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

“The civil service, the judiciary and in particular security institutions such as the army and the police do not play a neutral role to ensure security and a peaceful atmosphere. The chiefs of security forces in Zimbabwe have on many occasions declared that they would not "allow puppets to take charge" or "salute sell-outs and agents of the West". President Mugabe himself declared that he was "prepared to go to war" if he lost and that the MDC would never be allowed to rule the country. State institutions are partisan, and not neutral effective instruments of citizenship and the rule of law. Yesterday, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai announced he was withdrawing from the Friday run-off election, pointing out that condition for credible elections did not exist.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“One such domestic group, the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network, suffered great restrictions in the accreditation of its observers. It has only been allowed to deploy 500 domestic observers to cover over 9,000 polling stations. The MDC candidate has little or no access to the Zimbabwean media; he is barred from freely campaigning; and it was reported that campaign buses and vehicles were seized by the State, allegedly for unlawful registration. The party's Secretary-General, Mr. Tendai Biti, remains under arrest, charged with treason. Today we heard reports that the MDC headquarters had been raided and dozens of supporters detained. In Zimbabwe the distinction between the ruling party, Government and State institutions is blurred.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“The observers were also mandated to stay in-country for a longer period of time after the election. The United Nations provided support for 08-39337 some 300 observers from SADC member States. As of today, 397 SADC observers have been accredited and deployed in Zimbabwe. The expected total number of SADC observers is about 430. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States have also increased their number of observers dramatically. Initial reports by SADC and Pan-African Parliament observer missions provided first-hand accounts of politically motivated violence. There has been growing concern that domestic observer groups would not be able to field as many observers as they did for the first round, held on 29 March, due to the restrictive provisions adopted by the authorities.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“Instead of openness, free competition and transparency, the current climate is one of fear, hostility and attacks on the physical integrity of Zimbabwean citizens. The violence and the displacements pose an immediate challenge to the credibility of the voting process. It was hoped that the climate would improve with the arrival of a large number of regional and international observers, as the presence of the observers could have helped deter the violence and increase confidence. As part of its cooperation with regional organizations, the United Nations has provided logistical and technical assistance for SADC observation efforts. As a result of combined efforts, the number of observers significantly increased over those present for the first round, when SADC deployed 120 observers.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“The country has experienced a staggering degree of violence, with the opposition claiming that over 80 of its supporters have been killed by supporters of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and thousands displaced from their wards. There is ample evidence that such violence has been perpetrated by a combination of State agencies - army, police, and intelligence - by war veterans and by youth militias. The Government claims that violence has also been perpetrated by MDC activists against ZANU-PF supporters. Evidence suggests that while there has been some retaliatory violence, it has been of a much lesser degree than that of the Government and its supporters. This widespread campaign of intimidation and threat is antithetical to the very spirit of elections.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“In his meetings with the Government, the Assistant Secretary-General's message was that the 08-39337 Government has the primary responsibility to ensure the security of all citizens; that conditions for free and fair elections must exist, in particular that the violence and intimidation had to stop and violators brought to justice; that an equal playing field had to be created for both candidates and their parties; and that dialogue was critical to ending the crisis. He also pressed for the resumption of humanitarian activities. Based on his observations, Mr. Menkerios informed the Secretary-General that conditions did not exist for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe and that no outcome of an election run under these conditions could be considered credible.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“He met with President Mugabe; with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Labour and Social Welfare; with the Deputy Commander of the army; with the Electoral Commission; with the leaders of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara; with Mr. Simba Makoni who came third in the most recent presidential election; with civil society and church organizations; and with the heads of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other observer missions as well as with the diplomatic community.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“As a result of his meeting with President Mugabe in Rome during the World Food Summit, in which he persuaded the Government to engage and work with the United Nations, he dispatched Assistant Secretary- General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios to Zimbabwe with the mandate to discuss ways to improve the political climate ahead of the run-off elections. Assistant Secretary-General Menkerios was granted broad access by the Zimbabwean authorities and met with a wide spectrum of actors and stakeholders in order to gain a balanced understanding of the situation.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“In the Secretary-General's View, the situation in Zimbabwe constitutes a major challenge to regional stability in Southern Africa, not only because of its likely direct impact on the region's political and economic security and the possible displacements, but also because it creates a dangerous precedent for the political future of the continent. Since the beginning of the political impasse following the 29 March elections, the Secretary-General has expressed his concern about the process and the politically motivated violence. He has remained closely engaged with all relevant regional and international leaders to assist in a resolution of the crisis.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: I would like to thank Council members for this opportunity to brief them on the situation in Zimbabwe. Four days before the scheduled presidential run-off election of 27 June, the situation has deteriorated to alarming levels and has reached a 2 new degree of gravity. The withdrawal of Mr. Tsvangirai from the Friday run-off demonstrates this situation very clearly. While we have been working to improve conditions, we also do not believe conditions exist for a "free and fair" run-off election. We strongly discourage the authorities from going ahead with the run-off under these circumstances as that would only increase divisions and produce a discredited result.”
2008-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5919 (2008) · source
“The United Nations is committed to playing its full part in accordance with its comprehensive mandate in Security Council resolution 1770 (2007). The Council's continued support is vital to that effort.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“I would also urge member States to provide additional financial and logistical resources for the Mission, including funding for the new integrated United Nations facility in Baghdad, and additional required security arrangements, in particular the provision of additional military advisers to UNAMI. Iraq is going through a painful transition. The challenges of national reconciliation, reconstruction and development after decades of dictatorship and war are massive. I was impressed, however, by the seriousness and commitment of the Government of Iraq to address these challenges with a View to ending the suffering and achieving a tangible improvement in the lives of the Iraqi people. This is a long-term endeavour that requires the sustained support of the international community.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Their comments were echoed by Foreign Minister Zebari and in numerous other speakers at the regional conference in Kuwait. These statements serve as in important reminder that the role of the United Nations enjoys the respect of Iraqi and regional leaders. We appreciate the support of Council members for UNAMI's efforts to fulfil its mandate in Iraq. We are grateful to those Member States that have provided protection and logistical support to the United Nations presence in Iraq, including those providing air support and troops and funding for the distinct entity to provide security for UNAMI.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“During my meetings with Iraqi and other interlocutors, there was common theme: all expressed appreciation for the enhanced role of the United Nations in Iraq. In Baghdad, I met with Vice-President Adel Abdul Mahdi and Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, who welcomed the role that the United Nations is playing with respect to the resolution of disputed internal territories, preparations for governorate elections before the end of the year, assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons, and facilitating political dialogue and national reconciliation. They also thanked the United Nations for its efforts in supporting humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, and in particular, helping to 08-3196] build a positive political momentum for the development and implementation of the International Compact with Iraq.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“I was struck by the professionalism of the staff and the esprit de corps within the Mission. Special Representative De Mistura has done an exemplary job at motivating staff and keeping them focused on carrying out their mandate. I believe the United Nations can take great pride in their work in an extremely difficult environment. Several times during my visit, I was reminded of the risks that our staff face when the alarm systems sounded and instructed staff to take cover from the threat of indirect fire. The Secretariat remains deeply conscious of the security threat, and the Department of Safety and Security, with our assistance, works to constantly upgrade mitigating measures in order to enhance the safety of our personnel in Iraq.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Expanding the United Nations presence to Najaf, Ramadi and Kirkuk is currently being contemplated. UNAMI and the country team have also adopted an area-based approach, which expands activities where circumstances are more permissible. I have mentioned UNHCR's valuable presence in Baghdad, and I trust that other agencies will soon enhance their role there as well. The Mission also continues to work to become more self-sufficient in areas of logistical support and security, and plans to build a new integrated headquarters in Baghdad have been developed. During my visit to Baghdad, I met with Special Representative De Mistura and the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. I took advantage of the opportunity to thank them on behalf of the Secretary-General for their dedication and hard work under very challenging conditions.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“As the Secretary-General has said strongly and clearly, whatever one's previous views on Iraq, the whole world has a responsibility and an interest today in helping bring peace and prosperity to the people of that country. I returned from my Iraq visit convinced that the United Nations is doing its best in this regard. While taking strict measures to deal with the security situation, the United Nations is playing an enhanced role in Iraq. The Secretary-General has increased the United Nations presence in Baghdad to 140 and in Arbil to 40 international staff. In addition, an outreach programme, which places national liaison officers in each of the Governor's offices, has deployed 9 such officers so far, and the United Nations has re-established its presence in Basra.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“It also provides a guide for focusing assistance on Iraq's most critical problems. In this context, I would like to thank the Government of Sweden for agreeing to host the first Iraq Compact annual review conference, which is to be held in Stockholm on 29 May 2008 at the Foreign Minister level. The conference, to be chaired by the Secretary- General and Prime Minister al-Maliki, will be an opportunity to review the progress made in achieving the objectives of the Compact and discuss further steps towards those goals. We strongly encourage member States to take part in this event and to make concrete commitments at the conference.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The participants also expressed their desire to hold the next expanded ministerial meeting in Baghdad. The United Nations is committed to supporting this regional process through technical assistance to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to three regional Working Groups, on energy, on border security and on refugees and IDPs. The United Nations strongly encourages Iraq and its regional neighbours to step up their dialogue and interaction with a view to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Since its launch in Sharm el-Sheikh in May 2007, the International Compact with Iraq has emerged as a key framework for cooperation between Iraq and international donors in the areas of security, political matters, governance, reconstruction and economic and social recovery.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The support of neighbouring countries is essential for the stability of Iraq. On behalf of the Secretary- General, I attended the third expanded ministerial conference of Iraq and its neighbours, in Kuwait on 3 22 April. It was an opportunity for participating countries to reaffirm their commitment to Iraq's territorial integrity, unity, full sovereignty and independence, and to the principle of non-interference in its internal affairs. In the final communique, the participants condemned all acts of terrorism and reaffirmed the obligation of all States to combat terrorist activities. As always, these meetings also offer invaluable opportunities along the margins for participants to hold wide-ranging discussions of critical bilateral issues.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The positive impact of their presence is already being felt. The Secretary-General's latest report once again expresses serious concern about the current human rights situation in Iraq. Despite improvements in the general security situation towards the end of 2007, suicide bombings, car bombs and other attacks continued, with devastating consequences for civilians, in the first quarter of 2008. However, on a positive note, a number of measures have been taken by the executive and judicial authorities in Iraq to improve the handling of detainees, including efforts to ensure more effective judicial oversight and to alleviate overcrowding. In this context, the UNAMI Human Rights Office continues to visit the Government's detention facilities and prisons at the invitation of the relevant authorities in Baghdad and Arbil.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“I believe we can do more as our presence on the ground increases and, along with it, the opportunities for additional activities. We must also focus our efforts on alleviating the suffering of Iraq's refugees and internally displaced persons, not only on humanitarian grounds, but also because it has regional repercussions. While only lasting political solution in Iraq can solve the current refugee and IDP crisis, we believe that the Government of Iraq and the wider international community, with the help of the United Nations can and must do more in the interim to help host countries, particularly Jordan and Syria, with humanitarian assistance. In that regard, I would like to note the recent deployment of three personnel of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to Baghdad.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“However, as the report notes, this timeline depends on political agreements that must be reached in the coming weeks, particularly with regard to voter registration eligibility and inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs). A new governorate election 08-3196] law must be written and adopted by the Council of Representatives as soon as possible. The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to be of great concern and provides ample evidence of the impact that violence in Iraq has on civilians on a daily basis. In particular, the United Nations is monitoring the situation in the Sadr City area of Baghdad and in the city of Basra and is assessing the humanitarian needs. The United Nations is committed to working with all relevant actors concerned to ensure that urgent assistance reaches the most vulnerable civilians.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Special Representative De Mistura, with the support of the Iraqi leadership, announced on 14 February that UNAMI would move forward the process of selecting the directors of several governorate election offices in cases where there had been no consensus among the political parties to complete the appointment process. That process - now almost completed - is an excellent example of how the United Nations can add value in Iraq. I urge the Council of Representatives to forward the list of candidates for the Baghdad electoral offices as soon as possible, to allow the process to be completed. The Iraqi Electoral Commission is currently focused on organizing a voter registration update to take place throughout Iraq in June, after which Governorate Council elections are scheduled for 1 October.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“UNAMI has conducted a number of field visits to several disputed areas to meet with local leaders and understand their concerns. It has facilitated a dialogue in several contested areas in order to build confidence and momentum among the parties. The Mission will make recommendations with regard to the principles and methodology that could be used by Iraqi stakeholders as part of a common approach to tackle the most highly disputed territories, including the city of Kirkuk. We appeal to Member States to support United Nations efforts and encourage the parties concerned to work together to find lasting solutions. UNAMI continues to support the Iraq Electoral Commission in its preparations to conduct election activities that are seen as credible by the Iraqi people.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Let me say here that the Council's adoption of resolution 1770 (2007) and its broadened mandate for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) came at a critical time and provides a firm basis for our work in Iraq. The Secretary-General's 08-3196] Special Representative and his highly motivated staff are carrying out the mandate by expanding their assistance to the Government and people. While the tasks are daunting, UNAMI's enhanced efforts are appreciated by Iraqis. The reputation of the United Nations as an organization that provides valuable assistance is growing. Pursuant to the mandate under resolution 1770 (2007) and following the agreed six-month extension of article 140 of the Iraqi constitution after its expiry on 31 December 2007, UNAMI has made the resolution of disputed internal territories a top priority.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“As the Secretary-General's report highlights, it is imperative that Iraqi leaders maintain that positive momentum and take further steps to resolve other fundamental issues that continue to divide Iraqis, such as the sharing of natural resources and an agreement on the federal structure of the Iraqi State. Those goals could be achieved through the adoption of a fair and equitable hydrocarbon law and the completion of the long-delayed constitutional review process. There are some indications that progress may be made in those areas as well. The United Nations strongly encourages those efforts and continues to provide the Constitutional Review Committee with technical advice and assistance.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Despite improvements in security, the Government of Iraq continues to face formidable challenges to the process of national reconciliation. Some important steps were taken in January of this year - such as the passing of the Justice and Accountability Law replacing earlier de-baathification policies and a package of laws that include the Law on Governorates not Organized into a Region, the General Amnesty Law and the 2008 budget. There are also encouraging signs that the Arab Sunni front, the Tawafuq, could return to the Government soon. Together with security improvements, those steps create a window of opportunity that we need to pursue.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: I am grateful for this opportunity to be here today to discuss the situation in Iraq and the stepped up efforts of the United Nations to help the Iraqi Government and people. I have just visited Baghdad from 19 to 21 April, and attended the third expanded ministerial meeting of Iraq and its neighbours on 22 April in Kuwait. The Security Council has before it the third report (S/2008/266) issued pursuant to resolution 1770 (2007). It reflects the progress achieved by the United Nations in its expanded role under the new mandate. The report highlights the challenges facing Iraq and the concerted efforts by the Government of Iraq, neighbouring countries, the United Nations and the wider international community to address them. We are all aware of the difficult situation in Iraq.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Secretary-General proposes better support arrangements for further cooperation with regional organizations. He recommends specific actions in the areas of conflict prevention, mediation, disarmament, non-proliferation, peacebuilding, human rights and humanitarian action. He suggests setting up a panel of distinguished persons from the United Nations and the African Union within the next three months to make concrete recommendations on how to help finance peacekeeping operations undertaken by regional organizations. I hope that this open debate will help forge a consensus on these vital questions, while reaffirming the centrality of early warning, conflict prevention and mediation among the main responsibilities of Member States and the Security Council.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“Secondly, there is the report of the Secretary- General on the relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union, in the maintenance of international peace and security (S/2008/186). The report describes the many facets of United Nations cooperation with regional organizations in peace and security activities under Chapter VIII. It identifies the challenges facing these partnerships, particularly in Africa, and focuses on the opportunities that could be seized to ensure more functional and effective cooperation and coordination. This would be based on a clear division of labour that would recognize the comparative advantage that each organization may have in dealing with a particular conflict.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“The report also calls for full cooperation in developing the capacities of African regional organizations to deploy both civil and military assets quickly when needed, including for developing an African standby force. The Secretary-General has instructed the United Nations system to strengthen current levels of collaboration, to maintain efforts to deploy expertise 3 on prevention and to ensure that it continues to work closely with and support the African Peace and Security Architecture, including the Panel of the Wise. This will help build the long-term capacity of the African Union. It is thus in support of the Framework for the Ten-Year Capacity-Building Programme for the African Union.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“The Council is called upon, for example, to dispatch missions to the field on a timely basis to assess situations on the ground and to increase its use of the Arria Formula, or similar arrangements, for broad informal discussions. It is urged to use reports of groups of experts to carry out lessons-learned exercises to motivate parties to resolve conflicts. The Council is also called upon to develop a stronger and more structured relationship with the African Union Peace and Security Council. The report calls for continued efforts to combat cross-border and transnational threats to stability, including efforts to control the arms trade. It urges continued efforts against gender-based violence.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“Although conflict prevention is not always highly visible, it remains the most cost-effective and efficient way to promote international peace and security. In order to enhance United Nations capacity for early warning, conflict prevention and mediation in Africa - and elsewhere - the Secretary-General has proposed the strengthening of the Department of Political Affairs to work in this area. Successfully preventing conflict in the field will require additional resources that can be provided only by Member States. The Secretary-General's report makes a number of suggestions on how the Security Council can implement resolution 1625 (2005) and therefore improve and sustain the ability of the United Nations to avert negative developments and prevent crises from escalating into armed conflict.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: As you know, the Secretary-General will be here to make a broader statement in a few minutes. At this point, I would only like to very briefly 08-30672 introduce two important, recent reports of the Secretary-General that go to the heart of the issues being discussed today at this high-level meeting on peace and security in Africa. First, there is the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1625 (2005) on conflict prevention, particularly in Africa (S/2008/ 18), which reviews the recent efforts to develop more multifaceted approaches to dealing with conflicts, particularly in Africa. It emphasizes the need for a broad strategy that helps to build national and regional capacities for preventive action.”
2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868 (2008) · source
“The process can only be sustained by much more meaningful efforts to implement Phase 1 of the Road Map and to improve economic and security conditions. The international community and all regional parties should also give strong support to efforts to bring about a cessation of violence in and around Gaza and a reopening of crossings in an atmosphere in which the security concerns of Palestinians, Israel and Egypt are addressed. Otherwise, the potential for further violence is all too real, with grave consequences for civilians, for regional peace and security, and for the political process itself. The Secretary-General remains committed to supporting all efforts to secure, through negotiations, the full implementation of the Security Council resolutions on the Arab-Israeli conflict.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“A UNIFIL investigation also is ongoing into an alleged breach of Lebanese territorial waters. Despite the general increase in tension, all parties have reassured UNIFIL that they do not seek a renewal of hostilities. With regard to the Palestinian camp of Nahr el-Bared, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in cooperation with the Lebanese Army and the office of the Prime Minister, has finalized the Master Plan for the reconstruction of the camp. The reconstruction effort will be a long and complex undertaking that will require the full support of the international donor community. The fact that the political process between Israelis and Palestinians is continuing is extremely important given the many negative developments that threaten to derail it.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“The situation within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations has remained quiet, although with increased levels of tension. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been on a heightened state of alert along the Blue Line since the assassination of Imad Mughniyah on 12 February, and the Lebanese Armed Forces have announced the introduction of specific measures and additional deployment of forces in the event of an attack. Over the same time period, there has been a considerable increase of IDF violations of Lebanese airspace, with 222 such Violations being reported by UNIFIL over a one-week period alone, that is, from 11 to 17 March. These violations constitute a serious breach of Lebanese sovereignty and the Blue Line and undermine the credibility of Lebanese national institutions and UNIFIL.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“The longer the stalemate continues, the greater the chance for the situation to 5 deteriorate further, both politically and in terms of the security situation. While the general security atmosphere has remained relatively calm with no major incidents, public tension and anxiety increased during the reporting period. On 16 February, in Beirut, clashes broke out between supporters of various groups affiliated with the majority and the opposition, leaving 20 people injured. Officials from both sides involved have pledged to cooperate with the Lebanese Armed Forces to avoid the recurrence of such confrontations. Clashes between Fatah and Jund al-Sham erupted on 21 March in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh in southern Lebanon leading to one fatality.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“As a matter of principle, we believe that the unity of the legitimate Palestinian Authority must be restored through peaceful means in support of the political process for a peacefully negotiated two-State solution, and we believe that Arab countries have a leading role to play in supporting such efforts. The situation in the occupied Syrian Golan has remained quiet over the reporting period, although settlement activity continues. Lebanon continues in the grip of a deep political crisis. Yesterday, the parliamentary session to elect a President was postponed for the seventeenth time since 24 November 2007. The Secretary-General firmly supports the Arab League initiative and encourages the parties to facilitate its implementation.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“We also continue to stress the vital role of Arab States in support of the peace process, the central importance of the Arab Peace Initiative and the ultimate need for a comprehensive regional peace. Foreign Ministers from the League of Arab States met in Cairo on 5 March ahead of the annual summit planned for 29-30 March in Damascus. We note their support for the seven-point plan announced by Yemeni President Saleh, calling for a return of the situation in Gaza to the situation before the Hamas takeover in last June, the holding of early elections and a resumption of dialogue on the basis of previous internal Palestinian agreements. Fatah and Hamas representatives reportedly held constructive discussions on the plan in Sana'a.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“The Interior Minister has submitted a comprehensive report about security in the West Bank. Palestinian security forces have undertaken operations disarming and arresting militants in the West Bank. However, there is more work to do for the Palestinian Authority to reassert law and order across the cities of the West Bank and meet its Road Map obligations to effectively combat terrorism. If these obligations are to be met, greater Israeli-Palestinian Authority security cooperation is essential. The Quartet continues to be in close contact at the principal and envoy levels. There are ongoing discussions over the idea of a renewed international meeting in Moscow in the coming period. We are supportive of the idea of such a meeting.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“A meeting of the co-chairs of the Paris donors' conference, Foreign Minister Kouchner of France, Commissioner Ferrero Waldner of the European Commission, Foreign Minister Stohre of Norway and Quartet Representative Tony Blair, took place today to assess the situation since the Paris Conference. The next meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee will take place on 2 May in London hosted by the United Kingdom and Norway. Efforts to reform, train and equip the Palestinian security forces in the West Bank continued during the reporting period. Some 1000 officers are currently being trained in Jordan, with the support of the United States Security Coordinator, for deployment in the West Bank in April and May. President Abbas issued a decree aimed at reforming the Palestinian Authority intelligence apparatus.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“We support the continuing reform efforts of the Government of Prime Minister Fayyad. A recent IMF mission confirmed that, despite the difficult environment, impressive financial reform measures have been taken, including the reestablishment of cash control procedures and a new accounting system for fiscal reporting. The Palestinian Development Plan is still being finalized and will shortly be shared with the international community in order to enlist support. The financing needs for recurrent costs in 2008 stand at $1.7 billion. So far, $1.2 billion have been pledged, and about half of the pledges will be disbursed by the end of March. Hence, there is a shortfall of $500 million for recurrent expenditure.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“There is little I am able to report about the state of bilateral negotiations. This is a positive reflection of 08-28218 the confidentiality that is being maintained, enabling Israeli and Palestinian leaders to be candid in their discussions. As a result of the significant Palestinian casualties in Gaza, Palestinian President Abbas suspended bilateral negotiations with Israel for a period. However, meetings between the heads of the two negotiating teams resumed recently and the work of a number of technical groups formed between the parties is being pursued. Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad and a senior official in the Israeli Ministry of Defence also attended the first trilateral meeting on monitoring of the implementation of Phase 1 Road Map commitments, hosted by the United States Lieutenant General Fraser.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“All settlement activity in East Jerusalem or elsewhere in the West Bank is contrary to international law and Security Council resolutions. Israel's failure to cease settlement activity including natural growth or to dismantle the outposts erected after March 2001 is contrary to the Road Map. The Secretary-General has made public his concerns that urgent action must be taken on this issue. Construction work on the barrier continues within occupied Palestinian territory, in deviation from the Green Line and contrary to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion. Meanwhile, the number of house demolitions in the West Bank has increased noticeably. Since the beginning of this year, over 100 structures - at least half of them residential - have been demolished, displacing nearly 400 Palestinians.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“Tenders and construction permits for hundreds of housing units were announced this month, and construction continues in many settlements as well as on infrastructure such as roads for settler use. The Israeli Government stated publicly that settlement expansion in East Jerusalem will continue. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has raised concerns about Israeli archaeological excavations in the Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem, bordering the Haram Al-Sharif/ Temple Mount. The PLO raised additional concerns about alleged plans to bring more Israeli settlers to Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem while transferring Israeli police personnel to the police station constructed at the centre of the proposed E-l settlement area between Israel and the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim to the east.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“Recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections show that under current conditions gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2008 will not exceed population growth. Action to ease closure inside the West Bank is essential if a viable Palestinian economy is to develop as the basis for a viable Palestinian State. In addition to restrictions on Palestinian movement, restrictions of movement of United Nations staff in the West Bank and between the West Bank and East Jerusalem also continue to increase, making delivery of programmes increasingly difficult. Israeli settlement activity has continued in the reporting period in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“We also note that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has still not gained access to captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and that one of the more than 10,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails died earlier this month, bringing the number of Palestinian prisoners who have died in Israeli prisons to seven since the beginning of 2007. In the West Bank, 580 IDF-imposed obstacles continue to block Palestinian movement. The levels of restrictions, in both quantity and character, have steadily increased each year since 2005, and are at the root of Palestinian economic decline. The restrictions have continued despite the security efforts of the Palestinian Authority since mid-2007.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source
“On any given day between 30 and 50 per cent of ambulances cannot be used due to lack of fuel. Sanitation authorities continue to dump 60,000 cubic metres of raw and partially treated sewage into the sea each day as a result of fuel, electrical and spare parts shortages. Fuel shortages have prevented 63 per cent of Gaza's regular fishing trips, further exacerbating what is already a dire socio-economic scenario. Food insecurity is increasing as salaries dry up, and at least 50,000 additional beneficiaries have been added to food assistance distribution lists.”
2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source