity continues. Turning now to Lebanon, allow me to recall that Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Alain Le Roy, briefed the Council on 23 July on recent violations of resolution 1701 (2006) that had taken place in South Lebanon. Investigations are still ongoing into some of these violations. In addition, on 8 July, one Lebanese civilian crossed the Blue Line near Sheikh Abbad tomb and was arrested by the IDF.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“In the region, Arab League foreign ministers met in Cairo on 24 June and welcomed a new beginning for United States relations with the Arab and Muslim world and President Obama's commitment to exert every effort towards comprehensive peace in the region. The foreign ministers emphasized the importance of a complete Israeli settlement freeze and the need to lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip as two key elements to create the necessary climate for the resumption of peace negotiations. The Quartet took note of the Arab League statement and expressed support for dialogue among all States in the region in the spirit of the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“The International Committee of the Red Cross has still not been granted access to Shalit after his more than three years in captivity. Justice Goldstone returned to Gaza on 28 June to conduct two days of public hearings with victims and relatives of the Cast Lead Operation. On 6 July, similar hearings were held in Geneva, during which witnesses and victims from the West Bank and southern Israel testified, including Noam Shalit, the father of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. This mission's report will be presented to the Human Rights Council in August, for discussion at the Council's next session in September.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“On 9 July, in a new development for Gazan society, the Hamas Chief Justice in Gaza instituted a rule that women lawyers must wear a traditional gown and head covering in court. Intra- Palestinian relations remain tense and on 21 July, a bomb injured 61 people at a wedding in Khan Younis. Fatah claims that nearly 200 of its members in Gaza have been detained over the course of the reporting period. Fatah has also expressed its concern that its members in Gaza will be prevented from attending its sixth Congress in Bethlehem. On 14 July, the new Israeli negotiator met in Cairo with his Egyptian counterpart to discuss prospects for the release of Israeli captive Gilad Shalit in exchange for a number of the 11,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“In Trieste, the Quartet has expressed it support for the United Nations proposal to kick-start early recovery in Gaza by opening the crossings for materials to complete United Nations construction work on housing, health and education facilities suspended since June 2007. We call on Israel for a prompt and positive response to this proposal. A further, inconclusive round of talks aimed at reconciling Fatah and Hamas was also held in Cairo on 28 June. Egyptian efforts have now been put on hold, at President Abbas's request, to enable Fatah to focus their efforts on their reform efforts at the upcoming Fatah Congress, scheduled for 4 August in Bethlehem. The factions are due to meet again in Cairo on 25 August. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to assert its control over the Strip and maintains a visible police presence in public places.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source