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

“The Palestinian leadership has made great strides in moving forward in areas far beyond the electoral process. Earlier this month, Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Mahmoud Abbas - Abu Mazen - and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei - Abu Ala - held talks with Syrian and Lebanese leaders in a historic visit to both countries, after an important visit to Egypt. We took particular note of the Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman's pledge to end the "armed struggle" and henceforth pursue the "democratic route to liberation", to quote him twice. While significant steps towards reform have been taken, security reform and the establishment of full control by the Authority over the Palestinian areas continue to be among the primary challenges facing the Palestinian leadership.”
2004-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5102 (2004) · source
“Israel did not lift the ban imposed in September against voter registration in East Jerusalem, but it has reassured us that residents of East Jerusalem will be able to vote in accordance with the modalities of the 1996 presidential elections, as set out in the Oslo Accords. We have also taken positive note of the Government of Israel's announced intention to lift movement restrictions and withdraw from Palestinian villages and cities for the election. Campaigning will officially begin on 26 December and last through 7 January. Some changes were recently introduced to the electoral law, most of which concern legislative elections, scheduled for later in 2005. All these developments lead us to expect a free, fair and democratic electoral process.”
2004-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5102 (2004) · source
“Significant strides have been made towards ensuring that the presidential elections scheduled for 9 January 2005 will be conducted in a free and fair manner, in accordance with international standards. Elections will be monitored by more than 400 international electoral observers. The United Nations has provided technical assistance to the Central Elections Commission. We will also establish a Liaison and Support Unit, generously made possible by the Government of Japan, to support and facilitate the work of the incoming international observer delegations and to assist in their liaison with the electoral commission and Israeli authorities. Registration for Palestinian voters reopened on 24 November and continued until 1 December. Almost 80 per cent of adults have registered.”
2004-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5102 (2004) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: Four weeks ago, in his final briefing to the Security Council on this subject, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority spoke about the critical juncture the Middle East had reached and outlined the elements that have turned the present period into such momentous days in the region. This month, I am glad to be able to confirm that there exists, once again, a window of opportunity to revitalize the Middle East peace process. There have been a marked number of positive developments. The Palestinian leadership has continued to oversee the transitional period in a highly commendable manner, with no significant internal unrest.”
2004-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5102 (2004) · source
“He calls on the leaders of the parties to redouble their efforts to conclude an agreement by the agreed deadline. Once a comprehensive peace agreement is signed, the Secretary-General will report to the Council and present his recommendations regarding the size, structure and mandate of a full mission to replace the present advance mission, as specified in Security Council resolution 1574 (2004).”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“Yesterday, 6 December, high-level talks between Vice-President Taha and Chairman Garang restarted in Naivasha in what is hoped will be the final round of talks. Yesterday and today, Special Representative Pronk was in Naivasha, where he met the principals. As the Secretary-General informed the Council in Nairobi, the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement in Naivasha would have far-reaching consequences for the Sudan, providing its leaders with a historic opportunity to reverse the country's ills. Such an agreement could provide a basis on which to address the demands of other marginalized regions of the Sudan, including Darfur. The Secretary-General remains concerned that some elements on both sides of the north-south negotiations could see an interest in undermining the chances of concluding a comprehensive peace agreement.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“The signing of the two Protocols on 9 November is a case in point. It is encouraging to note the ability of the Government, the SLM/A and the JEM. to overcome their differences and reach agreement. At the next round of the Abuja talks - due to resume on 10 December - the parties are expected to discuss the Declaration of Principles, which forms the basis of political objectives and institutions in Darfur. I am glad to report that the north-south talks continue to provide some room for optimism. Following the pledge in Nairobi by the Government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) to conclude a final peace agreement by 31 December, technical-level discussions resumed on 26 November.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“In North Darfur, where tens of thousands were cut off from relief, the percentage fell to 67 per cent. Both the SLM/A and, to a lesser extent, the Government bear responsibility for the recent decrease in access. In Tawilla, fighting led to the suspension of humanitarian activities for about a week, resulting in aid being cut off to about 30,000 internally displaced persons. The humanitarian situation remains dire. As of lNovember, the number of conflict-affected persons had risen to close to 2.3 million. The United Nations and its partners have estimated requirements of approximately $1.5 billion for the Sudan for 2005, of which $620 million will be dedicated to Darfur, with the rest covering southern and eastern Sudan. Despite the escalation of violence in Darfur, progress was nevertheless made in the negotiations in Abuja.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“But it would undoubtedly be able to do even more with increased capacity, including by acting as mediator and by protecting civilians through its presence. As the only monitoring mechanism present in Darfur, AMIS will continue to play a critical role in establishing a secure environment. The international community must provide all necessary support to enable it to do so. Logistical limitations remain a problem for AMIS. Shortages of communications equipment, ground transport, fixed-wing aircraft, aviation fuel and medical capabilities continue to constrain its activities on the ground. Here too, continuous international support is required. During the period under review, the percentage of vulnerable persons accessible in Darfur fell from about 90 to 80 per cent because of increased insecurity and the onset of the rainy season.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“The enhanced African Mission in Sudan - which so far has only 800 troops and just over 100 military observers in Darfur - is to be commended for its proactive and positive role there, under increasingly challenging circumstances and with limited resources. In addition to its monitoring task, AMIS has undertaken mediating roles to prevent conflicts and reduce tensions in incidents of hostage- taking and cattle-looting. AMIS has carried out that monumental undertaking with considerable aplomb, in spite of the fact that it is not yet operating at full capacity in Darfur. Meanwhile, the Government's inaction regarding the disarmament of the militia underscores the need to strengthen AMIS's capacity even further. The African Union should be commended for what it has managed to achieve with relatively few troops on the ground.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“During a meeting of the Joint Ceasefire Commission in N'Djamena on 25 November, the African Union asked the Government to provide it with the plan and timetable for the disarmament of the J anjaweed and other militias, and asked the SLM/A and the JEM. to give details of the exact locations of their troops within the next few weeks. Failure to do so, the African Union stated, would oblige it to report the matter to the AU's Peace and Security Council, as well as to the members of the Security Council. It is encouraging to note the robust approach taken by the African Union to get the parties to comply with their commitments.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“Equal pressure must be exerted on all sides to abide by their commitments. Regrettably, the Government has made no progress in disarming the Janjaweed. The African Union Ceasefire Commission (AUCFC) has confirmed that, to date, it has not been invited to verify any disarmament activities by the Government. Nor has there been any evidence of the Government apprehending and bringing to justice Janjaweed leaders for their past crimes, which was a central demand of the Security Council in its resolution 1556 (2004). Moreover, the AUCFC has indicated that the Government has made no effort to stop recent retaliatory attacks by the Janjaweed. Indeed, unconfirmed reports continue to circulate that the armed militias are still receiving weapons from some quarters in Khartoum.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“Following the signing of the Protocols, any attacks by the rebels, including those intended to settle old scores pre-dating the Protocols, are in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Further, the armed militias should not be allowed to take the law into their own hands by responding in kind to violence instigated by the SLA. The militias have become a destabilizing factor, posing a dilemma for existing mechanisms intended to deal with ceasefire violations. They are not included in any of the political negotiations; nor are they signatories to the ceasefire agreement. The international community must send an unequivocal message to all Sudanese parties that, particularly after the signing of the Abuja Protocols, violence and hostile military actions are not an acceptable means to achieve political gains.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“Increased activity by the Janjaweed and other pro-Government militias, leading to clashes with the SLA, has been reported. The latest clashes, which threaten to plunge Darfur into chaos, are of great concern. Both the militias and the SLA have grievances that lead them to trigger the fighting: the militias have been subject to camel-raiding and hostage-taking by the rebels, while the SLA feels justified in carrying out retaliatory attacks for past violence perpetrated by the J anjaweed against civilians. A clear message needs to be sent to the SLA to stop military actions, at least some of which appear to be deliberately intended to provoke the Government into retaliation.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“Banditry and looting increased in North Darfur at the beginning of the month, especially on the major roads. On 2, 3 and 26 November in West Darfur, one of the two new rebel movements, the National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD), reportedly attacked four villages around the Kulbus area, where tensions remain high. Cross-border operations by elements of the Chadian army in support of the NMRD were reported on 19 and 21 November. El Geneina, Jebel Marra, Tawilla and Rokiro are also reportedly tense, signifying the simultaneous development of so-called hot spots in many areas of Darfur. The Jebel Moon area, in North Darfur, is also tense, with the reported presence of all three rebel groups - the SLA, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and NMRD - as well as Government forces and armed tribesmen.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“However, prior to the attack, the team, while flying overhead, had spotted around 100 dead people killed by the fighting. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Alpha Konare, issued a strongly worded statement unreservedly condemning the incident. Mr. Konare stated that shooting at monitors not only endangered the lives of members of the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS), but could make potential troop contributors reluctant to send troops to the Sudan. He warned that the series of violent incidents that had occurred in Darfur, if not brought to an immediate end, risked undermining the Sudanese peace process. Heavy fighting continues in Adwah even up to today. Other incidents of violence took place in the Darfur region throughout November.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“The Minister said he would not accept any statements until a final report had been issued by the African Union, maintaining that the Sudanese army Chief of Staff would be asked to carry out a separate investigation. In addition to the fighting in Tawilla, on 1 December an African Union military observer from Chad sustained minor injuries when he was shot during an investigation mission in Adwah village, north of Nyala, in South Darfur. The shooting of the observer represents the first time an African Union soldier has been wounded in Darfur. He was part of a team that had traveled to the area to verify allegations of fighting between the armed militia and the SLA. The African Union team was forced to withdraw from Adwah following the incident.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“The SLA is thought to be responsible for instigating much of the violence, although it has denied this. The Government's use of aerial bombing in retaliation, if confirmed, would also be in breach of the Protocols. On 24 November, at a meeting of the Joint Implementation Mechanism, jointly chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Sudan and the Sudanese Foreign Minister, the Government denied using aerial bombardment and stated that it would carry out its own investigation into the allegations, in parallel with the African Union (AU). At a subsequent meeting of the Joint Implementation Mechanism, held on 5 December, the Sudanese Foreign Minister continued to deny the reports, despite African Union statements that they had evidence of the use of aerial bombardment.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: As you mentioned, Mr. President, Council members have before them a report of the Secretary-General (S/2004/947) pursuant to the resolutions that you cited. Despite some earlier gains, November was characterized by violence and a marked deterioration in the security situation. Immediately after the signing of the Humanitarian and Security Protocols in Abuja on 9 November, Darfur experienced relative calm. However, this calm was short-lived, with the security situation rapidly worsening towards the end of the month. Ceasefire violations took place on both sides. Increased clashes took place between Government forces and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), with the recent fighting in Tawilla, North Darfur, on 22 November, as the most glaring example of this.”
2004-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5094 (2004) · source
“The international community's more vigorous engagement is, therefore, a vital ingredient if we want to end the violence and bring fresh hope of peace in the Middle East.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Nevertheless, the resumption and completion of peace negotiations between Israel and Syria and the implementation of resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) are indispensable ingredients of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. At the start of this briefing, I spoke of a palpable sense of drift and foreboding. This stems from an equally pervasive sense of pessimism about the prospects in the Middle East, coupled with frustration, because the basis of a settlement - the two-State solution - is well established and enjoys strong support among both the Israeli and Palestinian publics. One hears from many quarters the argument that the time has come for a renewed commitment and effort, but that the parties cannot succeed if left to themselves.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Most worrying, on 1 October, a car bomb in Beirut targeted former Minister Marwan Hamadeh's car, killing one person and injuring two, including Mr. Hamadeh. The Secretary-General issued a statement that expressed his serious concern over the incident and reiterated his abhorrence of such violent acts. Also in relation to Lebanon, the Secretary- General has received a mandate from the Council to report to members every six months, and of course he will do so. I regret to report again that no progress has been achieved on the Syrian-Israeli track. As I have mentioned in previous briefings, President Bashar Al-Assad has stated on a number of occasions that he stands ready to re-engage in peace negotiations with Israel. Little has come of these openings.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Within the area of operation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), on 9 September, according to Lebanese security sources, unidentified armed elements fired one rocket from the Yaroun valley area in the general direction of Israel. The rocket, which apparently malfunctioned, landed well on the Lebanese side of the Blue Line. Lebanese authorities arrested the armed elements in question, who were reported to have had another two rockets in their possession. We commend the quick action by the Government of Lebanon and continue to urge it to exert full control over the use of force on its entire territory and to prevent all attacks from Lebanon across the Blue Line. There have been incidents outside UNIFIL's area of operation that relate to the overall security situation.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Turning to the situation in southern Lebanon, we see that relative calm has prevailed along the Blue Line for just over three months. The only serious violations to have taken place during this period have come in the form of Israeli overflights. On 21 September, nine air violations involving 16 jets were recorded. On 11 October, a total of 12 air violations took place, causing sonic booms in various parts of Lebanon. Further air violations occurred on 18 and 19 October. We call on the Government of Israel to cease these violations of the Blue Line. Despite the overall calm, certain events have served as a reminder of the continuing potential for instability.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“The Quartet expressed its deep appreciation and support for Egypt's efforts to help reform and rebuild Palestinian security services, to reach a comprehensive and lasting end to all violence and to advance the goal of security, stability and prosperity in Gaza as withdrawal is implemented. In that context, the Quartet also called on all concerned parties to engage constructively on economic aspects of Gaza and West Bank withdrawal. The postponed meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the prime donor coordination body, is planned to take place later in the year, and we hope it will yield tangible results in terms of alleviating the deep economic and humanitarian crisis confronting the Palestinian Authority.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“As the Quartet recently reiterated following its meeting in New York on 22 September, withdrawal from Gaza should be full and complete and should be undertaken in a manner consistent with the road map. If those requirements were met, withdrawal could be a useful step towards an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, by means of direct negotiations between the parties leading to the goal of two States - Israel, and a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic and territorially contiguous Palestine - living side by side in peace and security. That remains the goal. We urge the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to coordinate closely preparation and implementation of the withdrawal initiative.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“At the convening of the Knesset for its winter session on 11 October, Prime Minister Sharon stated that "Israel adheres to its support of the road map, which is the only plan to enable progress towards a viable political agreement". One hopes that this statement, and not earlier reported remarks by Mr. Sharon and his associates with very different connotations, represents Israeli policy. Mr. Sharon's withdrawal initiative is now scheduled to enter the legislative process in the Knesset on 25 October, with the first reading of the related bill on the compensation package for evacuated settlers to follow on 3 November. As the Council has been informed in successive briefings, the manner and context in which the Israeli pullout from Gaza and the northern West Bank takes place are extremely important.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“In that context, we continue to support the steps to prepare for Palestinian elections. The voter registration effort recently ended, after being extended due to the low turnout of voters and Israeli military operations. By 13 October, a total of 64.7 per cent of eligible voters in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, not including East Jerusalem, had registered. Regrettably, Israeli movement restrictions have prevented the Central Election Commission from bringing the completed registration rolls from Gaza to its headquarters in the West Bank safely and without interference. We again urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to cooperate towards the goal of conducting a free and credible electoral process.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“On 14 October, Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Alaa was quoted in the press as stating: "The security services cannot stop the chaos. There are internal problems and murders and assassination attempts and, unfortunately, until now we have not been able to control this situation, and that places a very heavy responsibility on us. The situation requires unifying all security forces through a clear and determined decision and issuing specific and clear orders". We reiterate our call on President Arafat to move forward on the implementation of much-needed reforms. Such reform is needed not only in the security services, which have to be consolidated and should report to an empowered Interior Minister under the oversight of an effective Prime Minister, but also in other fields where reform legislation is awaiting approval by the President.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“For its part, the Palestinian Authority needs to take genuine, determined and sustained action to ensure that an empowered Prime Minister and cabinet can fulfil Palestinian obligations under the road map, in particular as regards an end to violence and terrorism and the reform of its security forces. Internal unrest continues in the occupied Palestinian territory. On 12 October, military intelligence chief Moussa Arafat escaped unharmed from a car bombing against his convoy in Gaza. On 18 October, six security officials were injured, one of them seriously, as gunfights erupted between members of rival Palestinian factions. The growing number of incidents indicates that militants are increasingly bold in challenging the Palestinian Authority.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“During 2002 and 2003, West Bank and Gaza Strip settlements received at least twice as much financial aid from the Israeli Ministry of the Interior as did other Jewish communities. Our concerns over the Government's lack of action to freeze settlements are intensified by reports that the first settlement outpost in the Gaza Strip was established recently, and that the number of new apartments sold in the West Bank and Gaza Strip rose by more than 20 per cent in the first seven months of 2004, compared to the same period during 2003. We call on Israel to meet its obligations under international law and under the road map.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“In the continued absence of such negotiations, the road map offers the only way forward. Implementation of the road map, which was endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 1515 (2003), would help both parties to find their way back to the negotiating table at long last. However, here too I can offer no comfort to the Council. The Government of Israel has still not implemented its obligation to dismantle settlement outposts erected since March 2001 and to impose a settlement freeze, including as a result of natural growth, in full consistency with the road map and the Mitchell report. As the Quartet recently stated, that lack of action is a cause for concern.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“The Secretary-General will, within the week, send to the President of the General Assembly a letter outlining the structure and planned activities of the register of damages caused by the construction of the barrier, as called for in resolution ES-10/15. His aim will be to establish, as soon as possible, a body that will be able to examine requests and eligibility for registration, as well as to verify the facts and extent of damage and of the causal link between the construction of the barrier and the damage sustained. I would like to say a word about peace. Even to speak in terms of a peace process seems to put one at a distance from the present reality. Yet it remains the case that the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians can be settled only through negotiations between the parties.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Unemployment in Gaza and in the West Bank remains high. Poverty is predicted to rise further. Food security, health standards, quality of water and sanitation, and education standards have all deteriorated. Israel continues its policies of demolishing houses - with 166 homes destroyed since my last briefing - and of confiscating and/or levelling Palestinian land for the construction of the barrier, construction of which continues, especially around Jerusalem. We reiterate our call on Israel to abide by its legal obligations as set forth in the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and General Assembly resolution ES-10/15, which acknowledged the opinion and demanded that Israel comply with its legal obligations.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“The full closure imposed by the Israeli authorities on the West Bank and Gaza Strip on 8 September for the Jewish high holidays remains in effect today, with no Palestinian movement at all between the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. In addition, Palestinian men between the ages of 16 and 35 continue to be forbidden from using the Rafah terminal to Egypt - the only passage for Gazans who need to travel outside the Gaza Strip - even if they have medical documentation referring them for necessary treatment abroad. The economy remains in tatters. Since its revitalization is crucial for the future, that remains a primary concern of the donor community, which is planning to meet later this year to discuss how best to support the Palestinian economy. Movement restrictions increased substantially during 2004.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“United Nations agencies continue to be severely affected in their operations by Israeli restrictions on movement. During the reporting period, UNRWA was forced to suspend many of its normal operations, including the resumption of much-needed emergency food aid in the Gaza Strip. With few exceptions, since 21 September, Israeli forces have denied United Nations personnel secure and unimpeded access into Gaza, hindering the effective delivery of humanitarian aid. We reiterate our call on the Government of Israel to guarantee United Nations personnel freedom of movement and to ensure unrestricted access and the free movement of humanitarian goods and personnel into and throughout the Gaza Strip. However, as I told the Council in my last briefing, Palestinian civilians suffer most under the movement restrictions.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“On 22 September, two Israeli border policemen were killed and some 15 Israelis wounded when an eighteen-year-old suicide bomber detonated her explosives at a busy bus stop in northern Jerusalem. The Palestinian Authority must bring those implicated in terrorist acts to justice. The Palestinian Authority must fulfil its obligations under the road map, as well as under international law, to do its utmost to prevent such attacks. Over the past month, there has been further violence and bloodshed in the West Bank as well. Of particular concern has been the growing number of violent acts committed by Israeli settlers. We call on the Government of Israel to exert its legal authority over Israeli settlers and to bring to justice those who commit crimes against Palestinians and civilians from third countries.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Israel carried out a number of targeted assassinations over the past month. The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem estimates that, even before those latest extra-judicial killings, more than 150 militants had been killed in targeted assassinations by Israel since September 2000. More than 100 bystanders have been killed in such strikes. We repeat our call on the Government of Israel to halt immediately the illegal practice of extra-judicial killings and to refrain from such use of force in densely populated areas, where there is a high risk of so-called collateral damage. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority must take decisive steps to quell the terror emanating from territory under its control.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“On 12 October, an eleven-year-old Palestinian girl was shot and mortally injured in a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) school in an incident reminiscent of last month's events, when a ten-year-old girl was shot in an UNRWA school classroom, also dying later from her injuries. We reiterate our call on the Government of Israel to respect its legal obligations to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians and to refrain from the disproportionate use of force. We also continue to be gravely concerned at the extensive destruction of civilian property, infrastructure and agricultural land in the northern Gaza Strip during the operation. Such destruction yet again raises concerns about collective punishment and helps to fuel the bloodshed.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Seventy-two Palestinians, ranging in age from 10 to 60, were wounded by gunfire in the Jabaliya camp that day, according to hospital officials. By 15 October, when Israeli troops started redeploying, 135 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza, 114 of them in the northern part of the Strip. Some 512 Palestinians had been injured, 431 of them in northern Gaza. During the operation, on average, eight Palestinians were killed every day and 30 injured. Many of the victims were civilians, a number of them children; at least 34 children were reported dead by 15 October. Approximately 170 children aged 18 or under had been injured. On 5 October, a 13-year-old girl died close to her school, hit by 20 bullets.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“They ought to give all of us food for thought. Are we going to go on like this? Is there not a better way? Violence in and around the Gaza Strip sharply escalated during the reporting period. On 29 September, Qassam rockets fired from Gaza at the town of Sderot inside Israel killed two children, aged two and four. Throughout the past month, Palestinian militants continued to fire Qassam rockets at Sderot, causing minor injuries as well as damage to homes and infrastructure. The Palestinian Authority must make all efforts to stop such attacks against Israeli civilians. In that context, on 30 September, Israel launched a major military operation in the northern Gaza Strip. A large contingent of Israeli troops entered Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and the Jabaliya refugee camp. On 30 September alone, at least 35 Palestinians were killed.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“The terrorist attacks at Taba, Egypt, in the Sinai on the evening of 7 October were breaches of the peace in a place hitherto known as a haven for coexistence and tourism. The casualties reflect the diversity of nationalities mingling at Taba - at least 13 Israelis. six Egyptians and six Russian and Italian tourists were killed in the triple bombing. Since my last briefing to the Council just over a month ago, 206 Palestinians and 13 Israelis have been killed and approximately 1,033 Palestinians and 62 Israelis have been injured. The number of Palestinians killed since September 2000 is now 3,839. A total of 979 Israelis have been killed over the same period. An estimated 36,433 Palestinians and 6,297 Israelis have been injured since the eruption of the intifada. Those statistics are staggering.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: It pains me to have to say yet again that there is little positive and much that is negative to report to the Security Council this month. Violence, not negotiation, continues to be the all-too- frequent mode of communication in the Middle East. There is a palpable sense of drift and foreboding - in the case of the occupied Palestinian territory, drift towards chaos. Neither side is fulfilling its obligations under the road map. A major Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of large numbers of Palestinians, including civilians and children. The Secretary-General has expressed his deep concern over those deaths and has reminded Israel that it must act in keeping with its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2004-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5060 (2004) · source
“As we all know, nature abhors a vacuum. Absence of hope for a peaceful settlement leads to despair, strengthens extremists and is a sure recipe for continuing violence and instability. Nevertheless, the Israeli withdrawal initiative, if - and I repeat, if - moved forward in the right way, could lead Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table. If it does, it could become a turning point and ultimately also lead to progress on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. For that to happen, the parties will no doubt need much encouragement and support from the international community.”
2004-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5039 (2004) · source
“Tension increased in the aftermath of the double suicide bombing in Beer Sheva on 31 August, but we hope that neither side will be tempted into any action that might raise the risk of instability throughout the region. On a more positive note, President Assad was reported in the media again to have expressed interest in renewing negotiations with Israel. It remains of utmost importance that Israel and Syria resume their suspended peace negotiations, so as to implement resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Our objective must remain a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East. In conclusion, let me say that, as has too often been the case in recent months, there is little positive and much discouraging to note and report. The continuing void in terms of an active peace process is especially troubling.”
2004-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5039 (2004) · source
“After an initial period of calm following last month's briefing, two air violations were recorded on 30 August. On 8 and 9 September, a total of 13 air violations took place. We reiterate our call on Israel to cease these violations and we remind all parties that one violation cannot and does not justify another. If I may turn briefly to Security Council resolution 1559 (2004), I would like to report that the Secretary-General has taken note of the request to him to report on implementation of the resolution. I would like to inform the Council that contacts and consultations have started to that end. The Secretary- General expects to report back to the Council within the 30-day timescale set out in resolution 1559 (2004). I regret to report that no progress has been achieved on the Syrian-Israeli track.”
2004-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5039 (2004) · source
“At present, the UNRWA and the World Food Programme are providing regular food aid to almost 1.5 million beneficiaries - 39 per cent of the total Palestinian population in the occupied territory - and UNRWA is now supplying 10 times more food than it was before September 2000. In the absence of access to other employment opportunities, the Palestinian Authority employs 41 per cent of all waged workers, each with a large number of dependent relatives. Even with the currently large-scale external support for the Palestinian Authority, the Authority faces budget problems and may be unable to continue paying wages soon. The consequence would be a complete economic collapse throughout the Palestinian areas. As regards the situation on the Blue Line, a number of Israeli air violations have taken place.”
2004-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5039 (2004) · source
“The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which is the main donor coordination body, has decided to delay its meeting scheduled for later this month, but remains in close consultations over how the donor community can assist the parties to turn the Israeli withdrawal initiative into a significant step forward and how to enable it to contribute to a sustained recovery of the Palestinian economy and begin the long-awaited process of nation- building. The revitalization of the Palestinian economy is an indispensable element on the path towards peace and remains the chief concern of the donor community at this extremely critical stage. Forty-seven per cent of the Palestinian population currently live in poverty. Unemployment among Palestinians stands at 34.3 per cent, according to the Palestinian Bureau of Statistics.”
2004-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5039 (2004) · source
“First, the Israeli withdrawal must be full and complete; secondly, it must lead to an end of the occupation of the Gaza Strip and it must be accompanied by similar steps in the West Bank; thirdly, it must take place within the framework of the road map and the two-State Vision; and fourthly, it must be fully coordinated with the Palestinian Authority and the Quartet. Those requirements are the very same elements that lay the basis for successful implementation of the road map. The Quartet principals are due to consult informally next week here at the United Nations in order to discuss the withdrawal initiative and to review developments on the ground. A few days ago, the Quartet envoys met to prepare for that meeting.”
2004-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5039 (2004) · source
“We were accordingly extremely concerned by recent remarks by Prime Minister Sharon to the effect that Israel is not following the road map and that Israel might stay in the West Bank long after any withdrawal from Gaza. As we have said numerous times before, the Quartet believes that the Israeli withdrawal initiative provides an opportunity to create a new momentum for progress towards peace, but that can be achieved only if the four fundamental requirements the Quartet set out in its 4 May statement are met.”
2004-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5039 (2004) · source