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

“Such measures jeopardize the whole banking sector and aggravate the humanitarian situation. There are also reports of increasing human rights abuses. We are concerned at public statements by Hamas authority figures indicating the intention to carry out executions of prisoners. At the League of Arab States summit, the Secretary-General held a bilateral meeting with Syrian President Al-Assad to discuss a range of regional issues. The United Nations continues to support all efforts to revive the Israeli-Syrian track and a broader resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, as envisaged in Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. In the occupied Syrian Golan, settlement activity continued, including the approval of 100 new housing units in the settlement of Nimrod. However, the situation there remained calm.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“It is vital that all legitimate crossings for imports and exports be opened, as envisaged in the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access, in accordance with resolution 1860 (2009). There has been no progress in efforts to secure the release of Corporal Shalit in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The Arab League summit stressed the importance of Palestinian unity; however, there has been no further progress in finalizing an agreement based on the Egyptian proposal. We reiterate the Quartet's call for the promotion of Palestinian unity based on the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under the legitimate Palestinian Authority. On 29 March, Hamas took over the bank assets of a benevolent society in Gaza.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“One Palestinian civilian was killed and 15 others were injured in the course of 14 incursions and six air strikes by Israeli security forces. There are reports that Hamas is trying to prevent further outbreaks of violence, and the major factions in Gaza have agreed with Hamas that they will maintain calm. However rockets continue to be fired from the Strip. We condemn the rocket fire and call for calm to be respected and for international humanitarian law to be upheld. Egypt is continuing its efforts to combat smuggling, and on 31 March uncovered a significant cache of missiles and shells in northern Sinai, which were reported to be destined for the Gaza Strip. Smuggling of all goods, including arms, continues through tunnels into Gaza and one Palestinian died and six were injured in tunnel collapses during this reporting period.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“A more comprehensive and strategic approach to Gaza is urgently required. It is of serious concern that the security situation in Gaza is again volatile. On 26 March, a clash near Khan Younis led to the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and three Palestinian militants. The military wing of Hamas, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade and a group called Palestine Taliban, all claimed responsibility for the action. In another incident on 13 April, two Palestinian militants belonging to Islamic Jihad were killed by Israeli security forces, reportedly while trying to place improvised explosive devices near the Gaza- Israel border. During this period, a total of 35 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza, and 16 reached southern Israel, with no damage or injuries reported.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“In order to enable these goals and United Nations projects in both Gaza and the West Bank, the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority have agreed that a trust fund will be established at an appropriate time. I would encourage all donors to consider supporting the work of the United Nations through that mechanism. Beyond the entry of materials into Gaza, other key elements of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) remain unfulfilled and continue to contribute to the instability in the Strip. In particular, the resolution's calls for the commitment of the parties to a durable and sustainable ceasefire and intra-Palestinian reconciliation are yet to be implemented. Without renewed and determined efforts to implement resolution 1860 (2009) in all of its aspects, the situation in Gaza cannot be fully addressed.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“The approved United Nations housing, water and sanitation projects are a modest start of what needs to be done in Gaza. More than half of the population is under the age of 18, and it is their future that should concern us most. More schools need to be built in Gaza to ensure that Palestinian children receive an education that broadens their horizons and prepares them for a better future. The quality of health care is also declining, due in part to the lack in building materials, equipment and supplies necessary for health facilities. In all these critical areas the United Nations will continue to exert its utmost efforts to expedite the entry of needed materials and to expand the scope of activities in Gaza to address these needs.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“As a result of Israeli approval of the entry of aggregate and cement, work has now began on the sewage pumping station project at Tel el-Sultan, and work on the other approved projects, including the 15 l-unit Khan Younis housing project, is expected to commence shortly. The commercial import of wood and aluminium has been approved and will be allowed entry this week. There have also been other positive measures carried out by Israel, such as the continued exports of cut flowers during the reporting period and an increase in the amount and type of goods entering the Strip, including clothing, shoes and further imports of glass. However, the entry of materials still falls far short of what is required to address the immense reconstruction and development needs of Gaza.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Reflecting positive Palestinian Authority reforms, the Palestinian Central Bureau for Statistics reported that real gross domestic product increased by an estimated 6.8 per cent in 2009 as compared to 2008. However, it is of concern that this figure is driven by the growth in the West Bank, whilst the Gazan economy continues to stagnate. The United Nations has aligned its programming in support of the State-building agenda and intends to focus its efforts in critical areas, including Area C, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Let me turn to progress that is now being made on entry of materials for a number of approved United Nations projects since the Secretary-General's visit to Gaza on 21 March.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“The Palestinian Authority requires an estimated $100 million a month in external financing for recurrent budgetary expenditures, but since January, only an estimated $174 million has been transferred. Projected shortfalls in the Palestinian Authority's budget could undermine its reform and State-building agenda. Member States are encouraged to commit funds they pledged, wherever possible through direct support to the Palestinian Authority. We take positive note that the Palestinian Authority has requested budget support of $1.2 billion in 2010, down from $1.35 billion in 2009 and from $1.8 billion in 2008, thus reflecting what Prime Minister Fayyad termed an effort to secure a reduced reliance on the international community. The 2010 draft budget projects expenditures at $3.9 billion, of which half will be allocated to Gaza.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“The meeting was chaired by Norwegian Foreign Minister Store and was hosted by Spanish Foreign Minister Moratinos Cuyaube. The AHLC was also joined by Quartet Representative Blair, and the United Nations was represented by Special Coordinator Serry. The AHLC discussed measures necessary to support the Palestinian Authority's budget and institution-building as part of the State-building agenda aimed at attaining Prime Minister Fayyad's goal of readiness for statehood in 2011. The AHLC reconfirmed its support to the Palestinian Authority State-building agenda. During the meeting, Prime Minister Fayyad said that the Palestinian Authority was approaching "the home stretch" in the implementation of its programme and expressed confidence that the remaining tasks of the programme can be implemented over the period June 2010 to June 2011.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“The Central Elections Commission has now completed the registration of over 200,000 new voters in the West Bank. The nomination of candidates is scheduled to take place from 1 to 10 June, and campaigning will be between 3 and 15 July. Hamas has not allowed voter registration to take place in Gaza and has called for a boycott of the poll. We reiterate our call on Hamas to allow Gazans to exercise their right to participate in elections. We call on parties to ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent. Turning to the important Palestinian State- building agenda and United Nations and international community support for those efforts, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) met in Madrid at senior official level on 13 April.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“There has been continued security cooperation with Israel during this reporting period. In a worrisome development, an Israeli military order that gives the military commander the power to evict a broad category of individuals whom the Israeli authorities deem not to be residents of the West Bank went into effect yesterday, 13 April. This could have the effect of enabling Israeli authorities to deport these individuals and has provoked strong Palestinian and Arab reaction. Special Coordinator Robert Serry raised the issue with Israeli authorities, and his Office will continue to monitor this development closely. Palestinian municipal elections planned for 17 July will be an important democratic element of the State-building agenda.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Demonstrations against the route of the barrier continued, in particular where it is constructed inside the West Bank, in contravention of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. An increasing number of senior Palestinian officials have joined the call for peaceful popular protest against Israeli occupation. We note with concern that a street in the Ramallah district has been named after a Palestinian militant responsible for the murder of a number of Israeli civilians. We would like to remind all concerned that, under the Road Map, the Palestinian Authority has the obligation to end incitement. The Palestinian Authority continues to exert efforts to meet its obligations to maintain law and order and combat terrorism in areas under Palestinian control in the West Bank.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“On 7 April, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centres held the first in a planned series of coordinated one-day hunger strikes in protest at the conditions of detention. In Jerusalem, Palestinian Christian access to Easter celebrations was limited due to an extraordinary closure of checkpoints between the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which lasted from 25 March to 6 April. On 28 March, a protest by Christians in Bethlehem against Israeli access restrictions resulted in the detention of 11 Palestinians, including Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki. There were also instances of restricted access to Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount for Muslim prayer.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“We note that there have been no house demolitions carried out in East Jerusalem since January this year. We hope that this positive development will continue. In the West Bank, there were almost daily clashes between settlers and Palestinians during the reporting period, as well as incidents of stone-throwing at Israeli vehicles. These incidents caused four Palestinian injuries; two further Palestinians were injured and a Palestinian youth was killed in three incidents of Palestinians being hit by vehicles driven by settlers. Citing security concerns, Israeli security forces carried out 58 incursions into West Bank towns and villages, and 112 Palestinians were arrested. Forty-one Palestinians and seven Israelis were injured during the reporting period.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Turning to the situation on the ground, the Israeli Government's partial restraint on settlement construction in the West Bank remains in effect and, as previously noted, has led to a reduction in construction activity despite some violations. Although these developments are welcome, this policy falls short of Israel's Road Map obligation to a full settlement freeze and excludes settlement activity in East J emsalem. The Secretary-General has reiterated that all settlement activity is illegal and must stop. He urged that the 10-31334 restraint be expanded into a comprehensive freeze of all settlement activity. As a result of the transfer of Israeli settlers into the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, there were further incidents of violence between Palestinian residents and the settlers.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“The summit condemned Israeli actions on the ground, in particular in East Jerusalem, and conditioned continued Arab support for Palestinian participation in proximity talks on the outcome of the United States efforts to create conditions conducive to the success of negotiations. In their concluding statement, Arab leaders reconfirmed their endorsement of the Arab Peace Initiative and pledged $500 million to support the Palestinian population in East Jerusalem. The Secretary-General also held discussions with Palestinian President Abbas in the margins of the League of Arab States summit. He reiterated to the President his own and the Quartet's support for negotiations on all core issues.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“He met with Secretary General Amre Moussa, with whom he discussed the full range of issues of mutual interest to the United Nations and the Arab League. In his address to the summit, the Secretary-General encouraged Arab leaders to continue to support Palestinian participation in talks on the goal of the creation of an independent Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours. He emphasized that this goal can be brought about only through a return of the parties to the negotiating table and testing their commitment in that framework.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Since the Secretary-General briefed the Council on 24 March, efforts aimed at bringing about the conditions for a resumption of Israeli- Palestinian talks have continued, including through a 10-31334 meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu in late March. The situation on the ground remains fragile and a crisis of confidence between the parties has so far prevented the resumption of talks. The United Nations will continue to engage with its Quartet partners to ensure that the circumstances which made it possible to agree to launch the proximity talks be respected. The Secretary-General attended the League of Arab States summit on 26 and 27 March, at which he briefed Arab leaders on the meeting of the Quartet in Moscow and his visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“We remain committed to an end to the occupation that began in 1967, an end to the conflict through the creation of an independent Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace and security, and comprehensive regional peace, in accordance with Security Council resolutions, previous agreements, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remains quiet. On 31 January 2010, the IDF apprehended a 17-year-old Lebanese shepherd in the vicinity of Kafr Shuba, alleging that he had crossed south of the Blue Line. On 1 February, the civilian was handed over to UNIFIL, which, in turn, handed him over to the Lebanese authorities. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Israeli overflights have continued on an almost daily basis, with a marked increase on several days in early February. We remain deeply concerned at the current stalemate. We call for the resumption of talks on final status issues, implementation of Road Map commitments, continued efforts to improve economic and security conditions, and a different and more positive approach to Gaza.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“In a statement, the Secretary-General said that he stood with the people of Lebanon and reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to the efforts of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. On 15 February, clashes between members of radical Islamist movements and members of Fatah broke out in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain el-Helweh, near Saida. At least one person was killed as a result of the fighting before calm was restored to the camp. That incident disrupted an otherwise generally calm situation in the camps. Even as progress is being made in the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp, funding remains a major concern. The United Nations urges the international community to renew its financial support for the reconstruction of Nahr el-Bared so that progress can be sustained.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“We continue to support all efforts to revive the Israeli-Syrian track and a broader resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, as envisaged in Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The situation in the occupied Syrian Golan remained calm despite continued settlement activity. In Lebanon, on 14 February, a large rally took place in Beirut to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others. On that occasion, leaders of the 14 March coalition commemorated Mr. Hariri's contribution to Lebanon's development and reaffirmed their determination to establish the truth behind his murder. Prime Minister Saad Hariri emphasized the importance of national unity and Lebanon's role with regard to inter-Arab reconciliation.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“However, the scale and quantity of goods entering Gaza through the Israeli crossings, as well as the level of exports, remain far short of requirements. Sufficient materials to restart civilian reconstruction are still not entering Gaza through the Israeli crossings. We again express our disappointment that there has been no satisfactory Israeli response to the United Nations proposal to complete stalled projects for housing, schools and health facilities. We also continue to be concerned about fuel shortages at the Gaza power plant as a result of funding shortfalls and technical failures, leading to rolling blackouts. If I may turn to the regional situation, we deplore the heightened and belligerent rhetoric during the reporting period and call for its cessation.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“During the reporting period, food and hygiene products comprised 84 per cent of imports and a weekly average of 561 trucks entered the Strip, which is slightly more than the previous reporting period, but far short of the weekly average of 2,087 trucks before the Hamas takeover in June 2007. Cooking gas supplies met only 48 per cent of estimated weekly needs during the reporting period. We take positive note of the entry of a slightly wider range of materials, such as glass, electricity spare parts and one elevator for a maternity hospital. The first phase of the northern Gaza wastewater treatment plant project was completed in late January. We also note that the export of cut flowers and strawberries continued.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“Egypt is maintaining its efforts, as all States are called on to do in Security Council resolution 1860 (2009). Egypt is also seizing explosives and installing metal sheeting in areas along its border with Gaza. Those efforts further underscore the vital importance of opening all legitimate crossings for imports and exports, as envisaged in the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access and in resolution 1860 (2009). 3 The Israeli closure of Gaza remains in place. That counterproductive policy is empowering smugglers and militants, destroying legitimate commerce and causing unacceptable hardship for the civilian population, more than half of whom are children.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“Three barrels of explosives washed up on Israeli beaches between 1 and 3 February, with a further two detonating at sea. There was an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on a convoy of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) vehicles on 4 February, which damaged one vehicle, and two other IED attacks, reportedly by Salafist elements, killing one Hamas militant and injuring four others. One Palestinian was killed in an Israeli air strike, and seven others were injured in IDF incursions and operations. We continue to condemn rocket fire, and call for its cessation and on all parties to maintain calm and to strictly observe international humanitarian law. We continue to receive reports of the smuggling of weapons supplied from within the region.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“Senior Fatah and independent figures visited Gaza during the reporting period in an effort to ease tensions and promote reconciliation. Other factions in the Gaza Strip have also been active in this direction, and an Arab parliamentary group visited the Strip on 15 and 16 February. However, to date, there has been no further progress in finalizing an agreement based on Egypt's proposal. It is deeply regrettable that there has been no breakthrough on a prisoner exchange to secure the release of Corporal Shalit and Palestinian prisoners, despite intensive efforts in recent months. While the Hamas de facto authorities are reportedly exerting efforts to prevent the launching of rockets at Israel, 19 projectiles were fired from Gaza and 11 reached southern Israel during the reporting period, with no damage or injuries reported.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“We welcome recent transfers and pledges and also strongly encourage those donors who have not yet done so to frontload financial support to allow for greater predictability. We also stress the importance of applying accepted principles of aid effectiveness to ensure better targeting and maximize programme impact. 10-24445 On 8 February, the Palestinian Cabinet called for local elections to be held on 17 July 2010, in accordance with the local election law for all 335 municipal councils in the West Bank and Gaza. The Palestinian Central Election Commission is planning to start registering voters on 6 March. We take this opportunity to urge Hamas to respond positively to this important part of the democratic process.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“The Israeli Government recently allowed tourist buses to use the Jalameh vehicle crossing from northern Israel into the West Bank with the aim of boosting the Palestinian tourism sector. The Israeli Government is encouraged to continue to facilitate this access and to take more far- reaching measures as well. The important work of Palestinian State-building through institutional reform and development is continuing. However, the recurrent financing requirements facing the Palestinian Authority are still substantial and projected at about $1.2 billion in 2010, despite reduced spending on wages and subsidies. We encourage donors to channel their assistance first and foremost through the single treasury account and to support the priorities articulated by the Palestinian Authority for 2010.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“Sustainable security will be best achieved through intensified cooperation, the continued empowerment of PA security efforts and PA performance, the curtailment of IDF incursions into Palestinian areas, full respect for legitimate non-violent protest, Israeli action to curb settler violence, Palestinian action against incitement, and progress in both political negotiations and economic development. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded the removal of 24 closure obstacles throughout the Hebron governorate, continuing the gradual easing of Palestinian movement in areas to the east of the barrier. However, as of 16 February, 550 obstacles to movement remain in place throughout the West Bank, of which 89 are permanently and partially staffed checkpoints.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“In a 10-24445 positive action, we note that Israel began work on 10 February to reroute a section of the barrier around the village of Bil'in to implement a 2007 Israeli High Court order, which is expected to return 700,000 square metres of arable land to the village, while leaving approximately 150,000 square metres west of the barrier. We are also concerned at continued settler violence. There have been 8 reported attacks by settlers on Palestinians, including on 9 February when settlers shot and injured a Palestinian teenager. We note legitimate Israeli and Palestinian security concerns.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“On 12 February, Israeli security forces shot and killed a Palestinian for attempting to stab a soldier in Hebron, while 41 other Palestinians were injured in actions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Israeli security forces also carried out extensive operations in Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem between 8 and 10 February. Palestinian, Israeli and foreign protesters continued demonstrating against the barrier where it is being constructed within the West Bank in contravention of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. There have been raids into Ramallah against individuals and organizations involved in protests.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“The status of Jerusalem is to be determined through negotiations, and we believe that a way must be found through negotiations for Jerusalem to emerge as the capital of two States. The efforts of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to meet its Road Map obligations to combat terrorism have continued in the West Bank, reflecting impressive achievements in reform, professionalization and performance. It is important that the Palestinian Authority leadership continue to speak out against violence and incitement. On 10 February, an Israeli soldier was killed by a knife attack. The incident was condemned by Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad. There were 79 Israeli army incursions into West Bank towns and villages in response to alleged security threats. Nearly 500 Palestinians were arrested.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“While the Israeli Government's settlement restraint constitutes a step beyond previous positions, the settlements themselves are illegal and continued settlement activity violates Israel's Road Map obligations and prejudges the outcome of negotiations. We therefore urge additional measures to enforce the restraint. We also urge its extension into a comprehensive freeze, including in East Jerusalem, as well as its continuation beyond the current lO-month period. There were no demolitions of Palestinian homes or evictions in East Jerusalem during the reporting period - a positive development which we hope will continue. We continue to call for the reopening of Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem in accordance with Road Map obligations.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“We continue to stress the importance of doing everything possible to ensure that negotiations lead in a clear time frame to an agreement resolving all final status issues, including Jerusalem, borders, refugees, security, settlements and water. We believe that the international consensus on what it will take to reach a sustainable agreement is strong and that an active Quartet will be vital to support the process. The Israeli Government's partial restraint on settlement construction in the West Bank, excluding 2 East Jerusalem, remains in effect and has led to a slowdown of construction activity. However, violations of the restraint orders have been identified by the Israeli authorities in at least 29 settlements, with the Defence Ministry that it is issuing demolition and stop- work orders against violators.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Since the briefing of 27 January, efforts to bring about Israeli-Palestinian negotiations have continued. A proposal from United States Envoy Mitchell that the parties begin indirect talks with United States mediation is currently under serious consideration. Israel has indicated its readiness to work on this basis, while President Abbas has been engaged in intensive consultations and sought clarifications. The Secretary-General hopes that President Abbas will move forward on the basis of this practical proposal so that serious talks can begin. He notes Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated commitment to a two-State solution, although confusion as to the Israeli Government's intentions arises from statements by various of its officials.”
2010-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6273 (2010) · source
“The United Nations will continue to work for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, achieved through negotiations that are based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003) and 1850 (2008), previous agreements, the 5 Madrid framework, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative. We believe that robust third-party support will be helpful to the parties, and that the end goal of a two- State solution, based on the 1967 lines and the resolution of all core issues, can and must emerge quickly and meaningfully. If we do not go forward decisively towards the two-State solution, we may go back to more violence, suffering and the loss of hope. Once extinguished, that hope will be very difficult to rekindle.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“Efforts to resume the political track are continuing, and have our full support. However, the pattern of events over the past month in the Middle East is a powerful reminder that without a credible political horizon - including commitments made, monitored and kept on the ground, and a calling to account when obligations are breached - forces of violence, tension and extremism on both sides will fill the vacuum. Now more than ever, it is vital that politics be made credible and that those who try to undermine politics by changing facts on the ground or resorting to violence not be allowed to set the agenda.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) generally remains quiet. In the evening of 12 October, an explosion took place at a residential building in the village of Tayr Filsay, just south of the Litani River. The cause and circumstances of the incident are not yet entirely clear. If it was due to the explosion of a rocket or ammunition, this would be a clear violation of resolution 1701 (2006). UNIFIL, in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, is conducting an investigation into the incident, which is still ongoing. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces are continuing intensified operational activities in sensitive areas from which rockets could be launched. Israeli air violations continue on a daily basis.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“We continue to 09-55731 believe that the early formation of a Government supported by all is critical to enabling the country to face important challenges in the political, economic, social and security spheres. On 7 October, eight people were wounded when a rocket-propelled grenade exploded in the J abal Mohsen neighbourhood of Tripoli. There was also a hand- grenade blast in another neighbourhood of the city. While these incidents were contained, they are an ongoing test of Lebanon's stability. Efforts to reconstruct the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp have been further delayed by the discovery of archaeological artefacts. The Secretary-General remains hopeful that the reconstruction of Nahr el-Bared can resume without further delay.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faysal Mikdad met with senior United States officials in Washington, DC, following the General Assembly's general debate. After the Visit of President Al-Assad to Saudi Arabia on 23 September, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia arrived in Syria on 7 October for a two-day summit with President Al-Assad in an important visit for the region. Let me now turn to developments in Lebanon. On 16 September, Lebanese President Sleiman reappointed parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri as Prime Minister-designate. Mr. Hariri has since been engaged in intense consultations with all parliamentary factions aimed at reaching agreement on the composition of a new Cabinet and its programme.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“We continue to support efforts to reunite Gaza with the West Bank within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority, as called for by the Quartet. Between 2 and 4 October, Israel released 20 Palestinian female detainees after Hamas presented, through a German mediator, a film clip showing Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit alive and in good health. We certainly welcome these developments. We continue to stress that efforts on the Israeli- Palestinian track must be situated within the broader context of comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace. On the ground, the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan was quiet during the reporting period, although Israeli settlement activity continues there.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“During his meeting last month with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Secretary- General expressed his disappointment that, despite extensive discussions, there had been no Israeli approval of the United Nations Gaza recovery proposals for schools, clinics and housing, which are strongly supported by the Quartet and the AHLC. The Prime Minister gave the Secretary-General his personal assurances that he would revisit the issue and Special Coordinator Serry has remained engaged with the Israeli authorities. Despite ongoing recriminations among Palestinian factions, Egypt is continuing intensive efforts to secure the agreement of all factions to proposals to overcome the Palestinian divide and hold elections in the first half of 2010.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“After several months of relative calm, there was a worrying increase in violence between Gaza and Israel in the reporting period, with 12 projectiles fired from Gaza into Israel, including seven in one day on 28 September, as well as nine Israeli incursions and 12 air strikes. It is essential that calm not only be restored but solidified. Seven Palestinians, including two civilians, were killed and 15 more, including three children, were injured in these incidents. We continue to be concerned about reports of the smuggling of 09-55731 weapons into Gaza as well as the continued closure of the Strip. No exports were allowed out of Gaza during the reporting period, and food and hygiene items continue to make up the bulk of imports.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“As the Secretary-General has said repeatedly, peace and justice are two sides of the same coin. The Secretary-General calls upon all of the parties to carry out credible domestic investigations into the conduct of the conflict without delay. He hopes that such steps will be taken wherever there are credible allegations of human rights abuses throughout the world. The broader situation in Gaza, especially the continued closure policy, remains unsustainable and unacceptable. Resolution 1860 (2009) contains the elements of a more strategic and principled approach, but key elements remain unfulfilled. The situation in Gaza cannot be left to further deteriorate and unravel.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“Accordingly, the Secretary-General has from the outset supported the work of the Fact-Finding Mission. The report makes a number of recommendations for ensuring accountability for perpetrators and redress for victims. It calls on the Government of Israel to conduct independent investigations into the many allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed during the Gaza conflict. It similarly calls on Hamas - the relevant authority in Gaza - to initiate genuine and effective proceedings into the many allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed by forces under its control, and calls on Palestinian armed groups to undertake to respect international humanitarian law by renouncing attacks on Israeli civilians.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“Members will recall that, at the beginning of 2009, the Secretary-General visited both Gaza and southern Israel in order to help end the fighting and to show his respect and concern for the deaths and injuries of so many people during the conflict in and around Gaza. He was and remains deeply affected by the widespread death, destruction and suffering in Gaza City, as well as moved by the plight of civilians in southern Israel who have been subject to indiscriminate rocket and mortar fire for too long. The Secretary-General believes that international humanitarian law needs to be fully respected and that civilians must be protected in all situations and circumstances. As he said in his address to the General Assembly, where conflicts arise justice and accountability should follow.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“In addition to these developments, tensions among Palestinians were heightened in the aftermath of the deferral of consideration by the Human Rights Council of the report (A/HRC/12/48) of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, which was presented to the Human Rights Council on 29 September. The deferral led to severe criticism among a wide range of Palestinian institutions and factions and the public, which included the affected populations and organizations in the region; heavy incitement against President Abbas from Hamas leaders; and public demonstrations of discontent. On 11 October, President Abbas indicated that he had given instructions to seek a special session of the Human Rights Council on the report, and such a session has now been scheduled for 15 and 16 October.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source
“There were 23 recorded incidents of violence involving settlers attacking Palestinians and their property during the reporting period, and seven recorded incidents of Palestinian attacks on settlers. As of 29 September 2009, there were 592 movement obstacles in the West Bank, down from 618 in August. Of the 100 closure obstacles that the Israeli authorities announced that they would remove immediately prior to last month's briefing, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has been able to confirm that 35 were removed and 22 remain in place. The remaining 43 obstacles were not recorded in the OCHA database.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source