YouSaid · the spoken record

Mitri

lines on the record: 202
first: 2006-07-31
most recent: 2014-08-27
sittings or episodes: 14
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

“On 31 October, the Government began to allow families to return to Bani Walid. The fate of those detained following the cessation of fighting is of considerable gravity, particularly given Libya's unresolved detention-related issues over the past year. While the President and Prime Minister provided assurances that all detainees would be placed under the authority of the judiciary, I stressed the need to institute measures to properly account for them and ensure they were treated humanely and afforded fair trials. UNSMIL will continue to follow up on the situation of detainees. In response to allegations of looting and burning of homes and other human rights violations, the GNC established a fact-finding committee to look into the alleged events.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“I was encouraged by their assurances that measures had been instituted to restore public order and minimize retaliatory acts against residents or their property, as well as for the regular army and police to replace the brigades. I also offered my good offices and met with Bani Walid delegations, Government officials, GNC members and members of political forces, with the aim of avoiding an exacerbation of tensions between regions and the spillover of violence to other areas. As conditions permitted, UNSMIL and the United Nations country team conducted four missions around and inside Bani Walid in order to assess the needs of the tens of thousands of internally displaced persons and to provide assistance. UNSMIL also dispatched a team to assist the regular army in undertaking munitions clearance.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“On 24 October, the authorities declared military operations in Bani Walid over and announced that the Libyan army had taken control of the city. The Government also announced plans for ensuring security, restoring public order and replacing brigades with units from the Libyan army. Additional days were required for the army to assume control amid reports of looting and the burning of some homes. In meetings with the President and the Prime Minister, I strongly conveyed the concerns of the United Nations and the international community with regard to the protection of civilians and urged the return of the displaced families in the shortest time possible while ensuring basic services.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“UNSMIL has offered the GNC's Constitutional Committee technical support on selection criteria and the subsequent working process. We shall make ourselves available to provide legal and other technical assistance, as needed and as requested by the authorities. We will continue to urge the GNC to consult widely and move swiftly on the process of drafting a constitution. On 23 October, the Council was briefed on the situation in Bani Walid, a major concern and thorny issue for the GNC and the Government over the past week. During a speech on Liberation Day, the GNC President conceded that mediation efforts had failed and that a military solution was inevitable in order to extend the State's authority to Bani Walid and arrest those acting outside of the law. He pledged that every effort would be made to protect the civilian population.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“In the area of institution-building, the United Nations will continue to work closely with the GNC and the new Cabinet, as we did previously with the National Transitional Council and the previous Government. Workshops have been organized for the GNC to share the best practices of parliamentary systems across the globe. The United Nations also launched its second phase of a three-month training for trainers of civil society representatives on civic education, including constitution-making. With the formation of the new Government, the major task ahead for the GNC is to intensify consultations and reach decisions regarding the constitutional process, starting with the establishment of the constitutional commission. The GNC is working towards clarifying the mechanism by which members of the commission are to be selected.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“The Prime Minister said that Libya wants its relations with the international community to be based on mutual respect and cooperation and to promote international peace and security, and expressed the wish to build constructive relations with regional States in a manner that preserves security and promotes common interests. The Prime Minister indicated that Libya's priorities will be internal affairs, security-related issues in particular, but also reconstruction and economic development. The Prime Minister affirmed that, despite the challenges, Libya is making progress, and he expressed the hope that the international community would understand the magnitude of the challenges faced by the State and support its efforts in confronting them. He welcomed the proposals for technical assistance that UNSMIL had submitted for his consideration.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“On 1 November, I issued a statement welcoming the formation of the new Government and wishing it success in addressing the many challenges the new Libya is facing, including in building security institutions, promoting national reconciliation and upholding the rule of law. I met with Prime Minister Ali Zeidan to convey the United Nations commitment to working with the new Government, with particular emphasis on the support of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to the security sector and transitionaljustice.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“On 30 October, Prime Minister-elect Zeidan presented his Cabinet of three Deputy Prime Ministers, 27 Ministers and two Ministers without portfolio to the GNC. In forming that Cabinet, he sought inclusive political and regional participation. A large majority of GNC members voted for the Cabinet following the commitment of the Prime Minister that any Ministers who did not meet the standards of the Commission for Integrity and Patriotism would be promptly replaced. While it was generally well received across Libya, a small number of protestors disrupted the GNC proceedings, delaying the vote until the following day.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“Let me first turn to the formation of the new Government, which was completed on 31 October. During the briefing on 12 September, Council members were informed that the General National Congress (GNC) had voted to elect Mustafa Abushagur as Prime Minister-elect. Mr. Abushagur presented Cabinet nominations on 3 October and withdrew the list on 4 October, submitting a revised "crisis Cabinet" on 7 October. The GNC voted to reject the Cabinet and called for Mr. Abushagur to step down. The GNC, mindful of the political vacuum created and the need to move quickly, initiated a process of consultations involving political blocs and independent groupings. Mr. Ali Zeidan was subsequently elected on 14 October and given two weeks to form a Government. He pledged to form a Government of national unity and make security his top priority.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“Mr. Mitri: I am pleased to be briefing the Council for the first time in my capacity as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya. I will take this opportunity to update Council members on the situation in Libya since the most recent comprehensive briefing on 12 September (S/PV.6832) and the briefing on the situation in Bani Walid they received two weeks ago from Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun. On 23 October, Libyans celebrated the one-year anniversary of the liberation of their country. As we have highlighted in briefings to this Council over the last year, the country has moved forward in its political transformation. The July elections were a significant case in point, as was the formation of the new Government last week. But as all here are aware, many challenges remain, particularly in the area of security.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“No one can hope to compel the Lebanese to choose between their quest for justice and their right to peace, security and stability, nor is it acceptable under any standard for the Lebanese to be forced to choose one path over another or for responsibility for crimes perpetrated against Lebanese to be ascribed to the victims. Under the resolution adopted today and previous resolutions, the Council has expressed its commitment to justice and stability. It also recalls all the assassinations that have taken place in Lebanon and the prevailing situation there, which threatens peace and security not only in the region, but throughout the world. Today, therefore, we can only commemorate the victims throughout Lebanon, the martyr Prime Minister Hariri and all martyrs brought low by the hands of terrorists.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“Nor does it mean that one group of Lebanese now believe themselves to be stronger than the others or to enjoy the support of the international community to the detriment of others. On the contrary, the resolution will 07-36208 help to strengthen the rule of law and to bolster the foundations of democracy. It will enhance the independence of the judiciary vis-a-vis the political sphere, as sought by all the Lebanese people. It is therefore in the interests of all Lebanese who seek to advance justice hand in hand with stability.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“This is now an opportunity for the Lebanese to recover their fundamental rights, first and foremost their right to embark on the path towards the truth. The truth must be raised up against those who have been involved in any way in terrorist crimes against our leaders, beginning with the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri and including the murders of journalists, parliamentarians, writers and illustrious academics. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon will certainly act as a deterrent to terrorist activities, and today's resolution will therefore serve to protect the Lebanese people, enhance our freedom, allow us to rid ourselves of such threats, and thus move forward. Today's resolution does not reflect the victory of one party over another. Justice is the victor.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“Every opportunity has been taken in order to adopt the Statute of the Tribunal, to implement the agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Lebanon in accordance with the provisions of the Lebanese constitution - and to ensure that that is done also by the Lebanese parliament. We worked for the establishment of the Tribunal because unanimity existed within Lebanon, as reflected in the resolution and in our national dialogue. There was also international Arab unanimity regarding the establishment of the Tribunal, but the path that led us to the adoption of the resolution was strewn with obstacles. Parliament was unable to meet to discuss the establishment of the Tribunal, despite the fact that a majority of parliamentarians appealed for such a meeting.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“Our warmest thanks go also to the Secretary- General for his personal commitment to remain seized of the situation in Lebanon and for the sympathy and interest he has shown with respect to that situation, which has been among his highest priorities, owing to his unswerving commitment to the establishment of a tribunal. We wish moreover to thank his colleagues for their efforts. We commend the positive atmosphere that has supported the cooperation between the Secretary- General's representatives and the Government of Lebanon. We are where we are today as a result of long-term joint endeavours by the Lebanese Government and the United Nations.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“I wish to express our warmest thanks to the sponsors of the resolution and to those who voted in favour of it, thereby enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations in carrying out its responsibilities and helping Lebanon to do justice and protect peace and security. I also wish to take this opportunity to express my warmest thanks to those States that abstained in the voting. Despite the reservations that they expressed regarding the resolution just adopted by the Council, they once again reaffirmed their commitment to the paramount importance for the principle of justice of the establishment of a special tribunal for Lebanon to identify criminals and deter the undermining of our freedom and sovereignty.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“The Council called upon the international community to play its role by bringing an end to that aggression and providing the necessary assistance and support at various levels to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Last week, the Council reaffirmed its support for Lebanon once again by condemning terrorist acts aimed at undermining our security, stability and vitality, as well as the role played by my country - a role based on moderation, openness, democracy and freedom. Today, the Security Council has adopted a text that forms the basis for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in accordance with a methodology that has been very professionally and meticulously worked out so that it meets the highest legal criteria.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“Indeed, ever since the Security Council adopted resolution 1595 (2005), which established an International Independent Investigation Commission to inquire into the assassination of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and members of his entourage, and in its efforts to identify the perpetrators of that terrorist crime and other political assassinations and attempted assassinations perpetrated since October 2004, the Council has consistently supported Lebanon. It has adopted important resolutions to ensure that criminals are brought to justice and that there is no impunity. Those resolutions have been binding to ensure that justice is done. The Council has left no room for doubt in expressing its commitment to Lebanon. Last summer, the Council supported our country when we were the target of a destructive and iniquitous Israeli aggression.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“Mr. Mitri (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): I should like, on behalf of the Government of Lebanon, to warmly thank the Security Council for expressing its constant support for the independence, sovereignty, security and freedom of Lebanon on the basis of the principles underpinning international legitimacy and the Charter of the United Nations. The Council has never hesitated - particularly over the past two years - to express its sympathy and support for and commitment to Lebanon and its independence.”
2007-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5685 (2007) · source
“We value the attention as well as the decisions of the Security Council, which is entrusted with preserving international security and peace. It is essential that the Security Council act immediately to put an end to the Israeli onslaught on Lebanon. For the people of Lebanon today, as they look into the future, the stakes could not be higher. That is also the case, I believe, for the world. Success in bringing peace and stability to Lebanon is a sign of the ability and resolve of the international community to assure the peoples of the world that a just peace can prevail.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“If Israel were to realize that the peoples of the Middle East cannot be cowed into submission and that they aspire only to live in freedom and dignity, this could also be a stepping stone to a final solution of the wider Arab-Israeli conflict which has plagued our region for 60 years. The 2002 Arab Summit in Beirut, which called for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the principle of land for peace is the way forward. A political solution cannot, however, be implemented as long as Israel continues to occupy Arab land in Lebanon, Palestine and the Syrian Golan Heights and wages war on innocent people. The Lebanese Council of Ministers will convene urgently tomorrow to consider this important resolution.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“For any political solution to move forward, it must address the root causes of this war, including the continued Israeli occupation of Sheba'a farms and the perennial threat to Lebanon's security, as well as Lebanon's struggle to regain full sovereignty over all its territory. We believe that a political resolution rooted in international law and based on the seven- point plan will lead to long-term stability. The international community has a moral and political obligation under the terms of the Charter of the United Nations and the accepted norms of international law to defend Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to protect the Lebanese people under the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention and its Protocols, which Israel has repeatedly and wilfully violated.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“Let me pay tribute here to the UNIFIL personnel for all they have done for the sake of peace and for all that has been done to them. To be sure, as I have said, UNIFIL will have to play the determining role that is defined in this resolution. The Government of Lebanon therefore urgently calls on the troop-contributing countries to act swiftly on the strengthening and enhancement of UNIFIL, to enable it to perform its duties as stipulated in the resolution just adopted: to assist, support and accompany the Lebanese population and Lebanese armed forces and to monitor not just the cessation of hostilities but also the ceasefire.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“The end to military operations should be unqualified. The lifting of the blockade should also be immediate upon cessation of hostilities. The 06-4649] consequences of the blockade so far have been such that the international community cannot allow the humanitarian crisis to continue one more moment. Humanitarian aid has been prevented from reaching people in desperate need. Even today, Israel continues to fire upon convoys of people attempting to reach safety and help. Our Government has decided to deploy the Lebanese armed forces in southern Lebanon as the sole military force, assisted by United Nations forces, the moment Israel starts pulling back to the international borders. To be sure, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will have to play the determining role that is defined by this resolution.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“More important, we are grateful for the support extended to our country and for the support that will accompany us as we, hopefully, rise up from the ruins, reconstruct and heal our injured country. We appreciate the Security Council's acknowledgment of the Sheba'a farms problem. We hope that the Security Council and the Secretary- General will, in the period ahead, take the necessary steps to resolve that issue, thereby removing one of the underlying causes of the conflict. I am sure that Council members understand that the Lebanese are eager to see a true cessation of hostilities and expect a strong determination on the Council's part to bring it about immediately. The Lebanese, to be frank, are not confident in the Israeli distinction between what is "defensive" and what is "offensive".”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“This pattern of invasions demonstrates the continuing threat facing Lebanon and the need for a political solution rooted in international law, not the result of the use of force - a solution that will lead to long-term stability, as set forth in our seven-point plan. The people and the Government of Lebanon are deeply appreciative of the efforts of so many in the international community, most significantly, the efforts of the Secretary-General and the members of the Council, who have been working to bring to an immediate end the ravaging of Lebanon. We acknowledge all the valuable work expended by many countries to reach a viable agreement. We appreciate the genuine impatience of many with regard to the delay in reaching agreement on the resolution. Proposals to have a humanitarian truce were a case in point.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“A ceasefire that by its terms cannot be implemented is no ceasefire. A ceasefire that retains for one side the right not to cease firing is not a ceasefire. Lebanon has urgently requested a ceasefire that has the possibility of being implemented so that all hostilities should immediately cease - and for good. No one more than Lebanon wants to assure the Council that we will not be here again in six weeks, six months or even six years. The persistent invasions of Lebanon demonstrate Israel's continuing belief that military actions will remedy the causes of crisis in the region.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“In many cases, the timing and intensity of the attack and the absence of a military target, as well as the subsequent strikes on rescuers, suggest that Israel forces deliberately targeted civilians. Even today, a few hours ago, a convoy of evacuated civilians from the city of Marjayoun, escorted by the Red Cross, was targeted, killing four and injuring 16. After its first call for a ceasefire, the Lebanese Government offered to the Rome Conference and to the Security Council a comprehensive seven-point plan developed through a process of national consensus, which received the unanimous approval of the Lebanese Council of Ministers as well as the support of political and religious leaders and significant international support. 06-4649] A ceasefire that is incomplete is not a true ceasefire.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“The indiscriminate murder of more than 1,100 Lebanese civilians, a third of them children, the massacres and the "cleansing" of villages and the wanton destruction of our infrastructure and economy are nothing short of criminal. One quarter of our population has been displaced, many of them with no homes to return to and most of them desperately low on fuel, food and medical supplies, while homes, hospitals, factories and warehouses have been demolished. The direct cause of more than 1,000 deaths and thousands of injuries is the obscenely disproportionate and unjustifiable Israeli retaliation. There are many cases documented by human rights organizations that reveal a systematic failure by the Israeli army to distinguish between combatants and civilians.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“Once again, the Security Council is meeting in this Chamber. It has been one long month since the Government of Lebanon began urging - let us say passionately calling out for - a ceasefire that would end the rain of bombs that has devastated our country and end the reign of horror that Israel has visited upon our people. For a month now, as the world has continued to watch and as the international community has continued to vacillate, Israel has besieged and ravaged Lebanon, creating a humanitarian and environmental disaster and shattering our infrastructure and economy. Israel says that this war is against Hezbollah, not against Lebanon. Actually, the Israeli strategy of terror is inflicted on all Lebanese.”
2006-08-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5511 (2006) · source
“I am afraid that those two principles have been systematically violated since 12 July. Be that as it may, I will end with these few words. I am here - we are all here - to find a way out. Yesterday's proposal by our Government is a viable option and should be looked at as a viable option. It allows for a true and effective cessation of hostilities. It will lead to a durable ceasefire. It opens the way forward: it opens the way forward towards a more durable solution. I hope that the opportunity that this option offers is not missed.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“It pains me to hear the reference to Tyre cited from the Bible. Tyre is now a city of desolation. Tyre has been bombarded and pounded almost uninterruptedly for the past 10 days or so. King Hiram of Tyre sent cedar trees to build, and the Israelis are destroying Tyre today. It pains me to hear the reference to Tyre at this point in time. The "campaign against terror", as the Israelis like to call their all-out war against Lebanon, has been perceived, felt and lived by the Lebanese as horror - nothing but horror. In Israel's wanting to destroy the infrastructure of terrorism, as we heard, it is the infrastructure of Lebanon that is destroyed. All in this body know that, in international law, there are two principles regarding civilians: the principle of distinction and the principle of proportionality.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“For its part, the Lebanese Government reaffirms its long-standing and consistent respect for international resolutions, and also reaffirms its determination to preserve its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have laid before the Council what we think are the necessary prerequisites that will empower our Government to preserve our national unity as a people, to defend our right to live in peace and to rebuild our devastated country. To achieve those priority goals we need the sustained support and solidarity of the Security Council.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“To be frank, we have had indications that the international community is ready to move on this issue, but the draft text before us does not sufficiently reflect such indications and such readiness. Our people need an explicit and firm assurance from the international community that the integrity of our borders - ground, sea and air - finally will be respected by Israel. We do not need to list Israel's track record in refusing to comply with many Security Council resolutions. Suffice it to refer to Israel's 22- year delay in complying with resolution 425 (1978). Since its "withdrawal" in the year 2000, Israel has not respected Lebanese sovereignty. Frequently it has ignored the Blue Line, in both Lebanese territory and airspace, with impunity.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“The Lebanese armed forces, with the assistance of United Nations forces, should be the only ones to deploy throughout Lebanon, including in the area between the Blue Line and the Litani river. Our Government reaffirms its immediate readiness to deploy an Lebanese army force of 15,000 troops in the south as the Israeli army withdraws behind the Blue Line, and it expresses as well its readiness to request the assistance of additional forces to enhance the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, all on the basis of the seven- point plan that was unanimously approved by the Lebanese Council of Ministers yesterday. Moreover, a serious move forward in dealing with the issue of Sheba'a farms is necessary for a durable and long-term political settlement.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“The draft resolution calls for a cessation of attacks by Hizbollah and for Israel to stop all "offensive actions". Members of the Council all know that Israel has never conceded that its actions in Lebanon have been anything but "defensive". All the wars launched by Israel against our country have been claimed to be "self-defensive". In this respect, the draft resolution leaves Lebanon vulnerable to the whims of Israel. How can this be viable? How can a resolution provide for a cessation of hostilities and then in fact carry the great risk of continued violence and destruction? Thus, for a cessation of hostilities to be viable, Israel has to start withdrawing immediately from Lebanese territory. This should not be postponed.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“We acknowledge their determination to end the violence, and we appreciate the concern expressed by the international community for the future of Lebanon, supporting our democratic Government and its attempt to provide a framework for peace and stability. Regrettably, the draft resolution not only falls short of meeting many of our legitimate requests but also may not bring about the results that the international community hopes it will achieve. We requested an immediate ceasefire; what has taken so much time is still not an immediate ceasefire. It is neither immediate nor a ceasefire: the draft resolution calls for a "cessation of hostilities", laying 3 out some principles. Some of those principles Lebanon affirms and embraces. But greater clarity is needed on many other issues; that clarity is crucial for Lebanon.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“Twenty-eight farm workers were killed in Qaa, and yesterday, 38 civilians, at last count, were killed in the bombing in Al Shiyah, a residential area in Beirut. I shall now quote from a report released by Human Rights Watch: "The pattern of attacks during the Israeli offensive in Lebanon suggests that the failures cannot be explained or dismissed as mere accidents; the extent of the pattern and the seriousness of the consequences indicate the commission of war crimes." (Human Rights Watch, vol. 18 no. 3 E, August 2006, summary) Today, we received the draft resolution with acknowledgement of the efforts expended by many members of the Council to come to an agreement.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“We have come to this body, to the international community, asking for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Twenty-seven days ago, we asked for an immediate ceasefire. More than 900 lives ago, we asked for an immediate ceasefire. More than 3,000 injured civilians ago, we asked for an immediate ceasefire. We asked for a ceasefire when the 1 million Lebanese who are now sleeping on the floors of schools, public buildings and welcoming homes were still sleeping in their own homes - homes that, for many, no longer exist. Eight days ago, in the shadow of the massacre of Qana, we pleaded again for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. We are meeting today in the shadow of yet more massacres - "mistakes", as Israel calls crimes against civilians.”
2006-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5508 (2006) · source
“I think I have said all I wanted to say. I think hatred is not in anybody's genes. Hatred is not in our culture, nor in anyone's culture. This war will breed hatred, as it breeds despair, aggravates frustration and produces the sense of being dispossessed and humiliated. There is a history to this - a history of injustice. I am sure all the members of the Council know what history I am talking about. As to resolution 425 (1978), I was quoting the Rome presidential statement to suggest that it is not just Lebanon that has been assertive of the need to be given back the Sheba'a farms, the Lebanese prisoners and the maps of the landmines in southern Lebanon. There is a greater understanding on the part of the international community concerning those legitimate requests.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“For our part, we are sparing no effort to open our ears, minds and hearts to constructive proposals, but the points that our Council of Ministers has elaborated unanimously constitute the basis for any political framework to put an end to the present tragic situation. We have come here to reaffirm that a political settlement will bring an end to the violence, but what should precede a political settlement - anywhere in the world, not just in Lebanon - is a ceasefire. No political settlement can be reached while our towns, villages, bridges, houses and shelters are being severely bombarded. A ceasefire is a prelude and a necessary condition for a discussion in the Council of the terms of a political agreement that will put an end to the violence that my country is suffering from and paying the heaviest price for. 06-45042”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“However, we know that we need the support of the international community, political and otherwise, to achieve that. I would also like to mention that the conference in Rome, which brought together many States that support or would like to support Lebanon in every respect, issued a presidential statement that referred to Security Council resolution 425 (1978). Implicit in that reference was the fact that resolution 425 (1978) is yet to be implemented fully. We have stated that we need to have the Sheba'a farms returned to us, the release of Lebanese prisoners from Israeli prisons and maps of the landmines in southern Lebanon, which to date we have not received. Breaking the cycle of violence requires political courage.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“I only want to say that violence has history. There is a genealogy of violence. Injustice breeds violence and violence breeds violence. I cannot but think about some of those children or young people who lost their dear ones in Qana in the massacre of 1996 and who may be tempted to take up arms today. Violence is not an act in one moment of history; violence participates in a cycle and a process, and it is precisely that cycle that we would like to put an end to. My Government has offered a political framework. I do not think we are ready to hear sermons about what we need to do. We are a Government that has spared no effort with regard to national dialogue and a political process to arrive at a situation in which the State - the central authority - can extend its sovereignty over all its national territory.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“We shall not compromise our just cause as, in a moment like this, we reaffirm our unity as a nation. The Lebanese people, amidst tragedies such as that we saw yesterday, are more united than ever. In that unity, we trust that wars can be overcome. Our country has overcome 3 many wars and much destruction over the years that I have mentioned, in years prior to that, and over the ages. We shall rise up again. Let that be the Council's choice, too. It should not allow war, desolation and hatred to prevail.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“We owe our people a solution, with the Council's support, that will not allow further destruction and that will help us rebuild our nation - a nation that we have been rebuilding and reconstructing, especially during the past year. Lebanon, we are often told, has some significance and importance in itself and for itself, for what it represents, for what it is: a country of plurality, diversity and tolerance. Therefore, let it not be the battleground for any war that serves the interests of others. Let not Lebanon be the battleground of the wars of others. I have come to the Security Council on behalf of the Lebanese Government, hoping to be heard. I have come to cry out loud our nation's right to live and our nation's right to live in dignity.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“Further, Israel will surrender all remaining landmine maps in south Lebanon to the United Nations; "The Lebanese Government will extend its authority over its territory through its own legitimate armed forces, such that there will be no weapons or authority other than that of the 06-45042 Lebanese State, as stipulated in the Taif national reconciliation accord; "The United Nations international force operating in south Lebanon will be supplemented and enhanced in numbers, equipment, mandate and scope of operations as needed in order to undertake urgent humanitarian and relief work and guarantee stability and security in the south so that those who fled their homes can return; "The United Nations, in cooperation with the relevant parties, will undertake the necessary measures to once again put into effect the Armistice Agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel in 1949 and to ensure adherence to the provisions of that Agreement as well as to explore amendments to, or development of, said provisions as necessary; and "The international community will commit to support Lebanon on all levels and to assist it in facing the tremendous burden resulting from the human, social and economic tragedy which has afflicted our country, especially in the areas of relief, reconstruction and the rebuilding of the national economy." I believe that members will agree with me that we owe our people an honourable way out of this war.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and a declaration of agreement on the following issues: "An undertaking to release the Lebanese and Israeli prisoners and detainees through the International Committee of the Red Cross; "Withdrawal of the Israeli army to behind the Blue Line, and the return of the displaced to their villages; "A commitment from the Security Council to place the Sheba'a farms and the Kafr Shuba hills under United Nations jurisdiction until border delineation and Lebanese sovereignty over them are fully settled. While in United Nations custody, the area will be accessible to Lebanese property owners there.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“The aggression of today should be the end. Returning to the status quo ante would be futile. And it is because of that that, in the name of the people of Lebanon, I call upon all Security Council members to assist us in putting an end to this human tragedy. The Government of Lebanon firmly believes that that can be achieved in the following manner. Here, I shall read out a text that was approved by the Council of Ministers, calling for u .”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“All of us have heard again and again and again the justification given that fighters are in the midst of the civilian population. Let me not argue about that 06-45042 justification, except to say that it is a blatant violation of international law. Protocol I, of 1977, to the Geneva Conventions states unequivocally in its article 50: "The presence within the civilian population of individuals who do not come within the definition of civilians does not deprive the population of its civilian character." The massacre of Qana is a crime against civilians, no matter what the pretexts are, no matter what justifications are given. The killing must stop. We have seen previous Israeli aggressions against Lebanon. I think that all members of the Security Council are aware that none of those aggressions achieved their stated aim.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source
“I left my country mourning and crying out against what all Lebanese - not most Lebanese, I would say, but all Lebanese - perceive to be an unjustified collective punishment - and no collective punishment is justified - that is being imposed on the civilian population. The spilled blood of the children in Qana deserves more, much more, than expressions of regret. Allow me to say that some of us are tired of listening to a kind of self-righteous discourse about self-defence. We have heard ad nauseam that in wars, mistakes are committed. Indeed. But how many mistakes did Israel commit against my people in 1969, in 1978, in 1982, in 1993, in 1996 and in 1999, and how many mistakes is it committing now? When mistakes are a pattern of behaviour, they deserve another name: they qualify as crimes.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5503 (2006) · source