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

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1. “3 Five United Nations mine action teams continue to work in Gaza, conducting risk assessments and training in unexploded ordinance safety. There have been no developments regarding the location of the unexploded bombs that went missing in February 2009. A number of issues continue to await approval from the Israeli authorities, including agreement on a means by which specialized equipment can be imported into Israel. Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit remains in captivity, despite Egyptian mediation efforts to secure his release in exchange for a number of the 11,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Let me now turn to the efforts of the Palestinian Authority regarding institution-building and security reform.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

2. “We continue to support Egyptian efforts aimed at uniting the Palestinian factions under one Government, under the leadership of President Abbas, on the basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) principles. The divide between Gaza and the West Bank continues to grow at the expense of the population of Gaza, as can be seen with health referrals outside of Gaza. As a result of the Hamas takeover of the Referral Abroad Department on 22 March, only patients with referrals approved prior to that takeover and a small number of patients whose referrals are facilitated by the Peres Center for Peace and by Physicians for Human Rights were allowed access to special medical treatment. The United Nations is actively engaged with the Palestinian Authority and Hamas in Gaza to facilitate a resolution of that issue.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

3. “With regard to the Gaza Board of Inquiry, on 8 April the Secretary-General received the members of the Board, who shared their conclusions and recommendations with the Secretary-General and informed him that they were still in the process of finalizing their report. He expects to receive the full report in the near future and to decide what to do at that point. Following Prime Minister Fayyad's early resignation and the end of his Government's mandate, President Abbas asked him on 31 March to remain in office until a new Government was formed. Palestinian reconciliation talks adjourned for the third time on 2 April. While some progress was reportedly made in the talks, there has been no agreement on the composition or political platform of a transitional Government. Talks are scheduled to resume later this month.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

4. “The Palestinian reconciliation process that we all hoped would provide a framework for reconstruction has not, however, moved forward. The United Nations has and will continue to support early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. To that end, we are working to ensure our readiness to support programming once conditions allow for it. In order to further those efforts, the Special Coordinator and his Deputy are intensifying their visits to Gaza. However, without the materials for recovery and reconstruction the process cannot begin, and that requires a substantial easing by Israel of its policy of closure of the Gaza Strip, including steps to return to the framework of 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

5. “The total monthly cost of Palestinian Authority salaries in Gaza is 120 million shekels. There is still limited material for network repairs. Only one truck of cement and a limited quantity of plastic piping were allowed entry into Gaza in the past month. They were used for some small-scale water and sanitation projects. The importance of improving water and sanitation is clear from clinical records at UNRWA primary health-care clinics in the Khan Younis area. Those records show that water and sanitation-related infectious diseases are increasingly prevalent in 2009 compared to the year 2008. The lack of access to Gaza is deeply frustrating. At the 2 March donor conference hosted by the Government of Egypt at Sharm el-Sheikh, the 09-30661 international community pledged some $4.5 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

6. “As a result of the industrial fuel shortages, most Gazans continue to experience intermittent power cuts. The ban on the import of spare parts necessary to maintain the electrical network and bring it up to full capacity exacerbates this situation. Some 10 per cent of the population remains without any electricity due to a lack of necessary materials needed to fix damage sustained to the network during Israel's military offensive. So far, only two truckloads of electrical transformers and cables have been allowed entry into Gaza since then. Strict limitations on cash entering Gaza make many humanitarian and relief programmes impossible. On 7 April, Israel allowed in a transfer of only 50 million shekels out of 250 million requested to pay for the salaries of 60,000 Palestinian Authority staff.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

7. “09-3066] While we welcome the Israeli Cabinet decision to allow all kinds of foodstuffs into Gaza without restriction, we note that each individual food shipment still requires extensive coordination with the Israeli authorities. I would also note that our assistance to the people of Gaza should, of course, not be limited to food, blankets and medical supplies. Broader humanitarian assistance and early recovery are impossible without Israel providing adequate entry of fuel, cash and materials that are needed to repair schools, clinics, sanitation networks and shelters. The total ban on the import of petrol and diesel has continued since 2 November 2008, with the exception of small quantities delivered to UNRWA. In the past month, Israel allowed the transfer of approximately half of Gaza's power plants' industrial fuel needs.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

8. “The Israeli policy of near total closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been in force since the Hamas takeover in June 2007, has continued in the wake of Operation Cast Lead. Over 73 per cent of all imports during the reporting period consisted of foodstuffs and cleaning materials. Basic needs for the population, such as food and blankets, have largely been met. The strict limitation on foodstuffs and other commodities allows agencies to maintain basic relief services such as food distributions, which remain at the same levels this month as last month. The World Food Programme is reaching 365,000 beneficiaries; the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is reaching 750,000.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

9. “While there has been a significant drop in violent incidents this reporting period, the situation remains fragile in the absence of a proper ceasefire regime. Although there were almost two weeks without violence, there were 30 rockets and mortars fired by Palestinian militants at southern Israel, and the Israeli military carried out two air strikes in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army reported on 13 April that a Palestinian vessel laden with explosives exploded in the vicinity of an Israeli naval ship without causing injury. Egyptian efforts to combat smuggling continue, and on 15 April the Egyptian police reportedly found 900 kilogrammes of explosives along Egypt's border with Gaza. On 10 April, Egyptian security forces arrested 18 people for allegedly smuggling weapons and cash into Gaza.”

   2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

10. “He stated his expectation that the Middle East peace process will resume, with the aim of achieving an independent and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace with a secure Israel, and a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace as envisaged in Security Council resolutions. Allow me to turn to the situation in Gaza and southern Israel. During this reporting period there has been very little progress on the key elements outlined in Security Council resolution 1860 (2009): the commitment of the parties to a durable and sustainable ceasefire; opening the crossings for humanitarian access and materials for recovery; and intra-Palestinian reconciliation. For the international community to sustain its commitment to a resumption of the peace process, those principles are indispensable.”

    2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

11. “Quartet envoys met in the United Nations office in Ramallah on 17 April to discuss plans to advance the peace process and agreed to hold regular meetings in the region. The Secretary- General strongly supports a reinvigorated role for the Quartet. Next week, King Abdullah of Jordan will meet with President Obama during the first official visit by an Arab leader to discuss the regional peace process. Palestinian President Abbas is expected shortly afterwards, and, in May, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to visit Washington following completion of an internal Israeli review of national security priorities. The Secretary-General has welcomed the formation of the new Israeli Government, which was sworn in on 31 March.”

    2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

12. “Mr. Pascoe: It is a pleasure to be with the Council once again today discussing the important issue of the Middle East. We are again at an important juncture as the international community prepares to step up its diplomatic engagement towards the peace process. United States Envoy Senator George Mitchell met with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 16 April and with President Abbas the following day, midway through a regional tour. We welcome his stated commitment to vigorously pursue the creation of a Palestinian State as part of a comprehensive regional peace strategy of the Obama Administration which aims to integrate and develop the Arab Peace Initiative. The Quartet remains firmly committed to the goal of a two-State solution.”

    2009-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6107 (2009) · source

13. “Israeli air violations continued on an almost daily basis during the reporting period. It is important that the Quartet and the international community act with unity of purpose to help stabilize Gaza and reinvigorate the peace process. We need to have both Israeli and Palestinian Governments that are clearly committed to the two- State solution. We need a continuation of negotiations, the implementation of commitments on the ground and a strategy for de-escalating tensions and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

14. “Securing adequate funding to complete the work remains an issue of major importance. On 16 March, the Lebanese embassy in Syria was inaugurated. The Lebanese Ambassador to Syria will take up his post in mid-April. On 24 March, Lebanese President Sleiman accepted the credentials of the newly appointed Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon. Those appointments come at a timely juncture and are welcome developments that fulfil one of the key provisions of Security Council resolution 1680 (2006). The overall situation during the month in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has been generally quiet. Progress on the project of visibly marking the Blue Line continued to be made this month, with four additional points having been agreed for marking.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

15. “Campaigning for the 7 June elections has started, leading to increased political rhetoric among the country's numerous political groups. Parties have yet to announce their electoral lists, but consultations on candidates are under way. Candidates have until 7 April to register. A fifth session of the national dialogue, bringing together Lebanon's 14 main political leaders, took place on 2 March under the aegis of President Sleiman. Participants agreed to develop proposals for a national defence strategy. It was also agreed at the dialogue that all parties will work to ensure that the elections are conducted in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. A further session of the dialogue is planned for 28 April. A ceremony took place on 9 March to mark the start of reconstruction in the Nahr el-Bared camp.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

16. “On 23 March 2009, the relative calm that had prevailed in Lebanon for several weeks was interrupted when Kamal Medhat, Deputy PLO Representative in Lebanon and a high-ranking Fatah member, was killed by a roadside bomb outside the entrance to Saida's Mieh Mieh camp. In the explosion, three of Medhat's bodyguards were also killed and two other persons were severely injured. Palestinian as well as Lebanese political leaders have reached out to Palestinian faction leaders in the camps in an attempt to mitigate potential tensions on the ground. The Secretary-General has condemned that terrorist attack. He expressed his hope that the perpetrators of that crime will be promptly brought to justice and noted that such actions must not be allowed to endanger the climate of calm that currently prevails in Lebanon.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

17. “During the reporting period, senior United States officials visited Damascus, and Syrian President Assad has indicated his country's readiness to renew indirect negotiations with a new Israeli Government. On the ground, settlement activity in the occupied Syrian Golan continued, although the situation was otherwise quiet. We continue to stress the importance and potential of Israeli-Syrian negotiations and hope that it will be possible in the year ahead to further that track, alongside a reinvigorated Israeli-Palestinian track. I now turn to Lebanon. Mindful that the Special Coordinator for Lebanon briefed the Council on 10 March on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), I should just like to touch on a few issues.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

18. “Twenty-eight people were reportedly wounded in Israel on 24 March during clashes between police and 09-27993 demonstrators marching in the vicinity of the town of Umm al-Fahm. The Secretary-General looks forward to attending the summit of the League of Arab States on 30 March and offers his encouragement for Arab unity in support of Palestinian unity under President Abbas and the central importance of the Arab Peace Initiative. In that respect, we take note that Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting with Syria, Egypt and Kuwait in Riyadh on 11 March aimed at strengthening ties within the Arab world and that participants agreed to support the Palestinian reconciliation process under way. The Secretary-General continues to support the holding of an international conference in Moscow in the near future.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

19. “Also during the reporting period, two Israeli policemen were killed by Palestinians in an attack in the Jordan Valley and two other policemen were injured in another attack in West Jerusalem. On 21 March, Israeli police reported that a large bomb had been found and defused in the car park of a shopping mall in Haifa. Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces, and 82 were injured. Most injuries occurred during protests against the barrier and against settlement expansion. During the reporting period, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded 26 incidents involving Israeli settlers targeting Palestinians, which resulted in seven injuries.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

20. “However, no major operations or new deployments have taken place since reconciliation talks began in Cairo, and more than a hundred Hamas prisoners were released from Palestinian Authority jails as a goodwill gesture in the context of the reconciliation talks. There have been some gradual improvements regarding cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian security forces, including the recent return of hundreds of rifles confiscated in 2002 and an easing of the closure regime in and around Nablus. Nevertheless, the IDF continues to raid West Bank towns and villages on a daily basis, citing security concerns. According to United Nations statistics, IDF operations in the West Bank have more than doubled in frequency since the end of the Gaza crisis, with nearly two hundred carried out during the reporting period.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

21. “Elsewhere in the West Bank, the more than 600 obstacles to movement continue to make normal social and economic interactions impossible for the Palestinian residents there. Construction of the barrier continued in the occupied Palestinian territory away from the Green Line, contrary to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. In the context of Palestinian Road Map obligations, Palestinian security forces remain highly visible in urban centres in the West Bank, prevent militants from conducting activities or displaying illegal weapons and continue their efforts to ensure law and order.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

22. “Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem remain closed by Israeli order, and the construction of illegal settlements continues in Jerusalem and throughout the West Bank. No action has been taken to remove outposts. Settlement activity, including in the highly sensitive E-l area, continues to deprive Palestinians of land for development and agriculture and to create facts on the ground that severely prejudice final status issues. The Ministry of Defence also approved construction plans for a settlement near Hebron. Let me reiterate before this Council that Israel's 09-27993 obligations under the Road Map are clear. Settlement activity, including so-called natural growth, must be frozen and outposts must be removed.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

23. “We call on the Government of Israel to stop house demolitions in East Jerusalem and generally to refrain from unilateral actions that may prejudge final status issues. In the affected areas of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, it is extremely difficult for Palestinians to obtain building permits. Quartet Representative Tony Blair drew attention last week to the fact that, without changes in the current system applied to areas of the West Bank under full Israeli military and administrative control, Palestinians will be prevented from improving their standard of living and from developing their land. Also in Jerusalem, on 21 March, Israeli security forces disrupted a Palestinian celebration marking East Jerusalem as a capital of Arab culture.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

24. “We continue to follow with concern negative actions on the ground in the West Bank, where insufficient steps are being taken to lift the weight of the occupation and to implement commitments. The rejection by the Israeli Ministry of the Interior of a planning scheme submitted by residents of the Silwan neighbourhood in East Jerusalem has given rise to concerns that it could pave the way for the demolition and building of a municipal park in a sensitive area of the city populated by more than 1,000 Palestinians. During the reporting period, Israeli authorities also served dozens of new orders for demolition and eviction, as well as against structures located in Area C of the West Bank which, if implemented, could affect hundreds of Palestinian residents throughout East Jerusalem.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

25. “Special Coordinator Serry is in Gaza today, and his consultations with business leaders and civil society representatives have underscored the desperate need for a new approach to Gaza based on a ceasefire, open crossings, rejuvenation of the private sector and Palestinian reconciliation. Without those, the many unresolved issues, combined with the absence of an active negotiations track and continued suffering, could portend a quick return to violence. A new Israeli Government has yet to be formed following the elections for the Knesset last month. President Peres commissioned Likud party leader Binyamin Netanyahu to try to form a Government on 20 February, and Mr. Netanyahu remains engaged in intensive consultations with several parties to that end.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

26. “The members of the Board of Inquiry into incidents in Gaza, established by the Secretary- General, have returned from the region and the Board is now working on its report. As the Council is aware, the Board was tasked to review and investigate a number of specific incidents that occurred in the Gaza Strip between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009, in which death or injuries occurred or damage was done at United Nations premises. The Board will submit its report to the Secretary-General when he returns to New York in early April. During the reporting period, a number of allegations emerged from Israel Defense Forces soldiers that they engaged in improper conduct towards civilians during Operation Cast Lead. On 19 March, the IDF Military Advocate General instructed the military police to probe those allegations.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

27. “Four United Nations Mine Action Teams continue working in Gaza to remove and deactivate unexploded ordinance. One UNRWA and one municipal school have been cleared, along with the UNRWA warehouse at the Karni crossing. There has been no development regarding the return or identification of a new location of the ordinance, including several unexploded bombs that went missing in February 2009. We are concerned by recent actions of the de facto Hamas authorities in Gaza purporting to assert control over the Palestinian Authority Department of External Medical Treatment. If not reversed without delay, that step could prevent referrals from Gaza of patients needing urgent or complex medical care not available there.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

28. “Following an Israeli announcement on 17 March that agreement had not been reached, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrested 10 Hamas leaders in the West Bank, including a former deputy prime minister of the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli Cabinet announced on 22 March its intention to remove privileges not mandated by legal requirements or treaty obligations from Hamas and Islamic Jihad prisoners. In the absence of a ceasefire, violence continues. During the reporting period, more than 100 rockets and 3 mortars were fired into Israel from Gaza. Those attacks, targeting civilian areas, are irresponsible and must cease. In addition, there were 12 Israeli air strikes, killing five Palestinians and injuring 30. We call for an end to all acts of violence and for respect of international humanitarian law by all parties.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

29. “According to the International Monetary Fund, the continued restriction on the entry of cash and the inability of many, including Palestinian Authority employees, to withdraw salaries from the banks affect the livelihoods of approximately half a million Gazans. UNRWA and other international partners are unable to distribute cash assistance and to settle payments for social hardship cases. We continue to be concerned that, despite Egyptian efforts, no ceasefire regime is in place. In addition, there has been no breakthrough in efforts to secure the release of Corporal Shalit and several hundred Palestinian prisoners, despite the intensification of efforts.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

30. “For that reason, the United Nations reiterates its call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law and to open the crossings for emergency supplies and reconstruction materials, without which there will be no way to rebuild Gaza. The quantity of industrial fuel and cooking gas is also insufficient, as only about 70 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, of the weekly needs enter Gaza. A total ban remains in place on the import of petrol and diesel, except for small quantities delivered to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

31. “From 15 February to 09-27993 21 March, a total of 3,633 truckloads - a weekly average of 727 - entered Gaza through the various crossing points from Israel and through Rafah. Roughly 85 per cent of all imports consisted of foodstuffs and medical supplies, whereas construction materials, spare parts and other industrial goods remained almost totally banned. While there has been an increase in the amount of goods getting into Gaza, and the Israeli Cabinet announced on 22 March that foodstuffs from relevant sources would be allowed into Gaza without restriction, the quality and quantity of imports are insufficient compared to needs.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

32. “The United Nations supports the Palestinian Authority's relief and recovery efforts and continues to implement projects under the flash appeal, while simultaneously trying to restart projects dormant for many months prior to the military operation due to lack of material allowed in by Israel. Discussions continue on convening the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in the near future. Key challenges to be addressed include the need for increased budget support for the Palestinian Authority, more clarity on how to channel the funds pledged in Sharm el-Sheikh for Gaza's recovery and on the need to address the overall framework for economic growth in the occupied Palestinian territory. However, the intolerable situation at Gaza's crossings remains the key impediment to bringing help and hope to the people of Gaza.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

33. “Egypt hosted the International Conference on the Palestinian Economy and Gaza Reconstruction in Sharm el-Sheikh on 2 March. The Secretary-General joined representatives from some 80 countries and multilateral organizations in responding to the Palestinian Authority's Gaza Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan. Donors generously pledged some $4.5 billion for humanitarian and economic relief. As he outlined at the Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Prime Minister Fayyad has initiated three large-scale interventions for Gaza's recovery process, aimed at rebuilding houses, agricultural development and private sector recovery.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

34. “President Mahmoud Abbas asked the Prime Minister to remain in office until the reconciliation dialogue was brought to a conclusion. Between 10 and 19 March, Palestinian factions, as well as independents, assembled in Cairo under Egyptian auspices, with the goal of reaching agreement prior to the League of Arab States summit meeting to be held in Doha on 30 March. Egyptian officials report progress on certain aspects of the issues under discussion, namely the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), elections, government, security and reconciliation. However, the talks adjourned without an agreement and are expected to reconvene on 1 April. We reiterate our support for this process, as called for in resolution 1860 (2009).”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

35. “Mr. Pascoe: Two months after unilateral ceasefires were declared in Gaza, we face a worrying situation of impasse and uncertainty. Despite international engagement and support, very little concrete progress has been made on key issues outlined in Security Council resolution 1860 (2009). They include the establishment of a proper ceasefire regime in Gaza, unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, opening of the crossings, prevention of illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition, and intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Turning now to the more detailed part of the briefing, let me begin with Palestinian political 09-27993 developments. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced on 7 March his intention to resign at the end of the month, in order to bolster efforts to form a national conciliation government.”

    2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source

36. “"As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I will continue to uphold the need for an end of the occupation that began in 1967, the creation of a Palestinian State to coexist in peace and security alongside Israel, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and all its Arab neighbours. I am more determined than ever to see this achieved."”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

37. “"A true end to violence and lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis will only come through a just and comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This effort must have at its centre the implementation of Security Council resolutions and the framework of the Arab Peace Initiative. We do not need new plans and processes. We have the tools we need. We need only political will and action. Peace has eluded us for far too long. "The violence, destruction and suffering before us have been a mark of collective political failure. We made a genuine effort last year but did not succeed. We must do more now. Nothing short of a massive international effort is now required to support and insist on a resolution of this conflict. The peoples of the region, and indeed the international community, can afford no less.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

38. “I visited UNIFIL in the South, and would like to once again congratulate the Force for the important role it is playing to stabilize the area and implement resolution 1701 (2006), together with the Lebanese Armed Forces. I also discussed Lebanon at some length in Syria with President Assad. 09-21519 "Let me be clear. Yes, the recent crisis in Gaza and southern Israel requires conflict management and containment, but it is also a symptom of broader problems and deeper conflicts demanding conflict resolution. If the past weeks of violence are not followed quickly by broad political action, we face the real risk of greater polarization and frustration in the region, not to mention a possible repeat of what we have seen.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

39. “"I also Visited Lebanon, where I met with President Sleiman, Prime Minister Siniora and Speaker Berri. I had the honour to address the Lebanese Parliament. Before my arrival, I was very aware of the risk that Lebanon might enter into a new conflict with Israel as a result of the situation in Gaza. However, I was encouraged by the condemnation by the Government of Lebanon of the incidents of rockets being fired from southern Lebanon into Israel and by the prompt action taken by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). "In Israel, I asked the political and defence leadership to exercise restraint and to take steps to implement outstanding elements of resolution 1701 (2006), especially the withdrawal from Ghajar.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

40. “It is clear to me that, for any sustainable political progress to occur and for Gaza to properly recover and rebuild, Palestinians must face the challenge of reconciliation. In both Gaza and Ramallah, I made a passionate appeal for Palestinians to overcome divisions and work to restore one Palestinian Government within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. I repeat that appeal here today. I have stated clearly that the United Nations will work with a united Palestinian Government encompassing Gaza and the West Bank. In Kuwait, I appealed to the Arab world to unite in support of this endeavour, and I have taken note of the efforts of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in this regard. I also appeal to the international community as a whole to do the same.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

41. “I expect to receive a full explanation of each incident and that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. Prime Minister Olmert promised to provide me with the results of their inquiry on an urgent basis. I will then decide on appropriate follow-up action. 09-21519 "The challenges ahead are immense and numerous. While our immediate priority now may be humanitarian relief and early recovery, we must also continue our work to ensure sustainable arrangements underpinning a durable ceasefire and our longer-term effort to achieve peace. "As part of this effort, I have discussed the political way forward at length with regional and international leaders.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

42. “This attack took place on the day I arrived in Israel, and I saw for myself yesterday the still-smoldering ruins of our facilities. From the outset, I have protested the attacks against United Nations facilities in the strongest possible terms and have called on all combatants to respect the sanctity of United Nations premises. I must inform the Security Council that when I was in Israel I was given personal assurances by the Israeli authorities that such attacks would not happen again. Despite that, a mere two days later there was an attack against a United Nations school that served as a refuge and shelter to those who had nowhere else to hide, and two little boys were killed. "When I met the Israeli leadership on several occasions, I demanded a thorough investigation by Israel into every one of these incidents.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

43. “In that regard, I will continue to urge the new President of the United States and his team to make peace in the Middle East one of their top priorities. "I would like to note here that immediate and increased access to Gaza is key to any humanitarian effort, let alone reconstruction. In my meetings with Israeli leaders, I insisted on the importance of increased access to the Gaza Strip. I asked President Mubarak to ensure that Rafah is open for humanitarian material. "The Council is well aware of the several incidents of outrageous attacks against United Nations facilities and heard a briefing here last Thursday on the attacks that saw UNRWA main warehouse burn down, with much urgently required assistance lost.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

44. “There are plans for a comprehensive report to be presented at a conference in Cairo and feed into the work of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee thereafter. It will be crucial for major donor countries to take part and contribute generously in the humanitarian and early recovery efforts ahead. "Indeed, I wish to emphasize that as we begin to meet the challenge of humanitarian relief, early recovery and reconstruction, we need to work together in close coordination and consultation. In addition to the parties themselves, the United Nations is already in close contact with key partners: Egypt and other Arab countries; the European Commission and the World Bank; Norway as the Chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee; Turkey; and the Quartet members - Europe, Russia and United States.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

45. “These include medical care, food, shelter, rubble removal, unexploded ordnance and possibly mines, electricity, cash, water and sanitation. "Mr. Holmes and the Commissioner- General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Karen AbuZayd, will report to the Council directly on the humanitarian situation next week. The United Nations intends to launch a flash humanitarian appeal within 10 days of that first mission. The United Nations is also working to support the development of assessments and plans for early recovery and the rehabilitation of critical services, even as it supports ongoing emergency repairs. It will coordinate closely in this regard with Prime Minister Fayyad.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

46. “"In Gaza, I met with the United Nations staff on the ground, who worked bravely, courageously and heroically during these past weeks. They have made the United Nations proud and humbled us by their example. I cannot praise and thank them enough, and I pay tribute to the United Nations staff members and contractors who have been killed or injured. "I also assured the people of Gaza that the United Nations will work urgently and diligently to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and to start a daunting and challenging process of recovery and reconstruction. "Tomorrow, Special Coordinator Robert Serry and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes will visit Gaza to begin an urgent needs assessment focusing on immediate humanitarian priorities across the board.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

47. “"I went to Gaza to show my respect and concern for the deaths and injuries of so many people, and the thousands of people who lost their family and friends. I wanted to send the signal that the United Nations stands with the people who have borne this tragedy and disaster, and that we will not abandon them. "And I visited Sderot, to meet with the civilians of southern Israel who have been exposed to indiscriminate rocket and mortar fire for too long. "In both places, I underscored the urgent need for international humanitarian law to be fully respected and for civilians to be protected. As I made clear, where civilians have been killed and there are allegations of Violations of international humanitarian law, there should be thorough investigations, full explanations and, where it is required, accountability.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

48. “This is the framework outlined in resolution 1860 (2009), and it will help stabilize the situation on the ground. "For many in Gaza, this also remains an hour of despair, grief and desperate need. They were caught throughout this crisis between Hamas's unacceptable and irresponsible actions and Israel's blockade and use of excessive and disproportionate military force. "During my Visit yesterday, I saw part of the destruction and suffering caused to this small and densely populated area by more than three weeks of heavy bombardment, shelling and street fighting. This, of course, follows on top of months and years of occupation, conflict and economic deprivation. I was deeply affected by what I saw.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

49. “"In this regard, I look to Egypt and others to continue vital efforts to seek understandings and mechanisms to ensure that a durable and sustainable ceasefire is quickly put in place. And I look to regional and international leaders, including members of the League of Arab States, the Quartet and the Security Council, to come together to contribute to and help sustain these guarantees and arrangements, as called for by resolution 1860 (2009). The unilateral ceasefires must be translated into a lasting arrangement that prevents illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition and ensures the sustained reopening of the Gaza crossings on the basis of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source

50. “Throughout the mission, I have been seeking to maximize coordination in the diplomatic efforts to end the crisis and to make clear the expectations of the United Nations as embodied in resolution 1860 (2009). "I commend the leadership and initiative taken by Egyptian President Mubarak to help achieve a ceasefire. I also pay tribute to the many, many leaders from around the world who have made significant contributions to this effort. "The fighting has ended with declarations of unilateral ceasefires and, today, the withdrawal of Israeli troops. This is an important achievement and offers a much-needed respite for the suffering civilians, especially in the Gaza Strip. But conditions are still fragile, and much more remains to be done on both the humanitarian and diplomatic fronts.”

    2009-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6072 (2009) · source