YouSaid · the spoken record

Kumalo

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1999-08-25

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2008-12-31

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un-security-council

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1. “Members of the Security Council that will vote in favour of the current resolution, including South Africa, have a special obligation to the Iranian people and must exercise the highest degree of scrutiny and oversight of the implementation of sanctions to ensure that there are no unintended consequences and that the focus remains solely on the nuclear programme. Whilst we have decided to vote for this resolution, it is imperative that we should now work creatively to defuse the confrontation in order to allow for a resumption of negotiations towards a sustainable, peaceful solution of this issue. Finally, South Africa wishes to reaffirm the principle that once the peaceful nature of the Iran nuclear programme has been establish, Iran will enjoy the rights and responsibilities that any member of the NPT also enjoys.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

2. “The suspension of enrichment activities may under no circumstances become a goal in itself. In addition, it is incumbent on the Council to assure Iran that the call for suspension is not a smokescreen for any indefinite suspension or termination. In this regard, it would also be important to terminate the sanctions once the IAEA has addressed the remaining issues. We would have preferred that the resolution not contain the controversial provision that allows for searches of certain Iranian vessels and aircraft, even subject to very strict limitations, as this could spark confrontation and further threaten international peace and security. Furthermore, the restrictions on dual-use goods and on loans and credits must not be allowed to have a negative impact on the civilian population of Iran.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

3. “This approach will help to establish the facts and encourage negotiations among concerned parties with a view to reducing tension and further escalation. Given the confidence deficit that existed earlier, we need to move forward in a responsible and balanced manner because we are dealing with a highly sensitive matter that can have serious implications in a volatile region. As a country that is firmly committed to the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction and to non-proliferation, South Africa does not wish to see a nuclear-weaponized Iran or the denial of the right of any signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to exploit the peaceful applications of nuclear technology with appropriate safeguards. Also, South Africa does not want to see a war break out over the nuclear programme in Iran.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

4. “To the extent that all the outstanding issues have now been clarified, at least there ought to be increased confidence in the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. It is important to allow the verification process to proceed on its current course. Also, given the context of the recent allegations of weaponization activities, the need for continued factual and reliable information about Iran's current nuclear activities, based on increased access by and cooperation with the IAEA, can be said to be all the more important. It is important not to jeopardize any of the gains made. Rather, we should seek to build on the progress made through systematic and continued verification work by the IAEA.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

5. “The IAEA has thus far not found any evidence of diversion, and all material has been accounted for. Furthermore, those issues that originally gave rise to serious concern resulting in the demand for the confidence-building measures, including suspending the uranium enrichment programme, have now also been clarified. On the basis of the factual situation available to us we also have to recognize that since the adoption of resolution 1747 (2007) in March of last year, which South Africa supported, the situation has further changed following the release of the United States National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), which concluded that Iran does not have a current nuclear weapons programme. The NIE seems consistent with the IAEA's findings to date.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

6. “The IAEA is the only international authority that can verify and provide the necessary assurances as to the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. It is therefore unfortunate that the Security Council gives the impression that it is in such great haste to decide on a series of further punitive sanctions that it does not wish even to consider the significant progress being made through the IAEA to provide the international community with important factual information on the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) safeguards in Iran. The report by the IAEA Director General issued on 22 February 2008 clearly shows that all outstanding safeguards issues, which are also included in the work plan between the IAEA and Iran, have been clarified due to the cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

7. “That gives the international community the impression that the verification work and important progress made by the Agency is virtually irrelevant to the sponsors of this draft resolution. The rationale for bringing the Iran issue to the Security Council in the first place was, we were told, to reinforce the decisions of the IAEA and to enhance its authority, and yet the current draft resolution does not accurately reflect what is happening at the IAEA. We are seriously concerned about the implications of this situation for the credibility of the Security Council, and the only reason we will vote in favour of the resolution is to preserve the previous decisions of the Council that Iran has not fully implemented.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

8. “South Africa regrets that the sponsors of the draft resolution have persisted with the same substantive text that they had tabled before the latest report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was even issued and hence, the draft resolution appears not to adequately take into account the progress made on the basis of the work plan agreed between the IAEA and Iran. Moreover, the adoption of the new draft resolution, which imposes further punitive sanctions, could apparently not even be postponed until the IAEA Board of Governors had a full opportunity to consider the matter and take account of the verbal update of the Director General of the IAEA.”

   2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

9. “I am glad that the Council has made it available to them for the next 12 months. We hope that UNMIT can be there to strengthen democracy and to help the people of Timor-Leste.”

   2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

10. “In view of the factors I have just mentioned and the continued need for Timor-Leste to count on the support of the international community, in particular the United Nations system, at this critical stage of its nation-building process, South Africa strongly supports the Secretary-General's proposal. We again wish to thank the Council for having accepted that the mandate of UNMIT should be extended for a further 12 months at the present composition and strength. We also call upon the broader international community to stay the course in Timor-Leste. In conclusion, we encourage the Government, the political parties and the people of Timor-Leste to utilize the support and presence of UNMIT. As I have reminded the people of Timor-Leste, UNMIT's stay is not endless. So they must use it to the best of their ability now.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

11. “UNMIT's commitment to Timor-Leste was illustrated in the successful organization and conclusion of presidential and parliamentary elections in the country. Now the hard work remains: the country has to rebuild and strengthen its own democracy. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to focus UNMIT's supportive role on other post-electoral priority areas, including the strengthening of capacities in the judicial system, support for strengthening security institutions and support for dialogue and reconciliation. Equally important, bilateral and international support would prove invaluable in capacity-building and in the strengthening of various sectors of the State.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

12. “In paragraph 61 of his report, the Secretary- General correctly stresses: "With the manifold challenges ahead, this is a critical moment for the United Nations to reaffirm its continued commitment to Timor-Leste". We, too, believe that the continued presence of the United Nations in Timor-Leste is essential to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country, including political, institutional and security aspects. We wish to thank the Council for having agreed to extend the mandate of UNMIT for a period of 12 months in order to work in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste to strengthen stability, promote democratic governance and political dialogue and foster national and social cohesion.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

13. “Security sector reform should be owned and led by the Government of Timor-Leste and should be supported by the international community. In that regard, the task of rebuilding the national police force of Timor-Leste remains crucial and is in the interest of achieving long-term stability in the country. My delegation welcomes the considerable progress achieved in the screening and mentoring process for the national police. South Africa welcomes the Secretary-General's intention to send an expert mission to UNMIT in the first quarter of 2008 to conduct a thorough assessment of the requirements of the national police, as well as possible adjustments to UNMIT in order to improve police skills.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

14. “We hope that the meetings of the High-level Coordination Committee and the Trilateral Coordination Forum will produce much-needed dialogue and progress on the key priorities of the country. As we have stated before, the problems of Timor- Leste - particularly those related to IDPs or the so-called petitioners - cannot be solved by only one party; they can be addressed successfully only by all Timorese, working together collectively. My delegation welcomes the improvement in the overall security situation in Timor-Leste, owing to the collective efforts of the national police force of Timor- Leste, UNMIT and other stakeholders. Notwithstanding that progress, the South African delegation believes that reform of the security sector remains urgent and indispensable.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

15. “Despite the persisting differences among political leaders and parties in Timor-Leste, we are confident that they will overcome their differences, work together to address priority needs and cooperate on the need to move their country forward. As Mr. Guehenno reported, the ongoing dialogue among the leaders of various political parties in Timor- Leste, under the leadership of President Ramos-Horta, is a great step indeed for the future of Timor-Leste. We reaffirm our support for the continued efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to promote dialogue and reconciliation among parties in Timor-Leste through inclusive and collaborative processes.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

16. “On the one hand, it describes a series of significant strides achieved, including the successful holding of presidential and parliamentary elections, the formation of a democratic Government and the general improvement of the security situation in Timor-Leste. On the other hand, the report also highlights, as it should, some of the key political, security and socio- economic challenges facing Timor-Leste, including the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the lack of capacity in key Government institutions. In paragraph 3 of his report, the Secretary- General correctly notes: "The performance of the Parliament, Government and other State institutions in Timor- Leste reflected progress in policymaking and active political debate within democratically sanctioned arenas".”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

17. “Timor-Leste has been blessed with neighbours that have been there to assist, especially in its greatest time of need. Those countries include Australia and New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and others, which reacted when these events happened. We particularly wish to thank Australia, which immediately released security forces that went to assist Timor-Leste in its great hour of need. We also wish in particular to recall the very strong political statement by the Government of Indonesia, which also sent out the message that the attack on the democratic institutions of Timor-Leste would not be acceptable at all. The recent report of the Secretary-General on Timor-Leste is a source of both hope and challenge.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

18. “We thank you for having opened the door for others to participate here. Like other delegations, we were shocked to learn recently that President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao were attacked on 11 February. We wish President Ramos-Horta a full recovery so that he can continue to lead his country on its path to consolidate democracy and stability. South Africa would like to reiterate its condemnation of those attacks in the strongest possible terms. We further applaud the Security Council for its swift response to that heinous act, not only by convening emergency consultations, but also by adopting a presidential statement (S/PRST/2008/5), which sent the word out that the Council is watching the events in Timor-Leste. We also wish to commend Timor-Leste's neighbouring countries.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

19. “My delegation is also very appreciative of the dedicated efforts of the men and women of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the entire United Nations team in support of the people and the Government of Timor-Leste, under the leadership of Mr. Atul Khare. I also want to thank you, Mr. President, for accepting the request of the core group countries that have been supporting Timor-Leste outside the Council to come and join in the debate on this issue today. I think the fact that we have seen representatives of countries outside the Council come here to present their views to us on the situation in Timor-Leste, as they will do later, is an indication that the future of Timor-Leste matters not only to us, but also to the United Nations community as a whole.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

20. “Let me thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's debate on the situation in Timor-Leste. We also thank His Excellency Ambassador Nelson Santos, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, for his informative statement on the situation in his country. We had hoped to hear directly today from Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao via video link, but in the end that was not possible. We register our disappointment that we could not do so. But we are very grateful that Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, has given us a comprehensive presentation on the latest events in Timor-Leste and, in particular, on the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/26).”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

21. “My delegation remains committed to do whatever we can to make sure 08-24515 that the people of Somalia are not allowed to suffer any more than they have.”

    2008-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5842 (2008) · source

22. “That call was endorsed by the African Union summit, and the Group of African States reiterated the request in a letter dated 12 February 2008 addressed to the president of the Security Council. The same urgency of the situation in Somalia was also conveyed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in December 2007, when he appealed to this Council to assume its responsibility towards Somalia if the country is not to further deteriorate, causing it to become an even greater threat to international peace and security. Somalia is in need not only of a peacekeeping presence, but the international community also has an obligation to support the political process that can bring about lasting peace to this country.”

    2008-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5842 (2008) · source

23. “We expect that the Secretary-General's report in March will provide us with alternative approaches to addressing the situation in Somalia, including the best way to proceed, with the eventual deployment of a United Nations mission in that country. Meanwhile, we all know that the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has been doing a great job in maintaining peace in Somalia despite its capacity challenges. The problem for AMISOM. is not just lack of resources, but also that it was deployed as a stopgap measure until the United Nations takes over. The African Union Peace and Security Council, in its communique of 18 January 2008, has, among other things, stressed the urgent need for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation and reiterated that the United Nations also must provide support to AMISOM.”

    2008-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5842 (2008) · source

24. “We voted in favour of this draft resolution even though we would have preferred that the Council defer taking a decision on this matter until we have received the Secretary-General's report, as requested in resolution 1772 (2007) and once again in a presidential statement later that same year, adopted on 19 December 2007. Instead, we have accepted a compromise through which this Council commits itself to consider the Secretary-General's report as soon as it becomes available in early March 2008. It will be important for the Council to do so, because we have to demonstrate that the Security Council's mandate for maintaining international peace and security applies to Somalia as well.”

    2008-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5842 (2008) · source

25. “The unilateral declaration of independence by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo presents the international community with a serious challenge. In View of this, South Africa will remain seized of this complex matter.”

    2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source

26. “We have stated that it was difficult, in the light of our own national experience, to accept that negotiations, no matter how difficult, could not lead to an amicable conclusion. Even at this late hour, we still believe that there remains space for dialogue and negotiation that could help contribute to long-term peace in the Balkans. South Africa, as a Member of the United Nations, as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and as a member of the African Union, upholds and promotes the principle of the territorial integrity of States. It is clear that the current developments in Kosovo have serous implications for the international community. South Africa will study their political and legal implications.”

    2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source

27. “My delegation wishes to welcome the President of the Republic of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Tadie, and the Foreign Minister, Mr. Jeremie, to the Council. We thank President Tadie for his briefing to this emergency session, which we fully support. My delegation also wishes to welcome the participation of the Secretary- General in this meeting today. The South African Government has taken note of the unilateral declaration of independence by the assembly of the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government of the Serbian province of Kosovo. We regret that such a step was not taken in conformity with a legal and political process envisaged by Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). Throughout the debates on Kosovo, South Africa has consistently reiterated the principle of peaceful political dialogue in the resolution of conflicts.”

    2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source

28. “The implementation of a comprehensive strategy for assistance and support to the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations staff and related personnel is also important so that all children who are victims of, or born as a result of, such abuse receive support. The reintegration and rehabilitation of all children who have been associated with armed forces or armed groups remains a priority. The international community should therefore continue to provide adequate resources to develop and support national rehabilitation and reintegration programmes that are relevant and effective so as to ensure long-term sustainability and success of such interventions. Those programmes should also take into account the special concerns of girl combatants and girls associated with armed groups.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

29. “The task of monitoring and reporting and the submission of timely and accurate information to the Security Council by the monitoring and reporting mechanism could be enhanced by mainstreaming child protection in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The inclusion of child protection advisers should therefore be considered when reviewing or creating mandates for United Nations peacekeeping operations and political missions. The role of child protection advisers would contribute to more-consistent advocacy 08-2361] and response for the protection of children in situations of armed conflict. Furthermore, a zero-tolerance policy should be implemented with regard to sexual exploitation and abuse committed by United Nations peacekeeping and related personnel.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

30. “Children continue to be targeted with various forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape during armed conflicts. Abductions, the denial of humanitarian access to children and the systematic and deliberate attacks on schools and hospitals by parties to armed conflict have also escalated in certain conflict situations. The cross-cutting nature of the issue of children and armed conflict warrants the attention of the Security Council. The Council should consider giving equal weight to all six categories of grave violations committed against children in situations of armed conflict. Furthermore, the Council should refer to the International Criminal Court for investigation and prosecution all six violations against children in armed conflict that fall within its jurisdiction.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

31. “The Security Council should continue to call upon all parties to armed conflict listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General's report to prepare, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1612 (2005), concrete time-bound action plans to halt the recruitment and use of children and other violations and abuses committed against children in armed conflict. Despite positive developments in the promotion and protection of the rights of children affected by armed conflict, the Secretary-General's report illustrates that armed conflicts continue to have an impact on children around the world. Children continue to be recruited and exploited as child soldiers by parties to armed conflict. Children continue to be killed or maimed in war zones due to the use of indiscriminate weapons such as landmines and cluster munitions.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

32. “Several individuals who have committed grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict have been brought to justice by national, international and special courts and tribunals. A noteworthy achievement has been the delisting of the parties to conflict in Cote d'Ivoire from the annexes to the Secretary-General's report on children and armed conflict (S/2007/757). These parties earned their delisting by ceasing the recruitment of children and taking concerted measures to identify and release children for rehabilitation.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

33. “Let me thank the delegation of Panama for convening this open debate on children and armed conflict. My delegation thanks you, Mr. President, for coming to New York to preside over this meeting as an indication of how your delegation takes this matter in all its seriousness. Allow me also to extend our appreciation to Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, and the Executive Director of UNICEF for their contribution to this meeting today. In the past year important precedents have been set to end impunity for crimes against children, particularly the recruitment and use of children by Government forces and armed groups.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

34. “Nonetheless, there is a window of opportunity for peace through a political dialogue and negotiations and, to support that, through the deployment of a peacekeeping force that can help make a difference. We would like to reiterate the poignant point that peace in the Sudan is indivisible. In that regard, my delegation is pleased that there is a close coordination between the United Nations Mission in Sudan, UNAMID and the work of the Special Envoys. Finally, allow me to bid farewell to Ambassador Mladineo, who I have always called my sister in the Council. Now the rest of my term in the Council will be sisterless, and I think that will be very boring.”

    2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source

35. “All necessary steps should be taken to ensure the security of the civilian population, the displaced people and women and children in Darfur. Conditions should be created to enable humanitarian assistance to reach the sections of the population in need. The situation in Darfur has occupied the attention of the international community for a long time, and we appreciate the efforts of the Secretary-General, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and others in making the issue a priority. My delegation remains concerned that the deterioration in the security situation on the ground and the renewed tensions in the relationship between the Sudan and Chad are complicating the search for a political settlement in Darfur. We continue to stress that a solution in Darfur lies in a political settlement.”

    2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source

36. “Clearly, the success of UNAMID depends on the cooperation of all the parties involved. In this regard, we want to stress the need for ongoing dialogue among the United Nations, the African Union and the Government of Sudan. My delegation remains concerned that the process of generating aviation and ground transportation units has not been successful so far. As has been repeatedly pointed out, these capabilities are indispensable not only for the timely deployment of UNAMID, but also for the implementation of its mandate. We believe that a robust and effective UNAMID will contribute to long-term stability in Darfur. Another major issue of concern is the threat against the civilian population along the border with Chad, along with recent attempts to destabilize the Government of Chad by force.”

    2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source

37. “We call upon the international community to also do everything it can to ensure that everybody joins the peace process without conditions, because the peace talks are a critical element in the solution of the Darfur conflict. We appreciate the progress that has been made so far with regard to the implementation of resolution 1769 (2007), especially the re-hatting of the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), which has been referred to earlier. We urge the United Nations, the African Union and the Government of the Sudan to further accelerate this process and ensure that UNAMID is fully deployed. We commend the progress achieved in the finalization of the status-of-forces agreement.”

    2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source

38. “We note with concern that the earlier fragmentation of various rebel factions has persisted, that not much commitment has been shown by some of them and that some are still putting preconditions on their participation. In this regard, my delegation calls upon the leaders of these rebel movements to join the political process by moving swiftly on their common positions. Clearly, the Security Council should be able to take firm action against those who wilfully delay their participation in these negotiations, choosing instead to engage in violent action against the innocent people of Darfur, who have already suffered more than enough.”

    2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source

39. “For us, the political process is also a key pillar of the peace process in the Sudan. Therefore, its success is just as important to us as everything else that is being done there. For this reason, we welcome the reported progress in terms of the unification efforts of the movements during the course of November and December, but we remain concerned that such coalitions are rather fragile. In fact, having listened closely to Mr. Eliasson, one gets the impression that the political process is going very, very slowly, to say the least. I wonder if, at the end of our meeting, Mr. Eliasson could perhaps suggest ways in which the Council could assist him and Mr. Salim in moving this process forward.”

    2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source

40. “Mr. President, we thank you for conducting this meeting today. Let me welcome Mr. Jan Eliasson, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Darfur, whom some of us prefer to remember fondly as President of the General Assembly. I also welcome Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and thank him for his briefing. I also welcome my boss, Her Excellency Mrs. Lila Ratsifandrihamanana, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, and thank her for her statement. My delegation supports the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy, Mr. Jan Eliasson, and his African Union colleague, Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, in continuing to intensify consultations, engagements and mediation with the Government of Sudan and the non- signatory movements.”

    2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source

41. “However, we remain concerned by the endless Violence plaguing Lebanon. We reiterate the Council's call for inclusive political dialogue in order to foster the unity of all the Lebanese people.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

42. “In this regard, we commend previous regional and international efforts to take the peace process forward, including the Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map. The United Nations, the Security Council in particular, has an obligation to remain committed to assist the respective parties in their quest for a lasting peace. My delegation also wishes to reiterate and recall all Security Council resolutions on this matter, in particular resolution 338 (1973), for the parties to work towards a just and durable peace. Only through a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East that addresses the Syrian and Lebanese tracks as well would this just and durable peace prevail. In conclusion, my delegation takes note of the recent agreement reached by the Arab Foreign Ministers on the composition of the Lebanese National Unity Government.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

43. “South Africa remains ready to assist concretely in this regard, despite its own considerable development challenges. At the recent Paris pledging conference on Palestine, the South African Government announced that it will donate $1 million per annum for capacity- building and humanitarian assistance in Palestine over the next three years. It has also agreed with its partners within the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum to provide an additional $lmillion per year from IBSA funds for the same purposes over the same period. The international community has the duty to assist and support the parties to reach a settlement and also to ensure that political progress is coupled with a change for the better in the lives of Palestinians and Israelis.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

44. “My delegation wishes to reiterate that the pursuit of peace must mean that neither side creates conditions that would undermine possible confidence-building measures. Any process to find a peaceful solution should also translate into parallel progress on the ground. The continuing occupation undermines the credibility of the peace process. South Africa is on record as supporting a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, existing alongside the State of Israel, with both States enjoying secure borders. A Palestinian State will require an adequate physical and services infrastructure along with sufficient financial resources, if it is to function effectively and to successfully address the extensive needs of the Palestinian people.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

45. “In fact, we would have preferred a meeting where all Member States could come and speak on this issue, because we do not believe that the issue at hand belongs only to fifteen Member States and four other invited Member States. Already yesterday, the Office of the Special Coordinator Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in Jerusalem reported that all crossings into Gaza from Israel remain closed, except for fuel imports. This, of course, contradicts the intentions expressed by Israel to ease the border blockade. We learned today from Ambassador Gillerman that about 50 trucks have gone in, but Mr. Pascoe just indicated that there is a backlog of 224 trucks. That is why we believe this issue must always be discussed.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

46. “Try as it might, this Security Council cannot remain silent and hope that the situation in Gaza will change as time goes by, when 1.5 million residents are left without water, electricity and basic sewage systems. We have to remember that the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, has a special responsibility in supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. Allow me to digress and say that my neighbour, Ambassador Sawers of the United Kingdom, raised an important issue about whether such meeting formats are helpful, whether they throw more light or more heat on the situation. I know for a fact that my delegation believes that silence on the situation in the Middle East is more dangerous than even meetings where temperatures and heat might be raised.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

47. “We are, however, deeply concerned that while there is an attempt to begin the process of resolving final status issues, Israel continues its illegal settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, despite its stated commitment at the Annapolis Conference to stop building settlements in the West Bank. The planned expansion of the Har Homa settlement not only expands illegal settlements but also predetermines a solution to the future of Jerusalem. The existing network of hundreds of illegal settlements, military posts, checkpoints and the separation wall already undermine the prospects of achieving a Viable and contiguous Palestinian State and is in clear violation of United Nations resolutions and the Road Map. The situation in occupied Palestine, in particular Gaza, cannot be ignored any longer.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

48. “We are particularly pleased that, in accordance with the understandings reached at Annapolis, Palestinian Chief Negotiator Ahmad Qurei and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni have begun meeting to discuss core issues. The resumption of direct negotiations will hopefully lead to a definitive settlement of the sixty-year-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the foreseeable future. Experience has shown that successful conflict resolution has as its basis the willingness of the parties to negotiate without preconditions. Despite the violence and despair that threatens peaceful change in conflict situations, our belief is that the only alternative is an inclusive negotiated solution.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

49. “We thank you, Mr. President, for convening an open session today, and we also thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Lynn Pascoe, for his briefing. My Government was represented at the Annapolis meeting last November. We had welcomed the initiative of the United Sates for convening the conference which, for the first time, brought together many countries keen to support the peace process in the Middle East. We also welcomed the Joint Understanding reached by the parties. More importantly, we commended the efforts by the parties, Palestine and Israel, who bear the primary responsibility for achieving peace.”

    2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source

50. “The United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, must be committed to assist the respective parties in their quest for lasting peace. Two years after the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the territory of Gaza remains under de facto Israeli occupation. Israel controls Gaza's borders, Gaza's airspace and Gaza's territorial waters. By virtue of its illegal occupation, Israel continues to be bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention. It is for that reason that we call upon the Security Council to send a clear message, through the draft presidential statement before us, that the collective punishment of the people living in Gaza cannot be allowed to continue, as it threatens the peace process that must lead to the creation of a Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as it capital, existing alongside the State of Israel.”

    2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source