YouSaid · the spoken record

Gunnarsdottir

lines on the record: 39
first: 2011-07-26
most recent: 2014-10-21
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“A sea change is needed to move this issue onto a path that can lead to an enduring peace. The core problem on the ground is the occupation of Palestine, and that occupation must end. Without a clear political horizon there is no hope and the bloodshed will continue. Choosing the way of peace must bring results. On the twenty-fifth anniversary this year of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we should think about all the children whose names have been read out in this very forum at former meetings, to remind us that in the end, maintaining international peace and security is about people, and that the Security Council has both the responsibility as well as the tools to do its utmost to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as all the other conflicts in the region where children are suffering.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“It has come to signify the enormous gap between statements of political intent and actions - that is, what people have done in spite of what they say or have said. Those facts stand in disregard of international human rights and humanitarian law. The facts on the ground include widespread violations of the rights and dignity of Palestinians through denial of property rights and restrictions on their freedom of movement and expression. Those actions have clear consequences for the chances of the peaceful coexistence of two States living side by side. We have seen a series of actions over a long period that diminish the chances of establishing a two-State solution. And that means diminishing the chances of any solution that would allow both populations to live in peace for the long term.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“The present state of affairs is sustainable neither for the Israelis or the Palestinians. When we look at Gaza, the facts on the ground are shocking. In the pointless war of the past summer, 20,000 homes were destroyed and more than 2,000 Palestinians killed, most of them civilians, including more than 500 children. More than 70 Israelis were killed, including 6 civilians. Iceland has condemned the disproportionate use of force by the Israel Defense Forces during the conflict, and we also condemn the indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant organizations in Gaza against civilian targets in Israel. The phrase "facts on the ground" began as an innocent euphemism for Israeli settlements established in violation of international law.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank the Argentinian presidency for organizing this meeting and in particular for the way you have framed the debate. Iceland agrees that in the wake of the ceasefire in Gaza, this open debate is an important opportunity to focus on that longstanding issue. That is not to diminish the importance and urgency of other crises demanding our attention in the region, or the importance of other forums where this issue is discussed, including the Quartet. But, as the President has pointed out, the Council can and must play a more active role and assume its responsibilities, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, by supporting all efforts and initiatives aimed at reaching a lasting peace. It is, after all, the Security Council that is charged with maintaining international peace and security.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“The Council can start by demanding respect for its own numerous resolutions on the conflict and for international humanitarian law.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“We strongly encourage him to continue being personally engaged and to make full use of his good offices to find a lasting solution to the conflict. The conflict also requires the urgent attention ofthe Security Council. First and foremost, a ceasefire that not only provides for laying down arms but also lays the ground for achieving something more sustainable must be agreed. Secondly, the Security Council must firmly uphold its responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security. Every effort must be made to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict that results in two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. The parameters are fairly clear and well known to all.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“The wall continues to obstruct the movement of Palestinians and to have a severe impact on their livelihood opportunities. Let us also recall that this summer the blockade on Gaza has been in place for eight years, with dire consequences for the civilian population. We spend a great deal of time at the United Nations discussing the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the importance of dialogue and mediation for peace and security and so on. Those concepts are not meant to be abstract. They do not exist in a vacuum. The whole idea is to apply them to real life situations. We therefore commend the Secretary-General for going to Israel and the State of Palestine to try directly to seek a ceasefire.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“The occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, affects all aspects of the daily life of Palestinians and violates their human rights, including their freedom of movement and property rights, and their right to assembly, freedom of expression, education, health and equal access to justice and due process, to name a few. In that respect, let us recall that this month it is 10 years since the issuance of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in which the Court clearly states that the wall, where built on occupied Palestinian land, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law. However, contrary to the recommendations of the Court, not much has changed on the ground.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“We also condemn the use of force by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which has resulted in more than 600 deaths in Gaza, the vast majority of them civilians, and the injuring of more than 3,500 people, as well as immense destruction of homes and other civilian infrastructure. The IDF's air and ground assault raises concerns about respect for the principle of distinction, proportionality and precaution in attacks under international humanitarian law. While the current situation in Gaza is more than tragic, I will not dwell on it, since the core problem is not what is happening today but the occupation.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“In Syria, we have also been witnessing flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law for more than three years now, especially by the Syrian Government. We continue to condemn those violations and reiterate our call to the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I want to start by expressing Iceland's condemnation of the violations of international humanitarian law by both sides in the conflict. We condemn the indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant organizations in Gaza against civilian targets in Israel, which terrorize the civilian population and have so far resulted in two civilian deaths.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“With regard to Syria, Iceland welcomes the Security Council's adoption of resolution 2165 (2014), with the aim of ensuring access for humanitarian assistance to the people in need throughout Syria. We commend the non-permanent members Australia, Jordan and Luxembourg, which relentlessy worked towards building the consensus on the resolution that was long overdue. However, humanitarian assistance can give only short-term relief. Much more needs to be done by the Security Council to seek a political solution to the conflict. The situation is already having significant consequences for regional peace and security and is affecting the situation in neighbouring countries, as well as the United Nations peacekeeping mission on the Syrian Golan. The Council cannot sit idly by.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“We particularly welcome the announcement last Friday by Secretary of State Kerry that an agreement has been reached that establishes a basis for resuming direct final status negotiations. We hope that this time the negotiations will result in two States, living side by side in peace and security, which is the only way forward for both parties and the only means by which relations between Israel and its neighbours can be normalized. Until an agreement is actually reached, however, the international community must continue to do its utmost to prevent and address ongoing violations of humanitarian law and international human rights law on the ground.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“They are affected in different ways, since one is the occupied and the other the occupier, but both are affected. The security of the Palestinians is greatly affected, not least for young men, but also for those who now live at close quarters with the settlements, and with settlers becoming increasingly violent towards Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The security of Israelis is also affected, including by the firing of rockets from Gaza, indiscriminately and in clear violation of international law, threatening and terrorizing the civilian population in southern Israel. Iceland believes in a peaceful solution to the conflict, and we believe it is urgent and possible that the parties come to an agreement. We therefore very much welcome the renewed engagement of the United States in reviving the peace process.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“As long as the Council is not living up to its responsibility regarding the conflict, it is important that the wider membership engage in the matter. Earlier this month, when Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Reykjavik and spoke at the University of Iceland, he said, "The people of Syria need peace, but all they have for the moment are talks about talks. We must do better." Indeed, we must do better. Last week, we celebrated Mandela International Day to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela's legacy and what he stands for. Mr. Mandela once said that we are not truly free if we take away someone else's freedom, just as surely as we are not free when our freedom is taken from us. I now turn to the Palestinian question. The occupation affects all Palestinians as well as the Israelis.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“We strongly urge the Security Council to overcome its internal differences and focus on exercising its leadership role in fostering a political and peaceful solution to the civil war in Syria. The parties have demonstrated that they are not going to lay down arms without external interference, and the Council has yet to demonstrate that it is doing all in its power to prevent further human tragedy. Before the conflict escalates further, with even more serious consequences for regional peace and security, we ask that the Council please take action. In the meantime we welcome the briefing to be given in the General Assembly next Monday by Mr. Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“In her briefing to the Security Council earlier this month on the situation in Syria, Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos said, "We are watching the destruction of not only a country, but also its people" (S/PV. 7000, p. 2). With 100,000 people dead and millions who have fled from the violence and become refugees or internally displaced persons, and with a breakdown of vital education and health services, the situation can only be described as a tragedy. The Government of Syria, along with all other parties to the conflict, must abide strictly by international humanitarian and human rights law, including by affording immediate access to humanitarian assistance.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Finally, as regards Syria, Iceland would like to reiterate its calls on the Council to refer the situation since March 2011 to the International Criminal Court, and to come to a common position on how to address the civil war in Syria and its humanitarian consequences.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Finally, Iceland would like to take this opportunity to urge the Palestinians to reinforce their efforts towards reconciliation, which is largely in their own power to achieve. Iceland would once again like to reiterate its calls on Security Council to take on a more active role in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, considering the extreme asymmetry between the two parties and the need for impartial intervention, including by visiting the State of Palestine, reaffirming the illegality of the settlements, and accepting the application of the State of Palestine for United Nations membership in light of the overwhelming support of the membership for the Palestinians' inalienable right to self-determination.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In this regard, we call attention to the deteriorating security situation for the Palestinians, with notable increases in fatalities and injuries caused by Israeli forces, as well as continued settler's violence; continued demolitions of Palestinian property, with a total of 192 structures having been demolished since the beginning ofthis year, resulting in the displacement of 355 people, according to information provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; continued and accelerated settlement activities, which are illegal under international humanitarian law and should be stopped altogether; the high number of Palestinian children between the ages of 12 and 17 who are arrested, interrogated and detained each year by the Israelis, amounting altogether to approximately 700 children every year, according to UNICEF; and the fact that there appears to be a pattern of ill treatment of child detainees.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“As there has been no progress in the peace process since the last open debate (see S/PV.6906), I will focus on the role of the Security Council and some of the activities taking place in the occupied Palestinian territories, which clearly demonstrate the dire realities of the occupation and that the situation on the ground is far from being stagnant, unlike the peace process.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Approximately 200,000 are internally displaced in Syria, and 42,000 have fled to Lebanon, where the situation in the Palestinian camps is, to say the least, very difficult to begin with. That turn of events should be a wake-up call for the international community to realize how urgent it is that we find a just and lasting solution to the plight of Palestinian refugees, as is called for in General Assembly resolution 194 (III). They have been waiting for 65 years. The civil war has also drawn attention to the unresolved question of the occupied Syrian Golan, which also needs a plan of action from the Security Council in the light of the developments on the ground.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In that regard, Iceland wholeheartedly supports the sentiments expressed by the leaders of various United Nations agencies in an article published in the New York Times on 15 April, which ended with the words "Enough! Summon and use your influence, now, to save the Syrian people and save the region from disaster." The Council does not have the luxury of waiting while Syria is destroyed in front of our eyes. A political solution has to be found. That brings me to the unresolved question of Palestinian refugees, since they are being uprooted once again as a result of the civil war in Syria. Of the half-million Palestinian refugees in Syria, 400,000 are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“During the reopening of the Security Council Chamber last week, it was noted that the Chamber is possibly the most important room in the world. That is because of the Council's responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. In the case of Syria and the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, however, it is clear that the Council has not been able to live up to its responsibility. In those two cases the Council has been sidelined, owing to its own inaction. That not only reflects negatively on the United Nations and the members of the Council, it is also bad for world peace.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“One should, however, never loose sight of the main issue, which is to end the occupation altogether and to realize through negotiations the two-State solution, where both States can live in peace and security side by side. That is the heart of the matter. This is a conflict about land, and that is why continued settlement activities are such an obstacle to peace. It is, however, important also to be aware that the settlements and the wall are reversible, like everything man-made.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“It was a tragic loss of opportunity when the Security Council decided not to accept the invitation to visit Palestine to see for itself the situation on the ground in order to put it in a better position to take informed decisions on the matter. The Council is judged not only by its actions, but also by its inaction, and we strongly urge the members of the Council to reconsider their decision. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is at the core of restoring durable peace and stability in the region. The occupation leads to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, where settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and the wall, continue to top the list. The international community needs to continue to speak out against those violations and to take action accordingly.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We must reform it so as to make it a tool, not a hindrance, for progress in situations such as that in Syria this year, or as we saw last year concerning the Palestinian application." (A/67/PV18, p.4) The Minister also left no doubt in his speech during the general debate as to Iceland's firm support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Accordingly, Iceland continues to call upon the Security Council to vote in favour of recommending that the General Assembly accept Palestine's application for United Nations membership. In the meantime, Iceland will support Palestine's application for non-member State observer status should the Palestinians decide to pursue that path.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The truth of the matter is that if the Security Council cannot agree on how to address the situation, then other forces will determine the course of action. That does not bode well for the Syrian people or regional stability. It will do us well to recall that the Charter of the United Nations confers the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security upon the Security Council. The Council has to live up to that responsibility. In his speech during the general debate of the General Assembly, my Foreign Minister said: "The truth is that the Security Council has become an obstacle to the international efforts to address and solve situations such as that in Syria.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The continuing and escalating bloodshed in Syria must be stopped. The international community must unite to end the violence and do whatever it can to foster a political and peaceful solution for the sake of the Syrian people. We must ensure that the regime, and anyone else responsible for the horrible atrocities committed, will at the end of the day face responsibility in an international court of law. The conflict in Syria is already having serious consequences on neighbouring countries, with the flow of refugees straining their ability to cope, and the artillery and mortar fire across borders. Additionally, traditional transport routes are being disrupted, which can have devastating economic consequences.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Iceland urges the members of the Council to contribute to the realization of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people by recommending to the General Assembly that Palestine be accepted as the 194th State Member of the United Nations. That would allow Palestine to follow in the footsteps of the numerous other Member States that owe their freedom and independence from colonialism to this very Organization and to the determination of many of its Members to ensure that the principles on which the Organization was established override other interests.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I am pleased to inform the Council that the Government of Iceland has taken steps at the domestic level towards the recognition of Palestine by putting forward a proposal for a parliamentary resolution on the recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign State within the pre-1967 borders. That proposal is currently being discussed by the Foreign Relations Committee of our Parliament. As many others have said before us, we see no contradiction between Palestine seeking membership in the United Nations and the Quartet-led peace process, which we fully support. Let me reiterate Iceland's position that it is of the utmost importance that a negotiated agreement should be based on the two-State solution, where both parties can live in peace with their neighbours.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“At the same time, under the difficult circumstances of the occupation, the Palestinian National Authority has successfully implemented its economic and development programme and has now demonstrated clearly, by improving infrastructure and through institution-building, that Palestine can stand on its own feet. Their efforts and accomplishment have been applauded by the international community, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. In July, Iceland informed the Council of its intention to support the Palestinians should they decide to bring their case to the United Nations. In his statement during the general debate in September, the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs informed the General Assembly of the determination of the Icelandic Government to fully recognize Palestine (see A/66/PV.26).”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We also welcome the Council's reference to Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security. We urge the Government of Yemen to implement the resolution in full. The Security Council has found itself at the centre stage of the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by having been entrusted with the application of Palestine for membership in the United Nations. The Council's deliberations on the application take place in an environment where peace negotiations, which have been ongoing for almost two decades, are at a standstill with no tangible results. We speak of an environment in which there is not a viable plan in sight that might draw the parties back to the negotiating table and in which the current situation is unsustainable, because an occupation is inherently unsustainable.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Let me first turn to the situation in Syria and Yemen before discussing the question of Palestine. With regard to Syria, we were very disappointed by the veto on the draft resolution presented to the Council earlier this month (see S/PV.6627). We are concerned that the use of the veto in such cases is not conducive to peace and security in the region. On the contrary, it can further undermine international efforts while the situation continues to deteriorate. We call upon the Council to revisit the situation in Syria as soon as possible. With regard to Yemen, we welcome the Council's adoption of resolution 2014 (2001) last Friday (see S/PV.6634). Iceland strongly supports the condemnation of human rights abuses and calls for the end of violence.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“This is a very worrying development, and Israel is under the obligation to do its utmost to prevent such violence and, when it does occur, to ensure that those involved are held accountable. Finally, Iceland welcomes the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas and their intention to form an interim Government in preparation for presidential and parliamentary elections in Palestine. We urge the Palestinian parties to heed the calls of their own people to work towards realization of the agreement and to become united in their pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We note that this illegal activity continues and that the use of violence, house demolitions and forceful evictions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem, remains a serious concern. The international community should be careful not to send messages that can be perceived as accommodating existing illegal settlement activities. Creating facts on the ground that are contrary to international law and constitute an obstacle to achieving a two-State solution should not be rewarded. The settlements are reversible. Iceland would also like to voice concern over increased settler violence against the Palestinians, including their so-called price-tag policy.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In the absence of a political solution the situation on the ground needs to be improved. First of all, we echo those worldwide who urge the Israeli Government to lift the blockade of Gaza immediately. Enough of the currently closed legitimate crossings and established channels for goods in and out of Gaza should be opened to be able to reach the pre-blockade capacity for imports and exports. The markets in steel bars and cement should especially be liberalized by the Israeli authorities. The decision of the Israeli Government to continue with its settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem, is incompatible not only with its obligations under international law but also with the Road Map.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590Resumption1 (2011) · source
“At that time, our Minister stated that Iceland would support a resolution on Palestinian statehood, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as a resolution on the full membership of Palestine in the United Nations, should the Palestinians decide to seek such resolutions in the autumn. Iceland's position is that the pursuit of recognition of a Palestinian State does not contradict the wish for a negotiated settlement of the conflict. It might, quite to the contrary, be seen as the means to stimulate serious negotiations. There is a need to address the asymmetry of power between the two parties. That can only be done through a more forceful participation by the international community, including through emphasizing the international law applicable to the occupation.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The United Nations had a historic role in the creation of the State of Israel and the time might be approaching when it would be appropriate for the General Assembly and the Security Council to re-engage themselves for the purposes of solving the Palestinian question. If the Palestinians decide to bring the issue directly to the General Assembly, Iceland stands ready to support them. This was clearly stated by the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs when he met with President Abbas and Foreign Minister Al-Malki during his to trip to Ramallah earlier this month.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Iceland firmly supports a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the two-State solution. Since the Oslo process was launched, almost two decades ago, we have been betting on the peace process to lead to such a result, which would make a comprehensive peace achievable in the region as a whole, as foreseen in the Arab Peace Initiative. Now, however, the peace process is at a complete standstill. While Iceland urges the parties to return to the negotiating table, we feel that the time has come for the international community to become more directly involved.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590Resumption1 (2011) · source