YouSaid · the spoken record

Mekdad

lines on the record: 597
first: 2001-03-19
most recent: 2006-06-14
sittings or episodes: 87
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I shall try my best, while seeking to avoid repeating what other speakers have said, to stress the most important among them so as to point to those issues that are of the greatest interest. Obviously, this is Syria's first month as a Council member and we feel that this meeting is the right opportunity to assess it. We believe that it was a rich and productive month, thanks to careful planning by the presidency and to the fact that all points of view represented on this Council were taken into account. I must say that we are satisfied by the work undertaken by the Security Council, particularly vis-a-vis the situation in Africa and the importance accorded to that issue. This emphasis has restored the question of the situation in Africa to the international arena.”
2002-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4466 (2002) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): My delegation would like to join in the expressions of thanks and appreciation made by previous speakers. I pay special tribute to the Foreign Minister of Mauritius for his generous contribution not only to the meeting devoted to the situation in Africa, but also during the discussion and adoption of some important decisions in the Security Council. We believe that his presence imparted greater importance and emphasis to those debates and decisions. We also wish to thank your entire team, Sir, for the way in which it assumed the responsibilities of leading the work of the Council and of consulting other members. It is difficult to underline all the important missions you have undertaken since assuming the presidency of the Council. They have indeed been numerous and great.”
2002-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4466 (2002) · source
“We agree with the observation in paragraph 44 of the report of the Secretary-General that UNMIK is reaching a critical stage in the implementation of its mandate and that the next phase will require careful management and the continued, strong commitment of the international community.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“In that connection, we entirely agree with the representatives of Mexico and of Singapore about the importance of education in bringing together the people of Kosovo so that conflict can be brought to an end. Let me also mention the question of reviewing the duration of UNMIK's mandate with a view to making a genuine tangible improvement in the lives of the people of Kosovo. We pay tribute to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo for its achievements during a critical phase in its mandate. UNMIK is working to encourage and assist with self-government in line with the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“My delegation further welcomes the signing of the Common Document, which will provide a solid foundation for relations between UNMIK and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Because security in Kosovo is a very important issue, we agree with the statement in paragraph 43 of the report that UNMIK and KFOR will do what they can to eliminate weapons and prevent violence. Here, the newly elected Assembly members have a particular responsibility to create conditions conducive to coexistence among the various sectors of the Kosovo population. Those Assembly members must also create conditions conducive to improving inter-communal relations and promoting reconciliation, which must begin in the Assembly in order to set an example for the entire population of Kosovo.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“That would also help ensure security and the establishment of authority. The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic wishes also to note its pleasure at the November election of the Kosovo Assembly; we are glad that this was generally considered a success. As the report notes, no party gained enough seats in the Assembly to govern alone, and a coalition must now be formed, bringing together several of the Kosovo parties. That coalition would represent all the sectors and groups in Kosovo in a balanced manner, and would be able to take the reins of self-government. It would carry out legislative and executive functions, ensure the return of refugees and displaced persons, and make sure that security and stability are provided in Kosovo.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): We welcome the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)(S/2002/62), submitted pursuant to resolution 1244 (1999). My delegation also thanks Mr. Guehenno for his introduction of the report and for his very detailed briefing on the situation in Kosovo. Further, my delegation welcomes the election of a legislature and the subsequent efforts to forge a governing majority in Kosovo. We thank UNMIK for having made internal adjustments for the handover of significant powers to the provisional institutions of self-government and for having ensured that the incoming administration will have a fully funded budget so that it can discharge all of the responsibilities that will fall to it at the end of the United Nations mandate.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“I reaffirm in conclusion that our struggle and resistance against Israeli occupation of Arab territories are a just and legitimate struggle by the terms of the Charter and international legitimacy.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453Resumption1 (2002) · source
“That reflects confidence that we cherish and provides our response to the claims of the representative of Israel. We affirm to all present that we will most assuredly strive to be worthy of that confidence. In short, let me reiterate on behalf of the Syrian Arab Republic that Syria, as it always has been, is prepared to work with every country in the world, from East to West, from North to South, to fight terrorism and to eradicate the scourge it represents. We are prepared to do this immediately and unconditionally. We have made that intention clear to all who have visited Damascus. We are engaged in close cooperation with all countries that have requested and sought such cooperation.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The representative of Israel takes pleasure in calling them terrorists, while they have been victims of Israeli terror since 1948. We in Syria have only information and social offices that represent the Palestinian people and those who have been displaced. The members of the international community have made clear their confidence in Syria: by more than the required majority, they elected Syria to membership of the Security Council. Syria did not succeed in that election by meeting Israel's criteria for success: occupation, killing, terrorism and destruction. At any rate, we do not believe that Israel is in the best position to claim to speak for the international community. Looking at this from another perspective, all delegations that spoke in the Council today warmly congratulated us on our accession to membership of the Council.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): My delegation would like to reply briefly to the unfounded claims contained in the statement made by the representative of Israel. It is well known that Israel was the party that brought terrorism to the Middle East, and I find no reason to recall - especially given that we are here in the Security Council Chamber - the millions of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, the Qana massacre, the Sabra and Shatila massacre and the massacre of the Cave of the Patriarchs, among others, let alone the continued Israeli occupation of Arab territories. Once again, we ask, if this is not terrorism, what is it? Syria aids, assists and gives shelter to about a half million Palestinian refugees.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In many briefings and statements to the press, Ambassador Greenstock, as Chairman of the Counter- Terrorism Committee, has affirmed that the purpose of the Committee can be summed up as promoting and supporting the activities of Member States in the fight against terrorism and as providing the necessary material and technical support and advice to countries that need this to formulate their own anti-terrorism legislation and measures. The purpose of the Committee is not to level accusations at States, individuals or institutions on specific issues or to adopt rulings against them. Syria fully agrees with Ambassador Greenstock's vision, and affirms that it will cooperate with him and with the other States members of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and of the United Nations on the basis of that understanding.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“It states its readiness to cooperate with the United Nations in combating terrorism in conformity with the United Nations Charter, with international legitimacy and with the fundamental principle of national sovereignty. The Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee has adopted many detailed measures pursuant to the provisions of resolution 1373 (2001), including guidelines for States on the preparation of their reports under paragraph 6 of that resolution. Here, Syria, as a member of the Committee, will cooperate with other members in discussing the reports submitted by States with the greatest possible sense of responsibility, integrity and impartiality and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter and international law.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“On that basis, Syria has been in the forefront of States that have responded to resolution 1373 (2001) by submitting reports pursuant to paragraph 6 of that resolution. Since the resolution did not define terrorism, Syria has based its report on its obligations under the 1998 Arab Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, which clearly distinguished between terrorism and legitimate struggle against foreign occupation. That is consistent with international anti- terrorism agreements to which Syria is a party and with Security Council resolution 1333 (2000). In its report, Syria stresses its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, along with its commitment to international legitimacy.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“A just and comprehensive peace in the region must be based on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and on the principle of land for peace. These must be the first steps towards bringing peace and security to all in the region. Threats of force against any Arab or Islamic country are unacceptable; we reject them; they do not serve the goal of combating terrorism. They make the situation in the area more complicated and more volatile and have a negative impact on economic and social development in that very important region, a region that needs genuine support from the international community. Syria calls for more effective international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations to put an end to terrorism, as an important and necessary step towards putting an end to the ongoing threat.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“It is regrettable that the Security Council, which has a Charter responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and which today is deliberating the fight against international terrorism, has not yet denounced Israeli State terrorism or repeated Israeli violations of international humanitarian law and of the United Nations Charter. We all know the reason for that silence. Seeing with one eye means seeing only half of the truth. Terrorism, wherever it may be, must be dealt with in a unified way. The reason for everything taking place in the Middle East is the continued Israeli occupation of Arab territories and Israel's denial of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“That is not very different from the scene at the World Trade Center, which was destroyed by the terrorists whom we have all agreed here to fight and eliminate. If those Israeli crimes are not terrorism, what else can they be? The greatest danger we face in our fight against terrorism is the Israeli interpretation of combating terrorism and of resolutions of international legitimacy, which is based on a pretext of self-defence. What kind of self-defence is this which permits occupation, settlements, killing and destruction?”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Here, Arab Ministers for Foreign Affairs, at their special meeting held at Cairo on 20 December 2001, stated that "Israel's attempt to link its assassinations and oppression aimed against the Palestinian people to the events of 11 September is a flagrant attempt to hoodwink international public opinion, to cloak Israeli acts of terrorism, to promote and deepen the hatred between Arabs and the United States, and to undermine the peace process." The crimes committed daily by Israel against the Palestinian people are war crimes; their perpetrators must be brought to justice. Here, we must recall the sight of dozens of Palestinian houses demolished by Israeli tanks a few days ago in the Rafah camp.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Nowadays, there are some who, unfortunately, choose to criticize and cast doubt on United Nations achievements in the elimination and ending of colonialism. But it goes further than that: there are those who deliberately disregard the Charter and the resolutions of the United Nations. We reaffirm here that foreign occupation is the most brutal form of terrorism; therefore, resistance to foreign occupation- especially Israeli occupation of Arab territories in Palestine, the Syrian Golan and southern Lebanon - constitutes legitimate struggle.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Syria has always stressed the importance of working at all levels to combat international terrorism and of doing so in a manner consistent with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. Syria has signed agreements with many other States to combat transnational crime, with a view to coordinating joint action against terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and money-laundering. The relevant authorities are now engaged in the legal procedures necessary for the signature of remaining United Nations anti-terrorism conventions. Syria is a party to the Arab Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, and made an effective contribution to the adoption of the Convention of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on Combating International Terrorism.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“He has indicated that Syria has long held that position and that Syrian policy on this matter has been unchanged for decades. President Al-Assad has taken note of the confusion regarding use of that term throughout the world, and has said that it is natural for States to differ in their views and concepts, but that all States must agree on an understanding of the facts as they are and on the universal use of consistent criteria in addressing this situation. President Al-Assad has also said that it is necessary to analyse the causes and reasons of the increasing spread of terrorist acts throughout the world rather than approaching the issue from the standpoint of the results to which these have led.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Member States of the Non-Aligned Movement supported this Syrian call, as did the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the League of Arab States. Many other countries of the world were sympathetic to this invitation as well. The validity of the Syrian proposal is reflected in the fact that many prominent individuals, including writers and politicians, are calling upon the United Nations and the international community at large to do what Syria called upon them to do several years ago: to formulate a definition of terrorism in order to mobilize all States in effectively combating terrorism. The President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Bashar Al-Assad, has unequivocally stated Syria's denunciation of terrorist acts.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Because it targeted innocent civilians, it violated the fundamental right to live in security and peace and contradicted the religious, spiritual and humanitarian values that we all believe in. The Member States of the United Nations know that Syria's fight against terrorism did not start with the events of 11 September. We trust that all countries will recall that Syria was the first country to submit specific proposals to the General Assembly, through its Ad Hoc Committee on Terrorism, in a serious effort to put an end to the threat of terrorism. In 1986, the late President Hafez al-Assad called for an international conference in which Member States would participate in a discussion of terrorism, to define it and distinguish it from the just struggle of people to free themselves from foreign occupation.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Permit us also to express our gratitude and sincere thanks for the tireless efforts made by Sir Jeremy Greenstock, the Chairman of the Counter- Terrorism Committee, to implement the provisions of the resolution. My delegation is pleased to join its voice to the statement that will later be made by the Permanent Representative of the sister State of Morocco before the Council on behalf of the League of Arab States. My country attaches great importance to the discussion of terrorism, whose great impact on security and peace in the world makes it a very pressing matter. We must never forget the tragic events of 11 September, and we wish again to express our strong condemnation of the brutal crime that claimed many innocent civilians in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Mr. President, permit me to express at the outset my appreciation for the efforts you have made to hold this meeting on measures taken by the Security Council to combat international terrorism within the framework of implementing resolution 1373 (2001) and for making our deliberations a success. Allow me also to express our sincere appreciation for the presence of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, at this open and important meeting of the Security Council. I would also like to express our sadness upon learning of the departure of Ambassador Jorge Navarrete, because this is a great loss for us all. I am pleased to express our sincere hopes for his success in his future endeavours at the next stage of his career.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“The time has come to act stoutly by adopting positions that can attain the fundamental objectives and fulfil the task of the Security Council: the maintenance of international peace and security throughout the world, including Somalia.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Syria believes that a Security Council mission to evaluate the situation on the ground and to prepare specific proposals would help to ensure a more effective role for the United Nations and the Security Council in helping the Government to extend its control over all Somalia. We believe that such assistance includes the deployment of an international peace-building mission to help the Transitional National Government, which would make a real and effective contribution and demonstrate the international community's resolve to end the crisis in Somalia. The Somali people has suffered for a very long time. The Security Council must not stop at merely hearing reports and statements or at adopting resolutions that remain dead letter and unimplemented on the ground.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In the light of the importance of achieving peace in Somalia and of preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Syrian Arab Republic is following with satisfaction the efforts of the Transitional National Government in Somalia. We call on all factions and sectors in that country to cooperate with the Government through a constructive national dialogue aimed at restoring peace, security and stability to Somalia. Syria appeals to all donor States to provide all forms of assistance to that Government in order to enable it to revitalize the institutions that were demolished in the civil war and to rebuild the country's infrastructure in order to achieve normalcy in the lives of the Somali people.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It accurately reflects the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation, as well as the dire need of tens of thousands of Somalis for speedy humanitarian assistance to save them from certain death. In several paragraphs, the report stresses that dire poverty, the lack of employment opportunities and the total destruction of infrastructures and social services cannot be addressed in the absence of appropriate material and financial resources. The report states that many programmes linked to the Transitional National Government have obtained no assistance from international donors, including United Nations agencies.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this context, the 37th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), held in Lusaka, reaffirmed the commitment of the OAU to Somalia's territorial integrity, independence and unity. The OAU Council of Ministers stressed its support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and for all efforts to create a National Commission for Reconciliation and Property Settlement. My delegation has considered the Secretary- General's report on the situation in Somalia, contained in document S/2001/963 of 11 October 2001. We thank the Secretary-General and his Representative for their efforts in support of the Somali people. The report includes a great deal of information on the various developments that have taken place in Somalia since last year.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In solidarity with our brothers, the Somali people, the Arab Summit held in Amman on 26 and 27 March adopted a resolution calling on all factions and sectors of Somali society to cooperate to their utmost ability with the elected President and his Government to achieve security and stability and to ensure the territorial integrity, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Somalia. The Arab Summit set aside $54 million to reintegrate and resettle militia members and to restore state institutions. The Transitional National Government has made great efforts at various levels to ensure national reconciliation and to attract regional and world support for its work.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Syrian Arab Republic welcomed the achievements of the representatives of the Somali people, who created the Transitional National Assembly and elected Mr. Abdikassim Salad Hassan President of the Somali Democratic Republic. In his statement during the general debate of the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session, Mr. Farouk Al-Shara', Minister for Foreign Affairs of Syria, stated that these two achievements were major pillars for the restoration of Somali state institutions. He called on the international community to redouble its efforts to help Somalis carry out the tasks of reconstruction and rehabilitation.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Somali people continue to suffer the scourge of war and its destructive effects. Dozens of resolutions and decisions of the United Nations addressing other conflicts and wars were not reduplicated in the case of Somalia. Where was Somalia when the United Nations and its various organs set out their positions on peacekeeping, post-conflict peace-building and the need to end massacres and violations of human rights? In all the devastation Visited upon Somalia, there was a glimpse of hope in the success of the Conference held in Arta, in the sister Republic of Djibouti, and presided over by President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The Conference drew together broad segments of Somali society.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“All statements before the Security Council today have been unanimous in stressing the need for more attention on the part of the international community, and the United Nations, in particular, to the continuing difficult situation in Somalia. The Syrian Arab Republic believes that the ongoing tragedy of the brotherly Somali people ought to have come to an end long, long ago. The ciVil war visited upon Somalia for so many years has led to devastation in all fields: humanitarian, security, economic, social and cultural. While the international community and the United Nations have made strenuous efforts to find solutions to similar problems in other parts of the world - Africa, the Balkans and Asia - we note that the situation in Somalia has not received the necessary attention over the past decade.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): It is my pleasure, Sir, to congratulate your friendly country, Ireland, and to congratulate you personally on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We thank you for providing this opportunity to Member States to deliberate once again on current developments in Somalia with a View to finding a solution to the tragedy of the Somali people, who for so long have suffered war and its destructive effects. Allow us also to express our appreciation to Ambassador Levitte, the Permanent Representative of France, for his presidency of the Security Council last month. Allow us also to express our pleasure at the presence of the Prime Minister of the Transitional National Government in Somalia and his delegation, who are with us.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Our people, who were instrumental in building human civilization, are a freedom-loving people who support the principles of sovereignty and independence. They cannot accept injustice, insults or subjugation to Israeli terrorism. Peace requires justice, and Israel cannot bring about peace and security with its continued occupation of Arab territories. And peace, as I would emphasize once again, is the only road to security.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“The Syrian Arab Republic, which opened the way for the Middle East peace process, would like to reiterate once again the Council's continuing obligation to bring about a comprehensive and just peace in the region, which should be its strategic option. I should like also to reiterate that the Council should take all the necessary measures to see that its relevant resolutions are implemented, in particular resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), as well as any measures leading to a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian occupied territories, in order to bring about a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East. Israel's longstanding policy of repression and aggression shows no sign of ending.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“This has caused the situation in the Palestinian territories to deteriorate and has increased tensions, reflecting the real intentions of the Israeli Government. The Arab Foreign Ministers, in a communique dated 12 March 2001, called upon the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and to take the necessary measures to protect the Palestinian people and to prevent any further deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Foreign Ministers called on the Security Council to adopt the necessary resolutions to form an international protection force for the Palestinian people and to dispatch it, as urgently as possible, to the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“The Syrian Arab Republic would like here to reiterate its unreserved support for the struggle of the heroic Palestinian people and for the realization of their inalienable rights, including the right to return, the right to self-determination, and the right to establish an independent state on their national soil, with Jerusalem as its capital. The measures taken by Israel in the West Bank and the Gaza strip, which have led to the partitioning of the West Bank into 43 cantons and the Gaza strip into four cantons, are inhuman measures whose main objective is to restrict the mobility of Palestinian citizens and to entrench the suffocating economic blockade, with a View to subjugating the Palestinian people and to starving them.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“It claimed to be preparing to implement those internationally binding resolutions calling upon it to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories, but in fact its proposed solutions were a far cry from those resolutions, as it wants to continue its occupation and hegemony; maintain control of occupied Arab territories and Arab holy sites; and continue with its repression of Arab citizens, stripping them of their freedom, sovereignty and dignity. The peace to which all Arabs aspire - as do all other peace-loving peoples of the world - is one that would restore to the Arabs their occupied territories through Israel's full withdrawal to the line of 4 June 1967.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“The peace process is at a standstill on all its tracks, because Israel continues to occupy Arab territories, to reject international legitimacy, to flout resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and to refuse to implement the principle of land for peace. We are in strong agreement with what was said in the Council last Thursday: that the fall of the previous Israeli Government was the result of what the peace process has actually achieved. This is very true, because the previous Israeli Government's policy was simply to talk about peace, not to take any concrete steps to achieve it.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“It describes the situation faced by the Palestinians in Hebron in this way: "When night falls on Hebron, it marks the beginning of another night of fear and trepidation for the Palestinian people in that divided city. The night passes in the hope that we will see a new dawn that will be more merciful to those people and to their children, who spend their nights weeping in terror." Year by year, day by day, the Middle East peace process has since the Madrid conference been losing momentum and motivation. It is very clear to all who are interested in peace, within our region or outside it, that Israel's continued occupation of the Arab territories - under the pretext of a pathological need for security and on the basis of false allegations - is the main impediment to the achievement of peace.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“Are we waiting for hundreds or thousands more Palestinians to be killed, or for thousands more to be injured and permanently disabled? Are we waiting for more Palestinian homes to be destroyed and their owners displaced? Are we waiting for the uprooting of thousands more fruit trees and the destruction of their environment, and for the land to be turned into a wasteland? In practice, permitting Israel to continue its policies means Palestinian genocide. The Sunday Times newspaper published an article by its correspondent in Palestine; this was reprinted in the magazine Al-Insaan, published by the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“A document published by the United States organization International Action Center indicates that Israel has actually used depleted-uranium munitions against Palestinian civilians and Palestinian institutions. That United States organization stresses that it has proof that the Israeli forces have used munitions of that kind. Over these four months, more than 400 children, women and other innocent civilians have been martyred as a result of Israel's policy to kill, and more than 15,000 have been injured; these people suffer from permanent disabilities that may affect them for the rest of their lives. What, then, is this international organization waiting for before it adopts a serious resolution that will put an end to all such Israeli practices?”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“These are unique in the modern world in terms of violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and especially of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949. What is taking place in the towns and villages of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in full view of the world is a terrible massacre, in the fullest meaning of that word. It is, in fact, methodical genocide. As they lie asleep in their homes, as they walk in the street, as they express their inherent right to reject Israeli occupation and its continued repression, Palestinians - women, children and old people - are being killed by the aircraft, tanks and missiles of the Israeli forces.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“Said Ben Mustapha, Permanent Representative of brotherly Tunisia, for his wise guidance of the Council's work last month. My delegation endorses the statement made here last Thursday by the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group. Our return to the Security Council today to speak of the tragic situation faced by the Palestinian people reflects our firm belief that it is important for the Council to shoulder its responsibilities under the Charter and in the light of the resolutions it has adopted over many years with a View to resolving the explosive situation in the Middle East, which poses a threat to international peace and security. It is also a result of Israel's stubborn determination to use brutal military force, and of its disdain for the Palestinians.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic congratulates you, Sir, and your friendly country, Ukraine, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. We wish you every success as you shoulder the important responsibilities of the presidency. We moreover thank you, Sir, and the other members of the Security Council for your speedy response to the request by the Arab Group and by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to convene an urgent Council meeting to discuss escalated repressive Israeli practices and measures against Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories. My delegation wishes also to commend your predecessor, His Excellency Mr.”
2001-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption2 (2001) · source