YouSaid · the spoken record

Pascoe

lines on the record: 957
first: 2007-03-14
most recent: 2012-04-23
sittings or episodes: 55
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

“In the eastern Lebanese Bekaa Valley, the latest assessment of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is that approximately 7,500 Syrian refugees are receiving assistance. The overall situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has remained generally quiet and stable. Air violations by the Israeli Defense Forces have continued on an almost daily basis.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“On 9 April, a cameraman for the Lebanese television network Al-Jadeed was killed in the Lebanese border region of Wadi Khaled by gunfire emanating from the Syrian side. President Sleiman, Prime Minister Mikati and representatives across the entire political spectrum in Lebanon condemned the incident. The Lebanese authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident and have requested that Syrian authorities undertake their own investigation. The United Nations continues to coordinate closely with the Government of Lebanon on the provision of assistance to the 9,700 Syrian refugees registered in northern Lebanon, as well as on matters of protection and the determination of their status. Special Coordinator Plumbly toured the area on 17 April and met with local political and security representatives and with Syrian refugees.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“One rocket landed near a residential area, causing minor damage. The Secretary-General welcomed the recent meeting and joint public commitments of Israelis and Palestinians. What is important now is to transform that fragile opening into an opportunity to 12-30484 incrementally promote dialogue while ensuring continued international support for the Palestinian Authority's institution-building efforts. Let me briefly turn to the situation in Lebanon. On 4 April, Mr. Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese forces, escaped an apparent assassination attempt when two bullets were fired at him in the garden of his residence, narrowly missing their target. The Lebanese authorities are investigating that attack on the life of one of its major political figures. The situation along Lebanon's borders with Syria remains of concern.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“One was allegedly armed and trying to plant explosives, but the second was an unarmed 17-year-old boy. Indiscriminate rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel must cease and Israeli forces must show maximum restraint. On 7 April, Hamas de facto authorities executed three prisoners, two of them charged with criminal cases and one accused of collaboration with Israel. The execution was carried out without the approval of President Abbas, as required by Palestinian basic law. Palestinian and international human rights organizations have strongly condemned the continued Hamas policy of execution in Gaza. The United Nations continues to call for the cessation of all military trials by Palestinian authorities. In another development, on 5 March two Grad rockets were reportedly fired from the Sinai peninsula towards the Israeli city of Eilat.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“The Quartet further underscored the importance of continued steps to address the needs of Gaza's residents, and welcomed the Israeli Government's approval at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians on priority United Nations infrastructure projects in Gaza. This month, a total of 13 rockets, including 1 Grad rocket and 11 mortars, were fired from Gaza into Israel, while the IDF conducted 3 incursions and 3 airstrikes into Gaza. Clashes in Gaza resulted in the death of two Palestinian civilians and one militant. Thirty-nine civilians and two militants were injured. One Palestinian was killed in tunnel-related activities. Two Palestinians were killed by IDF troops on 1 and 3 April, respectively, when approaching the security fence.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Some 320 remain under administrative detention. On 1 April, the case of prisoner Hana Shalabi came to an end when she agreed to be deported to Gaza, after a 43-day hunger strike. However, on 17 April, demonstrations in Gaza and the West Bank took place to commemorate Palestinian Prisoners Day, and 1,200 Palestinian prisoners reportedly started an open-ended hunger strike to protest the conditions of Palestinian prisoners. Turning to Gaza, the Quartet, while reaffirming its previous positions, stated that the situation in and around Gaza will remain unsustainable so long as it is not reunited with the West Bank under the legitimate Palestinian Authority adhering to the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The reconciliation process has yet to see any progress since the Doha declaration of 6 February.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“As a result of a court case brought by an Israeli settler association, two Palestinian households of refugee families were evicted from their homes in the heart of the Palestinian neighbourhood of Beit Hanina, in East Jerusalem. In total, 54 Palestinian structures, including 14 residences, were demolished in the West Bank, leading to the displacement of 117 Palestinians, including 63 children. The Quartet is concerned about the ongoing settler violence in the West Bank and called on Israel to take effective measures, including bringing the perpetrators of such acts to justice. On 4 April, Israeli security forces evacuated 12 settler families who had taken up residence in a house in Hebron. The Secretary-General follows closely the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention centres.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“On 15 April, one Palestinian militant was killed, and several others were injured, in a shoot-out with Palestinian security forces conducting an arrest raid near Jenin. With respect to the transparent enforcement of law and order by Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank, we are particularly concerned about reports about an increase in arrests or intimidation of Palestinian journalists and bloggers for expressing their views. The Israeli Government has announced tenders for more than 1,000 housing units in the occupied Palestinian territory, 870 of which are in the East Jerusalem settlement of Har Homa, with the remainder in a settlement in the West Bank. Those actions undermine efforts to achieve a two-State solution and are contrary to international law.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“On 18 April, the Israeli military suspended a senior military officer who had assaulted a foreign activist in the West Bank and a commando soldier who killed a Palestinian during a training session in a West Bank village. On 2 April, Israeli security forces raided a Palestinian media centre in East Jerusalem, seizing equipment and files. On two occasions, on 2 and 3 19 April, Israeli citizens were attacked in East Jerusalem - reportedly, by a Palestinian armed with an axe, in the first instance; neither sustained life- threatening injuries. The Quartet has taken note of the significant progress on security achieved by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Palestinian security forces have continued their efforts to maintain law and order in the West Bank. However, there were a few incidents.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza also took measures to avoid bloodshed, and in Lebanon the Lebanese authorities took measures to prevent tension and violence in the immediate vicinity of the Blue Line. Nevertheless, we remain mindful that, in the current tenuous environment, there is always the risk of an eruption of violence. This risk was further illustrated by the security incidents observed this month. Clashes between demonstrators and the IDF resulted in four Palestinian deaths and 293 injuries, including among 30 children. The IDF conducted 314 operations in the occupied West Bank, during which one Palestinian was killed and 248 Palestinians, including 12 children, were injured. Two IDF soldiers were also injured. Two hundred and nine Palestinians were arrested.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Access to Area C will also enable much-needed urban development, particularly in areas adjacent to established cities. Reminding both parties of their obligations under the Road Map, the Quartet reiterated its call on them to avoid actions that undermine trust. Absent a political horizon, the fragility of the situation on the ground raises serious concerns. On 30 March, on the occasion of Land Day, large demonstrations were held in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan and, to a smaller extent, Egypt and Syria. Clashes between demonstrators and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) resulted in one Palestinian being killed and some 180 wounded. The IDF used crowd-control measures aimed at minimizing the number of casualties, which otherwise would have been higher.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“It particularly underscored the need for continued international support for the Palestinian Authority's important institution-building efforts. It further drew attention to the need for $1.1 billion in 12-30484 assistance to meet the Palestinian Authority's 2012 recurrent financing requirements. The Quartet urged the speedy conclusion of efforts to resolve outstanding issues related to tax and customs revenue collection. It further singled out the need to improve development for Area C in the West Bank as central to the viability of a future Palestinian State. Palestinians require access to a fair planning and zoning regime so they do not have to resort to building unauthorized structures that lead to unjustified demolitions, which often impact the most vulnerable people.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Both President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu have since continued to reiterate their desire to negotiate. Although the environment remains fragile, any opportunity to pursue dialogue towards a resumption of meaningful negotiations must be welcomed and supported. As previously agreed between the parties, on 17 April a senior Palestinian delegation met with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem to deliver a letter from President Abbas. Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated his intention to respond in writing. A joint statement following the meeting noted the commitment of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to achieving peace. It is our hope that this exchange of letters can provide an opening for further dialogue. At the same time, the Quartet recognized the urgent need for tangible signs of progress on the ground.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“We welcome in this regard the generous mobilization of donors' support at the Syria Humanitarian Forum meeting. Let me now turn to the Middle East peace process. For the United Nations, achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians is an undiminished priority. The Secretary-General was pleased to join his Quartet partners in Washington, DC, on 11 April, in order to reflect on developments over the past six months and forge a way forward that builds on the Quartet statement of 23 September 2011. Quartet principals heard a briefing from Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on ongoing Jordanian efforts to promote exploratory talks. After a pause, negotiators met again in Amman in early April and agreed to an exchange of letters outlining their positions.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“This important mechanism, chaired by the United Nations with the co-facilitation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union and the League of Arab States, gathered some 350 participants 12-30484 from Member States, United Nations agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and international non-governmental organizations. Syrian Government representatives recognized that there are serious humanitarian needs. However, little progress has been made so far on allowing the full and unimpeded access and increased capacity of agencies on the ground required to ensure the timely provision of humanitarian assistance. We urge the Government to take all necessary steps to facilitate the humanitarian response, as 1 million people are in need.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Measures taken by the Syrian authorities to date, including on the release of arbitrarily detained persons and respect for the right to demonstrate peacefully, are clearly insufficient. Both would be critical elements to creating the conditions for a political solution through peaceful dialogue. Ending the suffering of the people most affected by the fighting also continues to be a top priority of our collective efforts. The second meeting of the Syria Humanitarian Forum took place on 20 April in Geneva.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Human rights violations are still being perpetrated with impunity. It is our hope that the deployment of observers will help to stop the killing and consolidate the calm. The objective, however, is clearly not to freeze the situation but to create the conditions for a serious and credible political process. The Joint Special Envoy has called on both the Government and the opposition to engage in such a process as a matter of utmost priority. It is essential that the Government of Syria fully and immediately implement its obligations to stop using heavy weapons and to pull back military forces from population centres. Action on the other aspects of the six-point plan is no less important.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Achieving a full and sustained cessation of violence and seeking a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Syria is at the centre of our efforts in the Middle East. The Council took decisive action on Saturday by authorizing the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria in response to the proposal of the Secretary-General, who strongly welcomed the unanimous adoption of resolution 2043 (2012). The Joint Special Envoy and the Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations will brief tomorrow on the good offices efforts and the deployment of the observers. I will therefore limit my comments to a few critical points before turning to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. We are at a pivotal moment in Syria. The cessation of armed violence remains incomplete. Too many lives have been lost.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“The United Nations continues to monitor the influx of Syrian refugees into northern Lebanon. We continue to coordinate closely with the Government on the provision of assistance to the 6,900 refugees registered so far, as well as on matters of protection and the determination of their status. The overall situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has remained generally calm. UNIFIL observed continuing air violations by the Israel Defense Forces, albeit at somewhat reduced levels.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“On 23 February, the Secretary-General renewed the mandate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon for three years from 1 March. Earlier this month, the Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal ruled that the four people accused in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri would be tried in absentia. The Syrian crisis remains a cause of tension in Lebanon. On 10 February, fighting broke out between Alawite and Sunni communities in the northern town of Tripoli, against the backdrop of demonstrations related to the situation in Syria, resulting in three people being killed and more than 20 injured, including members of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Order was restored the following day after the intervention of the army and local parliamentarians. The situation along Lebanon's borders with Syria also remains of concern.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“In another development, on 13 February an Israeli diplomatic vehicle was attacked in India, injuring one person, while a similar attack was foiled in Georgia and another attempt was discovered in Thailand. The Secretary-General has condemned such attacks. As the Secretary-General has noted, what is important now is for the parties to engage seriously on substance. We are concerned that the talks are stalled. 12-24356 We still hope that both leaders will realize that they must overcome the political impasse and rebuild confidence and momentum, using the framework suggested by the Quartet aiming for a negotiated solution by the end of the year. Time is not on the side of either party. Finally, I would like to turn to Lebanon.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“Gaza witnessed a severe shortage of electrical power around 14 February, which had serious consequences for health, education, water and sanitation facilities, highlighting that current socio- economic arrangements in the Gaza Strip are not sustainable. The closure regime must be lifted within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009). In that context, discussions continue with Israel towards the liberalization of the entry of construction materials and the facilitation of exports. Following the Secretary- General's visit, we are awaiting approvals for urgent United Nations projects, including three key housing projects of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“On 11 February, Egyptian security forces operating in the Sinai peninsula announced the seizure of a number of anti-aircraft missiles, as well as explosives, which were being readied for transfer to the Gaza Strip. We welcome those steps and call on others to intensive their efforts to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms into Gaza, in line with resolution 1860 (2009). On 21 and 23 February, IDF soldiers identified and removed explosive devices on the Israeli-Egyptian border. On 28 February, the IDF returned fire from suspected smugglers attempting to infiltrate Israel from Egypt, killing one of them. We have repeatedly said that the weapons transfers into Gaza must stop.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“Those detained must be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees or released without delay. Sixty-one rockets and one mortar shell that were fired this month from Gaza landed in Israel without resulting in injuries or damage. This is significantly more than what we reported last month, underscoring the continued risk of escalation. The IDF conducted one incursion and 28 airstrikes into Gaza, resulting in one Palestinian civilian being killed and 20 injured. We reiterate our condemnation of indiscriminate rocket 12-24356 attacks out of Gaza against Israel. We also urge Israel to show maximum restraint. All should fully observe their obligations regarding the protection of civilians.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“On 24 February, Palestinians also threw stones towards Rachel's Tomb, a site of Jewish worship in the West Bank. On 20 February, for the third time this month graffiti was sprayed on a church in Jerusalem, including a reference to settler involvement. I call on all parties to safeguard the peace and sanctity of religious sites. We also remind both parties that hate speech from anyone is unacceptable. On 21 February, following an arrangement with the Israeli authorities for his release, Palestinian administrative detainee and Islamic Jihad affiliate Khader Adnan ended his hunger strike of 66 days. The holding of another 300 Palestinians under administrative detention remains a matter of concern. We believe that the use of administrative detentions must be exceptional.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted 463 operations in the West Bank. Overall, 251 Palestinians, including 11 children, were injured in the West Bank by the IDF, and 358 were arrested. Twelve IDF soldiers were injured by Palestinians. The reporting period also witnessed increased tensions and violence between Palestinians and Israeli security forces around holy sites. Clashes erupted in the compound of the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif between Israeli police and Palestinians on 19 and 24 February. Renewed clashes erupted on 25 February as thousands of Palestinians participated in the funeral in Al-Ram of a Palestinian resident who had died the previous day after being shot by an IDF soldier. That series of Violent incidents resulted in a number of Palestinians, as well as one Israeli police officer, being injured.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“In addition, on 13 February, the Jerusalem municipality granted permission for a new archeological visitors' centre in the Silwan neighbourhood of East Jerusalem and Israeli police demolished a structure that had served as a Palestinian community centre. Incidents of settler violence against Palestinians and their property, as well as violence by Palestinians against settlers, continued in the West Bank. Demolitions of Palestinian property resulted in 138 people, more than half of them children, being left homeless in East Jerusalem and Area C. We called for a halt in those demolitions and for a fair planning and zoning system to meet Palestinian needs for growth. On 10 February, Palestinian security forces, for the first time in 15 years, enforced law and order in the H2 area of Hebron, which is under full Israeli control.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“As the Secretary-General has repeatedly affirmed, the United Nations supports Palestinian unity within the framework of the PLO commitments, the Quartet principles, and the Arab Peace Initiative. Reconciliation on this basis and Israeli-Palestinian peace talks need not be mutually exclusive in any way. The situation on the ground in both Gaza and the West Bank remains dangerous and ultimately unsustainable. Further settlement expansion was authorized in several locations in the West Bank, including in two outposts and in the settlement of Shiloh deep inside the occupied Palestinian territory. Such steps move us further away from the goal of a two-State solution and are in violation of Israel's Road Map obligations.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“I hope that the parties will use the coming period to refocus on the need to exchange proposals on territory and security. In this regard, the Secretary-General fully supports the efforts initiated by King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein of Jordan. There must be improvements on the ground to complement these efforts. In another notable development, President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Mashal agreed on 5 February to form a transitional Government of technocrats with Abbas as Prime Minister. President Abbas has emphasized that this Government would adhere to his political programme and to all previous PLO commitments. However, opposition to the agreement within Hamas in Gaza has so far prevented concrete results. A date for elections has not been set, and voter registration in Gaza has yet to be allowed by the de facto authorities.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“During the Arab Peace Initiative Follow-Up Committee meeting on 12 February and the meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee on 20 February, the Palestinians reiterated their position that direct talks should not resume unless all settlement activity was halted. Israel committed to a two-State solution based on the 1967 lines and the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to insist that Israel wants to continue the talks, but without preconditions. 3 We believe that the framework set by the Quartet in its statement of 23 September 2011, with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of the year, remains relevant. Quartet envoys regularly assess developments and remain engaged with the parties.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“The next step is the holding of the national dialogue conference, followed by a constitution-making process. This will lead to general elections in two years. Yemen's transition remains delicate and will require ongoing facilitation. Special Adviser Benomar will remain closely engaged with all sides. Please allow me now to turn to the Middle East peace process. On 8 February, the Secretary-General briefed the Council on his trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory and his efforts to encourage the parties to sustain the talks that started on 3 January in Amman. Unfortunately, these talks have stalled. Since the last meeting of the negotiators on 25 January, President Abbas has been consulting internally and with the Arab League. So far, prospects for the resumption of direct bilateral negotiations remain dim.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“Special Adviser Jamal Benomar will brief the Council in detail after he returns, but I do want to note that the agreement signed in Riyadh on 23 November 2011 provided for a detailed road map for a political transition based on a power-sharing arrangement between the then ruling party and a coalition of opposition parties. This could not have been achieved without the members of the Security Council speaking with one voice and Mr. Benomar's close cooperation on the ground with the Gulf Cooperation Council and other actors. The implementation of this agreement is on track. Presidential elections with a consensus candidate were held on 21 February. On 25 February, former Vice- President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi was sworn in as the new President of Yemen. The Secretary-General called the new President to congratulate him.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“The conference condemned the Syrian Government's excessive use of force and demanded the withdrawal of heavy military equipment from urban areas to allow a peaceful transition of power. In his message to the conference, the Secretary- General stressed the need for a political solution and highlighted the responsibility of each member of the international community to help stop the violence. The Secretary-General again calls on the Government of Syria to stop the wanton killing of its own people. It must fulfil its duty to protect them instead. Its failure 12-24356 to do so leaves the international community no option but to act. I would like to turn briefly now to the peaceful transfer of power in Yemen.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“He will work to end the violence and human rights violations and promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis. Mr. Arman will arrive in New York tomorrow to begin talks with the Secretary- General. I hope he will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Council to hear their suggestions on how to bring this terrible situation to an end. On 24 February, the Tunisian Government hosted a meeting of the friends of the Syrian people. The conference brought together representatives of more than 65 nations and organizations. It demonstrated wide international support for the Syrian people and called on the Syrian Government to halt attacks on civilians and allow immediate access for vital relief goods and services. The message to the Syrian authorities should be clear - the bleeding of Syria must cease.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“On 31 January, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the President of the League's ministerial committee sought the Security Council's support for their efforts to end the violence and seek a political solution. On 16 February, the General Assembly adopted a ground-breaking resolution (resolution 66/253) in support of the Arab League's efforts. As members of the Council well know, the resolution includes a request for the Secretary-General and all relevant United Nations bodies to provide good offices, including through the appointment of a special envoy, in support of the Arab League's efforts. Following intensive consultations, the Secretary- General and the Arab League Secretary-General announced on 23 February the appointment of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan as their Joint Special Envoy for Syria.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“The international commission of inquiry for Syria, in a report (A/HRC/19/69) issued on 22 February, concluded that the Syrian Government forces have committed widespread, systematic and gross human rights violations amounting to crimes against humanity, with the apparent knowledge and consent of the highest levels of the State. I commend the report to each of the members of the Council. It does not make for easy reading, but its implications for 12-24356 our responsibilities is clear. The Human Rights Council held a debate on this issue today in Geneva. The League of Arab States has adopted a series of important decisions calling on the Syrian authorities to end the killing.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“Unfortunately, the ICRC'S repeated calls for a daily humanitarian pause to allow for the delivery of emergency aid have not yet been implemented. The United Nations fully supports the ICRC effort, which would allow the injured to leave and seek medical attention and for urgent supplies to be distributed. The Secretary-General has asked Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos to travel to Syria to negotiate humanitarian access and assess humanitarian needs. She is in the region and stands ready to go to Damascus as soon as she is allowed entry into the country.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“According to human rights organizations, more than 5,000 civilians have been prevented from fleeing by Government forces. On 21 February, American reporter Marie Colvin and French photographer Remi Ochlik were among the victims in Horns. As the Secretary-General has said, their deaths further shed light on the horrors being inflicted on the Syrian people each day. On 12 February, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent were able to make a delivery of some basic humanitarian assistance to Homs. On 24 February, some injured women and children were evacuated by the ICRC from the Bab Amr neighbourhood. The ICRC and Syrian Arab Red Crescent also successfully completed a delivery of food and other assistance for 12,000 people in the city of Hama yesterday.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“Approximately 25,000 refugees are now registered with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in neighbouring countries. Between 100,000 and 200,000 people are internally displaced. The humanitarian 2 consequences of the violence have become severe. In towns affected by sustained fighting, such as Homs, Hama and Dar'a, water and electricity have been cut off. Access to medical care and basic food and fuel are critically needed. On 26 February, Government security forces launched a merciless bombardment of residential areas in Homs. We are now into the fourth week of the terrible attacks on major neighbourhoods in that city. The situation for the people trapped inside those neighbourhoods is increasingly dire.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“The disproportionate use of force and military aggression against the civilian population by the authorities has driven the largely peaceful opposition forces to resort to armed resistance, although to date the opposition's firepower appears to be minimal as compared to the heavy weapons being used by the Syrian army. Extremists have also used the situation to carry out terrorist activities, in particular in Damascus and Aleppo. While we cannot give exact casualty figures, there are credible reports that the death toll now often exceeds 100 civilians per day, including many women and children. The total number of people killed so far is certainly well more than 7,500. The displacement of civilians within and outside Syria has continued.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Let me start today with the rapidly deteriorating situation in Syria. The Syrian Government has manifestly failed to carry out its responsibility to protect its people. On the contrary, it has subjected residents in several cities to indiscriminate bombardment by tank and rocket fire, killing its own people in ways reminiscent of the Hama massacre perpetrated by the Syrian Government in 1982. Unfortunately, the international community has also failed in its duty to stop the carnage. Actions and inaction to date have seemed to encourage the regime in its belief that it has impunity to carry on the wanton destruction of its own civilians.”
2012-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6725 (2012) · source
“During its discussions with national and regional leaders, the assessment mission found strong appreciation for the role and support of the United Nations in highlighting the need for concerted international action to counter the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. States and institutions of the region welcomed the adoption of resolution 2018 (2011), which they saw as the first major international political and legal tool in mobilizing global cooperation against the piracy menace. Building on that resolution, the assessment mission and the increased efforts of States of the region, we must take further concrete steps designed to eradicate piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, which constitutes a clear threat to the security and economic development of the States of the region.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“IMO is assisting the 25 States 3 members of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa to implement the memorandum of understanding adopted in 2008 to enhance maritime safety, security and law enforcement throughout the region. The Secretary-General discussed this issue at some length with IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu in London last week. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa are working with their respective West and Central African partners to support the development of subregional maritime arrangements in preparation for the proposed joint regional summit.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“National authorities in Benin and Nigeria highlighted in their discussions with the assessment mission the need to set up a logistical facility in Benin to support the operations of the joint Benin-Nigeria maritime patrol mission. This facility would help, for example, with the refuelling and repairs of vessels used by the joint patrols. Indeed, the joint patrol was cited as a concrete example of the significant results that can be achieved when countries work together to address this transnational threat. Consequently, the assessment mission in its recommendations highlights the need to support Nigeria and Benin in maintaining the joint patrols until a more comprehensive and effective regional strategy is put in place. The United Nations system has already begun to provide some support.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“While all Gulf of Guinea countries, both coastal and hinterland, are determined to counter the growing threat of piracy and armed robbery at sea, limited national and regional capacities undermine their ability to do so effectively. The resources at hand are inadequate and the region lacks a harmonized legal framework in the field of maritime security. This, in turn, can undermine effective cooperation to initiate and implement joint and timely anti-piracy activities. We welcome the support provided by members of the international community to the Gulf of Guinea countries to strengthen their maritime security capacities. However, in the face of the deepening threat, we strongly believe that much more needs to be done. Significant logistical support is required, in particular to bolster national and regional maritime capacities.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“These centres are designed to monitor maritime activities in the coastal States of Central Africa. In West Africa, ECOWAS member States have recently intensified efforts to establish a joint maritime security plan aimed at harmonizing West African maritime policies and operations. For its part, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, composed of eight members from both West and Central Africa, sees itself as a bridge to link ECOWAS and ECCAS initiatives in the field of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea region. We see the various efforts already undertaken by West and Central African States as important building blocks that lay the foundation for the convening of the proposed joint regional anti-piracy summit in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“To that end, and as the Secretary- General reiterated in his remarks to the Council last week, the assessment mission recommended that Gulf of Guinea countries should convene a regional summit as early as possible in 2012 to develop a comprehensive anti-piracy strategy for the region. We welcome the commitments expressed recently at the ECCAS Summit held in N'Djamena in January 2012 and at the ECOWAS Summit held in Abuja two weeks ago to develop a broad regional maritime strategy. We also welcome the measures taken collectively by Central African States, under the auspices of ECCAS, to set up a Regional Centre for Maritime Security in Central Africa, based in Pointe-Noire in the 12-24250 Republic of Congo, as well as multinational coordination centres, which are already operational in Angola, Cameroon and the Congo.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“In addition, we know that not all piracy incidents are systematically reported. As highlighted in the report of the assessment mission, Gulf of Guinea countries need a united front in order to respond effectively to the growing threat of piracy along their coasts. Isolated national initiatives are only temporarily, at best, pushing the pirates to shift their criminal operations from one country to the next. Accordingly, we would like to stress the importance of a comprehensive regional strategy, as envisaged in Security Council resolution 2018 (2011), of 31 October 2011.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea hampers efforts by regional States to engage in peaceful international commerce and to exploit their vast natural resources for the socio-economic development of their countries. Recent reports have suggested, for instance, that Nigeria is losing an estimated 7 per cent of its oil resources to criminal activities, including piracy. While piracy was a largely unknown phenomenon in the Gulf of Guinea 10 years ago, the number of attacks and the damage they cause has reached worrisome proportions. In 2010, 45 incidents in seven countries were reported to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Last year, the numbers rose to 64 in nine countries. In only the first two months of 2012, the IMO has already recorded 10 incidents off the coasts of Benin, the Congo, cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“While regional States and organizations have carried out initiatives designed to counter piracy and armed robbery against ships at the national and regional levels, the threat not only persists but appears to be gaining ground in a region where the high-value assets the pirates target are abundant. The Secretary- General's mission found that piracy in the Gulf of 12-24250 Guinea has become more systematic, with the pirates resorting to sophisticated modes of operation and utilizing heavy weapons. So far, the attacks have primarily targeted the lucrative cargo onboard the ships rather than taking hostages for ransom, which has been the practice off Somalia.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source