YouSaid · the spoken record

Gillerman

lines on the record: 555
first: 2003-02-20
most recent: 2008-07-22
sittings or episodes: 44
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

“I wish to join my colleagues in thanking Mr. Michael Williams for his informative briefing and, even more, for his commitment and dedication to his important and challenging mission. His dedication and service have been exemplary and have truly made a difference. We thank him for all he has done and wish him well in the future. Let me briefly share with the Council a number of positive developments on the Israeli-Palestinian front. Those developments, it should be understood, occurred against the backdrop of, and in spite of, the continuing danger - now acknowledged by all - posed by the extremists in our region, Hamas and Hizbullah, which are backed and supported by their evil patrons in Tehran and Damascus.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Countering terrorism means showing determination, putting pressure on the extremists, and letting them know that those barbaric acts are intolerable. Counter- terrorism is not just about technical resources and information-sharing; it is about taking action, both in the technical and in the practical realms. It means eliminating the threat so that a world of peace, security and freedom can flourish, particularly in our region, where it has been repressed, held hostage and ignored for so long.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“The Quartet's conditions - to recognize Israel, renounce violence and terror and abide by previous agreements - are integral to ensuring that a future Palestinian State is one that is founded on the basis of good governance and democracy. As I have said, the painful terror that Israel has faced in the past week makes it difficult to limit my address purely to the technical aspects of today's counter-terrorism briefings. I therefore beg the Council's indulgence in referring delegations to the printed version of my statement in order to hear our positions on the truly good work of the Council's subsidiary bodies. The international community must understand that terror will not stop on its own. Terror will not stop only by embracing the moderates, and terror will surely not stop by making concessions to the extremists.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“This is indeed a clash of civilization - in the singular. Recently, in fact as recently as the past few days, we were emboldened by courageous Arab and Muslim leaders who are making a stand and are also saying enough is enough. Therefore, today more than ever, it is the duty of the international community to embolden moderates and isolate and marginalize extremists. While the international community cannot dictate the outcome of that clash, it can decide how to relate to the different actors, and it can be clear about what each of those actors can expect from the international community. That is why the international community must continue to exert pressure on Hamas to embrace the three basic conditions of the Quartet. Without them, terror will continue.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“While the international community seeks measures to enhance peace and security, Iran and Syria seek to increase hostilities and insecurity by giving weapons to its terrorist proxies and spreading its destabilizing tentacles. Iran and Syria, Hamas and Hizbullah represent one side of a clash that is working to destabilize our region, and indeed the entire world. In fact, the whole Muslim world is fractured between two camps, between the forces of moderation and the forces of extremism. We see it in Iraq. We see it in Lebanon. We see it among the Palestinians. Those are warring forces within Muslim civilization. They are battling for the soul of Islam. They are battling for the hearts and minds of the region. The extremists use terror to intimidate and indoctrinate. They use violence and fear to terrorize the citizens of the region.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“The weapons, we know, are a poisoned gift from Iran. They travel through Syria to the hands of Hizbullah undisturbed, in fact abetted. For that and more, Iran and Syria have earned themselves an unholy reputation as exporters of terror. Syria is home to Khaled Mashal, the godfather of the inter-Palestinian bloodshed, who has shown he cares little for Palestinian interests or Palestinian lives. Iran indeed epitomizes terror as a global phenomenon. It is responsible for terrorism far beyond the region, in such far-away places as Latin America, where the Argentine Government has issued warrants for the arrest of senior Iranian officials in connection with terror attacks there.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Israel reserves the right to self-defence, as any other nation would if placed in the same intolerable situation. We often hear the international community refer to terrorism as a global phenomenon requiring a global response. Yet sometimes the absence of international outcry to the terror that Israel faces shows a disconnect between rhetoric and reality. Terror for Israel - as is the case, unfortunately, for so many around this table - is not a technical matter. It is far too real, far too ominous, far too deadly and far too daily an occurrence. The growing lawlessness and chaos in Gaza is regrettably familiar. We saw it in Lebanon. Despite the resolve of the Council, Hizbullah is rearming. Weapons are moving across the border between Syria and Lebanon, in violation of the embargo and in violation of resolution 1701 (2006).”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Rather than work to create an authentic unity Government that meets the standards of the international community, Hamas tries to unite the warring Palestinian factions with hatred of Israel. Hamas therefore fires its rockets to kill Israeli women and children while cynically trying to provoke Israel's reaction and bring Israel back into Gaza, and thereby blame the common enemy of the Palestinian people, which - as Palestinians are brainwashed from childhood to believe - is Israel. The international community has accepted that situation for far too long. Too many excuses have been made. But we know there can be no excuses. Enough is enough! Although Israel has exercised tremendous restraint, it will not tolerate those attacks. Israel is ready to take any measures necessary to defend its citizens.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Everyone is at home, huddling in their shelters, hiding under the stairs, waiting for the wailing sirens to announce the next terror attack. Sderot is a city besieged by terror. But there is no justification for those terror attacks. There is no reason to target Israel. Israel left Gaza - every single inch of it - nearly two years ago, hoping that the Palestinians would take control of their own lives. Sadly, we all know what the terrorists are trying to accomplish. In recent months, the situation has grown more and more distressing since it began last year with Hamas, a terrorist organization, leading the Palestinian Government. A power struggle has emerged, where Palestinian factions are at war with each another.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“While my delegation appreciates those briefings, as the Ambassador of Israel I cannot speak only to technical aspects of counter-terrorism while vicious and life-threatening acts of terror are occurring in my country. Allow me therefore to update the Council on recent developments on the ground. Israel is under attack. During the past week, over 170 Qassam rockets were fired by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Those rockets were meant to maim and kill Israelis - to attack children and to attack families. Scores of people have been injured. One woman - 35-year-old Shir'el Freedman - was tragically killed yesterday when a Qassam rocket hit her car. In the city of Sderot, the schools are closed, the shopping malls are empty and the playgrounds are desolate.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate the United States Mission on its very able stewardship of the Council this month. My delegation wishes to congratulate Ambassador Arias, the new Chairman of the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC), as well as Ambassador Verbeke, the new Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). I would also like to express our continued support for the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), as well as for Ambassador Burian, its Chairman. I wish to thank them all for their very comprehensive briefings. Lastly, I wish to express our appreciation to the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and to Mr. Javier Ruperez, its outgoing Director. We thank him for his invaluable contributions, integrity and leadership.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“As Israel looks forward to a prosperous and peaceful coming year - our sixtieth year of independence - we know there is no shortage of challenges ahead of us. But we are prepared to meet each and every one of them, no matter what it takes. Israel yearns to live in peace with all her neighbours. Though we know that these efforts can be strengthened by moderates in our region, we also know that no one can make peace for our neighbours. It is up to the parties themselves to show the courage to face down the extremists and embrace their responsibilities. In the meanwhile, Israel will continue to defend itself, while praying for peace, taking strength in one another and putting trust in our faith and traditions, in our social progress and human values and in our people, wherever they may be.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“The blatant actions of Iran and Syria - the sponsors of terror in Lebanon, who are rearming Hizbullah and sending weapons in defiance of resolution 1701 (2006) - must end now. Lastly, I wish to note that Israel welcomes the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2007/ 147) on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and is encouraged by the presidential statement adopted by the Council during its 5564th meeting, on 17 April 2007 (S/PRST/2007/ 12). In particular, Israel is pleased with the attention given to the illegal movement of arms across the Lebanese-Syrian border and with the call to enforce the arms embargo. Israel is hopeful that a concerted effort in both areas will lead to greater stability and security.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Their continued detention and the absence of any sign of life pose a grave humanitarian crisis. I would like to mention at this time that there are five more Israeli soldiers being held captive, without any information given on their safety or whereabouts. They are Ron Arad, Zachary Baumel, Yehuda Katz, Tzvi Feldman and Guy Chever. We pray for their safety and await their return home. We urge the international community and this Council to do their utmost to make this happen. We also pray for the safe return of the British journalist, Alan Johnston. Resolution 1701 (2006) is unequivocal in its demands for the disarming of Hizbullah south of the Litani River, for an end to the transfer of arms to Hizbullah terrorists and for the immediate and unconditional release of our soldiers.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We will continue to engage with President Abbas, as Prime Minister Olmert has been doing in their biweekly meetings, but we will fight Hamas as if there were no Abbas. Nine months after the adoption of resolution 1701 (2006), the situation along the Blue Line in the north remains a matter of great concern. In particular, Israel has identified three major areas that demand urgent attention: the presence of armed Hizbullah elements south of the Litani river and the transfer of weapons from Syria to Hizbullah in Lebanon in violation of the arms embargo; the concern that some of those weapons are destined for southern Lebanon; and the continued abduction of our soldiers, Udi Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, kidnapped by Hizbullah terrorists nearly 10 months ago.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Israel needs no further evidence to know that Hamas's ways are not the ways of peace. Hamas has shown it will not stop its campaign of terror until its unholy ambitions of destroying Israel are fulfilled. The international community, represented by the Quartet, has made the obligations of the Palestinian Government very clear: to recognize Israel, renounce violence and terror and abide by previous agreements. Hamas also still holds the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, kidnapped by its terrorists last June. Those basic conditions are principles of peace. As the Palestinian Government flouts those conditions and sees terror as a legitimate goal, the international community should continue its policy towards that Government. Nothing- no initiatives, summits or declarations - can take the place of an end to Palestinian terror.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Yesterday Hamas declared the ceasefire that had been in place in the Gala Strip null and void. Since the ceasefire began at the end of November 2006, Israel has continually exhibited restraint with respect to the more than 200 rockets fired at it by Palestinian terrorists. Israel always reserves the right to defend itself and its people, as set out in article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and will do so if the attacks do not stop. I strongly advise the Palestinians and the world not to mistake this restraint for acquiescence or to take it for granted. We will not just lie back and take it, and we will do all that is necessary to put an end to this violence. If there are still any sceptics out there, yesterday the Hamas-led Palestinian Government showed its true colours.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Coming back to the reality on the ground, that harrowing reality was demonstrated yet again yesterday, when Hamas, by its own account and declaration, launched more than 28 Qassam rockets and 61 mortar shells at Israel, a fact that was clearly blatantly ignored in the statement we just heard from the representative of Palestine. The rockets detonated across a large area of land, and as far north as the city of Ashkelon. These attacks, which came as Israelis woke up to celebrate Independence Day, were nothing short of an act of extreme provocation. Later in the day, we learned that Hamas's fierce rocket fire was just a front to divert attention away from its truly evil plans to kidnap an Israeli soldier. Thankfully, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) thwarted the kidnapping.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We honour the valiant courage of our soldiers who were killed while defending the people of Israel and the great tragedy that befell the Victims of terror. We mourn them, and we miss them. They would have contributed so greatly to life in Israel and to the betterment of the entire world. But it is not only the reality of history that lingers in our minds. It is also the reality of the present day and the challenges ahead. I would like at this point also to commend the Secretary-General for his timely and intensive visit to the region last month. Having accompanied him during his visit to Israel, I was privileged to witness first-hand his commitment, dedication and integrity.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We celebrate the greatest miracle to happen to our people in contemporary history: the gift of our own country, to be a free people in our homeland. We celebrate the vibrancy and vigour of the State of Israel. We celebrate its remarkable renaissance and growth, especially for such a small country and after only 59 years of existence. And we celebrate the beauty and openness of Israeli democracy, the bountiful and rich contributions of Israelis to international arts and culture, science and medicine, and the resilience of a people who fervently dream of peace each and every day. And yet the reality of Israeli history means that Independence Day is also a solemn time, when we remember the difficulties of the past.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Speaking of Gaza as a "massive prison" blatantly ignores the fact that Israel left every single inch of Gaza nearly two years ago and that it is the Palestinians themselves who turned it into a prison for their own people by making it a terror base and a launching pad for missiles into Israel from day one. Speaking of the "poor Palestinian prisoners" as "victims" is a blatant attempt to portray them as poor victims who were imprisoned for parking violations rather than bloody murderers who committed horrendous acts of murder and who are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians, including women, children and babies. Yesterday, we in Israel celebrated our Independence Day, marking Israel's fifty-ninth year of statehood. It is, of course, a time of great joy and festivity.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“At the outset, Mr. President, allow me to congratulate your Permanent Representative and the entire delegation of the United Kingdom on their able stewardship of the Council and their impressive leadership during the month of April. I would also like to thank Under- Secretary-General Pascoe for his informative briefing. I must admit that, while heartened and encouraged by the statements made by members of the Council who recognized the impressive and positive changes on the ground and highlighted the opportunities, I was very saddened by the sense of "deja vu all over again" demonstrated by the Palestinian observer. It is eerie, and very distressing and boring, if that statement indeed speaks for the Palestinian people.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“If they do, they will be surprised to learn how far Israel is willing to go, together with them, to secure the reality of a peaceful Middle East.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“The international community must send an unequivocal message to the forces of extremism - to Hamas and Hizbollah, and to their puppet masters Iran and Syria, whose tentacles exert a destabilizing influence - that it will no longer permit their villainous meddling in our region. Hope for our region, however, has not been lost. In order to lay the groundwork for peace, Israel is willing to work with the moderates, strengthen their ability to fight terror, assist them in their efforts to meet economic and humanitarian needs and help with the development of their political agenda. In order for those endeavours to be successful, however, our neighbours need to make the right choices, and moderation must prevail over extremism.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Hizbollah's rearming and what we saw in Lebanon this morning - innocent people killed and many others injured by bombings on public buses - are the real situation in the Middle East and the real issues which should be of great concern to all of us. This bombing, coming on the eve of the second anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, no less - an event this Council is still investigating - is a sobering reminder of the reality in our region. A disturbing trend is emerging whereby some within the international community wish to advocate concessions, coddle the extremists and prematurely declare success. Those pronouncements do not serve the interests of peace. They only embolden the extremists, and send them a message that the international community does not mean what it says.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“As I have told the Council previously, Hizbollah is rearming through the trafficking of arms and munitions across the Syrian-Lebanese border. This must be stopped and the embargo enforced, as called for by resolution 1701 (2006). It is our belief that the Council should have addressed that incident, which shed light on a phenomenon that is widespread throughout Lebanon, in particular the violation of resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006). May I also remind this Council that our boys Udi Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, kidnapped seven months ago, have still not been released. We have not even received a sign of life. In voting for resolution 1701 (2006), the Council pledged to see their unconditional release. I urge the Council today to follow through on that commitment.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“In contrast to the situation in Jerusalem, the situation in Lebanon is a very real and substantial matter of pressing concern that requires urgent action. Last week, on Monday, 5 February, Israeli soldiers discovered explosive devices in the north in a situation that reminded many of the incident of 12 July 2006 which provoked last summer's war with Hizbollah. Later in the week, Israeli soldiers were shot at by the Lebanese army while looking for similar explosive devices in the same area, north of the technical fence and south of the Blue Line - all in sovereign Israeli territory. That incident, however, was just a small preview of the real violations, which should concern and alarm us all. The real violations unfolded on Friday, when the Lebanese army, acting as it should, confiscated a truckload of arms on its way to Hizbollah.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Just imagine the outcry around the world, from Muslims and others, if that bridge were to be allowed to collapse. The work is taking place in sovereign Israeli territory and outside the very sensitive area of the Temple Mount. Israel is acting fully within its rights and jurisdiction. The digging is being conducted with full transparency, in accordance with the various antiquities laws and under the auspices of leading experts and professionals in the field, in coordination with the various religious authorities. Israel has no intention of affecting the Temple Mount during this repair work or of causing any damage to it. Let me assure you, Mr. President, and the members of the Council that this delicate matter will continue to be handled in a most courteous and sensitive way.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Israel has consistently respected the sanctity of the area and shown the utmost sensitivity when dealing with the various religious authorities. During the winter of 2004, part of the ramp leading up to the Mughrabi Gate collapsed due to erosion caused by a snowstorm and an earthquake. Following the collapse, a temporary wooden bridge was constructed, as the ramp to the Mughrabi gate was considered a dangerous structure. By law, the debris must be removed or the collapsed part rebuilt. As such, the salvage work under way in the Jerusalem Archeological Park is for the sole purpose of erecting support pillars for a permanent access ramp, to replace a pre-existing ramp. This bridge is for the benefit and safety of visitors to the area.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Previous agreements are not part of a menu from which Hamas can pick and choose only those elements it wants to fulfil. The reality of the situation in Jerusalem has, unfortunately, been blown so far out of proportion that we must revisit the basic facts in order to understand what is actually going on. I refer the Council to my letter dated 7 February 2007, in which the details of the salvage work were addressed. Because the reality has been distorted and grossly politicized, it is also worthwhile to reiterate those main points. Since 1967, the Mughrabi gate has been the access bridge to the Temple Mount for all non- Muslims - Jews, Christians, tourists and others. Only Muslims can enter through the other gates.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and Hamas and this new entity will be judged by their actions, not just their words. So far, however, Hamas has not even said the right words. On the contrary, the words its leaders have spoken carry a very different message. Ismail Radwan, a Hamas spokesman, said: "The agreement reached in Mecca does not mean recognition of the Israeli entity it is a non- recognition of the legitimacy of the Zionist movement". There cannot be a process so long as one side refuses to acknowledge the existence of the other. The Mecca agreement does not condemn violence and terrorism either. How can there be a peace process when one side is under the threat of constant terror and violence? Previous agreements reached between Israel and the Palestinians must be fulfilled before the unity Government can be addressed.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“This so-called initiative of a different kind is, sadly, not so different at all. It is the continuation of the policy of the Palestinian leadership to wage a war of terror against the State of Israel rather than put its people on the road to statehood. It is important for us to understand that the only reason Hamas has sought a so-called unity Government is precisely because the international pressure placed on it was working. By displaying a united front, the international community, the Quartet and, indeed, the Council made it clear to Hamas that it would not be recognized or engaged until it meets the world's demands. Hamas must now be made to understand that it cannot bypass these conditions by creating a facade of unity.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“De Soto, and over 140 since the ceasefire was agreed to at the end of November - a ceasefire which Israel is respecting and the Palestinians are consistently violating. All the while, the abducted soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas, has yet to be released. Two weeks ago, on Monday, 30 January, a 21- year-old Palestinian from the Gaza Strip blew himself up inside a bakery in the southern city of Eilat, killing three Israelis. Islamic Jihad, the terrorists who claimed responsibility for sending that young man to carry out a suicide attack and murder Israelis in cold blood, praised the terrorist attack, saying: "This operation, which was carried out by the heroes of the resistance in the lands of 1948, is coming as an initiative of a different kind to wake up consciences and to re-aim the rifles at the enemy".”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“That position was rightly reiterated by the Quartet in its meeting on 2 February and in a press statement this past Friday. As such, the published agreement on a so-called unity government does not address the reality on the ground. We have been fooled by a piece of paper before, with tragic consequences. I hope the world has learned its lesson. Palestinian acts of terror, including the firing of Qassam rockets and the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip, continue. In the past two days alone, five Qassam rockets have been fired by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip at the western Negev city of Sderot. That adds up to more than 37 terrorist rocket attacks in the past three weeks alone, as just pointed out by Mr.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Mr. President, allow me at the outset to commend you on your leadership of the Council and to wish you success for the duration of your tenure. I would also like to thank Mr. Alvaro de Soto for his briefing and for being here with us today. Let me start with a reminder. The international community has clearly determined that any Palestinian Government must fully adopt the following three conditions: first, recognition of the State of Israel; secondly, a halt to, and the disavowal of, terrorist activities; and, thirdly, acceptance and implementation of the agreements that have been previously signed with Israel, including acceptance of the Road Map. Those are firm principles, not paltry recommendations. They cannot be bypassed, masked or circumvented. They are the prerequisites for peace, and they are not negotiable.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“If they do, they will be surprised by how far Israel will be willing to go together with them in order to secure the reality of the peace and prosperity of two States living side by side in this war-torn, bloodshed- ridden region that yearns for peace and has demonstrated yet again today why it needs it so badly.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“Thirdly, the Hamas-led Palestinian Government must immediately stop firing Qassam rockets into Israel. Fourthly, our boys, Gilad Shalit, Udi Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, must be released immediately. All this can end right now, in one second. But it cannot end as the result of speeches here or biased resolutions in the General Assembly. It cannot end even as the result of lectures from that great bastion of democracy and the rule of law, the terror Government of the Palestinian Authority. It is a decision that only the Palestinian people can take and only the parties can resolve. The choice is clear and the end can be very near. We sincerely hope that, for once, our neighbours will make the right choice.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“It is the admission, today yet again by Hizbollah, that it is being funded by Iran, that sponsor of terror and master of evil. It is the continuous shelling of Israeli cities by Qassam rockets, killing and maiming innocent civilians. And yet - and yes, sadly - it is also the plight and pain of the Palestinian people, held hostage by a terrorist Government. This, Mr. President, is indeed the situation in the Middle East. And all of this can be changed overnight. It can in fact stop right now, as we speak. All that has to happen is, first, that Iran and Syria relinquish terror and stop generating it throughout our region. Secondly, Hamas must accept the three demands of the international community as expressed by the Quartet and this Council.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“We all know from where that extremism stems, we all know whose fingerprints are so apparent in this pattern of assassinations. We wait for the day when moderation and common sense will prevail in Lebanon as well as in our region as a whole. We are today discussing the situation in the Middle East. I beg to share with the Council my feeling that, however precise the Under-Secretary's reports are and have been in the past and however many debates we have about the situation in the Middle East, the real situation in the Middle East was made manifest to us today in that horrible assassination. The real situation in the Middle East is the situation on the ground. It is the situation where the Gemayel family is paying the highest price for moderation.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“Let me start by thanking you and congratulating you on your very able leadership of the Security Council during this month. We know that you have not been doing this for long, but you are doing it professionally and as a great veteran. We thank you. I would also like to thank Mr. Gambari for his informative and concise report. I would like to start by expressing the condolences and sorrow of the people of Israel to the people of Lebanon for the death of another member of the Gemayel family, which has paid, over the years, so clearly for its moderation, pluralism and liberalism. This death is just another sign of how extremism and fundamentalism are taking their toll in our very, very tough neighbourhood, and how the Lebanese people as a whole and that particular family in particular are paying a high price.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“As for Iran - a fundamentalist, extreme and reactionary regime led by a ranting President who denies the Holocaust while preparing the next one and who openly calls for wiping a Member State of the United Nations off the map - it was surrealistic to 34 hear its representative, a representative of that terrorist State that initiated the crisis in Lebanon through its hired killers, the Hizbollah, decry the fate of Lebanon, a country taken hostage by Iran and devastated by its actions. I thank the Iranian representative for demonstrating yet again to the Council in no uncertain terms why that dangerous regime must be stopped before it is too late.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“First, let me express my appreciation for the statements made by Syria and Iran. At a time when terror looms as the major threat to civilization as we know it, I am sure we all feel privileged to be lectured on terror by the two worst major experts on and practitioners of this craft. It was also refreshing to hear the representative of Syria rewrite history and reality in conformity with his usual practice. Syria, the host country to the Olympics of terror, cannot make a mockery of the Council by preaching peace in the morning and hosting, financing, perpetrating and practicing terror in the afternoon. The assassins of Damascus, still under investigation by the Council, cannot fool us by wearing the mask of peace- seekers, while hiding their real face of death and terror.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“Since the opening of the sixty-first session of the General Assembly, we have heard constructive speeches and statements echoing the recognition that Iran is the real threat. Moderates are now joining together to form an alliance against the extremists. We must bolster this coalition of the moderates and isolate the opposition formed by the extremists. Global terrorism and extremism is moving us all closer together, uniting us in places where we thought only division and difference existed. The dawning of this new reality and recognition speaks to the very depth of our conviction, and reflects the renewable optimism of life expressed so boldly by Alexander Pope: indeed, "Hope springs eternal".”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“Today, many of you have mentioned, yet again, the need to release Corporal Gilad Shalit. I thank you for your commitment to seeking his release. It is in this context that I wish to share some very disturbing news with you. Just this morning, we heard news that Iran bribed Hamas leader Khalid Mashal, hosted graciously in Damascus by Syria, a regime famously hospitable to terrorists, with $50 million with the sole purpose of sabotaging the negotiations on the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit and preventing his release. If this is how Iran uses blackmail to threaten humanitarian initiatives I shudder to think about the lengths to which Iran will go, and may already be going, to undermine a diplomatic initiative and achieve its dangerous regional aspirations and nightmarish dreams of nuclear capability.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“A nuclear Iran is the main feature - coming soon, if we do not act resolutely, to a theatre near you. Israel sees the Iranian threat as an existential one, not only to itself, but to the entire world as well. Iran's web of lies, perversions of history, and distortions of human destiny are lurid warnings for us to read the writing on the wall and respond now. The international community must be determined, clear and unequivocal in its plan of action. There is no room for hesitation, second-guessing or compromise. There is only one choice: the world must ensure that Iran does not attain nuclear weapons. As I said earlier, we are bolstered by the surfacing of moderate voices in the region - voices that recognize the true threats facing us. The real, most urgent threat to stability and peace in the Middle East is Iran.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“We are witnessing the rise of a new world order, where moral courage and authority is confused with militaristic chauvinism and pomposity. One day, future generations will pass judgment on the way in which the international community dealt with the rise of these nuclear threats. To be sure, the swift action taken by this Council last week under your leadership, Mr. President, demonstrates the consensus View within the international community that rogue States cannot be allowed to threaten our global security. But at the same time, let there be no illusions. North Korea is only the prelude to a more disturbing story, namely, the emergence of a nuclear Iran, armed and willing to share its State terrorist capabilities with other unholy extremists who yearn to destroy us all. Indeed, North Korea is only the preview.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“In that meeting there was an agreement to reinvigorate the dialogue between us and establish a permanent channel for talks. There was also agreement on the road map and the principles for peace already confirmed between the parties. It is a real pity that this positive spirit was lacking in the Palestinian statement today. As the escalation of Violence in Gaza shows, the Hamas Government, the President of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people are not one and the same. As the Violence continues, the world is beginning to recognize that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the consequence, not the cause of such ideology, intolerance and hatred. Today, the Palestinian people face a critical decision, one that can reverse their situation, a situation that they chose and for which they alone are responsible.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“By now it is clear to all that the Hamas Government, not mentioned in the Palestinian statement, is currently leading the Palestinian Authority and driving it dangerously on a road that only leads to further isolation. As long as the Hamas Government fails to recognize Israel, accept and implement agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, terminate violence and eradicate terrorism - including, but not limited to the attacks on our southern communities - we cannot dialogue with it. These are conditions that have been recognized by the international community. Israel will not, and the international community should not, compromise on these conditions. As you know, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni met with Chairman Abbas here in New York last month.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“While hostilities in the north have ceased, hostilities in the south have only escalated, indeed as a result of the Palestinians' tragic choice to, as my Palestinian colleague just verified, turn Gaza into a base for terror. During the month of September, no less than 45 Qassam rockets, launched by Palestinian terrorists from the Gaza Strip, pierced the ordinarily tranquil, blue skies of southern Israel and fell hard on our communities. Along with these rocket attacks comes daily psychological trauma, inflicted on an entire civilian population, whose only wish is to live in peace and security. Israel, the children of Sderot in particular, sleeps under the constant threat of attack.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source
“As members of the Council know, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaking at the Israeli Knesset earlier this week, called upon Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to meet directly, without mediators, in order to make peace between our two countries. Israel is a serious and committed partner to a peace-seeking Government in Lebanon. The events of the recent summer - the conflict, suffering and pain - compel us all to rise above the culture of skepticism and distrust that often pervades our region and to forge a direct line of communication. Only in that way, through direct and open dialogue, can we bring peace to our two peoples.”
2006-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5552 (2006) · source