YouSaid · the spoken record

GAMBARI

lines on the record: 1,141
first: 1992-07-15
most recent: 2012-07-24
sittings or episodes: 98
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

“In our view, such meetings should take place periodically, and we hope that the leaders will have the tenacity and the courage to continue with negotiations over the coming months, even if further security crises occur. The political track has to be resilient to the inevitable ups and downs of this unstable post-disengagement period. The international community, meanwhile, will continue to play its part in consolidating the success of disengagement. Quartet envoy James Wolfensohn will continue his efforts to push the parties towards agreement on the key "six plus three" issues. The donors are also pulling their weight to build on the positive momentum created by disengagement.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas were planning to meet for the first time since June. Other developments pointed to a thaw in the attitudes of some Arab and Islamic countries towards Israel. An upsurge in violence, however, has undermined those positive political developments and dulled the sense of optimism. The postponement of proposed meetings between President Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon was particularly disappointing, since a return to bilateral negotiations would have marked an important turning point in the efforts to end the conflict. Israeli and Palestinian leaders are now planning to resume talks in November.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“However, I regret to note again the continued Israeli air violations of the Blue Line and Lebanese airspace. Since the last briefing of the Council, a total of 11 air violations, involving 19 aircraft, have been recorded. That is all I am going to say about Lebanon. I am sure that some will be disappointed, because of course they would like to hear about the Mehlis report. That is reserved for when Mr. Mehlis briefs the Council himself in both private and public meetings. I wish to make a few observations. A month ago, Israel's disengagement from Gaza and the Palestinians' success in restraining violence during the disengagement period contributed to a sense of optimism in the Middle East. Israel, Egypt and the Palestinians seemed close to agreeing measures that would enable the population of Gaza to travel and trade more easily.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“As members are aware, there was yet another attempted assassination, this time targeting May Chidiac, a prominent Lebanese journalist and political talk show host. The incident took place on 25 September in the town of Jounieh, north of Beirut, and involved a bomb placed under her car. Fortunately, Ms. Chidiac survived the attempt on her life, although she was seriously injured. The Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations condemnation of such acts of terror, aimed at intimidation and destabilization, and expressed his sympathies to Ms. Chidiac and her family. The Secretary-General again emphasized the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of that and other recent terrorist actions in Lebanon. I am pleased to report that the situation along the Blue Line in southern Lebanon has remained calm.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“Movement restrictions created by the barrier, by the checkpoints, by the border closures and by poor internal security continue to impede the ability of United Nations agencies and programmes to provide assistance to Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank. Let me say a word about elections. I would like to mention that the Palestinians held a third round of municipal elections in the West Bank on 29 September. Elections in Gaza were postponed due to security concerns. Participation in the poll was high and Fatah won over 53 per cent of seats in municipal councils, compared to 26 per cent won by Hamas. Technical preparations are under way for forthcoming Palestinian legislative elections, which are scheduled for 25 January 2006. There have been a number of important developments in Lebanon.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“In previous years, long periods of closure have also had a serious impact on incomes and the economy in Gaza. The effects of movement restrictions are particularly worrying in this very fragile post-disengagement period. As reported in previous briefings, Israel has reduced the number of checkpoints and closure measures in the West Bank during the course of 2005. But closure measures were again increased after three Israelis were shot and killed on 16 October. The concerns about settlement construction and the barrier that were recently reiterated by the Quartet do not appear to have been heeded. Israel continues to construct the barrier in the Jerusalem area. Settlements and the restrictions that surround them and the barrier continue to impede Palestinian movements within the West Bank.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“Further progress in this area is absolutely critical during the coming weeks and months. Furthermore, regarding movement and closures, the movement of people and goods into and out of the Gaza Strip has been restricted more heavily than it was during the months preceding disengagement. The number of workers crossing into Israel via Erez dropped dramatically. In addition to closures at Rafah and Erez, the Karni goods transit terminal was closed for several days, causing a reduction in both exports from and imports into Gaza and leading to shortages of foodstuffs such as milk. We cannot yet attribute that increase in movement restrictions entirely to the post-disengagement situation, because it conforms to a pattern of closures imposed by Israel during the Jewish holidays in previous years.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“The security situation improved somewhat during the second week of October, but on 16 October, militants from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade shot dead three Israelis as they travelled to settlements in the West Bank. Israel responded by imposing tight restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank. The United States Security Coordinator, General William Ward, and his team continue with their important work to push forward security sector reform. The Palestinian leadership has announced a decision to confiscate illegally held weapons and has nominated three officials who will bear overall responsibility for security sector reform. Such steps could contribute significantly to the control of internal violence and to progress towards the fulfilment of Palestinian road map commitments related to security.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“That series of arrests constituted Israel's largest since Operation Defensive Shield in 2002. The Palestinian security services also responded to the upsurge in militant violence, clashing with militants in Gaza and confiscating explosives and Qassam rockets. The Palestinian Authority reported that Palestinian security services had prevented 17 terrorist attacks against Israel since disengagement. The attempt to control militants has tested Palestinian law-enforcement capabilities. On 2 October, a Palestinian police commander and two civilians were killed in clashes with Hamas militants, and more than 40 people, including many children, were injured. On the following day, Palestinian police broke into the compound of the Legislative Council, firing into the air in protest at their inability to deal with militant attacks.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“According to the Palestinian Authority and most observers, Hamas's mishandling of explosives at the rally was responsible for the explosion. Hamas, however, blamed Israel and fired 30 rockets into the Israeli town of Sderot on the following day, wounding five Israelis. Israel responded to that attack by sealing the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and it launched air strikes against targets in Gaza during the next four days. Israeli F-16 fighter jets repeatedly flew low over the Gaza Strip. The consequent sonic booms caused widespread fear among the population, and medical officials in Gaza reported negative effects on children and pregnant women. In the West Bank, the Israeli military killed three suspected militants on 29 September and arrested hundreds of others.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“That call was precipitated by heavy armed clashes in Gaza between Palestinian police and militants. Such pressures make it more difficult for both leaders to take further steps towards peace. With regard to security and violence, I would like to report that the security situation deteriorated significantly during the last week of September and the first week of October. Both Israeli and Palestinian civilians were badly affected by the upsurge in violence during those weeks. Indeed, the events of this month highlight once again the need for greater restraint to be shown in order to protect civilians and to create conditions under which the political process can move forward. On 23 September, a large explosion at a Hamas rally in the Jabaliya refugee camp killed 19 people and injured 130.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“A meeting between the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Mahmoud Abbas was scheduled for 2 October; that was to have been their first such meeting since June. The meeting was, however, postponed twice and has now been rescheduled for November. It is clear that the increase in violence played a role in derailing the plans for such bilateral talks between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders and also made their domestic positions even more difficult. Prime Minister Sharon carried out disengagement in the face of vocal domestic pressure; that pressure revived following the 24 September rocket attacks on Sderot. On the Palestinian side, on 3 October the Palestinian Legislative Council called on the President to dissolve the Government and to form another within two weeks.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“We also share the Special Envoy's disappointment that none of the movement issues was resolved this month - especially given the progress that the parties have made on the technical aspects of the Gaza border regimes. We hope for substantive progress during the coming weeks. I would now like to turn to bilateral talks between the parties and domestic political issues. We have, for some time, been entertaining the hope that disengagement would contribute to the promotion of greater confidence between the parties, leading to dialogue on a broader range of issues. The process undoubtedly increased cooperation between the parties at the working level. The leaders also seem closer to resuming bilateral negotiations.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“That offer is, however, conditional on an improvement in the security and movement situation. Other donors have also provided additional assistance, and according to an early estimate, overall disbursements this year will reach $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion, a 25 to 35 per cent increase over the annual average of the past four years. At least 35 per cent of this international assistance to the Palestinians will be channelled through United Nations agencies. Palestinian recovery will not be sustainable until restrictions on the movement of goods and people are lifted and until the Palestinian Authority is able to establish firm administrative control. We note with concern the Special Envoy's recent reports on a number of weaknesses in the Palestinian Authority's internal structures and on its growing fiscal crisis.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“It is the judgement of the Special Envoy that the parties are close to agreement on a management system for those borders, but Israel has, since 5 September, declined to meet with the Palestinian Authority in order to take the negotiations forward. Nor are proposals for a corridor to link the West Bank and Gaza being discussed by the parties. The United States and the World Bank have launched an options review to compare the costs of a road link and those of a railway, but Israel has demanded that work on that study cease. Meanwhile, the Quartet is implementing a major programme of assistance aimed at creating jobs and at boosting Palestinian recovery in the aftermath of disengagement. On 5 October, the European Commission announced a proposal to increase European Union assistance to Palestinians by approximately â‚¬250 million.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“According to the Special Envoy, agreement on the crossing regime is close: the parties have reached consensus on the main technical elements of its administration, and on a third- party presence along the border with Egypt. The European Union has offered to consider such a role, although a formal invitation has not yet been issued. We are hopeful, however, that reports that the Rafah crossing will reopen by 15 November are accurate, and we urge the three parties to continue to cooperate on this crucial issue. The flow of people and goods between Israel and Gaza and between Israel and the West Bank must also be improved.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“Wolfensohn sought to conclude agreements on the six-plus-three issues relating to movement, security and reform, which have formed the basis of his work since June. The first of the six joint issues is border crossings and trade corridors. Reopening the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is of immediate social and political importance, because it would restore a measure of Palestinian access to the world outside Gaza. It should also pave the way for agreements on border crossings with Israel, a link between Gaza and the West Bank, and the reopening of Gaza's air and sea ports. Since 17 September, the Rafah crossing has been fully open for only five days, pending agreement between the parties on administration of the crossing.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“Scheduled meetings between Prime Minister Sharon and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas were twice postponed during the past month. In short, disengagement has yet to revive the peace process. But we continue to believe that it offers a basis and an opportunity to do exactly that, through completion of the agenda laid out by the Quartet, and by renewed and broader dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian Governments. The international community stands ready to assist, but the responsibility for seizing this opportunity rests, more than ever before, with the parties. Let me turn to steps taken since disengagement. The Quartet's Special Envoy, James Wolfensohn, returned to the region on 7 October to push forward the Quartet's agenda in relation to disengagement. Mr.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“Mr. Gambari: Over a month has passed since the withdrawal of Israeli settlements and military infrastructure from the Gaza Strip. At the time, we anticipated that the post-disengagement period would hold both hopes and perils. Since then, we have witnessed both. On the day the Council was last briefed on this item (see S/PV.5270), the level of violence in Gaza escalated when an explosion at a Hamas rally in Jabaliya killed 19 people. Shortly afterwards, Hamas fired rockets into Israel, which responded with air strikes on Gaza and large-scale arrests in the West Bank. Palestinian security forces also clashed with militants. Those events demonstrate the all too familiar potential for deteriorating security to derail the political process.”
2005-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5287 (2005) · source
“In our view, it will be necessary to bring the process back into the mainstream, which is laid out in the road map, in order to revitalize and realize the vision of two States living alongside each other and to achieve a comprehensive, The meeting mse at 10.40 am. just and lasting peace in the region. continue our discussion on the subject. in accordance with the understanding in the Council's prior consultations. i should now like to invite Council members to informal consultations to”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“We believe that in facing that challenge, President Abbas will need all possible support from his own people, as well as from Israel and the international community. For its part, Israel should freeze all settlement activities in the West Bank. The creation of new facts on the ground, which prejudice final status issues, can but make the search for negotiated solutions far more difficult than it already 1s. Therefore, as the disengagement draws to an end, The President: I thank Mr. Gambari for his attention must now turn to the aftermath - the soÂ» comprehensive briefing. called day after. It is hoped that this will be at the top of the Quartet's agenda next month.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“Wolfensohn has stressed the need to bring about agreement and implementation in order to provide hope and security for the Palestinians and the Israelis. It is critical to concentrate efforts on the revitalization of the Palestinian economy, which has suffered so greatly in recent years. However, in the aftermath, the picture appears less clear. Real and difficult challenges still lie ahead in forging common ground among the Israelis and the Palestinians as true peace partners. In conclusion, I would like to say that neither party should be exempt from its road map obligations. President Abbas must take up the difficult challenge of transforming and developing the security sector and must ensure that the Palestinian Authority holds the monopoly on the use of force.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“Prime Minister Sharon should be commended for his determination and courage to carry out the disengagement in the face of forceful and often strident internal opposition. Under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinians are soberly welcoming this important stage in their history. His continued leadership will be needed at a time of rising expectations in Gaza and mounting concerns in the West Bank. We call on all Palestinian factions to eschew violence and pursue their goals through peaceful and democratic means. While substantial progress has been made in addressing the priority issues earmarked by Mr. Wolfensohn in the framework of disengagement, much work remains to be done and will be required to reach agreement on them. Mr.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“On 29 July the Security Council adopted resolution 1614 (2005), which extended the peacekeeping mandate of UNIFIL by a further six months. Since our last briefing to the Council, the situation along the Blue Line has remained calm but tense. Israeli air violations of the Blue Line and Lebanese airspace have continued, if in reduced numbers. Israeli disengagement from Gaza and the northern West Bank marks a watershed in that it constitutes the first removal by Israel of settlements on occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli policy has demonstrated that it has the requisite maturity to do what will be required to achieve lasting peace, and the Israel Defense Forces have demonstrated their ability to discharge their mission with carefully calibrated restraint.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“The UNIFIL Force Commander, Major General Alain Pellegrini, also met recently with Lebanese leaders. He emphasized the need to uphold the current calm along the Blue Line and to avoid any provocations, especially given the current critical period for the region due to the Gaza disengagement. On 8 August the Lebanese Government announced the creation of a committee headed by a widely respected Lebanese official, former Foreign Minister Fouad Boutros, to oversee the discussions on the reform of the parliamentary electoral law. We View that as a positive indication of the Government's determination to begin a series of important reform- oriented initiatives for the benefit of all Lebanese. Again, the United Nations and the international community stand ready to support the Government of Lebanon in that regard, as and if requested.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“The Secretary-General welcomed that important development and the new Government's policy statement, which outlined a number of very challenging yet essential reforms for the country. Shortly after the vote of confidence, the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Southern Lebanon, Geir Pedersen, called on senior Government officials, including the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker, reiterating that the United Nations looked forward to working closely with the new Government, and offering it the assistance of the United Nations, as may be required. In his discussions with the Government, Mr. Pedersen underscored the importance of beginning a process of planning for the further deployment of the Lebanese Army throughout southern Lebanon, in accordance with the various Security Council resolutions to that effect.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“On 22 August 2005 another explosion occurred in Beirut, injuring several people and causing extensive material damage to buildings in the Zalka suburb. The Secretary-General strongly condemned that act of terrorism. He further supports the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to improve the security situation in the country and that Government to bring to justice to those behind that and other similar acts. The Secretary-General also reiterates his call upon all parties to continue to work towards a united, sovereign and democratic Lebanon. On 30 July, the proposed Government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora received a parliamentary vote of confidence, formally establishing the new Government.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“It also affirmed that more than 80 per cent of eligible voters have registered to vote. Mobile registration teams have so far registered a total of roughly 90,000 new electors. It is expected that the total number of electors will slightly exceed 1.3 million. The Central Elections Commission is also moving forward with voter education plans related to the new law, especially the new system of representation. I understand that Council members would like to have a briefing on Lebanon, and that is why I now turn my attention to the situation there. We see that there have been several important developments since the last briefing to the Council. The security situation in Lebanon continues to be unstable.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“I would now like to turn to the issue of elections. President Abbas signed the amendments made to the Palestinian Basic Law on 14 August, pursuant to the amendments to the electoral law adopted by the Palestinian Legislative Council in June. The President recently decreed that the legislative elections would be held on 25 January 2006. The amended law stipulates that the term of the President of the Palestinian Authority is four years. It also stipulates that Palestinian Legislative Council elections will be held every four years. For its part, the Central Elections Commission has said that it is ready to carry out the legislative election accordingly, in January 2006. The Commission affirmed that is has approved all plans and all arrangements for the electoral campaigns and voting.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“Severe limitations remain on Palestinian movement, and it has yet to be seen whether the reductions significantly palliate the damage that the closure regime inflicts on the depressed Palestinian economy and humanitarian conditions. Following the 12 July suicide bombing in Netanya, a general closure on the occupied Palestinian territory was imposed by the IDF. Workers and merchants from the West Bank were unable to reach their places of work in East Jerusalem and Israel. The closure is still imposed on the West Bank but was eased for several days for Gaza Strip workers and merchants travelling to Israel, only to be imposed again on 13 August due to the disengagement. Movement of Palestinian males aged between 16 and 35 years through Rafah terminal is permitted only with advance coordination.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“The orders are for the construction of a portion of the already approved barrier around the Ma'aleh Adumim settlement. That route would cut a reported 23 kilometres into occupied Palestinian territory, and would separate the northern West Bank from the south. Confiscation of land and barrier construction continued during the past month throughout the West Bank. Furthermore, partly as a consequence of continued barrier construction, which rendered them redundant, there has been a significant reduction of roadblocks and earth mounds in the West Bank. No change in the number of checkpoints was noted, while a significant increase has been noted in the number of mobile, sporadic controls by IDF personnel in military vehicles, known as flying checkpoints.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“It was reported in the Israeli press that Prime Minister Sharon, in a speech last Sunday, confirmed his intention to continue building in the settlement blocs in the West Bank, ensuring a permanent territorial link between Israel and the Ariel settlement and also uniting the settlement of Ma'aleh Adumim with Jerusalem. With regard to the issue of barrier construction, settlement expansion cannot be separated from the ongoing construction of Israel's security barrier. Last month, my colleague Alvaro de Soto, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, reported the approval by the Israeli Cabinet of the remaining details of the route of the barrier around Jerusalem, to be completed in September. This week, land expropriation orders for approximately 396 acres were issued in the Jerusalem governorate.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“On 4 August 2005, the Housing Ministry also issued two tenders for the building of 72 housing units in the settlement of Betar Ilit, which is situated between Jerusalem and the Etzion bloc of settlements in the southern West Bank. In Jerusalem, on 25 July 2005, the Israeli local planning committee of the Jerusalem municipality approved a scheme presented by the Ministry of Housing to construct a new Jewish settlement in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. In late July 2005, the economic ministerial committee of the Knesset approved a three-year aid plan to provide 97 million Shekels to improve infrastructure, agriculture and settlement expansion in the Jordan Valley area. The project is to be carried out in cooperation with the settlement councils in the area and with the Ministries of Housing and of Finance.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“Of concern in that connection are recent statements by Hamas leaders that they will carry their resistance to the West Bank. In our view, violence as a means to achieve any objective should be rejected. At the same time, it would be unwise to lose sight of the concern of mainstream Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank that their legitimate aspirations may be put off indefinitely. With regard to settlement activity, reports by non- governmental monitoring groups indicate that settlement activity in the West Bank continued during the past month. The Ministry of Housing and Construction has issued tenders for the building of 235 housing units in settlements this year, the majority of which are for location in settlements near metropolitan Jerusalem.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“In a reminiscent act of terror, on 17 August an Israeli killed four Palestinians and wounded two others when he opened fire on a group of Palestinians in the industrial area of the West Bank settlement of Shiloh. The acts in themselves were utterly horrendous and inexcusable. However, those extremists who have used inflammatory language bordering on incitement carry a heavy responsibility for creating the atmosphere in which the attacks took place. Thus, while Israel's bold first withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territory is welcome, the situation elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territory continues to fester, with many Palestinians fearing that Israel is consolidating its occupation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“United States Security Coordinator General Ward continued his assistance to the Palestinian Authority in putting together the necessary resources to ensure that disengagement went smoothly. There will be a continuing need for international assistance so that over time the goal of a robust Palestinian security sector that ensures that the "one authority, one weapon" policy can be realized. Amongst the killings in the past month, two incidents were particularly shocking because they took place in the period immediately prior to, and during, the Israeli disengagement. On 4 August, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier who had deserted from the army to protest the disengagement opened fire on the passengers of a civilian bus in the Arab town of Shfa'Amr, killing four people and injuring at least 12 other passengers.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“The United Nations has therefore been compelled to increase security measures, but the critical humanitarian, emergency and security staff of the United Nations remain in Gaza and all operations and the delivery of services continue unchanged. It is hoped that the Palestinian Authority will implement promised changes and enhancements in the internal security arrangements without any further delay. On the other hand, the renewed commitment to the ceasefire by Palestinian armed groups has led to a significant reduction in the number of Palestinian attacks on Israeli targets inside the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, and it facilitated the smooth implementation of the disengagement from Gaza.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“On 14 August a large force of Palestinian police began to deploy in several areas of the Gaza Strip adjacent to Jewish settlements to provide buffer cordons and to deter the firing of home-made rockets and mortars. The Palestinian side's cooperation has been manifest throughout the evacuation. With regard to security and violence, I would like to report that a spate of kidnappings of foreigners in the Gaza Strip over past months reflects a decline in the internal security situation during the run-up to disengagement. It also illustrates the breadth of the security problem, which extends beyond armed factions to other family-controlled armed groups. The President of the Palestinian Authority, other high-level officials and community leaders have condemned the kidnappings.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli police have carried out the operation efficiently, taking pains to avoid the use of force. They have completed the evacuation of the settlements well in advance of the targeted date. For its part, the Palestinian Authority renewed its commitment to a smooth and peaceful withdrawal and to cooperate and coordinate with the Israeli side to that end. On 9 August President Abbas told the Palestinian Legislative Council that "a successful withdrawal and maintaining security is the responsibility of all Palestinians, so that we can show the world we deserve our freedom and our independence".”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“Also with regard to disengagement, on the night of 15 August Prime Minister Sharon delivered a prime time televised address to his people expressing his regret that "changing reality in this country, in this region and in the world" required a reassessment and change of position -because, according to him, "Gaza cannot be held onto forever". In that regard, he alluded to the growth of the Palestinian population there and to their living "in incredibly cramped refugee camps, in poverty and squalor, in hotbeds of ever-increasing hatred, with no hope whatsoever on the horizon". Israeli soldiers then began operations to remove settlers from Gaza settlements, once the 15 August deadline for settlers to leave had expired. Opponents of the withdrawal have not succeeded in blocking it.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“Those issues are border crossings and trade corridors linking Gaza and the West Bank, movement within the West Bank, the Gaza airport and seaport, the houses in Israeli settlements and the greenhouses in the settlements. On all those issues, coordination between the Israeli and Palestinian sides intensified in the last month and continues to this day. Members of the Council will agree that since those matters are still under discussion, it would not be wise to air them publicly at this time, lest the outcome be jeopardized.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“The Secretary-General looks forward to the opportunity to assess with his Quartet partners the progress of withdrawal, as well as to discuss the issues that will be left pending in connection with withdrawal, as outlined by Mr. James Wolfensohn, the Quartet's special envoy for disengagement. The Quartet will also have an opportunity to chart the next steps in pursuance of the vision to which the Quartet remains committed, namely, that of two States, Israel and a sovereign, viable, democratic and contiguous Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. In four trips to the region before the start of disengagement, Mr. Wolfensohn continued to focus his efforts on resolving six key issues.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“However, the success of the implementation of the operation was marred by the senseless and unprovoked murders of Palestinians, before and during the disengagement, by what Prime Minister Sharon himself has described as Jewish terrorists in the West Bank. Quartet envoys met last week in Jerusalem to assess the situation and to prepare for the Quartet principals' meeting, which is due to take place on 20 September here at United Nations Headquarters. While the settlers will long since have been evacuated by that time, Israeli military personnel will almost certainly still be in the Gaza Strip, discharging the tasks that remain to be carried out before they withdraw completely, hopefully some time in October.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“Mr. Gambari: Israeli disengagement from Gaza and northern parts of the West Bank, which began on 15 August as announced, overshadowed other Middle East issues in the past month. Despite the dramatic scenes, which we have all seen on television and in newspapers, of Israeli military and police personnel removing settlers from their houses in Gaza, the operation mostly proceeded smoothly and with surprising speed, aided by the restraint generally observed by militant Palestinian factions. The evacuation of Israeli settlers from Gaza was completed on Monday. Evacuation of settlers from the settlements earmarked for removal in the northern West Bank was carried out yesterday.”
2005-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5250 (2005) · source
“President - Council discussions on African conflicts and Council missions to Africa need to be followed by concrete actions, driven by the political will to commit the necessary resources to conflict prevention, management and resolution and to post- conflict peace-building efforts in Africa.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“As we all know, it is one thing to adopt resolutions and to issue presidential statements here in New York and quite another for those statements and resolutions to be understood and respected by the parties to conflicts on the ground in Africa. Finally, periodic joint meetings between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, and even joint missions of both organs to conflict areas in Africa, may be considered as useful tools, especially for realizing the peace-building objectives that we all share. Above all - as you said only a few minutes ago, Mr.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In most cases, they have the human resources and a tradition of peacekeeping, but not the logistics or the financial resources to mount large-scale peacekeeping operations on the continent. Thirdly, the regional dimensions of conflicts in Africa must be taken fully into account in United Nations efforts to resolve conflicts there. Fourthly, working with the African Union and subregional organizations is a necessity, not a privilege, in our efforts to prevent and resolve African conflict. Fifthly, it is essential to establish reliable and sustained lines of communication with key actors and parties to conflicts on the ground in Africa, and with those outside Africa who have influence on those parties, so that the Security Council's resolutions and presidential statements are transmitted, received and accepted by the parties on the ground.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Therefore, the international community, led by the United Nations and spearheaded by the Security Council, has a responsibility under the Charter to support those efforts. Finally, our discussion today has pointed to a number of key conclusions that, I believe, must guide future action by the Security Council and by the United Nations system as a whole. First, priority must be accorded to conflict prevention and to post-conflict peace-building in Africa. In that regard, poverty eradication, encouraging the politics of inclusion and addressing other root causes of conflicts must be tackled as a matter of urgency. Secondly, helping Africans to build capacity for peace operations is essential.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Council missions also represent valuable further education for those who participate and for Council members who receive their reports upon their return to Headquarters. Beyond all that, however, it is essential that missions add real value to existing concrete efforts in support of conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. In that regard, missions and the Security Council as a whole will need to avoid situations where expectations for peace and development in Africa are raised, only to be subsequently disappointed. It is true, of course, that a primary responsibility for resolving conflict in Africa lies with Africans themselves. However, there is growing evidence in Cote d'lvoire, Burundi and elsewhere that Africans are serious in their commitment to peace and security in their respective subregions and in the region as a whole.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“All of us in the Secretariat will reflect on the views and the proposals made today and will continue to offer our support for Security Council missions to Africa and other United Nations system-wide mechanisms to promote peace and security, especially in Africa. The recommendations made today relating to the forthcoming missions to Central and West Africa can only strengthen the terms of reference for the missions and enhance a successful outcome. I hope that those suggestions will be taken on board. In my view, Security Council missions to Africa are not goals in themselves. Of course, the missions demonstrate solidarity with the millions of Africans in conflict areas, in particular the millions of women and children who suffer disproportionately from the multiplicity of conflicts on the continent.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source