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

“Mr. Pascoe: On 18 October, Israel and Hamas implemented the first stage of a prisoner exchange agreement. Israeli Sergeant Gilad Shalit, held in Gaza without international access since 25 June 2006, was released by Hamas. Four hundred and seventy-seven Palestinian prisoners - many of whom had been imprisoned for involvement in attacks on Israelis - were released, mostly to Gaza, but also to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the occupied Syrian Golan and Israel proper. Forty-two prisoners were released to Turkey, Qatar, Syria and Jordan. In all, 205 prisoners were transferred, in accordance with the exchange agreement, to locations other than their residence before detention.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“We underlined the importance of accountability for all human rights violations committed in Syria since March, and hope that the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic will extend full cooperation to the Commission.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“On 15 September, a coalition of Syrian opposition leaders announced the formation of a Syrian national council and released a national consensus charter affirming the peaceful, inclusive and non-sectarian character of the Syrian uprising and committing to the establishment of a modern State that will guarantee the rule of law and respect for human rights. We are aware of reports of increased defections from within the army and the continued violence against and mistreatment of activists and their supporters. On 12 September, the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council appointed three experts to form the international commission of inquiry mandated by the Council on 23 August. They will meet this week in Geneva to discuss their programme and methods of work, and establish contacts with relevant stakeholders.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“In northern Lebanon, the United Nations continues to coordinate closely with the Government of Lebanon on the provision of assistance to displaced Syrian nationals, as well as on matters of protection and determination of their status. Their number, by our count, has reached 3,780 people. 11-51651 The increase in Syrian nationals seeking refuge across the border is a reflection of the escalating political and human rights crisis in Syria, which has killed at least 2,700 people since March. The polarization continues to deepen between the Syrian Government, which appears determined to pursue its policy of violent repression despite international and regional calls to change course, and a growing popular opposition that has continued to organize protests across the country.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“On 20 September, in the West Bekaa, the Lebanese Internal Security Forces arrested four men and killed two others suspected to have links with the kidnappers of the seven Estonian nationals who had been abducted in March and released in July. The situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations has remained generally stable. However, UNIFIL's freedom of movement was impeded in an incident on 13 September in the vicinity of the village of Ayta ash-Sha'b, which resulted in the light injury of one UNIFIL soldier. Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace continued on an almost daily basis, although at a diminished pace. We welcome the strong commitment to the Special Tribunal expressed by President Suleiman in his address to the General Assembly (see A/66/PV.11) and reiterated by Prime Minister Mikati today.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“We also continue to call for further easing of Israeli closure measures on Gaza, particularly in regard 11-5165] to the importation of construction materials, exports and the freedom of movement of people. We can report no movement on Palestinian reconciliation based on Palestinian Liberation Organization commitments, although President Abbas stated that he hopes that the implementation of the reconciliation accord will be accelerated in the coming weeks. There also has been no progress regarding access to or the release of Staff Sergeant Shalit, who remains in Hamas captivity. Allow me to comment briefly on Lebanon, where the overall security situation remained calm.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“Today's decision by the Jerusalem District Planning Committee to advance planning for a large number of units in East Jerusalem is of particular concern. We have repeatedly stated that settlement activity is illegal and contrary to Israel's Road Map commitments. In Gaza, despite the restoration of an uneasy calm in late August, 18 rockets, including three Grad rockets, were fired into Israel during the reporting period. We condemn these indiscriminate attacks, which must cease. During the same period, Israeli forces conducted four incursions and two airstrikes into Gaza, resulting in six Palestinian civilians being injured, including three children. We continue to urge Israel to show maximum restraint.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“The past month has seen an upsurge in Israeli settler violence, including, on 5 September, the fifth arson attack on a mosque in the past two months. The rule of law must be enforced by Israeli authorities against this phenomenon. Security must also be ensured for Israelis, as was underscored by a car and knife attack in Tel Aviv by a West Bank Palestinian on 29 August, and by Israeli reports that they had foiled a suicide attack in August in Jerusalem. One hundred housing new units were approved in the Beit Aryeh settlement in the northern West Bank since the last briefing. The Israeli authorities also announced their intention to expropriate 200 acres of land around a settler outpost in the West Bank. More Palestinian structures in Area C have been demolished to date in 2011 than in either of the past two years.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“During the reporting period, a total of two Palestinians were killed, including one militant, while 102 Palestinians, including 12 children, were injured, and two Israeli Defense Forces personnel and 10 Israeli civilians were injured, illustrating the continuing cost of the ongoing conflict. In the current atmosphere, it is essential that all sides impress on their security forces and civilian populations the need to act responsibly. They must do their utmost to avoid escalation and take early action to defuse possible tensions. I commend the peaceful nature of the large public demonstrations held in support of the application for Palestinian membership in the main Palestinian cities in the West Bank. Extremists on both sides must not be allowed to inflame the situation.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“Yet despite frustrations and lack of trust, each leader extended his hand for peace, and both parties have undertaken to review carefully the Quartet call. We hope that, whatever its reservations, each side will now engage towards the preparatory meeting envisaged by the Quartet. The United Nations intends to be a full participant in this effort, and Special Coordinator Serry has already returned to the region to follow up with both parties and his Quartet partners. I will not give a detailed report of developments on the ground this month in my briefing today, but I do wish to highlight a few key matters.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“The goal would be to make substantial progress within six months, with a Moscow conference held at the appropriate time, and to reach an agreement not later than the end of 2012. Special Coordinator Serry played an active role with the other Quartet envoys and Quartet Representative Blair in developing this framework. As the Quartet has made clear, the parties should refrain from provocative actions if negotiations are to be effective. It has also reiterated the obligations of both parties under the Road Map. Resuming negotiations and making progress is easier said than done, of course, and this was evident in the eloquent and deeply felt speeches of both leaders to the General Assembly.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“As these deliberations continue, we must spare no effort to help the parties back to the negotiating table. The Quartet will now work for a preparatory meeting of the parties within a month to agree on an agenda and a method of proceeding. Let me appeal to both parties to agree to move forward. The Quartet made clear that it would expect the parties to come forward with comprehensive proposals on territory and security within three months of resumed negotiations. This would be a moment where the parties would be truly tested in their readiness to make serious proposals that address the core concerns of the other. It is also designed to ensure that the talks move quickly to the heart of the matters in dispute.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“The main obstacles to a Palestinian State are not institutional, but political: the unresolved issues in the conflict between the parties, the continuing Israeli occupation, and the ongoing Palestinian divide. Last Friday, 23 September, President Abbas submitted to the Secretary-General an application for 3 membership for a State of Palestine in the United Nations. In accordance with the Charter and the rules of procedure, the Secretary-General transmitted the application to the President of the Security Council on the same day and sent a copy to the President of the General Assembly. The Secretary-General respects the prerogatives of the Security Council and the General Assembly. The application is now before the Council; it is members' issue to decide.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“With a $150 million financing gap for the remainder of the year, additional and timely donor support to meet the Authority's needs is critical, including to ensure payment of salaries and contracts. When meeting last Friday, Quartet principals stated that a donors conference should be held to give further impetus to the State-building agenda. They also proposed, as part of the context of renewed negotiations, to identify additional steps they can support individually and collectively so as to secure significantly greater independence and sovereignty for the Palestinian Authority over its affairs. I stress the State-building achievements for a reason.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“For this reason, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting urged greater facilitation by the Israeli Government, including enhanced measures to enable private sector growth in the West Bank and Gaza; continued, predictable and improved revenue transfers from Israel; and allowing Area C to develop. The meeting expressed concern over the fiscal situation, which many attributed to structural constraints on the private sector, while underscoring the importance of donor support to the Palestinian Authority. In this regard, I welcome the $200 million transferred by Saudi Arabia for the Palestinian Authority's recurrent expenditures and development spending.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“The meeting confirmed the assessments of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process of the capability of the Palestinian Authority. The efforts to build robust State institutions and revive the Palestinian economy have brought real security and economic improvements. We commend President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad on this achievement. The Palestinian Authority has achieved what it set out to do two years ago, and this must be noted, preserved and built upon.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“No one can deny the depth of their dispute, but there are now some building blocks in place that could help make negotiations more effective than before. These include a clear timetable, expectations that the parties must come forward with proposals, and an active role for the Quartet. It will not be easy to chart a way forward, but now is again the time for everyone to give diplomacy a chance. 11-51651 Let me begin by noting an important international success story. The Palestinian Authority is capable of running a State. This strong international consensus was clear at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on 18 September here in New York.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: More than a week of intensive diplomacy at the United Nations has underscored the institutional readiness of the Palestinian Authority to run a State and seen the Palestinian President apply for membership for a State of Palestine in the United Nations. The Quartet has noted this application, while calling for resumed negotiations and urging concrete proposals from the parties on territory and security within three months of talks resuming. The Quartet reaffirmed the international legal basis for the peace process and its support, expressed on 20 May, for the vision of Israeli-Palestinian peace outlined by President Obama. It also urged the parties to avoid provocations on the ground. Judging by the passions of last week, the parties remain far apart.”
2011-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6623 (2011) · source
“It will also provide time to assure that any long-term mission that the Secretary-General may propose to the Security Council can be designed to provide effective assistance to the Libyan people for the longer term and to closely reflect Libyan ownership and Libyan wishes. We look forward to the NTC forming an interim Government in the near future and assigning interlocutors to enable us to engage with them and to provide the required assistance and advice, as needed, in the priority areas that have identified.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“These services will be continued until more sustainable solutions are identified. We are also concerned about reports of forced displacements of groups of civilians among the Tawergha and Gwaliosh peoples, who have been perceived as loyal to Al-Qadhafi. NTC efforts must become effective in ensuring that all armed forces respect the rights of civilian populations of any background and that international humanitarian law is fully respected. Libya faces many challenges in the post-conflict phase, but I am confident that the Libyan people will overcome them with our collective support and assistance. The three-month mandate given to the United Nations Mission offers us an opportunity to provide immediate assistance and advice to the NTC and to engage with Libyan civil society.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Requests for humanitarian support received from local authorities indicate urgent humanitarian needs for water, health items, food and some non-food assistance. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing in areas where they are most needed. United Nations agencies have delivered food assistance to 117,000 vulnerable people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Bani Walid, southern Libya, Sirte and Tawarga, and to migrant workers. Food stocks have been pre-positioned in Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata, ready for distribution to currently inaccessible areas when the situation permits. Additionally, water is being trucked to some 40,000 displaced people from Bani Walid. Medical kits have been deployed to IDP-affected areas that are sufficient to cover those populations for the next three months.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“On 20 September, following the high-level meeting on Libya, a technical coordination meeting was held, co-chaired by Mr. Ahmed Jehani, Chairman of the Libya NTC stabilization team, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ian Martin. Mr. Jehani reiterated the NTC's request that the international community coordinate its assistance to Libya under the leadership of the United Nations and in the areas of priority identified by the interim authorities. He was unequivocal in stressing the fact that the assessment of transitional requirements would be conducted under the leadership of the NTC. A first meeting of the friends of Libya in Tripoli will be convened this week. On the humanitarian front, since mid-August at least 60,000 new displacements of Libyans have been recorded as fighting intensified around Sirte and Bani Walid.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“In the coming days, senior human rights experts will follow up with the Libyan transitional authorities and civil society on human rights priorities, including on issues relating to transitional justice. With the assistance of the Department of Safety and Security and the Department of Field Support, initial security and logistical constraints are being overcome. Meanwhile, discussions are under way with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a status-of-mission agreement that establishes the rights and privileges of United Nations personnel in Libya. UNSMIL has also begun to implement one of its key mandated tasks to, "coordinate support that may be requested from other multilateral and bilateral actors" (resolution 2009 (2011), para. 12 (f)).”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Charpentier has also been designated as Resident Coordinator ad interim and as Humanitarian Coordinator. Essential personnel are already deployed in Tripoli. The senior management of the Mission - including the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, the Deputy Special Representative, the Chief of Staff, the Chief Political Advisor, the Chief Police Advisor and the Chief of Mission Support - are in place, with political officers in Benghazi as well as in Tripoli. 3 The Chief of my Department's Electoral Assistance Division accompanied Special Representative Martin to Tripoli last week for meetings with members of the NTC and other Libyan interlocutors. The first electoral experts will arrive in Libya this week to further assess electoral needs and to discuss assistance necessary to support Libyan national efforts.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Fourthly, the Secretary-General has repeatedly expressed his concern over the welfare of African migrants and third-country nationals. The United Nations continues to facilitate the evacuation of people- over 200,000 since the beginning of the crisis - while many more who require assistance remain in the country and in transit camps. We also urge the early processing of those in detention and the security of those who continue to work in Libya. Let me briefly turn to the status of our deployment to Libya. Following the unanimous adoption of resolution 2009 (2011) of 16 September, which mandated the establishment of UNSMIL, the Secretary-General announced on 19 September the appointment of Mr. Ian Martin as his Special Representative and Mr. Georg Charpentier as Deputy Special Representative. Mr.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Thirdly, reports of the uncovering of a mass grave near the infamous Abu Salim prison in Tripoli, with some 1,270 remains reportedly of prisoners killed in June 1996, indicate further the enormity of the human rights crimes perpetrated by the former regime against its own people. It is essential that the Libyan authorities secure this and other grave sites so that the fate of disappeared persons may be clarified as forensic expertise is available and evidence is preserved for future accountability mechanisms. At the same time, every effort must be made to prevent reprisal attacks on members or supporters of the former regime. All countries must cooperate with the International Criminal Court to ensure that those indicted are apprehended if they leave or have left Libya.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“However, inspectors from the OPCW who had been on site to monitor destruction activities departed Libya on 8 February 2011 and destruction activities were halted. On 22 September, news reports stated that forces associated with the (NTC) had discovered a depot of chemical weapons materials located in the area of Al-Jufrah, approximately 435 miles south of Tripoli, that had been previously undeclared. OPCW is working on confirming this information. It remains important for the NTC to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of all remaining chemical weapon stockpiles in Libya and, as the situation in the country allows, resume destruction 11-51341 activities in cooperation with the OPCW and other agencies. The NTC may now wish to invite inspectors back to the sites.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“In a letter to the Secretary-General dated 5 September, the Director- General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Mr. Ahmet Uzi'imcii, reported that it had become apparent during a recent meeting of the OPCW Executive Council that the risk to the safety of the category-1 chemical weapon stockpiles had increased as a result of the rapidly changing situation in the country. As members will recall, in December 2009 the Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction granted Libya an extension of its deadline to complete destruction of remaining category-1 chemical weapons to 15 May 2011.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“The formation of a new inclusive interim Government that reflects the full diversity of Libyan society will be a crucial step in this direction. We hope that, despite the difficulties, the new Libyan Government will soon be announced and, with the support of the new United Nations Support Mission in Libya and other partners, will begin working on these critical issues. Secondly, it is imperative that the NTC and the international community establish control over the large stocks of sophisticated arms, including ground- to-air missiles, amassed by the Al-Qadhafi Government. The spread of these weapons and the danger that they could fall into the hands of terrorists are matters of grave concern. Re-establishing control over chemical weapons material is of paramount importance.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“An assessment of the needs in the area around Bani Walid is to take place tomorrow, with follow-up missions to Sabha and Sirte in the coming days. The leadership of the NTC continues its efforts to restore security and peace in other areas, but recent reports have shown that the security situation in some parts of the country remains fragile, as demonstrated by the attack by pro-Al-Qadhafi forces on the town of Ghadamis near the Algerian border. The challenges faced by the NTC are many. I would like to mention four here today. 11-51341 First, it is essential that steps to address national reconciliation and unity and to ensure that all military groups are brought under a unified command and the political authority of the NTC be carried out quickly.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Special Representative Martin returned last week to Tripoli, where the presence of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is being established. I can report that the capital city displays remarkable normality, with its infrastructure overwhelmingly intact and public servants back in their offices, even while Government appointments are awaited, banks and shops open, businesses re-establish themselves, most children are back in school, and traffic is once again quite heavy. However, fighting continues in Sirte, Bani Walid and a few other pockets of resistance in the country, with NATO continuing its military operations in Sirte over the weekend. Some civilians have fled the areas of fighting. The humanitarian country team is working with the Libyan authorities to enhance support in conflict areas.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Participants also expressed full support to the interim authorities in Libya, led by NTC President Mr. Mustafa Abdel Jalil. At that meeting, President Jalil pledged to uphold the principles of human rights and establish a society based on tolerance and co-existence. The NTC has repeatedly and publicly embraced essential principles of tolerance, moderation, reconciliation, human rights, and the rule of law, and in particular the rights of women and migrant workers. Mr. Jalil thanked the international community for its support and outlined the United Nations support for the early establishment of the State and resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011). He also highlighted the main challenges ahead, such as removing any pockets of resistance, addressing reconstruction needs and compensating families of those killed, injured or maimed.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: I appreciate the opportunity to once again brief the Council on the situation in Libya. I will focus on what the United Nations has been doing since the adoption of resolution 2009 (2011) on 16 September and a brief update on the current situation. I must say that I am also delighted to see Mr. Mahmoud Jibril, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Transitional Council (NTC), here with us today. As Council members are aware, the Secretary- General convened a high-level meeting on Libya in New York on 20 September on the margins of General 2 Assembly, at which participants officially welcomed the National Transitional Council of Libya as the legitimate delegation representing the Libyan people at the United Nations.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“The team was able to visit several sites across the country, including rural Damascus, Horns, Tartus, Talkalakh, Baniyas, Latakia, Idlib, Hamah and Aleppo. It has just completed its visit today, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will provide a debriefing as needed, in the next few days. Many world leaders, including those from the region, and of course the Secretary-General, have urged President Assad to immediately halt military operations that are killing his own people. He must heed the international community's appeal, and we call upon him to do so without further delay.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“However, the failure to rein in security forces undermined the credibility of such announcements, and the international community has remained quite sceptical. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a deeply disturbing report on the widespread and systematic violations of human rights since March, concluding that the scale and nature of the abuse committed may amount to crimes against humanity. We welcome the decision by the Human Rights Council on Tuesday to establish an international commission of inquiry, and hope that the Syrian authorities will extend their full cooperation to the commission. As planned, we sent a United Nations team to look at the overall humanitarian situation and to get a better understanding of the humanitarian needs of the population most affected by the violence in Syria.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“The Syrian security forces have continued to use excessive and lethal force against the popular protests, including in the provinces of Homs, Hamah, Dar'a, Idlib and Dayr Az Zawr, as well as in and around Damascus. Many civilians have been killed and injured, and large-scale arbitrary arrests have continued. The official Syrian media report that security and military personnel have also lost their lives over the past days. In an interview on 21 August, President Assad remained silent on the violence committed against civilians, continuing to blame the violence on armed attacks against the army, police and security posts. He also outlined a timetable for the political reforms announced earlier, including parliamentary elections in 11-48082 February 2012 and a revision of the Constitution.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“On 18 August, the President of the Special Tribunal ordered the public advertisement of the indictment. The United Nations supports the important work of the Special Tribunal and expects full cooperation from the Government of Lebanon. Allow me to turn briefly to events in Syria. I know that Mr. Fernandez-Taranco briefed the Council on 1 and 10 August. High Commissioner Pillay, Under- Secretary-General Amos and I briefed the Council on 18 August, and I tried to present a short update to the Council two days ago. The Secretary-General has repeatedly urged President Assad to immediately end violence against the Syrian people and to engage in meaningful reform. Yet while he pledged to do so, President Assad has not upheld that commitment. As the Secretary-General said earlier this week, it is troubling that he has not kept his word.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“The President also inaugurated a new Palestinian embassy in Beirut, marking the upgrading of the PLO's diplomatic representation in Lebanon and his efforts to seek Lebanon's support for the recognition of a Palestinian State at the United Nations in September. On 3 and 4 August, the Lebanese Parliament held its first session since the formation of Prime Minister Mikati's Government on 7 July. At that session, among other items, the Parliament adopted a law that defines the maritime zones under Lebanon's sovereignty. 11-48082 The work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon has continued and remains a major issue in Lebanon. On 9 August, the Lebanese authorities notified the Special Tribunal that they were unable to arrest and transfer those accused in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“On 13 August, there was a shooting directed at the property of Member of Parliament Suleiman Franjieh. On 5 and 6 August, heavy clashes between armed factions erupted in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp following an assassination attempt against the military commander of Fatah in Lebanon. A ceasefire was agreed upon after hours of fightng that left a number of people injured. One school of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was hit by a rocket- propelled grenade, causing material damage to two classrooms. Against this background, during his visit to Lebanon from 16 to 19 August, President Abbas reaffirmed his position that the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon "have no need for weapons, inside or outside the camps, because they are protected by Lebanese law".”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“On 26 July, a convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was targeted outside the city of Saida, injuring five peacekeepers. This was the second such attack within two months, which the Secretary-General strongly condemned. A brief exchange of fire between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces near the Wazzani River took place on 1 August. The Council was briefed on these incidents two days ago. Despite these events, the situation in the UNIFIL area of operations remained generally quiet and stable. Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace continued on an almost daily basis and in high numbers. In addition, two explosions took place in Beirut on 29 July and 11 August in circumstances that remain unclear. The latter killed two persons who were reportedly handling an explosive device and injured two others.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“Fatah and Hamas representatives continue to meet on the implementation of the reconciliation accord agreed in Cairo in May. We continue to support reconciliation efforts within the framework of the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the positions of the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative. The reconciliation accord envisages that elections will be held following the formation of a technocratic Government of unity. On 22 August, President Abbas issued a decree postponing local elections without setting a new date, stating that conditions should first be in place for the election commission to work in all of the territory. The elections had been set for 22 October. I would like to turn to the situation in Lebanon, where a number of security incidents of concern occurred.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“The 17 August decision of the de facto Ministry of Education to prevent eight students from Gaza from travelling to the United States on scholarships is also of concern and goes contrary to the efforts of the international community to help restore normalcy in Gaza. In another disturbing event on 28 July, armed men attacked and vandalized a United Nations facility used for summer camps for children. Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit has remained in Hamas captivity since 25 June 2006. I call on his captors to allow humanitarian access to him and to release him without further delay. Indirect talks have reportedly been held between Israel and the Gaza de facto authorities, under Egyptian auspices, towards the conclusion of a prisoner exchange deal, and we hope an agreement can soon be reached.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“We reiterate that humanitarian activity is a mainstay of assistance for over 1 million Gazans, and it is key that humanitarian organizations be able to exercise their functions unhindered and independently. The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator has helped to defuse tensions around the closing of a medical non-governmental organization (NGO) in Gaza over its refusal to allow in-house auditing by the de facto Ministry of the Interior. We welcome the reopening of this NGO on 14 August. However we are concerned over new orders by the Gaza de facto authorities that would require staff of civil society groups to register with them to travel outside the Gaza Strip in their official functions.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“These actions are contrary to Israel's obligations under the Road Map. As the Quartet reiterated on 16 August, Jerusalem is a core issue that must be resolved through negotiations. The living conditions of the population of the Gaza Strip remain a priority for the United Nations. Imports into Gaza have increased by 12 per cent since our last briefing. This is a step in the right direction. However, restrictions remain in place, limiting improvements in people's livelihoods, which have deteriorated over the three years of closure. To address Gaza's humanitarian needs and rebuild the foundations of its economy, a comprehensive easing of the closure 3 is needed, along with a substantial improvement in the security situation.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“On 2 August, the IDF issued restraining orders against 12 settlers from a village south of Nablus who were suspected of so- called price tag activities against Palestinians. The Secretary-General has consistently called for perpetrators of such incidents to be brought to justice. As Muslims celebrate the month of Ramadan, restrictions remain on access for prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque. The Israeli authorities initially eased access to East Jerusalem for West Bank Palestinians, allowing about 117,000 Palestinians to enter the city on the second Friday of Ramadan. But it tightened restrictions again last week. On 17 August, the Israeli authorities extended the closure of Orient House and the Chamber of Commerce in East Jerusalem pursuant to their ongoing ban on Palestinian Government institutions in the city.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“On 22 August, the Israeli High Court of Justice rejected an appeal to reroute a section of the barrier around the West Bank village of Al-Walajeh, thus enabling construction on a route that risks encircling the village and cutting it off from free access both from East Jerusalem and from the rest of the West Bank. Additional tensions continue to arise from settler violence, IDF incursions and ongoing restrictions on movement and access. On 1 August, the IDF shot and killed two Palestinians during a search-and-arrest operation in the Qalandiya refugee camp. Five Israeli soldiers were injured in that operation. While violent attacks by settlers on Palestinians decreased during the reporting period, several such incidents resulted in one Palestinian child being injured and property damage, while one settler was also injured.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“The Quartet also reaffirmed that unilateral action by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognized by the international community. In a more positive development, on 2 August the Israeli Supreme Court ordered the evacuation of the illegal settlement outpost of Migron, and we look forward to its implementation. The intention of the Government of Israel to relocate some 2,300 Bedouins living in Area C is also 11-48082 worrying. The land where this Bedouin community lives has been allocated for the construction and expansion of the Ma'ale Adumim bloc of settlements in East Jerusalem.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“In a development that is a source of serious concern, the Government of Israel has announced a series of new settlement expansions in the West Bank. In total, some 5,200 units are planned in occupied East Jerusalem. Another 277 units were also approved in the West Bank settlement of Ariel - the largest number approved outside East Jerusalem in a single settlement by the current Government. The Secretary-General reiterated that settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is contrary to international law. On 16 August, the Quartet expressed great concern at these announcements and reiterated its statement of 12 March 2010, which condemned a similar announcement by the Government of Israel.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“We have consistently shared our assessment that the Palestinian Authority's State-building agenda has successfully laid the foundations of a Palestinian State, notably in the key areas in which the United Nations works with the Authority. Credible reforms have led to tangible economic and security improvements. Those achievements must be consolidated and bolstered by genuine political prospects for Palestinian statehood to be achieved in the course of substantive negotiations. The Palestinian Authority also needs to have the financial means to sustain its State-building and reform agenda. Due to shortfalls in donor funding, the Palestinian Authority is experiencing a serious fiscal crisis and needs $250 million in additional commitments immediately to meet its obligations. We call on the donors to provide timely and generous support.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“On 4 August, the Arab Peace Initiative Committee announced the Arab League's plan to call on United Nations Member States to recognize a Palestinian State within the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and to move to submit an application for full United Nations 11-48082 membership. The Committee confirmed its decision at its meeting on 23 August. The Government of Israel has reiterated its opposition to Palestinian action in the United Nations. We continue to hope that the international community will be able to shape a legitimate and balanced way forward to help the parties resume meaningful negotiations that will realize the two-State solution.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source