YouSaid · the spoken record

Prendergast

lines on the record: 716
first: 1999-08-27
most recent: 2018-09-10
sittings or episodes: 36
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

“Immediate challenges for the Authority and for civil society include rebuilding the rule of law and a respected security sector that can reassert the monopoly over the use of force that is a characteristic of any functioning State. Despite the doubts and the difficult challenges ahead, the hope and optimism of the past months remain. That is confirmed by the continued overall decline in casualties, violence and military operations. However, we are seeing on the ground indicators of the fragility of the current situation. Particularly disturbing is the apparent failure to break the tendency towards retributive violence, so that even one incident carries with it the risk of escalation.”
2005-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5166 (2005) · source
“However, we are concerned at reports that that announced readiness to coordinate has not yet been sufficiently translated into practice. Direct dialogue and communication are essential first steps towards ensuring that the disengagement is as smooth and non-violent as possible. I was pleased to learn that high-level meetings between Deputy Prime Minister Peres and Prime Minister Qurei and between Israeli Defence Minister Mofaz and Minister Dahlan took place today to discuss the economic and military aspects of the disengagement. Coordination and cooperation will be needed even more in the challenging transition period once disengagement is complete. The Palestinian Authority and the newly elected municipalities in Gaza face a deeply impoverished population in which tribal and family ties have strongly re-emerged.”
2005-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5166 (2005) · source
“On the Palestinian side, both President Abbas and Prime Minister Qurei announced that the Palestinian Authority was prepared to coordinate the withdrawal with Israel, despite the Palestinian Authority's political concerns regarding the plan, which had initially been a unilateral initiative, President Abbas has established a ministerial committee for coordination, headed by the Prime Minister, with technocratic ministers assigned sectoral subcommittees - including in the areas of housing and planning - tasked with preparations for the pullout and longer-term strategies for the period after disengagement. It is welcome that each of the two parties has publicly reiterated its willingness to coordinate with the other.”
2005-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5166 (2005) · source
“However, despite support from the Knesset and from a majority of Israelis, some elements of Israeli society have increased their protests and incitement against the Government and the Prime Minister, and have vowed to resist actively the disengagement process, Israeli preparations for the evacuation and for the related process of relocating Israeli settlers are ongoing, notwithstanding continued opposition from the militant minority.”
2005-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5166 (2005) · source
“Wolfensohn's blend of vision and experience makes him uniquely qualified to support the post-withdrawal revival of the Palestinian economy. The Quartet envoys met yesterday in Jerusalem and discussed preparations for the disengagement initiative and how best to support Mr. Wolfensohn. Within the Israeli polity, Prime Minister Sharon has overcome the remaining official challenges to his withdrawal initiative. On 28 March, the Knesset rejected draft legislation to introduce a national referendum on disengagement. The next day, 29 March, the 2005 State budget was passed by a Knesset plenum, averting the need for new elections.”
2005-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5166 (2005) · source
“The pressing challenge for the parties and the international community is to take all possible actions to ensure that disengagement happens, that it happens in a coordinated way and that it does not become a dead end, but contributes to the momentum for peace. As the Quartet has stated and restated, a full and complete withdrawal, undertaken in a manner consistent with the road map, would be an important step towards realizing the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. As the Council knows, on 14 April the Quartet principals named Mr. James Wolfensohn as their Special Envoy to coordinate the international community's efforts in support of the disengagement initiative. His task is to promote coordination and cooperation between the two parties. The Secretary- General has commented that Mr.”
2005-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5166 (2005) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: Recent events in the Middle East continue to confirm the potential for peace, but warn us that this new process is still fragile. I think all of us are aware that it will take time, patience and courage to rebuild trust and confidence between Israelis and Palestinians. A degree of edginess and renewed suspicion has been evident in the past month about, on the one side, Israeli intentions and, on the other, Palestinian resolve and capabilities. If sustained progress is to be made, it is important that those doubts and suspicions be dispelled. It is against that background that Israel is preparing to withdraw from settlements in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank sometime this summer. The act of disengagement, in and of itself, will be a landmark in Israeli-Palestinian relations.”
2005-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5166 (2005) · source
“But we, the international community, should stand ready to assist them along the stony path from violence and terror, bloodshed and suffering, towards a better life in peace and security. And in so doing, we should not - we must not - forget our final destination: ajust, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, an end of the 1967 occupation, and two States - Israel and a sovereign, viable, contiguous and democratic Palestine - living side by side.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“At the 1 March London conference and at the Quartet meeting held at the margins of the conference, the international community clearly manifested its will to re-engage and actively assist Israelis and Palestinians. Our focus, as the Secretary-General has repeatedly emphasized to both Israelis and Palestinians, should not be limited to the immediate next steps. We need to prepare ourselves for the disengagement, with all its practical implications, but also for the day after. This is a task not just for the parties, but also for the international community. It goes without saying that the continuation of the current process remains primarily the responsibility of the parties.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“Regrettably, Israeli air violations of the Blue Line have continued to occur, albeit with somewhat reduced frequency. On 17 March, there was a sudden increase in the number of overflights when nine air violations, involving 10 jets, were recorded and were reported to have covered wide areas of southern Lebanon. As the Council knows, the Secretary-General travelled this week to Algiers to attend the Arab Summit. He welcomes the decision taken there by the Arab leaders to relaunch the Arab peace initiative. Arab involvement in the peace process is essential. A lasting solution to the conflict will have to address the regional tracks. There are many obstacles and challenges. But the deadlock has been broken.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“In a statement issued on Wednesday, 23 March, after the second bombing, the Secretary-General called on the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice those responsible and to prevent the situation from deteriorating. He urged all concerned parties to do their utmost to safeguard Lebanon's stability and national unity. He believes strongly that the Lebanese people should be allowed to decide the future of their country peacefully and democratically. Let me also mention that later today the Secretary-General will forward to the Council the report of the Mission of Inquiry into the 14 February assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri. With regard to the situation in southern Lebanon, the past two months have been relatively calm along the Blue Line.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“Karami has not yet been able to meet his goal of forming a government of national unity with the opposition. Lebanese have been publicly expressing their political views in frequent demonstrations in the central district of Beirut in support of both the Government and the opposition. For example, on 8 March, a large rally in support of Syria, organized principally by Hizbullah, took place in Beirut. An equally large - if not larger - demonstration staged by the opposition was held in Beirut on 14 March. We are pleased to note that, to date, all such demonstrations have occurred in a calm and orderly manner without major incidents. In contrast to the peaceful conduct of the demonstrations, two bombings earlier this week, in Beirut and in Jounieh, left three dead and approximately 19 injured.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“That important goal will be difficult to achieve, especially with militant extremists whose agenda is to derail the peace process. The 25 February suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, which left five Israelis dead and which injured more than 50, was a tragic reminder of the fragility of the process. The Secretary-General condemned that attack and called on the Palestinian Authority to take action against all those organizing and perpetrating terror and violence. In my last briefing to the Council, I spoke about the situation in Lebanon in the aftermath of the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri and 19 others on 14 February. Lebanon has since been beset by political uncertainty. On 28 February, the Government of Prime Minister Omar Karami resigned. Ten days later, President Lahoud asked Mr. Karami to form a new government. Mr.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“The transfer of three other major urban centres in the West Bank - Nablus, Jenin and Hebron - has been left by the parties for discussion at a later date. Meanwhile, the joint Israeli-Palestinian ministerial committee on Palestinian prisoners did not reach the hoped-for agreement on the release of an additional 400 Palestinian prisoners. Similarly, only 16 out of 60 Palestinian deportees have been allowed to return to Bethlehem so far. I would like to reiterate the Quartet's position and urge the full implementation by both parties of the mutual commitments made at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. The single most significant outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit was the announcement by Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas of a halt to violence and military operations.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“We reiterate our regular call on Israel to abide by its legal obligations as set forth in the 9 July 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and General Assembly resolution ES-10/15 and to find alternative ways to address its legitimate security concerns. During the reporting period, implementation of the commitments made at the 8 February Sharm al- Sheikh summit continued, but not as quickly as the initial steps reported in last month's briefing. It was only on 16 March that outstanding issues related to the handover of Jericho - the first of five West Bank cities and their environs to be transferred to Palestinian control - were fully resolved. Tulkarem was handed over on 21 March after similar delays. Negotiations on the transfer of Bethlehem, Qalqiliya and Ramallah are under way, but difficulties remain.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“The road map states clearly that Israel should dismantle outposts and freeze settlement activity, and the Quartet's position is that neither party should undertake actions that threaten to prejudge final status talks. We believe that a halt to such actions is needed now to preserve hope of a viable future for the Palestinian people. Our concerns over Israel's settlement policy cannot be separated from the issue of the barrier. The recently approved route still incorporates a significant percentage of Palestinian land and has a negative impact on the livelihoods of many Palestinians. Israel states that the barrier is a temporary structure to meet security needs. However, no one could observe its scope and its route without being concerned over possible implications for the contiguity of the future Palestinian State.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“The Government's recent report on outposts by former Chief State Prosecutor Talia Sasson found that various ministries, as well as the Israel Defence Forces and the World Zionist Organization, had supported construction of unauthorized outposts. The Cabinet approved the report on 13 March, including the core recommendation that the Government "take into its hands responsibility for what is happening in the outposts in the territories and not sit on the sidelines watching as the settlers do whatever they want, without anyone stopping them". Yet this week there have also been unofficial reports of a Government decision to approve the building of at least 3,500 new settlement housing units this year, linking the major Israeli settlement of Maaleh Adumim to Jerusalem.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“That would jeopardize the timely implementation of Israel's withdrawal initiative, which continues to enjoy the support of more than 60 per cent of the Israeli public. President Abbas assured us that the Palestinian Authority would cooperate fully in preparations for the withdrawal. A major donor investment would be needed to ensure the economic viability of the Gaza Strip. However, Palestinian leaders described the widespread fear among Palestinians that the withdrawal might become "Gaza first and Gaza last" and fears about unilateral acts such as substantial new settlement expansion and barrier construction. I would like to stress here the concern of the United Nations over Israel's failure thus far to dismantle settlement outposts and freeze settlement expansion.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“Without sufficient preparation and cooperation, there could be problems. The Secretary- General reiterated our position - and the position of the Quartet - that withdrawal was not an end in itself but an important step in a broader process and should be consistent with the road map and its goals. Domestically, as Prime Minister Sharon told the Secretary-General, the Israeli Government faces a moment of truth this month. Mr. Sharon explained that the parliamentary vote for the 2005 budget was scheduled to take place in the coming week. If the Knesset did not approve the budget before the end of the month, the Government would fall and new elections would follow automatically.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“Palestinian leaders asked the Secretary-General to convey the need for their international partners to disburse as soon as possible the aid they have so generously pledged, as Palestinians continue to confront a difficult fiscal and economic situation. The Israeli disengagement plan was the subject of much discussion. The Secretary-General was left with a strong impression of Prime Minister Sharon's determination to proceed with the plan, even in the face of serious domestic opposition. The Secretariat continues to welcome and support the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. That should be used to help revitalize the peace process. The Secretary-General told the parties how important it was that all aspects of the withdrawal be fully coordinated.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“The respective presentations by the parties impressed on the Secretary-General the immediate and urgent need to rebuild trust and restore confidence. He urged the parties to engage in direct dialogue and negotiations. Peace processes, he warned, could not afford stagnation. The Secretary-General told his Palestinian interlocutors that the United Nations remained committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority in its current efforts on security, reform and elections. They discussed the positive outcomes of the London conference and the decision to review donor structures in order to improve reform-monitoring and assistance- coordination arrangements, to transfer more responsibility to the Palestinian Authority and to enhance the overall effectiveness of the assistance effort.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“Leaders of the Palestinian Authority stressed equally strongly the urgent need to ease the daily suffering of their people. They expressed frustration over Israel's refusal to ease closures significantly or to release large numbers of prisoners, particularly those who carry weight and significance among Palestinians, and over the delays in the full implementation of the Sharm el-Sheikh commitments. Without such confidence-building steps, they said, they would be unable to consolidate popular support for the peace process. The Secretary-General's Palestinian interlocutors were also much concerned by what they described as continuing unilateral acts by Israel. I shall have more to say on that later.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“Israelis and Palestinians told the Secretary- General much about the progress and the setbacks of recent weeks and about the remaining steps to be taken and the wider requirements for resuming peace negotiations. The Government of Israel emphasized that its overriding concern was for the Palestinian Authority to move from words to action and to take steps to bring to justice those who organize and perpetrate terrorist acts. Israeli leaders expressed their fear that a ceasefire and the outcome of the 15 March Cairo meeting alone would not be enough, and might even make it more difficult for the Palestinian Authority to dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. They noted that such a dismantlement is a Palestinian obligation under the road map.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“A United Nations that fails to be at the forefront of the fight against anti-Semitism and other forms of racism denies its history and undermines its future". The Secretary-General used the occasion of his visit to hold meetings with a range of Israeli and Palestinian leaders, including Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas. The visit confirmed his belief that Palestinians and Israelis have taken the first steps along the road towards a full resumption of the peace process. He came away with feelings of cautious hope and optimism, but also with the sense that setbacks and delays are inevitable. The Secretary-General is strongly of the view that active support and encouragement from the Quartet and the international community are more essential now than ever.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: I would like to use the opportunity afforded me by this month's briefing to focus on the Secretary-General's visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory from 13 to 16 March. The primary reason for the visit was the invitation extended to him by the Government of Israel to attend the inauguration of the new Holocaust History Museum at Yad Vashem. The Secretary- General was among a large delegation of presidents, prime ministers and other senior Government officials from around the world. In his remarks at the opening ceremony, when he spoke on behalf of the international guests, he emphasized the duty of the United Nations to commemorate the Holocaust and said, "The United Nations has a sacred responsibility to combat hatred and intolerance.”
2005-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5149 (2005) · source
“The end goal remains settling their conflict, ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian State living side by side with a secure Israel. We are convinced that 2005 is a year of opportunity. We fervently hope that, as the Secretary of State of the United States, Condoleezza Rice, put it, the international community will help the parties to transform opportunity into achievement.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Israel's security Cabinet approved in principle a military operation along the Blue Line on 19 January. The operation did not take place, thus averting a further escalation of the situation. Regrettably, however, a total of 30 Israeli overflights were recorded during the past month, some of which were reported to have been deep in Lebanese territory. We reiterate our position that these air violations must cease. By their meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh and the measures taken subsequently, Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas have stirred widespread hope that Israelis and Palestinians may finally be on the path to peace. They have effectively restarted the process to implement the provisions of the road map, as endorsed by the Council in its resolution 1515 (2003).”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“The team, which includes other staff with relevant expertise, will make contact with Lebanese officials and others in order to gather such information as is necessary for the Secretary-General to report to the Council in a timely manner. Turning to southern Lebanon, during the reporting period there have been several disturbing incidents along the Blue Line, but no serious escalation. On 14 January and again on 17 January, Hizbullah detonated explosive devices along the Blue Line, fortunately without causing any casualties. We reiterate our call on the Government of Lebanon to extend its authority throughout its territory. In response to those attacks, Israel carried out immediate air strikes against Hizbullah targets in southern Lebanon, reportedly injuring two Lebanese civilians.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Consolidated action is needed from the international community to ensure the financial stability of the Palestinian Authority at this pivotal time. At the outset, I mentioned the outrage caused by the atrocious terrorist attack in Beirut on 14 February that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 14 others. The funeral for Mr. Hariri and his colleagues took place on 16 February. Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi represented the Secretary-General. Pursuant to the Council's request that the Secretary-General urgently report on the circumstances, causes and consequences of the killing of Mr. Hariri, the Secretary-General acted promptly to select a team, headed by Mr. Peter Fitzgerald of Ireland, who is a senior law enforcement official.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Prime Minister Qurei will present the Palestinian Authority's reform agenda and, together with the other participants, will assess suitable mechanisms to help the Palestinians lay the groundwork for an independent, sovereign, viable, contiguous and democratic state. The Secretary- General will attend this important and constructive meeting. The London conference, while not a donor event, offers an opportunity for the international community to be updated on the Palestinian Authority's precarious fiscal situation and to provide urgently needed funds for short-term assistance. At the end of January, the Palestinian Authority had received only $20 million from the United States and $5 million from Norway, out of a total of $660 million pledged for the year. The United States and others have since announced plans for additional support.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“The international community has come together in support of the new momentum to assure the parties that they are not alone and that we will accompany them along the road to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. The Quartet principals will meet on the margins of the London conference on 1 March, following contacts at the envoy level during the past month. They will review the progress that the parties have made to date and decide on further action over the coming months. The London conference, hosted by the Government of the United Kingdom, will bring together the members of the Quartet, the Group of Eight, a range of key donors and the Palestinian Authority.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Barrier activity also intensified in the Jerusalem area, where a large number of confiscation orders have recently been served to landowners. We recognize Israel's right and duty to protect its people against terrorist attacks. But, now more than ever, we urge the Government of Israel to address its legitimate security needs in ways that do not increase suffering among Palestinians, prejudge final status issues or threaten the longer-term prospects for peace by making the creation of a viable and contiguous Palestinian State more difficult. We reiterate our call on Israel to abide by its legal obligations as set out in the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and General Assembly resolution ES-10/ 15.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“We hope that current Israeli efforts to alleviate this situation will lead to a satisfactory and lasting solution. On 20 February, the Israeli Cabinet approved the revised route of Israel's barrier in the West Bank, which, although it has been moved closer to the Green Line, still incorporates a large amount of Palestinian land. To the south of Jerusalem, the new route places the Gush Etzion settlement block on the Israeli side of the barrier and surrounds four Palestinian villages with some 18,000 residents, plus a sizeable amount of Palestinian agricultural land. The Government restarted barrier construction in the Salfit area of the northern West Bank around the settlement of Ariel, raising concerns that large amounts of Palestinian territory might end up being incorporated on the Israeli side.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Despite the vastly improved political climate and the initial measures that Israel has instituted, most movement restrictions for Palestinians remain in place, in the form of checkpoints, curfews and the permit system. The lack of improvement in the daily lives of ordinary Palestinians poses a serious threat to the viability of a renewed peace process. Closure continues to impact on humanitarian operations, as well. Frequent and prolonged closure of the Karni crossing into Gaza has created a backlog at Ashdod port of more than 900 containers destined for UNRWA, costing the Agency storage and demurrage charges of more than $30,000 a day. With an additional 390 empty containers remaining inside the Gaza Strip at a daily cost of $7,000, UNRWA has incurred total storage and demurrage charges of more than $4.5 million since March 2004.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Palestinian militants fired large numbers of Qassam rockets and mortar shells, which critically wounded a 17-year-old Israeli girl in Sderot on 15 January. I am very sorry to report that she died six days later. On 31 January, a 10-year-old Palestinian girl was killed in the yard of a school of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the southern Gaza Strip. This is the fourth tragic incident in the past year in which a Palestinian child has been killed by Israeli fire into an UNRWA school. As we have stated here before, all United Nations buildings and installations - but especially schools - must be kept safe and protected at all times. Our concern has been conveyed to the Government of Israel, and we are now awaiting the outcome of an IDF investigation into the incident.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“At the same time, we need to be aware that the conflict continues and that it continues to bring an unacceptable toll of death and suffering. Over this past month, 54 Palestinians and 8 Israelis were killed, and 150 Palestinians and 46 Israelis were injured. On 13 January, Hamas, the Popular Resistance Committees and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade attacked the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, killing six Israeli civilians. In response, Israel announced that it would temporarily cut all ties with the Palestinian Authority, and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) renewed military incursions into Palestinian areas, which had been suspended since the Palestinian presidential elections. On 15 and 16 January, eight Palestinians were killed in Israeli military operations throughout the Gaza Strip.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Vice-Premier Peres has met with a number of senior Palestinian officials to begin coordinating the civilian and economic aspects of Israel's withdrawal. We commend Prime Minister Sharon's steady commitment to disengagement in the face of a serious escalation in threats and protests from his domestic opponents. In an important decision, on 20 February the Israeli Cabinet approved in principle the evacuation of settlements under the disengagement plan. The Knesset also demonstrated support for the Prime Minister by passing, on 16 February, the Compensation and Evacuation Law. That law is an essential step in carrying out the withdrawal plan. As members of the Council will have noted, there are many positive developments to be welcomed and encouraged.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“An important result of his efforts came on 12 February, when Hamas and Islamic Jihad agreed to a temporary ceasefire. We call on those groups to eschew terror and armed confrontation with Israel and to choose the peaceful, democratic road of negotiations and political activism. The path taken by President Abbas will not be easy. If he is to prevail against those who favour violence over peace, he will need strong support from both Israel and the international community. In addition to the positive steps taken by each party, we are most encouraged by the resumption of direct engagement between them. Most significantly, Prime Minister Sharon has reiterated his readiness to coordinate with the Palestinians the disengagement plan from the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank, and the first meetings to that effect have taken place.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“In the past month, the Palestinian Authority deployed 1,000 security officers along the Gaza Strip's northern border with Israel and hundreds more in the central and southern districts of Gaza. President Abbas also relieved three top security commanders in Gaza of their duties following a raid by militants against a Palestinian Authority prison in Gaza, during which three inmates were killed, and the firing of dozens of mortar shells against Israeli settlements on 10 February. Fulfilling an important obligation under the road map, Abu Mazen also restructured the security services into three main branches - the national forces, the intelligence forces and the police - all of which will report to the Palestinian Prime Minister. Together, those steps demonstrate President Abbas's determination to prevent future attacks.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Negotiations to resolve impediments to the Israeli withdrawal are continuing, and we hope that Jericho, as well as Tulkarem, Qalqiliya, Bethlehem and Ramallah, will soon be handed over to the Palestinian Authority. We commend Israel's decision to halt punitive house demolitions. Israel also reopened the three crossing points into Gaza - Erez, Rafah and Karni - after temporarily closing them in the wake of Palestinian attacks. Israel announced, moreover, that it was issuing more work permits, bringing the total number of workers authorized to enter Israel via Erez to 1,600. New permits were issued to 300 merchants and 600 labourers for the Erez industrial zone. On the Palestinian side, President Abbas has acted courageously to end violence.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Signalling their desire to break away from bloodshed and despair, the two leaders agreed that "all Palestinians [would] stop all acts of violence against Israelis everywhere" and that "Israel [would] cease all its military activity against all Palestinians everywhere". Both parties have since taken actions to keep up the momentum generated by the summit. Indeed, it is our hope and expectation that the understandings reached at the summit will be implemented fully and on time. The Government of Israel announced that it would release 900 prisoners and withdraw from five West Bank cities and the surrounding areas. On 21 February, 500 Palestinian prisoners were released.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: Since I briefed the Council last month on the Middle East, people across the region have had their hopes rekindled for progress towards peace between Israel and the Palestinians. They have, at the same time, been angered and outraged by the cold-blooded terror attack in Lebanon that took the life of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and others. The hope flows from the summit meeting between President Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon that took place in Sharm el-Sheikh on 8 February, hosted by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, in the presence of Jordan's King Abdullah. At Sharm el-Sheikh, President Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon reaffirmed their commitment to the road map.”
2005-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5128 (2005) · source
“The next key steps are the building of a constitution, the referendum due in October and then the holding of a general election. Iraqis look to their leaders to deliver on the promise of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Iraq with which all Iraqis can identify. The challenges ahead are real; but so too are the opportunities. In fulfilment of its mandate, and circumstances permitting, the United Nations will spare no effort to meet the expectations of the Iraqi people through this critical period of their history.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source
“It is therefore essential that, just as we work to normalize the situation inside Iraq, every effort should be made to normalize Iraq's relations with the region and with the international community at large. It is especially important that Iraq's sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity be respected. A sovereign Iraq naturally aspires to regain its rightful place in the community of nations. The Secretary- General, for his part, intends to continue to foster greater regional and international convergence in support of Iraq's political transition and the United Nations role. No one could fail to have been moved by the way that Iraqis went to the polls on 30 January, with courage, determination and confidence in the future of their country. The elections mark an important staging post achieved.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source
“There is a general expectation both inside and outside Iraq that the United Nations will play a proactive role in supporting the constitution-making process, and we look forward to working closely with the elected members of the Transitional National Assembly and with other representatives of Iraqi society. In conformity with resolution 1546 (2004), the United Nations is ready to offer any needed technical assistance and public information support, as well as political facilitation. All of us are aware that developments in Iraq have potentially important implications outside the country. The constitutional debate will be closely watched, especially by Iraq's neighbours. Some of the issues to be negotiated among Iraqis in this process touch upon the security interests of neighbouring countries.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source
“But, in terms of what we can offer, the United Nations has considerable experience in supporting and facilitating transitional processes under difficult conditions. Iraq has the human and material resources to take charge of its own destiny. Where the international community and the United Nations can, in our View, best contribute to that process is in helping to create enabling conditions for all Iraqis to share and succeed in the political and economic reconstruction of their country. It is important that the various international actors work in a complementary manner with the Iraqis and with one another.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source
“Equally important, the transitional authorities will need to find ways to improve the daily living conditions of Iraqis by stepping up reconstruction, development and humanitarian activities. The United Nations has a mandate to assist in all those areas. We are already actively engaged in doing so, and we intend to intensify our engagement as circumstances permit. We know that Iraqis have high expectations of the United Nations. In the weeks and months ahead, the new transitional institutions of Iraq will need the active support and engagement of the international community. The United Nations has accompanied the Iraqi people and authorities in their political transition thus far. We are determined to continue to do so. It must be, and must be seen to be, an Iraqi-owned and Iraqi-led process.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source
“Conversely, some political elements that had urged a boycott or postponement of elections now appear to be insisting that their views must be included in any dialogue and that they have the right to participate fully in the drafting of a permanent constitution. Meanwhile, Iraqis will expect their Transitional Assembly and Government to deliver on matters of immediate concern to them. As a matter of priority, Iraqis need to be able to go about their lives without fear of terrorism, violence and insecurity of all types. The better and the faster that Iraqi security forces can be trained, the sooner they will be able to assume their responsibilities and fully take charge of the country's security.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source
“Already, prominent political leaders in Iraq have signalled their sensitivity to the fact that certain constituencies, particularly among Arab Sunnis and other Arab nationalists, are likely to find themselves under-represented in the Transitional Assembly due to the low turnout in some regions. Those leaders have indicated their determination to assuage any fears of political alienation, including by raising the possibility of inviting representatives of groups that did not, or could not, take part in the elections to participate both in the transitional Government and in the constitution- drafting process.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source
“Our impression is that Iraqis understand the great responsibility that comes with the drafting of a new constitution. They know that it will affect their lives and those of their children for a long time to come. Some difficult questions are bound to arise, pertaining to the future character of the State and to the relationship among Iraq's diverse communities. These issues concern Iraqis as a people and Iraq as a nation, so it will be important that the new Iraqi leadership signal clearly that each of the country's communities will have the chance to participate in shaping the future of their country. Similarly, all Iraqi constituencies ought to see that they have an interest in articulating a clear and reasonable agenda that contributes constructively to Iraq's constitutional debate.”
2005-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5123 (2005) · source