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

“Since then, we have received one weekly report, on 6 May, and a second monthly report, dated 26 May. Both reports have been circulated to Security Council members. In accordance with paragraph 24 of resolution 1973 (2011), the Secretary-General has appointed seven experts to serve on the Panel of Experts established by that resolution to assist the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 24 of resolution 1970 (2011) in carrying out its mandate as specified in resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011). The experts were selected on the basis of their professional merit, with due consideration for geographical diversity, gender balance and focus of expertise. They are expected to meet with the Committee for the first time on the 6 June. Let me conclude by making three points.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“In their letters, the Government of Libya state mainly that they have continued to comply with resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011), allowing the passage of relevant ships carrying humanitarian aid to those in need, and call upon the United Nations to assist in finding measures to stop bombing of civilians. Through their letters, the Government have requested the assistance of the United Nations to use foreign assets to buy such basic necessities as food supplies 11-35804 and medicines and to allow fuel for basic services. They also call on the United Nations to assist in ending the military operations. Last month, I provided the Council with an update on the letter of 26 April from NATO's Secretary General addressed to the Secretary-General conveying its first monthly report.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“Since the adoption of this resolution, the Secretary-General has received more than 40 communications from more than 20 Member States and regional organizations and arrangements, informing him of actions taken with respect to the implementation of the resolution. The majority of those communications relate to paragraphs 4 and 8, and the remainder relate to humanitarian exemptions under paragraph 7. In addition to the letters addressed to the Secretary-General, the Special Envoy has received more than 20 letters and documents from the Government of Libya and the Interim Transitional National Council stating their overall positions and views.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“I am sure that the South African representative will have more authoritative statements, but according to press reports, President Zuma emphasized the African Union's road map and the communique of the African Summit. It seems apparent from the reports that Colonel Al-Qadhafi held to the well-known Libyan positions repeated by his Prime Minister and other Government spokesmen. Paragraphs 4, 7 and 8 of resolution 1973 (2011) request Member States and regional organizations or arrangements concerned to inform the Secretary- General immediately of the measures they are taking regarding the protection of civilians, humanitarian exemptions and compliance with the ban imposed on flights in Libyan airspace.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“I chaired a similar meeting on 5 May in Rome. The Secretary-General also held extensive discussions in Addis Ababa with African Union members. A meeting was held yesterday in Cairo, chaired by the outgoing Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and attended by Special Envoy Al-Khatib. It focused on coordinating positions to end the conflict. Again, the discussions were frank and involved considerable give-and-take on how to tackle the issues. In all of those meetings, the United Nations has sought to maintain emphasis on a unified message that holds the possibility of early success. On 30 May, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa visited Tripoli and held discussions with Colonel Al-Qadhafi.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“The Special Envoy held extensive discussions with both parties on a general framework for negotiations and on their perspectives on how to meet the legitimate demands of the Libyan people in establishing constitutional and democratic governance. Although their positions remain far apart, the authorities in Tripoli and the representatives of the TNC reiterated their continued commitment to work through the Special Envoy. The Special Envoy will return to Tripoli this week, if possible, and report to the Council on his efforts at its convenience. As the Security Council is aware, the Secretary- General initiated a regional and international partnership on Libya by co-chairing a meeting with the African Union, the European Union, the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference on 14 April.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“The Special Envoy has also been consulting closely with interested Governments, the African Union, the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the European Union, including at the 30 May meeting of all five organizations in Cairo. Secondly, the Special Envoy has been working to narrow the differences between the two parties so as to get indirect talks under way. He presented his proposals to Government officials in Tripoli on 15 May and to the interim TNC representatives in Doha on 24 May. The proposals revolve around the need to end hostilities, agree on a transitional arrangement, provide safe humanitarian access and fully implement Security Council resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011).”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“They stressed the central role of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Libya, Mr. Al- Khatib, in facilitating an inclusive and lasting political solution, based on the legitimate demands of the Libyan people and taking into account the role of regional organizations, the League of Arab States and the African Union. For his part, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Libya, Mr. Al-Khatib, has focused on two key issues in the past month. The first has been to ensure that the initiatives of various Member States and regional organizations are coordinated and that the Government and the Transitional National Council are receiving similar messages from the international community.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“He proposed that an election be organized by the AU and the United Nations, adding that Colonel Qaddafi would respect the will of the people in such an election. At the Group of Eight (G-8) summit in Deauville, France, the Secretary-General called for increased support for humanitarian assistance for the affected populations in the country and in neighbouring countries. He met with many leaders, including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Amre Moussa. In their final declaration, G-8 leaders demanded the immediate cessation of the use of force against civilians by the Libyan regime forces, as well as the end of all 3 incitement to hostility and violence against the civilian population.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“At the margins of the summit, the Secretary- General held a meeting with the Libyan Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdulati Al-Obeidi, and close confidantes of Colonel Al-Qadhafi. The Secretary- General reaffirmed that his Special Envoy is ready to conduct indirect talks with both sides and emphasized the need for serious detailed dialogue and a cessation of hostilities by both sides. He said that Mr. Al-Khatib would be returning to Tripoli soon for substantive discussions that could lead to a solution responding to the will of the Libyan people. The Foreign Minister and his delegation noted that they were willing to work with the Special Envoy and asked the United Nations and the AU to declare a ceasefire that would include a stop to NATO air strikes, and then to organize elections.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“Since the Security Council had had similar discussions a few days earlier with the African Union Peace and Security Council, I will not go into detail here today. While there were strongly divided comments by leaders at the meeting, the final communique stated that only a political solution to the current conflict would make it possible to promote sustainable peace in Libya and fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people. It called for an end to the coalition bombing campaign. It also called on the African Union High- Level Committee on Libya to Visit Libya, and the AU Peace and Security Council to consider the deployment of AU observers and monitors to Libya, dispatch a ministerial delegation to New York to interact with the Security Council, and take practical steps to engage concerned partners on the AU road map.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“A1 Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi, the latest of which took place on 24 May, the Secretary- General reiterated the urgent need for a real ceasefire and serious negotiations on a transition to a Government that fully meets the aspirations of the Libyan people. The Prime Minister has stuck to the stated positions of the Government and called for an end to the coalition bombing campaign. The Secretary-General attended the extraordinary summit of the Assembly of the African Union on 25 May, which was devoted mainly to discussions on the Libyan crisis. During those discussions, which also 11-35804 included the Special Envoy and me, a number of open and frank discussions took place with leaders of African countries and the AU.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“For its part, the TNC maintains that negotiations on a ceasefire and other related aspects can start only with the removal from power of Colonel Al-Qadhafi and members of his family, and the withdrawal of the Libyan army from cities forcibly occupied after the outbreak of hostilities. The Secretary-General and his Special Envoy to Libya, Mr. Abdel-Elah Al-Khatib, the African Union (AU) and other stakeholders have been making every effort to narrow these differences and to begin a credible negotiating process. The Secretary-General has been in almost daily discussions with Libyan authorities and world leaders on the situation in Libya. In several telephone conversations with the Libyan Prime Minister, Mr.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“As members of the Council know, due to the deteriorating security situation United Nations staff in Tripoli had to relocate on 2 May, but after discussions with the Government on security and other arrangements for humanitarian agencies, a United Nations humanitarian team, led by the Humanitarian Coordinator, returned to Tripoli on 29 May and will stay on for 10 days. Please allow me to outline some of the political efforts of the Secretary-General, his Special Envoy and other actors. The parties in Libya remain far apart on even beginning negotiations to resolve the conflict. The Libyan Government has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, including an end to NATO operations, as a prerequisite for negotiations.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“On 21 and 22 May, the seventh ship of the International Organization for Migration to Misrata delivered additional food supplies and allowed for the deployment of an inter-agency team to carry out an initial assessment of humanitarian needs in Misrata. 11-35804 The revised $407-million regional flash appeal for the Libyan crisis is currently funded at about 46 per cent, with $185 million committed and over $4 million in pledges. The revised appeal has a stronger focus on humanitarian action inside Libya, and targets 1.7 million people in need. The United Nations has established international presences in Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruk.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“However, fuel and cash shortages continue to affect daily life. In Tripoli, shortages of fuel, infant formula, food commodities and drug are being reported. Food availability in the west is estimated to be sufficient for a month. The Government of Libya has requested the intervention of the United Nations to allow shipments of gasoline to be permitted to enter the country to ensure the continuation of basic services. The TNC estimates that it has only 40 per cent of the funds needed to cover its budget for April and May. Over 13,700 people have been evacuated from Misrata, and the situation has eased in the city.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“Some 5,000 people remain stranded at border points in Egypt, Tunisia and Niger. There are also reports of many Chadian workers stranded at the border with Chad. Perhaps 50,000 internally displaced people are living in settlements in the east. Some are returning to Ajdabiya. To date, around 14,000 people have arrived by boat in Italy and Malta; at least 1,200 people have died or are missing as a result of the journey. Hundreds of people who fled to Tunisia and Egypt in recent weeks have crossed back into Libya, apparently planning to board ships to Europe. According to the Transitional National Council (TNC), 6,000 families in Benghazi district require assistance. Although there are some medicine shortages, stocks of food, water and medical items are sufficient in opposition-controlled areas.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“The humanitarian community and the Tunisian Government 2 are now discussing the security, location and composition of the camp in Tunisia. Approximately 3,000 refugees, mainly from cote d'Ivoire, Eritrea and Somalia, live in the camp. The human rights situation remains deeply troubling. In her briefing to the Human Rights Council yesterday, the High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the brutality and magnitude of measures taken by the Government of Libya and described its actions as being "particularly shocking in their outright disregard for basic human rights". We have also seen very serious reports of sexual violence against women, including gang rapes by the military forces. Since the start of the conflict, about 893,000 people, mostly migrants, have left Libya and have not returned.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“Opposition forces have gained control of Misrata and reportedly pushed Government troops westward, but there continues to be fighting on the outskirts of Misrata and the city is only accessible by sea. The Government forces have intensified their campaign to take strategic positions in the western Nafusa mountains, especially in areas surrounding the city of Yafran, where more than 54,000 Libyans have fled into Tunisia. The battle between the opposition and Government forces continues on the Libyan-Tunisian border and has at times spilled over into Tunisia. Tensions between refugees and local residents along the border have escalated. Unrest at Choucha Camp in Tunisia on 23 and 24 May resulted in the deaths of four camp residents and the injury of 19 others. On 27 May, two-thirds of the camp was looted or burned.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: I appreciate this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Libya, as requested in resolution 1973 (2011). Let me start with a brief summary of the latest developments in Libya. It has now been three months since the political crisis began. Fighting between Government and opposition forces continues, particularly in the western part of the country. The NATO-led Operation Unified Protector has intensified its operations in Libya, with repeated claims by the Government of Libya of civilian causalities. Defections from the regime seem to again be on the rise, including those of eight generals from the Libyan military who are now in Italy, along with many of their officers. They have appealed to others in the military to join them and to stop the atrocities being committed against their people.”
2011-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6541 (2011) · source
“The Secretary- General has condemned the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and called for an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings. He has conveyed our belief that the Syrian authorities should fulfil their obligation to protect civilians and respect international human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as the freedom of the press. Repression is not the solution. An inclusive dialogue and genuine reforms should address the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, restore confidence and ensure social peace and order.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“It supported the growing popular aspiration in the Arab world for change, social modernization, the end of repression and a movement towards democratization and reform. It urged an immediate halt to violence against demonstrators, insisting that the people's demands for freedom and democracy deserved support, not bullets. The statement also announced that the forthcoming meeting of the League of Arab States Ministers for Foreign Affairs will discuss the current dangerous situation between the people and their Governments in the Arab world. We also note the efforts made by the Government of Turkey to engage with Syrian interlocutors. The Secretary-General is following the situation in Syria closely and with deep concern. As members are aware, he has issued three statements and spoken directly with President Al-Assad.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“The Syrian State media has also accused Lebanon's Future Movement of supplying arms to the protesters, which it has denied. We have no further information on those allegations. The Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights have emphasized that all the killings during the demonstrations should be investigated, including the alleged killing of military and security officers. There will be a special session of the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in Syria in Geneva on Friday. The regional implications of the situation in Syria are a source of concern in particular for its neighbours. In a press release dated 25 April, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States said that the League was 3 following the current developments in a number of Arab countries with great concern.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“One cumulative effect of this policy is to prevent the collection and dissemination of accurate and impartial information, leaving observers unable to confirm or deny many allegations. The official news agency, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported the death of at least 21 military and security personnel in recent days, and it alleged that more than 290 internal security officers had been injured since the beginning of the events. The Government has stated that most of the killings of civilians have been committed by anti-Government armed militias, but it has provided no evidence to date to support this. Syrian television has also broadcast alleged confessions by detained protesters speaking of armed protesters and interference from abroad.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“There are no confirmed reports that this is a recurring phenomenon, nor do we have confirmation of reports of security personnel or soldiers being killed by Government agents. Some of the overall confusion on this sensitive issue may stem from the widely reported presence of armed security agents and regime supporters in civilian clothes. The lack of transparency is compounded by the denial of access to the international and independent media, which, of course, violates freedom of the press and the right to information. The Committee to Protect Journalists and numerous other sources note that the Syrian authorities continue to detain journalists on a regular basis, disrupt Internet and telephone service, prohibit the entry of international journalists into the country, and block all access to areas of unrest.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“There are serious allegations of beatings and torture of people detained in connection with the protests, including children. A review of the reports of the media, international human rights groups, United Nations agencies and diplomatic missions confirm that the overwhelming majority of protests have been peaceful and unarmed. However, there have been credible reports of a very few instances where protesters have used force, resulting in the deaths of members of the security forces. Human Rights Watch has documented, with eyewitness testimony, only one such incident, on 8Apri1 in Dar'a, when, after a number of protesters had been killed by live fire from the security forces, some demonstrators seized weapons from an 11-31393 abandoned checkpoint and opened fire, killing perhaps a dozen security personnel.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“The towns of Duma and Al-Moadamyeh, in the vicinity of Damascus, are also surrounded by tanks and armed forces, as had been Baniyas earlier this month. There have been reports of security forces opening fire on demonstrators in the city of Djabla, killing at least 13 in the past couple of days. In Horns, security forces opened fire on demonstrators on 18 and 19 April, reportedly killing up to 20 people. Overall since mid- March, a review of reputable reports from media and human rights groups put the total number of anti- Government demonstrators killed by security forces and their supporters at more than 300, most likely between 350 and 400. The High Commissioner's Office has also received information of wide-scale arrests of protesters, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and others.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“11-31393 The United Nations can confirm that electricity, communications systems and water in the city have been cut since at least Monday, and that as a result of those operations United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East schools and health facilities in Dar'a have been closed for the past week. There are reported shortages of medicine, water and food, and this could become a major humanitarian issue in the coming days. The United Nations is requesting access to those areas to assess humanitarian needs and to provide an accurate first-hand account of developments. I should also note that the land border between Syria and Jordan has been closed for much of the period of this ongoing military operation.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“There is growing concern about the overall well-being of the population, including their access to medical care and services, and access to food and water in some cities. Following the massive demonstration of Friday, 22 April, the Syrian army started a major military operation against Dar'a and surrounding villages. Tanks and large numbers of soldiers entered the area. Given the siege-like conditions, it is difficult to confirm our information. But reliable sources are consistently reporting the use of artillery fire against unarmed civilians, door-to-door arrest campaigns, the shooting of medical personnel who attempt to aid the wounded, raids against hospitals, clinics and mosques and the purposeful destruction of medical supplies and arrests of medical personnel.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“On 16 April, President Al-Assad swore in a new Government, which he tasked with developing reforms, including preparing new laws on media and political parties. In a series of decrees issued on 21 April, he lifted the state of emergency, which had been in place since 1963. He also abolished the High Security Court and recognized the right to peaceful protest while strictly regulating it. The next day, Friday, 22 April, witnessed the largest demonstration to date across the country, with demonstrators claiming that the measures taken were too little and too late. Despite the promise of reform, in fact, the Government crack-down intensified dramatically. OHCHR has information that more than 100 persons were killed in many towns across the country from Friday to Sunday.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“The Syrian authorities have reacted with a mix of reform measures and increasingly violent repression, which the Secretary-General has strongly condemned. In his speech to the Parliament on 30 March, President Al-Assad announced that a series of political, social and economic reforms would be undertaken to respond to demands of the Syrian people, including an investigation into the killings during protests. On 7 April, a presidential decree granted long-awaited citizenship to stateless Kurds residing in the north-east of the country. On 15 April, the President pledged to release all protest-related detainees, except those accused of committing crimes "against the nation and the citizens". Local officials were removed, and new ones appointed, in an apparent attempt to open dialogue with the population in Horns and Dar'a.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“Those demonstrations have since gradually, but steadily, increased in geographic scope and participation. There are documented reports of protests in the coastal cities of Latakia, Baniyas and J ablah and the central cities of Horns and Hamah, the southern cities of Dar'a and Izra, the eastern city of Dayr Al-Zawar, the suburban towns around Damascus of Duma and Al-Moadamyeh and in the north-east in the cities of Al-Hasakak and Al-Qamishli. Demonstrations in the major cities of Damascus and Aleppo have been sporadic and more limited. Protesters began with demands for greater freedom and political and economic reforms. They are increasingly calling for the downfall of the regime, 2 echoing slogans that have been heard elsewhere in the region.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: I appreciate the opportunity to brief the Council once again today on the situation in Syria. We are following developments as closely as possible, and I base this briefing on reports from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other United Nations entities, published and confidential information from major international human rights and humanitarian organizations and a review of reputable media sources. We have also reviewed the official websites of the Government of Syria and social media sites of Syrian opposition groups. Anti-Government demonstrations started in mid- March, following the detention of 15 school children in Dar'a for writing anti-Government graffiti.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“We believe that the international community must play its part in helping the parties to move forward, and we will continue to engage Quartet partners, hoping that the conditions will be met for the holding ofa principals' meeting as soon as possible. The United Nations will continue to work for a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of the Security Council's resolutions, the Madrid principles, including land for peace, the Road 11-30692 Map and the agreements previously reached between the parties.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The international community is rightly concerned over the protracted stalemate in the peace process. We stress the importance of supporting and empowering the leadership of President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad and of bringing the parties back to the table. Despite the Palestinian Authority's accomplishments, the institutional achievements of the State-building agenda are approaching their limits within the political and physical space currently available. Far-reaching rather than incremental steps should be taken by Israel to lead to progress on the ground and to roll back measures of occupation to match the Palestinian Authority's achievements. At the same time, the resumption of Israeli- Palestinian peace negotiations on all final status issues is urgent.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“No party claimed responsibility for the attack, which came four days after seven Estonian nationals were kidnapped while cycling on a road near Zahleh, in an area close to the border with Syria. Despite several arrests, the motives of the kidnappers and the fate of the cyclists are not known. In Nahr el-Bared camp, the first delivery of homes in the reconstructed camp took place on 19 April. This was a significant milestone, giving hope to the community displaced since the destruction of their camp in 2007. I call upon donors to also contribute towards the full reconstruction Nahr el-Bared. The overall situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has remained generally quiet and stable. Israeli air violations continued on an almost daily basis.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We look forward to the effective implementation of this important measure of accountability. Turning to the subject of Lebanon, almost three months after his nomination as Prime Minister- designate by President Sleiman, consultations by Najib Mikati have not yet led to the formation of a new Government. Mr. Mikati and the President have decided to give additional time to the process in order to ensure that the composition of the next Government will be as desired by all Lebanese and in accordance with the Constitution. Against this background, there have been some security incidents in Lebanon. On 27 March, a small bomb exploded in a church in the eastern city of Zahleh, causing damage but no causalities.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Over 400 men and 80 women were reportedly interrogated, and many homes were searched. Since last month's briefing to this Council, Israeli security forces conducted 321 search operations in the West Bank, during which 38 Palestinians were injured and 228 arrested. Ten Palestinians were injured by Israeli settlers during the reporting period. Demonstrations continued against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, resulting in 19 Palestinian injuries and a number of arrests. We welcome the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) decision of 6 April to systematically investigate all Palestinian casualties in the West Bank caused by IDF fire among individuals not engaged in hostilities.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Settlement activity is contrary to international law and Israel's commitments under the Road Map, and detrimentally affects Palestinian readiness to return to direct negotiations. We call on Israel to respect international humanitarian law. Palestinian security forces continued to work to maintain law and order in the West Bank. Investigation is ongoing into the murder on 4 April of the actor and director Juliano MerKhamis, who will be remembered as a symbol of coexistence and peace. Following the ltamar murder on 11 March, two suspects from the neighbouring Palestinian village of Awarta were recently arrested for allegedly perpetrating the killing, and a number of others were arrested as alleged accomplices. During the investigations, the 6,500 inhabitants of Awarta were placed under several curfews.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The Palestinian Central Election Commission opened voter lists for exhibition and challenges between 9 and 14 April in the West Bank, including for the approximately 40,000 newly registered voters. We are very concerned at ongoing Israeli settlement activity and demolition of Palestinian structures in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. On 4 April, the Government of Israel retroactively authorized construction work and plans for further expansion in the West Bank settlements. We remain very concerned at plans for more than 2,200 settlement units in East Jerusalem, although we note that their further consideration has been postponed until May. More permanent measures to curtail and halt settlement expansion are needed.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We also remain concerned that the Palestinian Authority is not able to extend its State-building work to Gaza due to the ongoing Palestinian political divide. This only underscores the need for progress towards Palestinian unity within the framework of the Palestinian Authority and the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization. In this regard, I note that consultations on the Palestinian reconciliation continue, although they have not led to the formation of a unity Government, as President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad had hoped they would. In the meantime, preparations for municipal elections on 9 July continue in the West Bank. Hamas has yet to authorize electoral work in Gaza.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We deplore the abduction and murder of Vittorio Arrigoni, an Italian citizen and activist, in Gaza on 15 April, allegedly by a Salafist group. A number of suspects have reportedly clashed with and been arrested by the de facto authorities in Gaza. I regret to report no progress in efforts to secure the release of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, who has been in Hamas captivity since 25 June 2006. We continue to call for his release and for immediate humanitarian access to him. We also continue to follow closely the situation of several thousand Palestinians in Israeli prisons, whose human rights must be respected. We continue to underscore the importance of releases of prisoners to the Palestinian Authority.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“In the context of media reports of potential flotillas, let me state our belief that the appropriate way to meet needs in Gaza is through legitimate crossings. In this regard, I wish to recall the position of the Quartet, as expressed in its 21 June 2010 statement, that those wishing to deliver goods to Gaza should do so through established channels so that their cargoes can be inspected and transferred via land crossings into Gaza. The Quartet emphasized that there is no need for unnecessary confrontations and called on all parties to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza. The AHLC also called on all international supporters to make use of existing land crossings to channel their support to Gaza and to abstain from provocations.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“However, we urge Israel to give early approval to two United Nations housing projects in Rafah and Khan Yunis comprising 1,100 units. We also hope that coordination procedures to facilitate the entry of approved material will be further streamlined. Greater liberalization of the import of construction materials into Gaza, including aggregate, iron bar and cement, is essential for recovery, as is an increase in exports. I emphasize the importance of the Government of Israel making more sustained and far-reaching progress towards ending the closure of Gaza, within the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009). It is essential for the operation of legitimate crossings to be adequate to meeting the needs of Gaza's civilian population.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“In the interests of the civilian populations on both sides, we call on the parties to uphold and solidify the prevailing fragile calm. Citing security concerns, Israel closed the Kerem Shalom crossing point to Gaza from 5 to 12 April. This illustrates the detrimental effect of the violence on the humanitarian situation and the importance of implementing Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) in all its aspects. The weekly average of truckloads entering the Strip during the reporting period was 909, compared with 566 in June 2010 before the announcement of the revised Israeli policy, but still far below pre-closure levels. During the reporting period, Israel approved six additional United Nations school and road projects in Gaza.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“One Israeli child, referred to earlier in the context of the bus incident, was killed, and two civilians were injured by Palestinian rocket fire. Nineteen Palestinian militants and 15 civilians were killed, while 17 militants and 60 civilians were injured in Israeli military actions. We are alarmed at the actions of Hamas to escalate violence, endangering civilians on both sides and risking a deeper confrontation with Israel. We are also deeply concerned at civilian casualties on both sides. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the firing of rockets from Gaza and calls for it to end. He also reiterates his calls for maximum restraint by Israel. All parties must fully respect international humanitarian law.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Rockets continued to be fired into Israel, a number of them reportedly intercepted by Israel's new Iron Dome anti-missile defence system. Following further efforts to de-escalate the violence, a new, uneasy calm was restored on 10 April. It has been largely respected since, notwithstanding the firing of two Grad rockets towards Ashdod on 15 April. The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the Egyptian authorities were actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate the violence. Overall, Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas, have fired 111 mortar shells and 155 rockets, while Israel has conducted six incursions and 57 air strikes into Gaza since the last briefing to the Security 11-30692 Council.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret at the unintentional killing of civilians, while stating that Israel was responding to the firing of rockets at Israeli civilians from populated civilian areas in Gaza. The next day, on 23 March, an Israeli civilian was injured in Be'er Sheva by a Grad rocket fired from Gaza. Efforts to de-escalate the violence led to a brief lull. However, on 2 April, an Israeli airstrike killed three leaders of the Hamas military wing who were allegedly involved in plans to kidnap Israeli citizens in the Sinai during Passover. The Hamas military wing used a guided anti-tank missile to hit a school bus on 7 April, injuring two people, one of whom, a teenager, died last week. Between 7 and 10 April, Israel launched heavy military operations in Gaza.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund also reported strong progress in institution- building at the AHLC meeting, and the AHLC Chair concluded that the Palestinian Authority was above the threshold for a functioning State in the key sectors studied. However, we must be aware that these admirable achievements have been to date limited to certain areas of the occupied Palestinian territory and do not apply yet to East Jerusalem, much of Area C and Gaza. The reporting period saw the highest levels of violence in Gaza and Israel since Operation Cast Lead more than two years ago. Violence was ongoing at the time of the last briefing, on 22 March. That same day, four members of a Palestinian family, including three children, were killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“In its report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) meeting in Brussels on 13 April, the United Nations made clear its assessment that in the six areas where we are most engaged with the Palestinian Authority, governmental functions are now sufficient for a viable Government of a State. The six areas include governance, rule of law and human rights; livelihoods and productive sectors; education and culture; health; social protection; and infrastructure and water. In parallel, Israeli measures to facilitate movement have 11-30692 also supported economic activity and access to basic services.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source