YouSaid · the spoken record

Prosor

lines on the record: 556
first: 2011-06-30
most recent: 2015-07-30
sittings or episodes: 50
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

“Israel strongly supports the assessment that counter- terrorism efforts must attack the root of the problem, namely, the fertile soils for incitement. Terrorism does not begin when a bomb detonates on a bus or in a cafe'. It begins in classrooms and mosques where children are being taught prejudice instead of peace, terror instead of tolerance and martyrdom instead of mutual understanding. In Gaza, Hamas is poisoning the hearts and minds of the next generation. They recently published textbooks for 55,000 high-school students in which page after page denies Judaism's historical connection to the land of Israel and describes Zionism as racism. Textbooks should be for education, but Hamas uses them for provocation, indoctrination and escalation.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“Iran may have a charming new President, but its real decision-maker is still Khamenei; the Ayatollah has been an accessory to Al-Assad's slaughter of 120,000 Syrians, while accessorizing terrorists with suicide belts in Gaza and in Lebanon. Iran remains the world's primary sponsor of terror. Its proxies include Hizbullah and Hamas, which have dispatched hundreds of suicide bombers, planted thousands of bombs and fired tens of thousands of missiles at civilians. It does not take the detective skills of Agatha Christie to see Iran's fingerprints on terror attacks from Argentina to Bulgaria and from Thailand to India. Last week, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair provided a report to the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) focusing on the importance of education in countering terrorism.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“As we speak, terrorist groups are taking advantage of the chaos and instability in Syria to train, recruit and arm a new generation ofterrorists. Syria has become the foremost academy for foreign terrorists, who are taught the philosophy of fundamentalism, the engineering of explosives and the calculus of chaos. Two of the terrorists behind the September attack in a shopping mall in Nairobi that left 67 people dead were found to be European citizens who had been trained in Syria. The ongoing slaughter in Syria was made possible through the financing of fighters that Iran sends to prop up the dictator in Damascus.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“In doing so, Hizbullah has committed a double war crime, first, by using the people of Lebanon as human shields, and secondly, by targeting Israeli civilians. No Government can be expected to stand by and allow its citizens to be the targets of terror. Israel will take every measure necessary to protect its citizens and will not allow any strategic weapons to reach the hands of Hizbullah and internationally recognized terrorist organizations. Israel commends the steps that have been taken to destroy Syria's chemical arsenal. That must continue to be a priority for the international community, which must also ensure that the process is properly monitored, verified and completed. While ensuring that the agreed timelines are met, we must also ensure that chemical weapons never fall into the hands of terrorist organizations.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“For years, Israel's southern citizens have been the targets of rocket fire and terror attacks from Gaza. Just last month, the Israeli Defence Forces discovered a 2-kilometre-long tunnel originating in Gaza and ending just outside an Israeli community, not far from homes, kindergartens and playgrounds. The tunnel was built by Hamas, using 500 tons of cement that had been earmarked for construction. Just imagine how many schools, hospitals and homes could have been built with all that cement. Instead of using construction materials to build a better future for the Palestinian people, the leadership in Gaza is committed to destroying the State of Israel. On our northern border, Hizbullah has laid siege to southern Lebanon and is hiding its arsenal of 60,000 rockets in civilian homes, schools and hospitals.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“Israel has been grappling with that threat ever since an Air France flight filled with Israeli passengers was highjacked in 1976 and forced to land at the airport at Entebbe in Uganda. Since that time, Israel has become a leader in the field of aviation security, as we share our innovative techniques with countless nations, Israel is making the skies a safer place and airports more secure. Just as it is with family, we do not get to choose our neighbours on the map. Israel is not exactly surrounded by Benelux countries. I do not have to convince anyone in the Chamber that Israel finds itselfin one of the most volatile and violent neighbourhoods in the world. Every day, we use our counter-terrorism expertise to keep our citizens safe from the threats that surround us on every side.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“Out of that persistent need to defend our citizens, Israel became a specialist in the field of counter-terrorism with techniques, technologies and tools unmatched by any other country. Over the years, terrorists have become increasingly sophisticated, and Israel's counter-terrorism efforts have evolved to keep us one step ahead. From aviation security to border security and from money-laundering to legal infrastructures, Israel has a well of expertise for countries to draw on. From the plains of Africa to the jungles of Central America, Israel is proud to be sharing its counter-terrorism capabilities and saving countless lives. Let me give the Council just one example. The issue of aviation security is increasingly a focus of concern for many nations today.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“I would like to congratulate China on its presidency of the Security Council this month. I also wish to express my appreciation to the Chairmen of the Committees for their informative briefings and professional work. I want also like to take this opportunity to welcome the new Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), Jean-Paul Laborde. We are happy to have him on board and look forward to working closely with himin the future. Israel believes that the United Nations counter-terrorism committees are essential to the global efforts to isolate terrorists. We appreciate their dedicated work, along with that of other relevant United Nations agencies. Since the inception of the State of Israel in 1948, not a single day has gone by where we did not face the threat of terrorism.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“The region stands at a crossroads, and it is not yet clear if freedom and moderation will triumph over tyranny and fundamentalism. Let this be the moment in history when all peoples seek understanding instead of making accusations, when nations strive for harmony instead of dissonance, and when our family of nations shows the conviction, conscience and courage to make peace possible.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“It seems that the only thing the Office for Coordination is not doing is coordinating with Israel. It is time to stop pointing fingers and laying the blame at Israel's doorstep. Israel remains committed to two States for two peoples. We are ready to make an historic compromise to realize the creation of a demilitarized Palestinian State living side-by-side with the Jewish State of Israel. Israelis and Palestinians will have to work together to create new and lasting solutions to old problems. That will only be possible if our work is built on a foundation of truth, mutual recognition and security. A great convulsion is shaking the Middle East, from the Straits of Hormuz to the Straits of Gibraltar. The tremors have shattered States and toppled Governments, and the ground is still shifting.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“That was the case with the first United Nations Emergency Force in the Sinai desert, and with European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah. The recent involvement of certain United Nations bodies has hardly been helpful. In his remarks earlier, the representative of the Secretariat spoke about an incident last month in Kfar Makhoul. The report neglects to note that, following a review by Israel's Supreme Court, the buildings in question were determined to have been illegally constructed. In the light of that important fact, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) needs reminding that its role is the coordination of humanitarian aid, not aiding in the obstruction of justice. In that regard, OCHA systematically abuses Israel's authority on the ground.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Instead ofusing construction materials to build a better future for the Palestinians and the Palestinian people, the leadership in Gaza is committed to destroying the State of Israel. It may just be my hearing, but I have yet to hear the countries that demand Israel allow more cement into Gaza condemn those crimes. Myth number five - some countries around this table believe that international forces should be on the border to guarantee a future peace agreement. That is interesting, because history has shown that Israel cannot rely on others to ensure its security. While we support the work of United Nations forces on our borders, history has shown that Israel cannot rely on the international community to ensure its own security.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The tunnel was built by Hamas using 500 tons of cement that had been earmarked for construction. I will repeat that again: 500 tons of cement. To understand how much that is, the Statue of Liberty weighs 225 tons. Just imagine how many schools, hospitals and homes could have been built. In taking responsibility for building the tunnel, a Hamas spokesman said, "This tunnel was made by the hand of the fighters of Al-Qassam. They will not sleep in their efforts to hit the occupation and kidnap soldiers." Instead of building houses, Hamas is building smuggling tunnels; instead ofbuilding schools, they are building terror networks. That is the reality that Israel has to live with every day.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Myth number four - Israel has been accused of creating a humanitarian crisis in Gaza by restricting the free movement of goods. In fact, every month, trucks carrying hundreds and thousands of tons of goods - including food, medical equipment and construction materials - pass from Israel into the Gaza strip. In his past reports, the Special Representative has criticized Israel for restricting the entry of construction materials. How many here have asked us to allow cement into Gaza so that the Palestinians could build houses? Yet when we do, in exchange for our goods and goodwill, Israel is repaid with tunnels of terror. Just a week ago, the Israel Defense Forces discovered a two-kilometre tunnel originating in Gaza and ending just outside an Israeli community not far from homes, kindergartens and playgrounds.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Ever since King David laid the cornerstone for his palace 3,000 years ago, Jerusalem has served and will continue to serve as the eternal capital of the Jewish people. Instead of accusing Israel of restricting freedom of movement, the Palestinians should be concerned with holding free elections. Let me remind the Council that Abbas's term expired in 2009. Since then he has been extending his term without holding elections. Where are all the concerned voices from the defenders of democracy? Did any Member State in this Chamber say something, or raise his voice about the issue of elections? I am sure that many countries would enjoy the chance to cancel or postpone elections when the polling does not look good. Let me also remind everyone of an important truth: in real democracy one election does not earn one the right to rule forever.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“One of the first acts Israel undertook after reuniting Jerusalem in 1967 was to abolish discriminatory laws and safeguard access to religious sites for people of all faiths. This was in contrast to pre-l967, when everyone but Jews could access Jerusalem. Since Israel introduced religious freedoms in 1967, people of all faiths have been able to visit the holy sites of Jerusalem. In contrast, the Palestinian leadership breeds incitement and stirs up violence on the Temple Mount. They even went so far as to accuse Israel of altering the nature of Jerusalem. In fact, it is the Palestinians who are altering the nature of Jerusalem; they are destroying artefacts and distorting history in an effort to erase all traces of an ancient Jewish presence. The world's silence in response to these crimes has been deafening.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Yet the Palestinians still sought our destruction. And where were the Arab States? They did not lift a finger to create a Palestinian State and instead sought our destruction. Today, just 2 per cent of the Israeli population lives in settlements, but they are blamed for 100 per cent of the problems. I have said it before and I will say it again - the settlements are not the major hurdle to peace; the real obstacle to peace is the Palestinians quest for the so-called right of return. Myth number three - the Palestinian delegation has sent letters to the Council accusing Israel of denying people freedom of worship. The only denying taking place is the denial of facts on the ground.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“But the Arabs rejected the plan and, joined by the armies of five Arab nations, launched a war of annihilation against the newly born Jewish state. Sixty-five years later, we still do not hear the Palestinians talk about two States for two peoples. Sure, Palestinian leaders call for an independent Palestinian State, but they insist that the Palestinian people return to the Jewish State. This is a euphemism for the destruction of the State of Israel and a major hurdle to peace. Myth number two 4 some in this Chamber are convinced that the root of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the settlements. In fact, from the time Israel gained its independence in 1948 until 1967, the West Bank was in Jordanian hands and Gaza was in Egyptian hands. Throughout this time, there was not a single settlement.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“We need to speak truthfully about the problems plaguing the Middle East. It seems that those States which are so heavy on the criticism of Israel are also light on the facts. Allow me to dispel a number of myths. Myth number one - some nations seem to believe that a great injustice was done to the Palestinian people when the United Nations voted to partition then-British mandate Palestine into two States. In fact, in 1947 resolution 181 (II) of the General Assembly, which divided the British mandate over Palestine, speaks of the creation of a Jewish State no fewer than 25 times. The resolution declared that "independent Arab and Jewish States... shall come into existence". The Jews welcomed the plan and joyously declared a new State in their ancient homeland.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The time has come for the Palestinian leadership to clearly and unequivocally condemn violence and terrorism. The time has come to stop poisoning the minds of Palestinian children. The time has come to start teaching tolerance, mutual respect and coexistence ; after all, the next peace agreement will depend on the next generation wanting peace. For years, Member States have been listening to debates on the Middle East. In all this time, have they ever heard a Palestinian representative say anything constructive about Israel? No. We only hear demonization and delegitimization. It is time to stop the blame game. The United Nations library will have to open a new fiction section for the countless letters sent to the Security Council by the Palestinian representative, distorting the truth.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“This attack was described as "the glorious deed of a hero". Examples of incitement are all too easy to find in Palestinian society. Their results can be found in the death of Gal Kobi, who was shot in the neck by a Palestinian terrorist last month. They can be found in the death of Tomer Hazan, who was kidnapped and murdered by a Palestinian acquaintance. They can be found in the death of Seraiah Ofer, who was brutally beaten to death outside his home by Palestinian men wielding metal bars and axes. As horrific as these crimes are, President Abbas only found his voice to condemn these attacks to a Jewish audience in New York City, while speaking in English. We have yet to hear President Abbas condemn these attacks in his native Arabic, speaking to his own people.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“It requires leaders courageous enough to embrace partnership and promote tolerance. On the very same day that CNN beamed images of Mahmoud Abbas talking about peace at the United Nations, official Palestinian television delivered a very different message. The Palestinian Authority and Fatah held ceremonies to honour terrorists responsible for the murder and maiming of innocent Israelis. At a memorial held in Ramallah, a Fatah official read a speech on behalf of Abbas, praising terrorist Abu Sukkar who killed 15 Israelis and wounded more than 60. This murderer was described as "the most noble among the noble". At another event on the same day, a member ofAbbas's Fatah's Central Committee glorified terrorist Dalal Mughrabi, who hijacked a bus and killed 37 civilians, 12 of whom were children.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“I am reminded of the lyrics of Leonard Cohen's song "Democracy": "It's coming from the feel that this ain't exactly real, or it's real, but it ain't exactly there." Leonard Cohen could have written this song to describe the Middle East today. The promise of democracy in the Middle East "ain't exactly real and it ain't exactly there". The region continues to be defined by bloodshed, repression and instability. This brings me to the third quality I want to speak about, and that is courage. We all want to see peace in the Middle East. Israel welcomes the resumption of the negotiations. Israel desires peace and is committed to serious and meaningful negotiations with a positive outcome. Israelis envision the day when we can live free from divisions, hatred and violence. But making peace requires courage.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The trio is intent on acquiring the ABCs of terrorism - atomic, biological and chemical weapons - so it can more effectively murder innocent men, women and children. The clock is ticking and time is running out. Our conscience tells us that the sooner Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons is destroyed, the sooner we will safeguard the people of Syria and bring greater stability to the Middle East. The problems plaguing the Middle East are centuries old and, contrary to what some in this Chamber believe, cannot be solved overnight. How many here thought that the so-called Arab Spring would bring about democracy?”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“It turns out the eye doctor is just another spin doctor and his murderous rampage has Syria spinning out of control. We applaud the steps that have been taken by the international community so far, but the removal and destruction of Syria's weapons must remain a priority. The international community must ensure that the process is properly monitored, verified and completed while abiding by the agreed timelines. It must also ensure that no entity takes advantage of the process to advance its capacities and knowledge of chemical weapons. Let me be absolutely clear. We cannot trust that a regime that lies in bed with Iran and Hizbullah is not lying when it commits itself to eliminating its deadly arsenal. Together, Iran, Syria and Hizbullah form the trio of terror.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“And we will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to all those who need it regardless of race, religion or gender." It is hard for most of us to conceive that anyone, much less a Government, would use chemical weapons against its own innocent civilians. Is it logical? Is it rational? Not at all. Many in this Chamber said that countries would never use weapons ofmass destruction. Surprise, surprise - it turns out one cannot apply rational thinking to irrational players. How many in this Chamber believed that when Bashar Al-Assad became President, he would be the new hope for Western-Arab relations? After all, here was a young London-trained ophthalmologist, with a beautiful wife, who drank high tea and ate scones at the Ritz.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“No one with a conscience can stand by as the people of Syria continue to be massacred, whether by chemical weapons or the routine brutality of the Al-Assad regime. The cynics in this Chamber will accuse Israel of shedding crocodile tears. The Jewish people and the State of Israel know all too well how evil can prevail when people shut their eyes and turn their backs. To the Syrian people I want to say, here and now - "I know that our two nations have a long history of conflict and that we are separated by politics and religion. But we are eternally linked by our common humanity. We are horrified by the pain and suffering that you have endured. As we speak, our hand is extended to your people.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Any diplomatic resolution must ensure that Iran has no centrifuges, no enriched uranium and no plutonium track. If Iran does not agree, then the sanctions must not be eased; they should be increased. Now is the time to demonstrate conviction. We cannot allow the world's most dangerous weapons to reach the hands of the most dangerous actors. The Security Council showed its resolve when it adopted a series of resolutions against Iran. Having come so far and worked so hard, now is not the time to give in. Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. The second quality I want to speak about is conscience. We have all seen the horrific images that have emerged from Syria: men and women sprawled on the floor convulsing, young children foaming at the nose and mouth and then lying motionless.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Today the entire world knows that the dictator in Damascus used chemical weapons against his own citizens. And the only reason that Al-Assad has agreed to give up those weapons is the very real threat of an American military strike. One does not need a PhD in physics to know that pressure works. The Iranian economy is crumbling under the weight of crippling sanctions, and that pressure is getting results. Yet some States have suggested easing the sanctions. That suggestion reminds me of a boxer who is clinging to the ropes in the final round. Give him a moment to rest and he will turn around and attack with more vigour. We must keep up the pressure until Iran agrees to play by the rules. Let me be clear - any sort of partial deal will be completely ineffective in containing the Iranian threat.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The world has stood at this crossroads before. On the eve of the Second World War, Churchill warned of the impending danger when he said, "They should know that we have passed an awful milestone in our history, when the whole equilibrium of Europe has been deranged... This is only the beginning of the reckoning [unless] we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in olden time." Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past and leave a minority to stand alone against a common enemy. The danger is real, but this is not the first time that Israel's warnings have been brushed aside. When we warned the world about Al-Assad's chemical arsenal, we were told, "Do not worry, he will not use chemical weapons because that would not be rational".”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“When negotiating with Iran, the international community must, as Prime Minister Netanyahu said, distrust, dismantle and verify. Everyone, including Israel, wants to find a diplomatic solution. But one has to wonder why Israel and a minority of other countries are the only ones standing on the front line warning the world that an Iran with nuclear weapons does not threaten Israel alone. It threatens the entire region, from Saudi Arabia through the Gulf States to Morocco. Their voices are harder to hear, but if one tunes into the right frequency, one discovers that they are frightened. They know that if Iran gets nuclear weapons, it will threaten their lives and lives throughout the region. It will not just alter the balance of power in the Middle East. The repercussions will be felt in Europe, the United States and across the globe.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Here in his own words is what he said: "While we were talking to the Europeans in Tehran, we were installing equipment in Isfahan By creating a calm environment, we were able to complete the work in Isfahan." While Rouhani provides diplomatic cover, Iran is marching towards a bomb. Since the June election, Iran has installed thousands of new centrifuges, and just last month, the new president declared that Iran will not give up one iota of its nuclear rights. Make no mistake - the Iranian programme is not for peaceful purposes. Seventeen different countries peacefully produce nuclear energy without uranium enrichment or plutonium production, and yet Iran insists that its enrichment infrastructure and technology are its right. It is not Iran's right; in fact, it is wrong.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The Iranian regime is notorious for violating women's rights, targeting religious and ethnic minorities, and denying fundamental freedoms to its citizens. Rouhani is like the Emperor with new clothes, cloaking himself as a moderate when Iranian radicalism remains clear to the naked eye. Unlike his predecessor, whose hateful rhetoric about wiping Israel off the map made him easy to dismiss, the new Iranian President has a strategy code-named "SLY" - S-L-Y - Smile, Lie and Yield minor concessions. Rouhani has perfected the art of saying one thing and doing another. But you do not have to believe me, Mr. President; you can read about it in his 2011 memoir describing his time as Iran's chief negotiator.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“History will look back and judge which nations stepped forward with conviction, conscience and courage. This morning, I would like to speak about those three qualities, beginning with conviction. As the political landscape of the Middle East evolves, the international community must demonstrate resolve. Last month, Iran's new President, Mr. Hassan Rouhani, took centre stage at the General Assembly. He arrived in New York on a charm offensive, waving to excited fans with one hand while waving off sceptics with the other. Since his election, Rouhani has tried to reinforce the image that he is a moderate. He was published in an American newspaper, appeared on network television and even started using social media. I have news for President Rouhani - embracing Twitter does not make him a reformer, but embracing human rights certainly would.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Winston Churchill, one of the architects of the Organization, is remembered for his speeches that rallied a nation in the dark hours of the Second World War. His words inspired a generation when he told the British people, "Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty [so] men will still say "This was their finest hour'". And indeed it was their finest hour. They stood tall knowing that if they did not stand up for human life and human dignity, their very survival would be at stake. It was a lesson for the ages, and today they are remembered as a beacon of light during some of the darkest days that the world has ever known. With much of the Middle East in turmoil, the world is once again being called upon to defend liberty, democracy and human rights.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, we must stand together to ensure that people everywhere have freedom, opportunity and dignity.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Those Iranian protesters were human rights activists, former Government officials, clerics, students, professors, journalists and bloggers. For those who thought that Rouhani's election would be the dawn of a new Iran, take note. After taking office, the new President wasted no time expressing his support for Bashar Al-Assad. Jewish tradition implores us to raise our eyes to see the needs of all humankind. As one of Judaism's greatest contemporary scholars and teachers, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik wrote, "We have always considered ourselves an inseparable part of humanity, ever ready to accept the responsibility implicit in human existence". As a family of nations, our responsibility to one another stems from our common humanity. Our moral imperatives supersede whatever politics, religion or geography may divide us.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The same disregard for human life is clear in Lebanon, where Hizbullah's arsenal has become larger than that of many NATO countries. And Hizbullah sees fit to store those weapons in homes, schools and hospitals. It would seem that the people of Lebanon are more valuable to Hizbullah as human shields than as human beings. Hizbullah is a ruthless terrorist group that is committing double war crimes by operating within civilian populations and directing attacks against them. Before proclaiming his support for the Al-Assad regime, Nasrallah travelled to Iran to secure financial and military backing from Ayatollah Khamenei. We must not forget that the first non-violent protests were in the streets of Tehran, and the Iranian Government's response was to torture, detain and even kill peaceful protesters.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Humanity has been the casualty of this war". The atrocities in Syria have been made possible by the backing that Al-Assad receives from Hizbullah. For months, the Hizbullah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, denied Hizbullah's involvement in the Syrian conflict. Today, the whole world knows that his guerillas are openly battling their fellow Arab Muslims in Syria and threatening to tip the fragile sectarian balance. Nasrallah has repeatedly vowed to keep the murderous Al-Assad regime in power. This past Friday, he personally committed himself to fighting in Syria if necessary, saying, "Ifthe battle requires me to go, I will go". Nasrallah has proven that he has no regard for the lives that have been lost, for the people who have been forced to flee, or for the untold suffering of the Syrian people.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“After years of stifling repression and brutal oppression, the people of the Middle East said: enough is enough. Millions have poured into the streets from Benghazi to Beirut and from Tehran to Tunis. They have raised their voices for liberty, for democracy and for opportunity. By far, the worst instance has been Bashar Al-Assad's murderous campaign against the Syrian people. Day after day, there are reports of detentions and disappearances; of soldiers ordered to fire on civilians; and of people being kidnapped, beaten and tortured. From Hama to Houla, from Dar'a to Damascus, innocent people are being slaughtered. In its June report, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating the hostilities in Syria, stated, "Crimes that shock the conscience have become a daily reality.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Human suffering anywhere should be the concern of men and women everywhere, but the responsibility rests with the international community. Nobel laureate and humanitarian activist Elie Wiesel said that "Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the centre of the universe." Today, men and women are being persecuted in every corner of the world. The risk of mass killing has risen sharply in Libya and Mali, and the threat to civilians remains critical in the Central African Republic, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But nowhere is the situation bleaker than in the Middle East - where nations gained their independence long ago, but many people did not.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Madam President, and the delegation of Argentina for your leadership of the Security Council this month. Today marks the tenth anniversary of the bombing of the Baghdad headquarters of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, which claimed the lives of 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Instead of defending victims of armed conflict, humanitarian personnel are themselves becoming victims. In the light of the recent attacks on United Nations personnel in Darfur, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, we must show zero tolerance to those who deliberately target United Nations and humanitarian workers. Civilians continue to make up the vast majority of casualties in armed conflict.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The tremors of truth have penetrated this Chamber. Winston Churchill said, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." We have seen the photographs, we have seen the stories, and we have heard the millions of people who are crying out for freedom, for opportunity and for the chance to build a better life. It is the responsibility of every member of the Council, of every nation and of every leader to advance the cause of peace. There will always be a reason to wait or to delay, but the time to act is now. It is time to condemn terror, to denounce tyranny, and to stand up for the millions of people whose lives hang in the balance.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Israel is committed to the peace process and looks forward to resuming direct negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Our vision is of two States for two peoples - one Arab and one Jewish - living side by side in peace and security. Israel has made peace with Egypt and we have made peace with Jordan. Those treaties are evidence that, with honest effort and committed leadership, peace is possible. But peace requires leaders who will reject terror and embrace partnership; leaders who oppose incitement and promote tolerance; leaders who will raise their people up, rather than tear Israel down. As we speak, an earthquake is shaking the Middle East to its core. It is rattling the political structures and institutions that have held the region stagnant for decades. The aftershocks of that earthquake are being felt throughout the world.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Last year, there were 2,736 attacks on Israelis, including shootings, rockets, improvised explosive devices and Molotov cocktails. It does not take the investigative skills of Sherlock Holmes to realize that those numbers are freely available and easily accessible to anyone willing to look for them. One would think that an open debate on the Middle East would include sources that are open to the public. After all, it is elementary; facts are stubborn things. But the only thing more stubborn than the facts is the insistence on presenting unbalanced reports every month. Instead of receiving reports that cloud the situation, it is time for the Council to hear reports that clarify the situation. True friends of the Palestinians should remind them that a Palestinian State will be built only through direct negotiations and hard work.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“With respect to the rule oflaw that my colleaguejust mentioned, the only thing that the Palestinians should be commended on are their innovations in architecture. They seem to have a patent on the world's first prison with a revolving door. By divine intervention, everyone they have arrested has escaped miraculously the next day. Why has the Council not heard that Palestinian terror attacks doubled between 2011 and 2012? Why has it not heard about the 34 attempted abductions that were prevented by Israeli security forces in just the first six months of the year 2013? We can imagine the consequences if even one of the kidnappings had been successful. Let me provide another number that the Council has yet to hear in the Chamber: 2,736.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Without fail, there are two distinct features to these accounts - they are very long and they are mostly wrong. Month after month, the reports provide every nuance and every detail about every balcony in Judea and Samaria. It is no coincidence that they fail to address the thousands of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli men, women and children. Apparently, Israeli security concerns are of little concern to some in this Chamber. The report that we have heard this morning is one-sided and short-sighted. Listening to some of these reports, one would get the impression that the Palestinians arrested by the Israel Defense Forces are saints. Let me be clear. They are not Mamma Theresa. The Israel security forces are critical to ensuring security and stability in the region.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Even with a new conductor, Iran's nuclear weapons programme continues to advance at the speed of an express train. In contrast, the international community's efforts are moving at the pace of a local train, pausing at every stop for some nations to get off and some nations to get on. Iran's nuclear programme remains the single greatest threat not just to the Middle East, but to the entire world. The Council and every member of the international community must take action. The sanctions are working, but they are not enough. The Council must increase pressure on Iran until it stops all enrichment, removes all enriched material, closes its illegal nuclear facility in Qom, and ends its support for terrorism. The Middle East debates, are opened each month, as today's was, with a detailed report of all of Israel's alleged infractions.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Ayatollah Khamenei pre-screened every presidential candidate and removed anyone that he considered too anti-establishment, too free-thinking, or too female. Mr. Rowhani may have been given a starring role in the charade of Iranian democracy, but Khamenei has remained its choreographer, director and executive producer. The international community must judge Rowhani not by his words, but by his actions. And the reality on the ground is that Rowhani plans to put thousands of boots on the ground in Syria. And, I suppose, if one considers that those troops may kill only a moderate amount of people, then Rowhani could be considered a moderate leader. If Rowhani has not changed Iran's policy towards Syria, why would we delude ourselves into thinking that he would change his policy on Iran's nuclear weapons programme?”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Direct negotiations and only direct negotiations are the only way forward. For years, the naysayers have said that the sanctions imposed on Iran would have no effect. They said that the sanctions were counterproductive and that they would do nothing but foster anti-Western sentiment. Surprise, surprise - after years of crippling sanctions, when the people of Iran went to the polls last month they wanted change. From the marketplaces of Tehran to the mosques of Qom, millions of people demanded the chance to have a better life. Many in the international community had hoped that the elections would bring about a new leader who would draw Iran back from the brink of self-ruin. Yet, for all the wishful thinking, the facts on the ground tell a different story.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source