YouSaid · the spoken record

Reuben

lines on the record: 53
first: 2010-10-18
most recent: 2011-05-16
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“I would like to respond. It is somewhat surreal to hear a representative of a regime that brutally killed hundreds of its own civilians and citizens over the past few weeks, and which continues to do so as we speak, talk about terrorism. As a country that actively supports, harbours and finances terrorist organizations, and that hosts the headquarters of internationally recognized terrorist organizations, Syria's practices indeed reflect its long- standing perspective on sponsoring terrorism. 11-33901 It is a shame and a disgrace for Syria to exploit the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“In this regard, I wish to reiterate Israel's full support for resolution 1540 (2004) and the renewal of its mandate in resolution 1977 (2011). The struggle against global terrorism calls for our political resolve and tireless action. We must not forget the victims of terror, and we must not overlook the culpability of those who seek to incite, sponsor or justify terrorism or of those who provide sanctuary to terrorists. We appreciate this opportunity for dialogue and will continue to actively engage in and support the important work of the Council's counter-terrorism committees.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Israel welcomes the considerable progress made towards promoting clear and fair procedures concerning the inclusion of individuals and entities on the consolidated list. In this regard, the work of Judge Kimberly Prost as Ombudsperson represents an important step in addressing concerns over due process. Her informative reports provide a concise outline of her Office's activities. We believe that it is critical to continue to develop international standards against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and dual- use items. The international community must continue to seek and implement measures that keep the world's most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the world's most dangerous individuals, especially in our region.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Only two months ago, we witnessed another example of this illegal activity when the cargo vessel Victoria, which set sail from Syria, was found to be carrying some 40 tonnes of concealed weaponry of Iranian origin among a cargo of lentils and cotton. 11-33901 We continued to witness the devastating consequences of this smuggling activity when, last month, members of the Hamas terrorist organization used an anti-tank missile that they had smuggled into the Gaza Strip to strike and completely destroy a school bus travelling in southern Israel, injuring the bus driver and killing a 16-year-old child. The Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee remains an important part of the efforts to isolate terrorists and their means to inflict harm.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Every day, at least one Member State suffers from some form of a terrorist attack. Roadside bombs, rockets, mortars, suicide bombers and kidnappings continue to wreak havoc and bring grief and agony to nearly every corner of the world. Given Israel's first-hand experience with the devastation caused by terrorism, we attribute particular importance to United Nations initiatives to voice and commemorate the untold stories of the victims of terrorism. Every day, more Israelis fall within the range of terrorist rockets as a result of illegal arms smuggling into Gaza. Hamas's and Hizbullah's ever-growing arsenal of missiles and rockets is made possible by the continuous transfer and smuggling of weapons and ammunition by two prime sponsors of terrorism in our region, namely, Iran and Syria.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Preventing acts of terrorism is only one part of the challenge. Addressing incitement to terrorism represents another long-term and equally difficult part of the equation. Resolution 1624 (2005) unanimously condemned the incitement to, justification of or glorification of acts of terrorism. In this regard, the Internet poses both a challenge and an opportunity. We therefore support the efforts of CTED pursuant to resolution 1963 (2010) to produce a global implementation survey of resolution 1624 (2005) by December. We also support its decision to update its global implementation survey on resolution 1373 (2001) by June, in order to assess the evolution of risks and threats. The anguish of countless victims of terrorism provides a powerful reminder that no cause or grievance can ever justify terrorism.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“In this regard, Israel continues to expand its technical assistance and cooperation on several levels and in a number of regions. To the same end, Israel's counter-terrorism agencies cooperate with a large number of regional organizations. We recently signed an agreement with 34 the counter-terrorism branch of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism for a joint cooperation project in Latin America, particularly in the fields of improving aviation security, preventing the financing of terrorism and countering radicalization. The recent removal of Osama bin Laden from the terrorist landscape represents a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism. However, despite recent advances in the fight against terrorism - and indeed, perhaps because of them - we must be ever more vigilant.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Monitoring and ensuring that States fully implement Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) remain at the core of the Counter-Terrorism Committee's activities. The upcoming tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001), later this year, serves as a reminder of the vital and ongoing role of the Committee. Earlier this year, Israel submitted its preliminary implementation assessment, reflecting its commitment to a continued, informed and constructive dialogue with this important body. Technical assistance, facilitated by the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), is an essential tool for countering terrorism that offers an important means for developing expertise and sharing best practices.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Chairpersons of the counter-terrorism Committees for their professional work and for their informative briefings this morning. We welcome the opportunity to engage in such exchanges and in the periodic informal briefings for Member States. We hope that they will continue to be held on a regular basis. The comprehensive briefing held by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force last week is another encouraging initiative that further demonstrates the significance of close cooperation and coordination among all United Nations counter-terrorism bodies, particularly the Security Council counter-terrorism Committees.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“This week the Jewish people are observing the holiday of Passover, during which we remember our deliverance from slavery thousands of years ago and reaffirm our commitment to the importance of freedom for all people. However, this year, as we cherish our own freedom, Israelis continue to hope and pray for the freedom of our kidnapped soldier, Gilad Shalit. Israel remains deeply concerned about Gilad's continued captivity and the fact that he has been deprived of his most basic human rights, including any visit from the Red Cross, for nearly five years. The international community must do all in its power - and more than has been done thus far - to bring about his swift release.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Security, however, is not the only obstacle to peace. Enjoying lasting peace will also require that we build a culture of mutual understanding and tolerance, based on clear recognition of both peoples' right to exist. Israel's commitment to recognizing a future Palestinian State must be met with an equal acknowledgement that Israel is the Jewish State for the Jewish people. The Palestinian leadership must be unambiguous in its recognition of my nation's right to exist and take real steps to prepare its population to live side by side with Israelis. They must also show their commitment to peace by accepting responsibilities and not just demanding rights, meeting directly with Israeli leaders, who are just minutes away, to get down to the real work of negotiating two States for two peoples.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“It cannot be imposed from the outside. Any lasting peace agreement must be built on the core principles of mutual recognition and security. As Israel's President Shimon Peres made clear to United Nations Ambassadors during his visit to New York this month, we need solutions, not resolutions. I urge all members of the Council to consider that in just the past two months Israelis have witnessed hundreds of projectiles fired at our communities from Gaza, the brutal murder of five members of the Fogel family in Itamar and the explosion of a bomb at a bus stop in the centre of Jerusalem, which killed a woman from the United Kingdom and injured some 50 other people. Those are just a few examples of the complex security challenges that Israel continues to face on a daily basis, which must be addressed in any future peace agreement.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Israel has also established a new joint coordination and supervision mechanism to move forward international humanitarian projects in the Gaza Strip overseen by third parties, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the United Nations Development Programme. As of the beginning of March, Israel had approved 121 such projects in Gaza, in a wide range of fields, such as education and water and sewage infrastructure. We have facilitated the transfer of more than 55,000 tons of building materials for use in those projects since the beginning of 2010. As I have done in the Council before, I reiterate Israel's call to the Palestinians to rejoin us in direct negotiations without delay; for it is clear that peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“In spite of the fact that Palestinian terrorists continue to launch attacks against Israeli towns from the Gaza Strip, Israel has taken significant steps to improve life for the area's residents. For instance, Israel has put in place new arrangements and mechanisms to usher in a substantial increase in the quantities and variety of products available for import and export, which have helped grow the Gaza Strip economy by approximately 15 per cent over the course of 2010. An average of 159 truckloads of supplies were delivered to Gaza daily during the second half of 2010, which was nearly double the number of truckloads that were delivered during the first half of the year.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Israel calls on the United Nations and all members of the international community to speak with a clear and resolute voice against this new provocation and to take all necessary measures to prevent it from occurring. Israel continues to implement significant measures to improve life for Palestinians on the ground. In the West Bank, my Government is working closely with the Palestinian Authority to promote economic growth and institution-building. Since the beginning of 2010, Israel has removed more than two thirds of the roadblocks in the West Bank and expanded its professional dialogue with the Palestinian Authority in a variety of areas. These and other measures helped to grow the West Bank economy by approximately 8 per cent over the course of 2010, prompting a consistent rise in the area's standard of living.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Many statements issued at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in Brussels last week offered the same perspective, including the Chair's summary, which called on all international supporters to make use of the existing land crossings to channel their support to Gaza, and abstain from provocations. The flotilla anticipated for May is clearly designed to serve purely as a political provocation, and not to advance any humanitarian goal. Let me stress that Israel is not interested in confrontation. However, we are firmly determined to enforce our naval blockade on Gaza, which is solely intended to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition to the Gaza Strip and to stop additional terrorists from infiltrating the area.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“My country remains ready to receive such goods in the Port of Ashdod and to transfer them to the Gaza Strip after security inspection. Many international leaders, including representatives of the United Nations, have spoken out clearly against such flotillas and about the need for humanitarian supplies to be transferred to the Gaza Strip only through established channels. For example, in his briefing before the Council today and last July (see S/PV.6363), Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe said that such convoys were not helpful in resolving the basic economic problems in Gaza and needlessly carried the potential for escalation.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“A number of non-governmental organizations and other groups have made public their intention to direct a large flotilla of some 15 ships and more than 1,000 individuals to challenge Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. This action, which seems to be planned for the second half of May, has been organized by groups and individuals that hold many ties to Hamas and other terrorist organizations. Numerous participants engaged in the planning of this flotilla have made very troubling statements expressing their willingness to become martyrs in this effort. As is widely known, there are established mechanisms through which humanitarian assistance can be delivered to the Gaza Strip through Israel. These channels are being used daily by United Nations agencies and other international actors.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The alarming potential for using these smuggled weapons to attack civilian targets in our country continues to be demonstrated over and over again. This month, terrorists in Gaza struck a school bus. Next month, it may be a ship or a civilian airliner. Israel calls on the Security Council and the international community to devote much more attention to the issue of arms smuggling to the Gaza Strip and to take tangible measures to halt this illegal activity. On the subject of the Gaza Strip, allow me also to draw the Council's attention to plans for a provocative action that holds the potential to escalate conflict and create instability in our already very fragile region.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“This incident reveals only the tip of the iceberg of Iran and Syria's illegal smuggling activities. Unfortunately, the Security Council and the international community do not pay appropriate attention to the illegal smuggling of arms into Gaza - a critical aspect of resolution 1860 (2009). In spite of the frequent discussions held in the Security Council about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, there has never been a serious debate in this forum about the clear threat that arms smuggling into Gaza poses to the security of Israel and to the stability of our region. Every day, more Israelis are placed within the range of terrorist rockets as a result of illegal arms smuggling into Gaza.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The use of an anti-tank missile to attack an Israeli school bus reminds us of the dangerous consequences of the continued smuggling of arms into the Gaza Strip. Iran and Syria remain the primary sponsors of this illegal activity, which is carried out by both land and sea. On March 15, Israel made the international community aware of one recent attempt by Iran and Syria to smuggle weapons into Gaza when three containers carrying some 40 tons of weaponry - including C-704 advanced anti-ship missiles - were captured on-board the MV Victoria cargo vessel. These containers of weapons were concealed among a cargo of lentils and cotton, providing yet another example of Iran and Syria's cynical and dangerous practice of using civilian ships and airplanes to transfer weapons to their proxies in our region.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“This is also the reality facing the Israeli Government as it seeks to pursue the terrorists that carry out these horrific attacks - terrorists who consistently demonstrate their disregard for any considerations of human life and basic precepts of international law. I am continually astonished that some in the international community express the belief that the de facto terrorist organization now in control of Gaza can conduct an independent, credible and impartial investigation into the crimes that it commits on a daily basis. It is naive, at best, to put such faith in that terrorist group, which time and again shows only disdain for the universal human values on which such an investigation would be based.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Just two weeks ago, on 7 April, Hamas members used an anti-tank missile that they had smuggled into the Gaza Strip to strike and completely destroy a school bus travelling in southern Israel. This act of terrorism injured the bus driver and fatally wounded 16-year-old Daniel Aryeh Wildfich, who passed away this week from injuries he sustained in that attack. As residents of New York, we all see the yellow school buses that bring local children to school. Some in the Hall entrust those buses to safely transport their own children. I ask my colleagues sitting around the table, Can you imagine how you would feel if an anti-tank missile was deliberately fired at such a bus in Manhattan or Brooklyn? This is the reality facing many Israelis today.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Recent events in the Gaza Strip provide another clear example of the destabilizing threat posed by these terrorists and their patrons, bringing to light once again, the depth of their callousness in carrying out violent attacks that deliberately target innocent civilians - men, women and children. Since the beginning of March, Hamas and other terrorist groups have launched some 92 rockets and 141 mortars at civilians throughout southern Israel, as part of what is the most serious escalation of projectile fire emanating from Gaza in more than two years. There is no question about the intended targets of these attacks. They have launched rocket after rocket at major Israeli population centres that are home to hundreds of thousands of people. They have struck houses and buses, factories and farms, synagogues and schools.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Mr. Reuben (Israel) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me, first of all, to thank you, Mr. President, and the Colombian delegation for your efforts in carrying out the work of the Security Council during this month. (spoke in English) Today's debate occurs in the midst of historic changes in the Middle East. With these changes, which hold the promise of spreading new freedom and prosperity in our region, we also see many challenges. Extremists and terrorists continue to pursue the same destructive agendas, seeking to take advantage of the turbulence created by the transformations that are now occurring.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We reiterate our call to the Palestinian leadership to return to the negotiating table without preconditions, so that negotiations can resume without further delay.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“Furthermore, it is not fitting or constructive to isolate this single issue from all other core matters, such as the security arrangements, refugees and incitement, as well as the need to address the relentless rocket fire on Israel by Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. As the Middle East continues to undergo dramatic and historic changes, one wonders whether the issue before us is really the most relevant for discussion in this Chamber. In conclusion, we would like to thank the United States for its long-standing and responsible leadership in this process. Its vote today reflects the understanding that the only way forward is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has called upon the Palestinian leadership to return to the negotiating table and engage in peace talks in good faith. This goal is within reach, but will require painful compromises. The road to peace lies between Jerusalem and Ramallah, which are only 10 minutes apart. In the Declaration of Principles and the Israeli- Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, settlements are but one of the outstanding issues that both sides have explicitly agreed to address as part of final status negotiations. Any effort to predetermine a central, permanent State issue in effect prejudges what was agreed to be directly negotiated between the two sides.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“In fact, this process, in its adversarial nature, is likely to harm ongoing attempts to resume negotiations. It sends the wrong message to the Palestinians, signalling that they can avoid the negotiating table. Time and time again, Israel has demonstrated its willingness to take significant steps - indeed, painful steps - to rebuild confidence between the two sides. However, these efforts were not met with similar steps by the other side. Furthermore, Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, including the painful dismantling of all settlements, has led to an increase in terror and violence from the areas that we left. 11-23845 However, Israel continues to demonstrate its willingness to renew talks, with the express goal of resolving all outstanding issues.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have been, and still remain, the only way forward to resolve the long-standing conflict in our region. Therefore, the draft resolution that was before the Council should never have been submitted. Instead, the international community and the Security Council should have called upon the Palestinian leadership, in a clear and resolute voice, to immediately return to the negotiating table without preconditions and to renew direct negotiations in order to resolve all outstanding issues. This is the way to achieve peace. Indeed, this is the path through which we have reached peace agreements in the past. Today's debate will not assist efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“Israel believes that Member States, individually and collectively, must take firm action to curb this serious threat to human dignity and peace. Together, we must make clear that the international community has zero tolerance for the perpetrators of sexual violence in armed conflict and will bring them to justice wherever they carry out their appalling and destructive crimes.”
2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source
“This can serve as a means for advancing more focused measures for combating such atrocities when they occur. Israel strongly supports the mandate that created the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and recognizes that Special Representative Wallstrom will play a pivotal role in addressing the issue. The newly formed UN Women, led by Executive Director Michelle Bachelet, also has a central role to play and is well positioned to work with the entire United Nations system. The impact of sexual violence in conflict can be measured in the overwhelming pain it has inflicted on women and men, in the devastation it has wrought in communities and in the instability it continues to foster throughout entire regions.”
2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source
“As is rightly emphasized in the Secretary-General's report, "Depending on the circumstances of the offence, sexual violence can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, an act of torture or a constituent act of genocide" (S/2010/604, para. 4). The Secretary-General's report provides a number of important recommendations for improving the international community's efforts on this issue. There is a growing consensus about the need for timely, objective and accurate monitoring and reporting arrangements for incidents of sexual violence to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach to addressing violations and enforcing accountability. We support the listing of perpetrators of sexual violence, as encouraged by resolution 1960 (2010).”
2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source
“Women, girls and boys who are raped are not only heartlessly robbed of their basic dignity during the time of the crime, but also bear the scars of those appalling acts long after hostilities have ceased. No amount of compensation can heal those wounds. The sad reality is that most victims are forgotten, and the perpetrators of the unspeakable crimes against them are never brought to justice. When committed in armed conflict and employed deliberately and systematically, such acts constitute a weapon of war designed to inflict suffering, instil fear and destroy the social fabric of communities and families.”
2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source
“We welcome the increased deployment of gender advisers, the routine inclusion of provisions in peacekeeping mandates that protect women and girls from sexual violence, and the growing awareness of the need to include women in any peacemaking process. Israel welcomes the Secretary-General's report of 24 November (S/2010/604) and commends him for his efforts and leadership on this issue. The report documents how widespread acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence - too often committed with impunity - continue to plague many zones of conflict. As Special Representative Wallstrom has made clear in various forums, including the Security Council, sexual violence in conflict is neither cultural nor sexual; it is criminal. Acts of sexual violence are horrific crimes against individuals.”
2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source
“I thank you, Madame President, for your delegation's leadership in holding this very important debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General Le Roy, Special Representative Wallstrom and Military Adviser Gaye for their valuable briefings. In the 10 years since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we have seen some positive steps to prevent sexual violence in conflict. Unfortunately, overall progress is slow. Israel joined the list of sponsors of resolution 1960 (2010), recognizing the urgent need for collective action on this pressing issue. As a co-sponsor of the previous resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), Israel remains deeply committed to their full implementation.”
2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source
“We cannot ignore the fact that terrorists such as Hamas often abuse such access privileges, which can endanger humanitarian workers and obstruct the movement of aid. The subject of today's debate calls for careful consideration about how to best protect civilians in the face of terrorism and within the complex reality of asymmetric warfare. For its part, Israel will continue to share its experience in this critical debate as part of our nation's commitment to the rule of law and to the fundamental value of protecting civilians.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“In pursuit of this goal, my country also employs many independent oversight mechanisms and places a humanitarian affairs officer in every combat unit above the battalion level with the goal of minimizing casualties and damage to civilian property. Israel also wishes to express its continued support for the work of humanitarian agencies that provide essential services on the ground. In considering the protection of civilians in armed conflict, we all must remember that, under international humanitarian law, the right to free movement of humanitarian personnel is subject to military necessities and security considerations. These considerations include the safety of the humanitarian personnel themselves and the need to prevent the abuse of humanitarian channels.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“In Lebanon, Hizbollah deploys weapons and builds its military infrastructure within the fabric of civilian life, endangering the Lebanese population. For example, within the past 16 months, three Hizbollah weapons caches have exploded in the villages of southern Lebanon. The last such explosion took place in the Lebanese village of Shehabiyya on 3 September, causing the injury of five individuals. Given the threats it faces on its borders, Israel * in full conformity with its international obligations - has sought to protect civilians while it pursues the terrorists who hide among them. Israel's Supreme Court has addressed the significant challenges inherent in balancing these two objectives during active warfare and at times has suspended military operations to this end.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“While upholding the central value of protecting civilians in conflict, the Council and other international bodies cannot ignore the tragic reality in which terrorists deliberately put innocents in harm's way. Israel's experience illustrates that terrorists' blatant disregard for protecting human life is not restricted to the civilians of their adversary; it often extends to their own people. In the Gaza Strip, Hamas launches rockets and mortars at Israeli towns from densely populated areas and cynically places its arms and munitions in installations inside and adjacent to mosques, hospitals and schools. Only last week, we witnessed yet another series of rocket attacks from Gaza designed to target and terrorize Israeli civilians.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“In our region and in many other corners of the world, regular armies are increasingly finding themselves fighting terrorists or guerrilla organizations that deliberately operate within the vicinity of civilian populations. This phenomenon produces a horrific transformation of the civilian landscape: religious institutions becoming launching pads for rockets and artillery; schools and hospitals becoming storage facilities for weapons and terrorist infrastructure; and residential neighbourhoods becoming combat zones. Recognizing that there are no simple solutions, the Security Council must seriously consider the many dilemmas inherent in asymmetric warfare.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“Israel is encouraged by the continued efforts of the Security Council and the Secretariat in this area since July's briefing (see S/PV.6354) and welcomes the latest report of the Secretary-General (8/2010/579). We note the considerable progress on this issue. However, it remains clear that the international community continues to face major challenges and difficult operational, humanitarian and moral dilemmas in ensuring that civilians are protected in armed conflict. Foremost among these challenges is the new and complex phenomenon of asymmetric warfare, which blurs the important distinction between combatants and civilians under the laws of armed conflict.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“1 thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate. I also wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Amos, Under- Secretary-General Le Roy, High Commissioner Pillay and Director-General Daccord for their informative briefings. Today's debate raises some of the most complex and challenging issues facing the international community. Israel's deep commitment to protecting civilians in armed conflict is reflected by our extensive cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations in this area and at all levels. It is also shown by the extraordinary efforts that we take to avoid causing civilians harm during combat operations.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“Even more alarming than its continued support of terror is Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities. Such behaviour endangers not only our region or merely a specific group of countries. It endangers us all and must continue to be met by strong and effective action. My comments today would not be complete without expressing our ongoing deep concern that for more than four years our kidnapped soldier, Gilad Shalit, has remained deprived of his most basic human rights, including any visit from the Red Cross. Israel expects the international community to do all in its power and more than has been done thus far, to bring about his swift release.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404 (2010) · source
“Thus, in searching for a durable agreement with the Palestinians we must also confront this threat with firm resolve. I would like to note that, while Iran's President and his extremist allies seek to impose fear, bloodshed and jihad on the population of Lebanon, there are many other voices in the region. An open letter to President Ahmadinejad that was recently published in the Lebanese media offers an example of one such voice. Let me read to the Council a quote from this letter: " . . you are attempting to interfere, just like others that came before you, in our affairs, where foreign interference was just to use Lebanon internally; the big slogans and the good intentions could not decorate or block the actual truth of this use.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404 (2010) · source
“Let me turn to the greatest danger facing the Middle East and the world: Iran. The visit last week of Iran's President to Lebanon underscores the destabilizing impact of that extremist regime on our region. Iran's President is a leader who denies the Holocaust, promotes conspiracy theories about the 11 September terrorist attacks and calls for Israel to be wiped off the map; he only advances the causes of destruction and instability. His regime's support provides a lifeline to the terrorist organizations of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hizbullah, which could not exist without Iran. Relying on those proxies, Iran seeks to foil any movement toward rapprochement between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as other parties in the region.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404 (2010) · source
“Hizbullah's provocations and continued rearmament must not go unanswered by this Council - which has repeatedly and clearly stipulated that this terrorist organization must disarm and disband - as they comprise a key issue addressed in resolution 1701 (2006). We also call on the Syrian Government to refrain from engaging in actions that destabilize the region. While Syria claims to seek peace, it continues to support terror. There are numerous indications that the Syrian regime is hosting Hizbullah training camps within its territory, including locations where operatives receive training on missiles and other weapons. This reflects just the tip of the iceberg in terms of Syria's extensive support for terrorism in the region. If Syria genuinely wants to embrace the full spirit of peace, it must completely abandon its support for terror.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404 (2010) · source
“This terrorist organization continues to deploy weapons and build its military infrastructure throughout the civilian villages of southern Lebanon, adjacent to schools, hospitals, houses of worship and residential buildings. Evidence of this phenomenon can be found in a series of explosions of Hizbullah weapons caches south of the Litani River over the past 15 months. The last such explosion took place in the Lebanese village of Shehabiyya on 3 September. Unfortunately, despite having real-time information about all of these incidents, the Lebanese Armed Forces did not intervene in a timely or robust manner. Furthermore, there is clear proof that Hizbullah removed evidence from all of those sites.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404 (2010) · source
“With this in mind, the wider Arab world must also show Israelis and people around the globe that its declarations of peace will extend beyond words and will translate into deeds. This body will discuss in detail the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) in a few weeks, but in advance of that discussion I would like to share a few thoughts about the continued challenges emanating from Lebanon, where radical forces continue to pose a threat to stability in the region. As we approach the upcoming report on resolution 1701 (2006), it remains clear that the Hizbullah terrorist organization continues to build up its military capabilities and armaments, acquiring sophisticated weaponry and missiles from its Iranian and Syrian patrons. Hizbullah's deadly rearmament endangers Lebanon itself, as well as the wider Middle East.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404 (2010) · source
“Any peace agreement must also clearly address Israel's security concerns with strong arrangements in that field. The diverse and dangerous threats facing Israel remain significant. With support from the Iranian and Syrian regimes, extremist terrorist organizations in the region continue to rearm and stage attacks on Israeli civilians. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip remains an epicentre for terror and a launching ground for continuous rocket attacks against Israel. In Lebanon, the Hizbullah terrorist organization serves as a constant obstacle to peace and security for all in the region. Establishing peace will require more than declarations or signatures on a piece of paper; it will necessitate concrete actions on the ground.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404 (2010) · source