YouSaid · the spoken record

Mashabane

lines on the record: 350
first: 2010-01-27
most recent: 2014-11-19
sittings or episodes: 45
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

“My delegation joins others in welcoming the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Mr. Audronius Azubalis, to the Security Council. We wish to thank him for his briefing on the work of the OSCE. Last week, we received a briefing (see S/PV.6477) from the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU) on the EU's cooperation with the United Nations, at which time we reiterated our strong view that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in the area of peace and security was a major priority for us. We welcome all efforts in that regard.”
2011-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6481 (2011) · source
“We should therefore do all that we can to help Somalia achieve the peace and stability that it deserves. The investment of the international community in combating piracy cannot be disproportionate to its efforts to fight the root causes of piracy on land and address Somalia's challenges holistically.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“We wish to state our appreciation for the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in assisting States in the region with respect to prosecutions. South Africa is heartened by the efforts of all States that have taken on the burden of prosecuting alleged pirates, especially our sister countries Kenya, Seychelles and Mauritius. We support the call for States to criminalize piracy in their national jurisdictions. In that regard, assistance should be given to regional States in their efforts to prosecute and imprison pirates. In conclusion, my delegation is of the firm view that with a stable and prosperous Somalia, the challenges of piracy off the coast of that country will be overcome.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“Regarding the legal dimension of piracy in Somalia, we look forward to continued engagement by the Security Council on the options proposed by the Secretary-General and his Special Adviser, Mr. Jack Lang. In considering those proposals, our efforts should be framed by obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the legal framework and parameters applicable to combating piracy and armed robbery at sea, as well as other ocean activities. Any effort to address the multiple challenges of piracy should also seek to build capacity in Somalia's domestic legal system and law enforcement institutions, so that Somalia remains the epicentre of long-term strategies to effectively deal with the scourge of piracy.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“In that regard, my delegation underscores the sentiment expressed in paragraph 81 of the report, in which the Special Adviser states that "eradicating piracy requires the development of economic alternatives so that the 'economy of piracy' does not corrupt the whole of the Somali economic system and to give hope to the young people who too often believe themselves to have no future". South Africa firmly supports the view that addressing the scourge of piracy will require a comprehensive approach that addresses two of the underlying causes of the problem: the illegal dumping of toxic waste and the illegal exploitation of Somali maritime resources. In that regard, we support proposal 17 of the report, in which the Special Adviser calls for the establishment of a committee to investigate illegal fishing and maritime pollution.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“In his report to the Secretary-General, the Special Adviser notes that the counter-piracy effort will be successful only when a series of measures are put in place. We will go further, however, and suggest that the piracy issue will be truly resolved only when the conflict and political challenges in Somalia have been fully addressed. We are pleased that the proposals presented in the report of the Special Adviser go beyond the legal imperatives and also incorporate the economic and preventive dimensions of piracy.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“We thank the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Legal Issues related to Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, Mr. Jack Lang, for his briefing and his comprehensive report (S/201l/30). We also want to express our thanks to Assistant Secretary-General Stephen Mathias for his briefing. We welcome the Special Adviser's recognition that the legal response to piracy must be located within the framework of a comprehensive multidimensional approach. My Government continues to study and review the legal aspects of the report. South Africa remains deeply concerned about the multiple challenges facing Somalia, including piracy off the coast. As we have stated on many occasions, piracy in Somali waters should be addressed Within the broader context of addressing peace and security and the economic and humanitarian challenges facing the country.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“This body must carry out its Charter obligations on the maintenance of international peace and security and decisively deal with this issue.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa, as a product of the solidarity of the international community, believes that the international community owes it to the Palestinian people to deliver them from the illegal Israeli occupation. The resolution of this issue by and large remains a question of political will. It will warrant difficult decisions to be made and implemented, particularly on the part of the Security Council. And if the Security Council is to meet its responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security, its members must be prepared to take those difficult decisions and, more important, to implement them. It 5 can no longer be business as usual when generation after generation of Palestinians are being denied peace, stability, freedom and respect for their human dignity.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The search for a lasting solution will require demonstrable action on the part of all parties, and Israel in particular as the occupier, in taking the process forward and to achieve a lasting peace and security in the region. Current Israeli action does little to build confidence and has ironically served to further frustrate attempts at achieving meaningful negotiations. My delegation is deeply concerned over Israel's ongoing violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and calls for the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). My delegation also calls on Israel to implement resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) with regard to the Syrian Golan Heights. Only through a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East that also addresses the Syrian and Lebanese tracks will a durable and just peace in the region be achieved.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“My delegation remains convinced that the only viable solution to the challenges confronting the region is a political solution based on the creation of a permanent State of Palestine and Israel coexisting peaceably side by side on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, and the implementation of resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003) and 1850 (2008), the Madrid terms of reference and the Arab Peace Initiative, as well as the Quartet Road Map. In this connection, my delegation is of the view that the proximity talks between the parties should result in credible negotiations with the objective of finding a lasting solution to all permanent status issues.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Such actions on the part of Israel, in our view, would build the trust necessary for taking negotiations towards a permanent solution. My delegation notes with concern that, despite Israel's restraint policy, settlement construction continues in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We therefore reiterate our call on Israel to immediately cease the building and expansion of settlements and the 10-45934 continued demolition of Palestinian houses in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which constitute a violation of international law, relevant Security Council resolutions and Israel's obligations under the Road Map.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“However, South Africa reiterates its call for any investigation to be prompt, impartial, credible and transparent, in line with the United Nations recommendations, and, as this action had international ramifications, to be conducted by independent international investigators. South Africa therefore strongly supports the proposal of the Secretary-General for an international investigation that would involve an independent panel and include representatives from Israel and Turkey to investigate this incident. The international community cannot allow such serious violations of international law to go unpunished, which would only serve as a license for further acts of impunity on the part of Israel. In this regard, the Security Council must ensure that Israel upholds its legal obligations under international law.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The illegal blockade of Gaza further serves to seriously undermine the creation of an economically viable Palestinian State. My delegation has always stated that a long-term solution to the challenges facing the region can be achieved only through negotiations. For this to happen, it is essential that a climate of mutual trust and peace be created. South Africa notes that the internal committee set up by the Israeli Government to probe the Israeli attack has concluded its investigations. Although it admits that mistakes were made by the Israeli military, no further action was recommended.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The South African Government therefore calls for the blockade of Gaza to be immediately lifted. This blockade, which has brought untold hardships to the 10-45934 ordinary people of Gaza, has subjected Palestinians to subhuman conditions and is both unconscionable and unsustainable. South Africa, while noting Israel's recent steps towards a shift in policy on Gaza, unequivocally supports the Secretary-General's call for an end to the blockade so that humanitarian assistance, commercial goods and persons can flow through functioning land crossings. The continuance of this blockade deprives ordinary Palestinians of their rights to cross-border trade and movement, limiting the extent to which they can exercise their social and economic rights and inflicting untold suffering and collective punishment on the citizens of Gaza.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Today's debate takes place against the backdrop of the tragic events of 31 May 2010, when Israeli forces attacked a humanitarian aid flotilla headed for Gaza, demonstrating Israel's contempt for international law, and therefore deserving condemnation in the strongest possible terms. The Israeli military assault on the aid flotilla clearly has a negative impact on the search for a lasting solution to the challenges confronting the region and results from the continued illegal blockade of the Gaza strip. In reaction to this incident, we recalled our Ambassador to Israel for consultation and also summoned the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa to register the South African Government's strongest protest at the Israeli Government's attack on the flotilla.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“My delegation should like to thank you, Madam President, for having convened this important and timely debate. I also congratulate you on your able stewardship of the Security Council this month. Undoubtedly, today's debate is a welcome opportunity to underscore once again the importance of finding a solution to the situation in the Middle East and, in particular, the question of Palestine. My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I also take this opportunity to thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing this morning.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The protection of civilians in armed conflict must remain a priority of the United Nations system. My delegation is therefore of the view that finding a common solution to the protection of civilians will require the cooperation of each and every Member State. We also believe that the protection of civilians would be better addressed in partnership with regional mechanisms and that strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations would contribute to tackling common security challenges and ensuring speedy action on the ground. In conclusion, my delegation firmly believes that the protection of civilians would be better ensured by addressing the root causes of conflict and by preventing the outbreak of conflicts in the first instance.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Security Council should also continue to call on all parties to a conflict, including multinational forces authorized by the Council, to uphold their international humanitarian law and human rights obligations and to report on steps taken to ensure the protection of civilians during hostilities. The issue of humanitarian access will require further attention so as to find ways to ensure that those in need of life-saving assistance receive it and that those who provide it do so in a secure environment in which attacks on humanitarian workers are not tolerated. In the case of the occupied Palestinian territories, my delegation strongly urges that the blockade be lifted in order to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, in accordance with the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We therefore unequivocally condemn both deliberate attacks on civilians and the loss of life as a result of the indiscriminate or disproportionate use of force, which is a gross violation of international humanitarian law. As a signatory of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its two Additional Protocols of 1977, South Africa wishes to underline the importance of adhering to the principles contained therein and calls for the full implementation of the commitments made by States parties to those basic tenets of international law. We support the good work done by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies in relation to the promotion and implementation of international humanitarian law.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“For us, the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons represents a major milestone for the continent when it comes to the matter under consideration. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the indiscriminate and excessive use of force, including suicide attacks, have become widespread in certain places, creating an atmosphere of fear aimed at further destabilizing and displacing civilian populations. In other conflict situations, militarily superior parties, including multinational forces, often respond with methods and means of warfare that violate the principles of distinction and proportionality. In such cases it is again civilians who bear the brunt.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In that regard, in deploying peacekeepers, the United Nations must ensure that all parties to a conflict commit to and fulfil their obligations with regard to non-combatants, as provided in the Geneva Conventions. In my delegation's view, that requires the Security Council and peacekeeping missions to operate with great sensitivity to assure the host country that they are there to work with the parties and not to replace the State's authority. It therefore requires a coordinated response by and greater consultation among the Security Council, troop- contributing countries and the Secretariat to ensure that peacekeeping mandates are well defined and peacekeeping missions well equipped and adequately resourced.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“South Africa is of the view that the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, in February this year, was a positive development that reaffirmed the readiness of the United Nations to take action in addressing the plight of women and children when sexual violence has been a major problem or any grave violation has been committed. In recent years, United Nations peacekeeping operations have played an important part in the protection of civilians. In addition, modern-day peacekeeping missions are by and large deployed to address intra-State conflicts, and an increasing number of United Nations peacekeeping operations have a protection mandate.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The issue of the protection of civilians should therefore be approached in a holistic manner. In this 10-43968 context, measures to protect civilians in armed conflict can be viable only if the critical needs of civilians, including their socio-economic needs, are adequately addressed. Crucially, addressing the specific protection needs of women and children must remain a priority matter for the international community, in particular the United Nations system. My delegation therefore reiterates our support for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security and resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict, as well as other relevant resolutions.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In this context, we commend the Council for its commitment to the protection of civilians, especially its adoption of resolution 1894 (2009). South Africa attaches high importance to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. As a country, we have acceded to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols of 1977. These instruments are critical to the issue before us today, as they seek to protect various victims of armed conflict, particularly civilians not involved in hostilities. My delegation recognizes that the protection of civilians is, by its very nature, the primary responsibility of individual Member States. However, the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict has become more complex as various conflicts of different natures have broken out.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We thank you, Madam President, for convening this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I also take this opportunity to congratulate you and the delegation of Nigeria on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. We further welcome the presence and participation of the Secretary-General earlier in today's debate, and we thank the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. John Holmes, as well as the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay, for their briefings to the Council. Since the adoption of resolution 1265 (1999) 10 years ago and of the Geneva Conventions 60 years ago, the Security Council has on many occasions addressed the important issue before us today.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation is of the view that the review of the Peacebuilding Commission will offer yet another opportunity for the international community, and the United Nations in particular, to reflect on these challenges and to position themselves to address peacebuilding in a more integrated and holistic manner.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The international community has to avoid putting countries emerging from conflict into the challenging position of having to graduate from a well-resourced peacekeeping operation to an under-resourced peacebuilding process. It is very important in this regard to devise a funding mechanism that would ensure adequate and sustainable resources to countries emerging from conflict. Financial and flexible donor support is therefore critical to allowing post-conflict States to deal with the myriad challenges that confronts them. The role of the international financial institutions in recognizing the peculiar needs of post-conflict countries and in providing flexible financing can therefore not be overemphasized.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“This, we believe, will ensure ownership and the long-term sustainability of the process. More often than not, countries emerging from conflict are faced with the challenge of a lack or a shortage of the resources needed for immediate reconstruction and development programmes. Ensuring that sufficient resources are mobilized to assist these fragile States is an important investment in the long- term stability and sustainability of the peace process. The international community has been willing to contribute generously to peacekeeping efforts; it is important that this commitment also be carried into the post-conflict peacebuilding phase.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“South Africa believes that the success of peacebuilding must be directly linked to measurable impacts and concrete deliverables on the ground. These should include the improvement of socio-economic and security conditions. As such, the priorities in the post- conflict environment should centre around four basic pillars of post conflict reconstruction: security sector reform, socio-economic development, justice and reconciliation, and good governance and inclusive participatory systems. Peacebuilding can be successful only when it is done with the Governments concerned; it cannot be done on behalf of a Government or a country. National ownership must therefore be ensured by aligning peacebuilding activities with the national priorities of the Government concerned.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“An integrated approach that incorporates early peace building activities during the start up of peacekeeping missions is required to create, maintain and sustain peace. This will ensure the early delivery of peace dividends, which is critical to sustaining and consolidating the peace process. In this regard, integrated peace missions have an important role to play in maximizing the impact of the United Nations response on the ground. Our experience in African peace missions has shown that peace agreements alone are not sufficient to bring stability to a country and that the holding of successful elections does not on its own ensure long- term stability. Effective communication and inclusive dialogue between national actors and the civilian population are critical to building confidence in the peace process.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission almost five years ago by both the General Assembly and the Security Council was a step in the right direction in an effort to address the challenges of preventing countries emerging from conflict from relapsing into conflict. The critical role of peacebuilding, therefore, is both to consolidate the gains achieved as a result of the peace process and to prevent relapse into conflict. South Africa is of the view that peacekeeping operations have an important role to play in early peacebuilding efforts and as such should create an environment conducive to establishing the foundations for sustainable development, the rule of law and good governance. Peacekeeping and peacebuilding should therefore not be viewed as linear, sequential processes.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, for organizing this important debate on post-conflict peacebuilding. This debate is opportune and takes place at a time when the general membership of the United Nations is seized with the review of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). In that regard, the views of Member States will be critical as we take these discussions forward. Allow me also to welcome the presence and participation earlier today at this important meeting of the Secretary-General, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Afghanistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Minister of Defence of Sierra Leone and the Minister of Justice of Timor-Leste. South Africa wishes to associate itself with the statement to be delivered by the Ambassador of Bangladesh on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Meaningful action to bring about peace in the Middle East and the realization of Palestine's legitimate expectation of statehood is required. Israel must be held accountable for its actions. Action on the part of the Security Council, which shoulders the noble responsibility of securing international peace and security, would certainly be a step in that direction.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa maintains that the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, existing side by side the State of Israel within the 4 June, 1967, armistice borders, as well as the complete withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as encompassed in resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), along with a guarantee of the right of return of all Palestinian refugees as set forth in General Assembly resolution 194 (III), is the only means of finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the conflict in the Middle East. In this regard, mere words and good will from the international community are no longer good enough.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“My delegation welcomes the recent meeting of the Quartet held on 19 March 2010 in Moscow and the ongoing efforts of the Government of the United States of America to launch proximity talks that should lead to negotiations with a view towards resolving all final status issues.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“South Africa is deeply concerned about Israel's prohibition of the importation of construction materials into Gaza, which undermines and negatively impacts reconstruction efforts following the devastating and destructive attacks on Gaza. As an occupying Power, Israel has specific and clear obligations under international law. The international community's demand that Israel end the illegal blockade, which has exacerbated the suffering of ordinary civilians, must complied with. The blockade and the restrictions imposed are in Violation of international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and contrary to the will of the international community, as expressed in resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1515 (2003) and in the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We therefore call on Israel to cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory immediately and to abstain from further actions in East Jerusalem that could lead to an escalation of violence in the region. My delegation also notes with concern the activities and policies of the Israeli Government and its military forces aimed at creating a new reality on the ground. These provocative and defiant actions of the occupying Power - as witnessed in its settlement policies, recent orders threatening the deportation of thousands of Palestinians, aerial raids on Palestinian areas and the illegal blockade on Gaza - continue to cause suffering and destruction and adversely impact health and educational services and the socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Palestine.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The South African Government has noted with concern Israel's recent settlement announcement regarding East Jerusalem and its decision to declare the holy shrines in Hebron and Bethlehem in the West Bank as national heritage sites. South Africa maintains that these settlement activities and the decision by Israel regarding these holy shrines in two West Bank cities erode trust and threaten the peace process. These actions by Israel constitute yet another attempt to extend its control over the West Bank and create a new reality on the ground. South Africa reiterates that these actions on the part of Israel make a resumption of negotiations in the stalled Middle East peace process difficult and undercut the confidence and trust required to take the process forward.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As we meet here today, the insecurity in the Middle East continues to affect the occupied Palestinian territories and the State of Israel, as well as the Middle East region as a whole. This insecurity is the result of the continued illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory by the State of Israel, the continuation of the unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip, the unlawful settlement activities within the occupied territories of Palestine, the failure to address the legitimate right of return of Palestinian refugees in the diaspora, as well as the continuation of retaliatory Qassam rocket attacks from the Palestinian territory into Israel. These activities are compounded by the failure to achieve a negotiated settlement with respect to the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Allow me, Sir, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council during the month of April. I would like to join others in expressing our sincere condolences to the People's Republic of China on the loss of life caused by the earthquake. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We also wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in the Middle East. As we have stated many times before, it is our strong view that the Security Council should shoulder its responsibility in this matter in a fair, just and consistent manner.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298Resumption1 (2010) · source
“For its part, South Africa will continue to support all efforts of the concerned parties and the international community. South Africa can only hope that, as we begin the second decade of the twenty-first century, the international community, including the Security Council, will do its best to assist the people of Palestine to achieve their long-held aspiration to self- determination, independence and freedom.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, the international community, and the Security Council in particular, have an obligation to protect the weak, promote peace and seek a lasting solution to this long-standing conflict. The absence of long-lasting peace therefore demands that we redouble our efforts to achieve this goal. Likewise, the Palestinian and Israeli people and Governments have the responsibility and duty to create a climate conducive to resuming negotiations without delay. It remains our view that the crisis in the Middle East region cannot be resolved outside of the resolution of the Palestinian question. Therefore, it is critical that all efforts be geared towards a lasting solution to the unwavering struggle of the Palestinian people for self- determination, peace, human rights and prosperity.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“To this end, the continued blockade imposed on Gaza has dire humanitarian consequences for ordinary Palestinians, their economic livelihood and the reconstruction of Gaza. We call on Israel to immediately lift this blockade and open the border crossings to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. With regard to the separation wall, we have always been of the view that its existence does not constitute a legitimate security measure, and we wish to express our disappointment that the Government of Israel has yet to comply with the findings of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the construction of a wall in the occupied Palestinian territory. Equally, the ongoing home demolition programme constitutes a serious violation of international law.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Is it not about time that this body, the Council, in accordance with its mandate, consider concrete and practical steps towards the resolution of the Middle East situation, in particular the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Debates have been conducted, statements made and resolutions adopted on the situation in the Middle East, but no meaningful progress has been made thus far. South Africa condemns the continued illegal Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and the facts being created on the ground, which could prejudice the final status negotiations and present an obstacle to the peace process. It is therefore the view of South Africa that the continuing illegal Israeli settlement activities in Gaza and East Jerusalem do not help the situation insofar as the negotiations on the final status are concerned.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We are concerned about the continuing impasse in negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli leadership, and therefore call on the parties to create conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations. The ongoing military occupation of the Palestinian territory and Arab territories and the denial of self-determination to the Palestinian people are the primary sources of insecurity and instability in the Middle East. South Africa reaffirms its support for Palestine's right to self-determination and independence and will continue to pledge our support for the implementation of international initiatives, including the Arab Peace Initiative, the relevant Security Council resolutions and the principle of land for peace.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“South Africa maintains that the creation of a viable and independent Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, existing alongside the State of Israel within secure and internationally recognized borders, as well as the complete withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, are the only means of finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict. This is in line with international agreements, including a number of Security Council resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid conference, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative. To realize this objective, the Governments and peoples of Israel and Palestine have to refrain from activities that could jeopardize or derail the peace process.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“They also come in the wake of the report of the United Nations Fact- Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (A/HRC/l2/48) and the subsequent resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly that indicate that impunity for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law cannot and will not be tolerated. We therefore reiterate our call on all parties concerned to implement the recommendations of the Fact-Finding Mission. These hostile activities and disproportionate use of force pose a serious obstacle to achieving a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the Palestinian question.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“However, as reported here today and as evidenced by the recent Israeli air strikes in Gaza, peace still eludes the Middle East. My Government has noted with concern the latest round of Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip and has registered its condemnation in the strongest possible terms. Those obstructionist actions on the part of Israel are hostile to the concerted efforts to achieve a negotiated solution to the conflict in the Middle East. We therefore maintain that there can be no military solution to the conflict. Those actions are yet again proof of Israel's disregard for international law, and they fuel the growing international frustration.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“My delegation welcomes the opportunity to participate once again in the Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Allow me to extend our congratulations to you, Mr. President, for the able manner in which you have steered the Council's work during this month. We also wish to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs for his briefing today. At the outset my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. For over 60 years the question of Palestine has been on the agenda of the Security Council. During that period a number of important resolutions have been passed and many peace processes initiated.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source