YouSaid · the spoken record

Serry

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746

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2008-02-26

most recent

2015-03-26

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33

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un-security-council

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1. “Prime Minister Fayyad submitted the resignation of his Government on 14 February, and was immediately tasked by President Abbas with forming a new Government. I note the important suggestion of Prime Minister Fayyad to form a Government of national unity based on the principle of non-violence, as a first step to advance reconciliation. Several hundred demonstrators took to the streets of Ramallah last week demanding that their leaders end their differences and reunite. On 21 February, a network of 81 Palestinian non-profit organizations from the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip publicly called for rival Palestinian factions to end their disagreement. I urge all Palestinian factions to show responsibility and heed the legitimate calls of the Palestinian people for reunification.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

2. “A report released by the Israeli human rights group Yesh Din indicates that, since 2005, less than 10 per cent of alleged attacks by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank have resulted in an indictment. During the reporting period, a number of steps were taken by the Palestinian Authority aimed at responding to expectations for political reform. On 8 February, the Government of Prime Minister Fayyad called for local elections to be held on 9 July. President Abbas declared on 17 February that presidential and legislative elections should also be held as soon as possible in both the West Bank and Gaza. Hamas has so far rejected the calls for elections absent full reconciliation.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

3. “On 20 January, an alleged Islamic Jihad militant opened fire against an Israeli position near Jenin, and was consequently shot and killed by Israeli soldiers. 11-24239 Demonstrations continued against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, resulting in seven Palestinians being injured and numerous arrests. Allow me to stress that the right of peaceful and non-violent protest must be upheld. Israeli forces arrested two settlers on 30 January in connection with one of two incidents where two Palestinians were shot and killed by settlers. Settlers also injured nine Palestinians. Settler impunity remains a concern.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

4. “The Government of Israel's commitment to allow Palestinian security forces to deploy into seven towns in Area B, as part of the package agreed with Quartet Representative Blair, is a step forward. However, as Prime Minister Fayyad impressed upon me repeatedly, the presence and operations of Israel's security forces within Palestinian population centres that are meant to be under Palestinian security control is a major concern. In the past month alone, there were 434 incursions, which resulted in one Palestinian killed, 96 injured and 379 arrested. We also remain concerned at violent incidents at checkpoints, which injured one Arab Israeli and two Palestinians during the reporting period.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

5. “More and speedier easing measures by the Government of Israel are urgently needed to shore up the State-building effort. The confidence built over the past years should enable Israel to further roll back elements of occupation. My visit to Hebron on 25 January impressed on me the importance of enabling the Palestinian Authority to develop in Area C. I visited the densely populated neighbourhood of Qaizun in Area A, overlooking empty space in Area C next to Israeli settlements. The Governor and the Mayor of Hebron underlined the importance and urgency of using at least some of that area to accommodate Hebron's natural growth by expanding its residential and industrial area there. Such circumstances can be found in many more Palestinian urban centres. I urge Israel to address these pressing Palestinian needs.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

6. “The continued divisions among the Palestinians are also a serious concern in that regard. Palestinian security forces continued to make strides in the maintenance of law and order in the West 11-24239 Bank. Economic activity is on the rise and we note positively Israel's removal of some further obstacles to support this trend: easier access to Nablus via the Huwwara checkpoint; increased tourist access to Bethlehem; and more predictable access for meat and dairy products into East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank. On 4 February, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed with Quartet Representative Blair on a package of measures designed to help improve Palestinian livelihoods and support economic growth in both the West Bank and in Gaza. It is imperative that these steps be facilitated and implemented in full.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

7. “Israeli authorities demolished 66 Palestinian- owned structures in Area C and East Jerusalem, displacing over 100 people and otherwise affecting another 220, particularly impacting the livelihoods of vulnerable herding communities, while construction of adjacent settlements continued. Adversity on the ground has not stopped the Palestinian Authority from forging ahead with its State- building agenda. With significant achievements realized over the past years and further reforms under way, it is my clear view that the strong institutions now established represent the basis of a State-in-waiting. The further realization of progress is fundamentally constrained by the Israeli measures of occupation that deny territorial contiguity and inhibit freedom of movement.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

8. “We call on Israel to heed the calls of the international community, the provisions of international law and the Road Map by freezing all settlement activity, including natural growth, and dismantling outposts. I note that, notwithstanding the recent results in the Security Council, all members of the Council strongly oppose continued settlement activity. This extends to East Jerusalem, where a number of settlements were announced for expansion in past weeks, including 56 new units in Ramot and 13 units in the heart of the Palestinian neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. We urge the parties to refrain from provocative actions at this sensitive time.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

9. “Envoys 2 are working to meet separately with the parties, as well as with representatives of the Arab Peace Initiative Committee. In its discussions with the parties, the Quartet will give serious consideration to their views on how to bring about resumed negotiations on all core issues, including borders and security. The longer the impasse in talks persists, the greater is our concern that tensions on the ground will unravel modest achievements and stand in the way of a negotiated solution. Actions that risk prejudging the outcome of negotiations are particularly unhelpful. In this context, Israel is continuing to build some 2,000 units begun in the West Bank after the moratorium expired on 26 September - a regrettable development, as noted by the Quartet.”

   2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

10. “I must, in all frankness, report low confidence and trust among the parties and in international efforts to help them overcome their differences. The parties are unlikely to overcome the deficit of trust without a credible and effective international intervention in the peace process. In our view, it is becoming increasingly clear that a more concrete and substantive basis would have to be laid out for the parties to engage. The Quartet must play its full role in this regard. When the Quartet met in Munich on 5 February, it reiterated its commitment to the two-State solution and a conclusion of the talks by September 2011. It also reaffirmed that the outcome of negotiations should end the conflict and occupation that began in 1967. The Quartet agreed a way forward towards a further Quartet principals' meeting.”

    2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

11. “Mr. Serry: Since our last meeting (see S/PV.6448), the Middle East region has been witnessing dramatic political transformations, but stagnation in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. It is true that the shifting regional dynamics have added uncertainty to the environment of an already difficult Middle East peace process. However, progress towards a negotiated solution that addresses all core issues would make a critical contribution to stabilizing the region. When Quartet principals met in Munich on 5 February, they affirmed that Israeli-Palestinian and comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace were imperative to avoid outcomes detrimental to the region. Let me convey to Council members the Secretary-General's profound concern at the continued impasse in the political process.”

    2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source

12. “The Secretary-General will continue to work with the parties, the Quartet and regional and international partners in pursuit of a lasting two-State solution and comprehensive peace in the region.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

13. “It is vital that both parties now be fully forthcoming on substance in talks with the United States and that further measures be taken on the ground without delay to strengthen and enable the agenda of Palestinian State building. We must also continue to focus on improving conditions in Gaza, while calm must be maintained. We must focus with urgency on the essential elements of a negotiated two-State endgame, for the benefit of both peoples. We urge leaders on both sides to do so, and we also believe that an active third-party role on substance is essential if that is to be done. Close consultation within the Quartet is important in that regard. In the year ahead, the credibility of the political process and its sponsors, including the Quartet, will also be at stake.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

14. “During the reporting period, Special Coordinator Williams and UNIFIL Force Commander General Asarta Cuevas held consultations with the parties to discuss details related to the 17 November decision of the Israeli Security Cabinet to accept, in principle, the United Nations proposal for a withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces from the northern part of the village of al-Ghajar. In conclusion, I cannot overemphasize the importance of the period we are now entering. The parties have set for themselves important timelines, which have received strong international endorsement, and 2011 is the year in which they are to be met.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

15. “In his meetings with representatives from a broad range of political parties in Lebanon, Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams has continued to encourage all parties to resolve any disagreement through dialogue and through the regular institutions of the State. The reconstruction effort in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared continues to face challenges. With the return of the first 2,000 refugees to the camp expected by January 2011, I urge donors to continue to provide vital financial assistance for the reconstruction of Nahr al-Bared and to the UNRWA General Fund. 10-69159 Over the last month, the overall situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been generally quiet. Air violations have continued to take place on an almost daily basis.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

16. “Recalling also that Turkey has in the past been an important facilitator of efforts on the regional track, we hope that recent contacts between Israel and Turkey in the aftermath of Turkey's provision of assistance to fight the Carmel fire can help the two countries overcome past tensions. I now turn to Lebanon, where political activity continues to be dominated by speculation concerning the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Differences between opposing political camps brought about the suspension of cabinet meetings from 10 November until a meeting now scheduled for tomorrow, 15 December. Lebanese parties continue to express their support for efforts by countries in the region, particularly Syria and Saudi Arabia, to promote stability in Lebanon.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

17. “Internal calm is needed, if reconciliation is to progress. We are also concerned at the continuing lack of progress in the effort to promote peace negotiations between Israel and Syria and at public expressions of lack of confidence in the prospects for progress. While the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan has remained stable, despite continued settlement activity, the resolution of the conflict between the two countries on the basis of Security Council resolutions is important in its own right and critical for regional stability, and is an essential part of realizing the vision of the Arab Peace Initiative. I note that contacts by diplomatic actors continue with a view to exploring possibilities for progress.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

18. “I stress the importance of full respect for the work of legitimate civil society organizations in Gaza and the need to uphold fundamental freedoms of association and expression. There has been no progress in efforts to restore Palestinian unity within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization commitments. On the ground, I am concerned by signs of tensions. My Office continues to urge an end to any challenges to the legitimate Palestinian Authority, and to call for respect for human rights by all security forces in Gaza or the West Bank. Palestinian Authority security forces arrested members of a Hamas cell in the West Bank, 10-69159 allegedly preparing attacks against Palestinian and Israeli targets, and Hamas security forces detained a number of Fatah members throughout the Gaza Strip.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

19. “I reiterate the calls by the United Nations for the immediate release of Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit and for humanitarian access to be granted to him. I commend President Abbas's call on Shalit's captors to release him. It is deeply regrettable that a prisoner exchange deal has not yet been concluded. I also note that an international Arab conference stressing concern for Palestinian prisoners was hosted by Algeria on 5 and 6 December. I am concerned that the de facto authorities in Gaza issued a temporary closure order to the offices of the Sharek Youth Forum, an important non-governmental organization partner of the United Nations and other international agencies. I call for Sharek to be permitted to continue its work in Gaza without further delay or undue hindrance.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

20. “A mortar wounded an Israeli on 8 December in the western Negev, while a rocket hit a civilian house on the same day. On the previous day, a rocket, for which the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine claimed responsibility, struck in the south of Ashkelon. I condemn indiscriminate rocket fire at Israel. Allegations continue to be made of weapons- smuggling into the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, Israeli security forces conducted 4 air strikes and 12 incursions into Gaza. In total, four Palestinian militants were killed and one was injured, while 23 Palestinian civilians were also injured. I stress the importance of maximum Israeli restraint. I also underscore the need for all parties to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

21. “I have discussed with the Israeli authorities the need for approval and implementation procedures to move faster and urged them to allow the provision of construction material to the private sector in Gaza and to expedite further approvals of United Nations projects, including more United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools before the end of the year. I remind the Council that, with very few exceptions, the 1.5 million people of Gaza are unable to leave the Strip for the normal purposes that most of us take for granted, and freer movement of people must also be a priority. It is essential that calm be maintained. The de facto authorities have publicly repeated their desire to maintain calm, although militant groups fired 5 rockets and 20 mortar shells from Gaza into Israel.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

22. “The weekly number of truckloads entering the Gaza Strip decreased slightly to 997 from 1,026 during the most recent reporting period and 566 in June 2010 before the announcement of the revised Israeli Gaza policy. A weekly average of 2,800 trucks entered Gaza in June 2007. United Nations agencies have received approval to complete construction projects in Gaza totalling $110 million. This is a positive step, but further progress is critical.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

23. “This brings me to Gaza, where we are concerned at recent volatility as well as ongoing closure measures. However, there have also been positive developments. On 8 December, Israel decided to allow exports from Gaza, consistent with security conditions. The resumption of exports is key to reviving Gaza's economy and its legitimate business sector. We welcome this measure and hope that it will include all commercial goods, subject to security considerations, and that crossing capacity will be enhanced as necessary to meet demands. The implementation of this decision will be closely monitored. I appreciate the continued engagement of Quartet Representative Blair on this issue. The United Nations continues to seek the end of closure of the Gaza Strip within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009).”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

24. “We are engaging the Israeli authorities on the matter both in New York and on the ground. The humanitarian Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) was launched on 30 November, totalling $575 million and comprising 213 projects. The CAP 3 articulates a humanitarian strategy for critical needs in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It aims at addressing humanitarian needs, focusing particularly on areas where the Palestinian Authority has limited control and where needs are not fully met by the Government of Israel. United Nations agencies are increasingly facing difficulties in obtaining the required funds from the international community. I ask donors to fully support the 2011 CAP to prevent further deterioration in living conditions.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

25. “I am concerned that a study prepared under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Information denied the religious significance of the Western Wall to Jews. I note that this regrettable study has been removed from the Authority's website. I stress the need for figures of political and religious authority on both sides to refrain from denial or denigration of the other's heritage, rights and dignity. We continue to follow with concern indications by the Israeli authorities that more restrictive procedures will be applied for crossing points between East Jerusalem and the remainder of the West Bank. While we are cognizant of security concerns, proposed changes must not add new impediments to the United Nations and other international operations, which will be to the detriment of beneficiaries.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

26. “The parties should show discipline and responsibility in refraining from provocative actions. In this regard, I am worried that there has been a rise in demolitions of Palestinian-owned structures in the reporting period, with 14 structures demolished in Area C and 12 demolished in East Jerusalem, displacing 53 people. I have also expressed publicly my concern that, on 8 December, a Palestinian Legislative Council member of the Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform bloc was forcibly transferred from Jerusalem to Ramallah following an Israeli court order. This case and that of three other lawmakers currently facing court proceedings continue to raise serious human rights concerns regarding Palestinian residency rights in East Jerusalem.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

27. “Violent clashes continued between Israeli security forces and anti-barrier demonstrators, and on 6 December an Israeli military tribunal extended the detention of anti-barrier activist Abdallah Abu Rahmah beyond his scheduled release. 10-69159 We note reports that the number of arrests and interrogations of children have increased significantly, in particular in the Silwan district of East Jerusalem, in recent months. There were eight attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians or their property, injuring two Palestinians, while three attacks by Palestinians resulted in one Israeli settler injured. The number of obstacles to access and movement in the West Bank currently stands at 513. I believe that these can and should be meaningfully reduced in quantity and quality in a manner consistent with maintaining security.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

28. “As the Secretary-General noted in his message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it is indisputable that a reliable security partner has emerged. According to estimates, the number of Israeli troops operating in the occupied West Bank is at its lowest level since 2005. However, tensions persist. Israeli security forces, citing security concerns, conducted 193 incursions into Area A in the reporting period, resulting in 21 Palestinians injured and 98 arrested, among them a Palestinian Legislative Council member from the Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform bloc. On 23 November, Israeli security forces discovered seven pipe bombs in a Palestinian vehicle at a checkpoint near Tulkarem and subsequently seized arms and ammunition in a raid.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

29. “Israel needs to roll back measures of occupation as the Palestinian Authority rolls out the basis for statehood. Quartet Representative Blair's efforts are important in this regard. The World Bank reports that, in the third quarter of 2010, the Palestinian Authority made steady progress on implementing its reform programme, maintaining financial discipline and achieving its budget targets for expenditures. Public financial management systems were further strengthened, while a pension reform plan was adopted to improve efficiency and sustainability. Palestinian security forces continue to make commendable efforts to maintain security in areas currently under their control in the West Bank.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

30. “In response to requests from President Abbas, Brazil and Argentina recognized the independent State of Palestine, within borders that conform to the 10-69159 ceasefire lines of 1967, on 3 and 6 December, respectively. Yesterday, the European Union Council of Ministers reiterated its readiness, when appropriate, to recognize a Palestinian State. Quartet envoys also discussed the urgent need to further enable the State-building efforts of the Palestinian Authority. A number of Israeli steps have been under consideration for some time, among them the further easing of restrictions on movement and access, a reduction of Israeli incursions, measures to enable the Palestinian Authority's efforts to extend into Area C of the West Bank, and the release of prisoners. Such measures are now timely and essential.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

31. “The goal must be a two-State solution based on an end to the 1967 occupation and a resolution of all core issues. United States Envoy Mitchell is currently in the region and saw Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday and President Abbas today, before President Abbas' departure for a meeting of the League of Arab States Follow-Up Committee tomorrow in Cairo. We expect close consultation within the Quartet on the effort in the period ahead. Quartet envoys are preparing a meeting of Quartet principals, which we expect to take place soon in the new year. The Secretariat will continue to keep the Security Council apprised of developments through the monthly briefings.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

32. “We reiterate the united position of the international community that Israel should meet its obligations to freeze all settlement activity and dismantle outposts erected since March 2001. Here in New York. on 10 December Quartet envoys met with United States Envoy Mitchell in advance of his trip to the region, and United States Secretary of State Clinton gave a speech in Washington, D.C., on the same day. The need to shift strategy is evident. We understand that the United States will now engage both sides in indirect talks on all the final status issues, and the Secretary-General expects the parties to engage seriously. We also note that the United States intends to be a proactive participant, offering ideas and bridging proposals when appropriate. We believe it is clear that a substantive third-party role in mediation is now required.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

33. “During the reporting period in East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities approved 130 new homes in the settlement of Gilo and the construction of 625 new units was announced in the Pisgat Ze'ev settlement. In the remainder of the West Bank, according to various reports, there has been a significant increase in construction since the moratorium expired on 26 September. According to the Israeli non-govemmental organization Peace Now, construction for 1,600 settlement units has started. By way of comparison, approximately 1920 units were commenced during 2009. We would like to make clear that the United Nations will continue to emphasize that settlement activity is contrary to international law, the Road Map and the position of the Quartet.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

34. “Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed Israel's gratitude for the solidarity and material support. In September, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas pledged to seek a framework agreement on permanent status within a year. While that goal remains in place, the process for achieving it has suffered a serious setback. In particular, the Secretary-General regrets Israel's failure to institute a renewed settlement freeze. On 8 December, American efforts to create an environment conducive to the resumption of direct talks, through the renewal of a settlement freeze, were brought to a close. Palestinian President Abbas has reaffirmed that he will not return to direct negotiations unless Israel freezes settlement activity.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

35. “Mr. Serry: Allow me, Madam President, to convey to you and your Government my sorrow and condolences at the passing of one of your distinguished predecessors in the position of Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Richard Holbrooke. His distinguished career as a tireless peacemaker and diplomat is, I think, well-known to all of us, and will always remain a personal inspiration to me. We mourn his passing. At the outset, let me also express once again my sympathy and that of the Secretary-General to Israel, following the death of 43 people in a fire on Mount Carmel two weeks ago. That tragedy was one of the worst natural disasters in the country's history. Assistance came from the region, including from the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, as well as from further afield.”

    2010-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6448 (2010) · source

36. “During the month, air violations took place on an almost daily basis. Let me now conclude. With renewed peace talks, the opportunity is great and the stakes are high. Making peace will not be easy and carries risks, but the dangers of not trying are much graver. Both leaders have shown that they recognize that. Having summoned the courage to begin, they must now sustain the courage to progress and find the wisdom and statesmanship to lead their Governments and peoples to a peace agreement. Our collective task is to support those negotiations and maximize prospects for success. The international consensus is and must remain strongly behind that process to ensure that it is seen through to the end. The Secretary-General will continue to fully discharge his responsibilities in that regard.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

37. “The changes, although crucial, will need to be complemented by further steps to lift Palestinians out of poverty. Funding shortfalls for the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared camp remain an issue of serious concern, with 64 per cent of the total funds needed for the complete reconstruction of the camp still outstanding. We urge donors to remain committed to providing generous financial support for the reconstruction efforts, as well as for UNRWA's work throughout the region. Turning to the situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), on 3 September an explosion occurred on the first floor of a house in the village of Shehabiyeh, causing a fire in two rooms of the house and an adjacent garage. UNIFIL immediately launched an investigation into the incident, which is ongoing.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

38. “Prime Minister Hariri travelled to Damascus on 29 August for a meeting with President Al-Assad. Over the past month, there has been increased political tension in Lebanon, linked to speculation on prospective potential indictments that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon might issue. The National Dialogue met again on 19 August. Participants agreed to pursue discussions on the national defence strategy and to meet again on 19 October. The amendments to the employment legislation adopted by the Lebanese Parliament on 17 August represent a step in the right direction in terms of providing Palestinians in Lebanon with greater rights. The United Nations looks forward to the practical application of those new entitlements, under the leadership of the Lebanese Ministry of Labour.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

39. “Turning to the situation in Lebanon, clashes broke out on 24 August in the Beirut neighbourhood of Burj Abi Haidar between supporters of Hizbullah and of Al-Ahbash, a Sunni group. Three people, including a senior Hizbullah official, were killed in street battles, which rapidly spread to surrounding areas and lasted for several hours. Leaders of Al-Ahbash travelled to Damascus the day after the incident and subsequently met with Hizbullah leaders. Both sides agreed that the confrontation should be regarded as an isolated incident that they vowed would not be repeated. An investigation into the clashes, which led to the arrest of at least 23 individuals, is ongoing. In response to the incident, the Lebanese Cabinet announced a reinforcement of the presence of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the internal security forces in Beirut.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

40. “The Panel agreed that it would discuss and review the interim reports, once it had also received a report from Israel. The Secretary-General stated that he looked forward to the Panel's substantive treatment of the flotilla incident. He was encouraged that the Panel reported that it had conducted its proceedings in a positive and collegial atmosphere. I have already stressed the importance of progress towards regional peace. On the ground, the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan remained stable, although settlement activity continued. I am pleased to report that, during the reporting period, a delegation of 220 women and 480 men received permits from Israel to visit families in Syria.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

41. “I am concerned at the purported approval of legislation by the de facto authorities in Gaza that will undermine the independence of a national human rights institution operating in Gaza. Since the last monthly briefing to the Council (see PV.6340), the Secretary- General's Panel of Inquiry on the 31 May 2010 flotilla incident has convened for the second time, on 2 and 3 September. On 15 September, the Secretary-General received the initial progress report he requested from the Panel. This report was largely procedural in nature, explaining the Panel's understanding of the tasks at hand and the working methods it has unanimously adopted in order to carry out its mandate. The Panel indicated that it had received an interim report with annexes and related material from Turkey on the progress with respect to its national investigation.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

42. “Regarding the cargo from three vessels of the 31 May flotilla, arrangements have now been finalized for the use of the construction materials in United Nations projects in Gaza. I underscore the exceptional 10-53852 nature of this arrangement. We continue to believe that the appropriate way to meet needs in Gaza is through legitimate crossings. The United Nations has actively supported local efforts to resolve internal Palestinian differences over electricity revenue collection, which have been causing heavy electricity shortages. Following an understanding reached last month, revenues collected from electricity bills have been transferred to the Palestinian Authority to purchase fuel for the Gaza power plant. As a result, power cuts were reduced by about a half.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

43. “Since the announcement of its revised policy on Gaza in June, Israeli authorities have approved 31 further construction projects, including $15 million for projects of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The United Nations continues to consult closely with the Palestinian Authority on priority areas of work necessary in Gaza, and has now presented to the Government of Israel a 12-month programme of construction and reconstruction work worth $250 million. I expect that this programme of work will receive timely approval by the Israeli authorities and that the procedures for the entry of material will be simplified to enable implementation.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

44. “While some progress has therefore been made, restrictions on the entry of construction materials and on exports are severely limiting private reconstruction and the revival of the private sector. I believe that it is possible and desirable for more to be done to ease these constraints, as well as to enable Gazans to move more freely, consistent with legitimate Israeli security concerns. I continue to support efforts to enhance the presence of the Palestinian Authority at crossings. I am pleased that genuine headway has been made in approvals of international projects in Gaza, and I appreciate Israel's cooperation in this regard. Israel approved $100 million of construction works in Gaza in the first six months of 2010, just under $60 million of which were for United Nations projects.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

45. “Tunnel trade has dropped in items being provided through Israeli crossings, but continues in other items. Egypt continued its effort to counter the smuggling of weapons, closing a number of tunnels, uncovering militant structures and missiles in the Sinai, and making arrests. The Rafah crossing remained open for humanitarian purposes and transfer to other countries for foreign visa holders and for religious pilgrimage. The partial easing of the Israeli blockade has helped generate 16 per cent growth in Gaza in the first half of this year. There are now 1,365 industrial establishments operating in Gaza, up from 117 in 2008, but still only a third of the 3,900 that were operating before June 2007.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

46. “I strongly reiterate my call for full observance by all parties of their obligations regarding the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law and for observance of calm. I am also deeply concerned at the continued denial of the basic human rights of Israeli Staff Sergeant Shalit, to whom no international access has been granted despite more than four years in solitary detention. We reiterate our call for access and for his release. During the reporting period, an average of 988 truckloads entered Gaza from Israel per week - a slight decrease over the previous period and about half of the weekly levels before June 2007. Most imports were food items, but some raw materials and machinery used by industries also entered. Movement of people remained severely restricted.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

47. “In this regard, a recent upsurge in violence is alarming and can only set back efforts to make progress in Gaza. During the reporting period, Palestinian militant groups fired 10 rockets and 22 mortars from Gaza into Israel, injuring two Israelis and hitting close to residential areas in southern Israel. Israeli forces conducted 10 air strikes and 18 incursions into Gaza, killing seven Palestinians and injuring four others. Three Palestinians also died in tunnel-related incidents. In a tragic incident on 12 September that raises serious concerns, Israeli tank fire killed three Palestinian civilians. The Israel Defense Forces subsequently acknowledged that the three may not have been involved in militant activities.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

48. “The status of the four Palestinian Legislative Council members from the Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform bloc remains unresolved, and we urge a sensible resolution of this unsustainable situation. While Ramadan passed in the city without major disturbances, the majority of the Palestinian population continues to be unable to access Friday prayers at holy sites in East Jerusalem. However, access to the city was more orderly this year than in previous months of Ramadan, and on average some 80,000 people crossed the four authorized checkpoints from the West Bank into East Jerusalem on Fridays during Ramadan. I remain heavily engaged with the parties in seeking to shift dynamics regarding Gaza, within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009).”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

49. “Citing security concerns, Israeli security forces injured 22 Palestinians and arrested 162 in 279 incursions in the West Bank, in which six Israeli soldiers were also injured. Today, Israeli forces killed a Hamas militant in an operation in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. Several demolition and eviction orders are pending against Palestinian communities in Area C and we urge the Israeli authorities not to implement those orders or issue new ones. The situation in East Jerusalem was largely quiet during the reporting period. A deplorable exception occurred on 26 August, when a reported attempt by Israeli settlers to forcefully enter a mosque in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan triggered clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli police forces.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source

50. “However, the World Bank warns that unless action is taken in the near future to address the remaining obstacles to private sector development and sustainable growth, the PA will remain donor-dependent and its institutions, no matter how robust, will not be able to underpin a viable State. This means that, as the PA seeks to roll out the basis for its State, measures of occupation must be rolled back. In this regard, we continue to urge a reduction in incursions, a further easing of obstacles to movement and the expansion of the security remit of the Palestinian Authority. The number of obstacles to movement throughout the West Bank remained roughly constant at around 500, which is about 70 fewer than at the beginning of the year.”

    2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source