YouSaid · the spoken record

Serry

lines on the record: 746
first: 2008-02-26
most recent: 2015-03-26
sittings or episodes: 33
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

“To sustain this agenda, the PA's recurrent budgetary needs and a mounting liquidity crisis must be urgently addressed. I welcome recent commitments from donors of additional funding and encourage further commitments in order to meet the remaining critical gap in external financing. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund report solid economic growth in the West Bank and Gaza this year, with growth for 2010 conservatively projected at 8 per cent. In the West Bank, private sector confidence continued to be bolstered by sound PA management and reforms supported by donor aid, improvements in security conditions, and fewer controls on the internal movement of goods and people than in early 2009.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“I draw to the Council's attention the conclusion of the World Bank in its report for the Committee's meeting that "if the Palestinian Authority maintains its current performance in institution-building and delivery of public services, it is well-positioned for the establishment of a State at any point in the near future". I strongly share that assessment. On 29 August, the Palestinian Authority (PA) presented its "Homestretch to Freedom" document, which charts the path to the completion by August 2011 of the Palestinian Authority's two-year agenda of ensuring institutional readiness for statehood. It commits to concrete deliverables, clear roles and responsibilities, and transparency and accountability for results. It also provides direction and focus for international assistance.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“I also encourage Israel and Syria, and Lebanon too, to respond positively to efforts to explore the way forward on the regional tracks of the peace process. All parties should work to realize the full promise of the Arab Peace Initiative. To review progress in the Israeli-Palestinian talks and in the overall search for a just and lasting peace in the region, the Secretary-General will host Quartet principals on 21 September - next Tuesday - followed by a meeting with members of the League of Arab States F ollow-Up Committee on the Arab Peace Initiative. Members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee will also meet in New York on 21 September to review progress and chart the way ahead in the economic and institution-building sphere.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“The Secretary-General joins President Obama, Secretary Clinton and European Union foreign ministers in calling for an extension of the moratorium beyond its scheduled expiry at the end of this month. Indeed, we reaffirm the United Nations position that settlements are illegal under international law and the Quartet's call on Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, in accordance with the Road Map. We count on the continued leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to refrain from provocative actions and to work as partners to create an environment conducive to successful negotiations. I also stress the importance of the regional context. I encourage concrete steps of support from regional countries as the process moves forward.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“President Abbas condemned it, and Palestinian security forces conducted interrogations and arrested four individuals allegedly involved. Prime Minister Netanyahu moved ahead with direct talks, stating that, while Israel seeks security guarantees, it will not allow terrorists to deter it from pursuing peace. It continues to be important that the parties each act to rein in extremists on their own side who will seek to undermine the political process. I strongly remind Hamas that the path of non-violence, Palestinian unity and acceptance of basic principles of the peace process is the only one through 10-53852 which legitimate Palestinian aspirations can be attained. Nine and a half months ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu commendably instituted a partial settlement restraint, which has had a positive impact on the ground.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“This would be not an interim agreement, but one that would embody the fundamental compromises necessary to achieving a comprehensive peace treaty to end the conflict and establish a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, creating a democratic and viable Palestinian State alongside a secure State of Israel. In the second round of talks, the leaders began a serious discussion ofthe core issues. On 31 August, as the leaders were preparing to launch negotiations, four Israelis were killed at near point-blank range while driving in a car in Area C of the West Bank. This attack was widely condemned. Hamas claimed responsibility for it and for a subsequent attack using similar methods on 1 September that injured two other Israelis. I commend the reaction of both leaders to this attack.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“In Washington DC, Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that President Abbas was his partner for peace, while President Abbas condemned violence and stated his desire to see a permanent end to the conflict. The leaders agreed to seek a solution based on two States for two peoples. They agreed that the negotiations could be completed within one year and that their aim was to resolve issues concerning borders, security, refugees, Jerusalem and all other core issues. They decided to meet every fortnight and to work on a framework agreement on permanent status.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“Prior to the talks, the Quartet reaffirmed on 20 August its full commitment to its previous statements, including on 19 March in Moscow, and provided that direct, bilateral negotiations that resolve all final status issues should "lead to a settlement, negotiated between the parties, that ends the occupation which began in 1967 and results in the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours". The Quartet also expressed its determination to support the parties throughout the negotiations, which can be completed within one year, and the implementation of an agreement.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“Mr. Serry: We are at a moment of renewed hope in the search for peace in the Middle East. After months of proximity talks, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas came together on 1 and 2 September in Washington DC, under the auspices of President Obama and Secretary Clinton, to launch direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and conducted a second round of talks on 14 September in Sharm el-Sheikh and 15 September in Jerusalem with the participation of Secretary Clinton. The Secretary- General commends the leaders on these important first steps, thanks President Obama, Secretary Clinton and Envoy Mitchell for their commitment, and welcomes the personal support to the process of President Mubarak of Egypt and King Abdullah of Jordan.”
2010-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6388 (2010) · source
“I call on the parties to keep up their cooperative approach in this regard, and I count on the support of the Council to help maintain a climate conducive to peace.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“This should also be the catalyst for addressing the broader issues as set out in resolution 1860 (2009). The Secretary-General is determined to transform this crisis into an opportunity for real change on the ground, and he will continue to work towards that objective in close cooperation with the Quartet and the Council. The United Nations is already playing a crucial role in addressing the manifold issues confronting Gaza and is ready to significantly expand its interventions. At the same time, we must not lose track of the need to sustain the proximity talks on the core issues and to buttress them with concrete progress on the ground both in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza, with a view to moving to direct talks as soon as possible.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“There is currently a deficit of $209 million in funds needed for rebuilding the camp. The United Nations urges the international community to renew its financial support. The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remains quiet. During the period under review, Israeli air violations continued on an almost daily basis, mostly by unmanned aerial vehicles but also by fighter jets. The Security Council clearly stated two weeks ago that the situation in Gaza is not sustainable (see S/PRST/20lO/9). We agree that it must change. There is a welcome Quartet consensus on this and on the policy changes expected from Israel to end the closure regime in a manner consistent with its legitimate security concerns.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“The situation in the occupied Syrian Golan remained stable, although settlement activity continued during the reporting period. A fire was started on 26 May by an Israeli military drill, which destroyed an estimated 5,000 acres. Turning now to Lebanon, I will be brief, as the Secretary-General's report on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) will be submitted to the Council at the end of this month. The situation in the past month has been stable. Municipal elections were held on four Sundays during the month of May. The elections were conducted in a peaceful and calm atmosphere with the exception of Saida, where some security incidents resulted in injuries but where no fatalities were reported. Funding for the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp remains a major concern.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“In order to ensure continued 10-40544 support to the Palestinian Authority reform agenda, a total of $1.2 billion in external financing is required in 2010. The Israeli, Palestinian and other members of the International Women's Commission (IWC) met on 1 and 2 June in Madrid, where participants gathered to highlight the tenth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and the work that remains outstanding to ensure its implementation. I will be working with the IWC and other groups in the coming months to ensure that the provisions of the resolution 1325 (2000) and issues relating to the rights and representation of women are advanced in the effort for peace in the Middle East. Regrettably, I can report no concrete developments on renewing Israeli-Syrian negotiations or on the broader regional aspects of peace.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“I also stress the importance of calm in the West Bank, where there have been a number of worrying violent incidents, including Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians and yesterday's attack on an Israeli police patrol, resulting in the death of a policeman, which was condemned by the Palestinian Authority. The second Palestine Investment Conference was held successfully on 2 and 3 June in Bethlehem, resulting in pledges of almost $1 billion of investments in Palestinian businesses. This is an encouraging sign of investors' trust in the Palestinian Authority's institution-building efforts, including those to restructure the Palestinian economy and create an enabling environment for investors. Meanwhile, the Authority has received $491 million to support recurrent budgetary costs.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“That, ultimately, is the only path to peace. The proximity talks must be supported by positive actions on the ground, and I urge the parties to implement their obligations and refrain from provocations. This includes Israel's obligation to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001, and to reopen Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem. It also includes Palestinian action to combat violence and terror and to continue the reforms that have made important strides in recent years. I particularly stress the sensitive situation in Jerusalem, where tensions have continued in the reporting period.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“Special Envoy Mitchell visited the region again from Wednesday, 2 June, for a further three days of what he described as constructive and substantive talks, and he is due to return to the region again this week. I wish to underline to the Council precisely how delicate and urgent these negotiations are. Israel's settlement restraint policy will expire three months from now, while support for President Abbas from the Arab League for continuing negotiations has a similar time frame. Within that time, we must have made sufficient progress at the table and on the ground to enable a move to meaningful direct negotiations. Otherwise, it is difficult to see how a political process can be sustained, much less how negotiations can converge, meaningfully and decisively, on an agreement on the core issues of the conflict.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“I note that on 13 June the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States visited the Gaza Strip, urging an end to the blockade of Gaza and Palestinian reconciliation in order to advance towards legitimate Palestinian aspirations for the creation of an independent Palestinian State as part of a two-State solution. I have focused on Gaza and will speak only briefly on other issues, pending a fuller briefing next month. The Quartet is agreed that it is vital to push ahead with the proximity talks. Special Envoy Mitchell held a further round of talks with President Abbas on 19 May and with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 20 May, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to 10-40544 continue the talks in the aftermath of the flotilla incident.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“In a statement on 3 June, I called for the reversal of these repressive and unacceptable actions, which only harm Palestinians. The United Nations will continue to discharge its full responsibilities towards the civilian population in Gaza and will engage and work actively with NGO partners. Despite continuing efforts to promote internal dialogue by Palestinian figures, Hamas continues to refuse the Egyptian-mediated proposal for Palestinian reconciliation. I can therefore report no progress in efforts to reunite Gaza with the West Bank within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. I would stress here that Palestinian unity is a key component to finding a sustainable solution to the crisis in Gaza. The need for tangible steps on intra- Palestinian reconciliation is cited in resolution 1860 (2009).”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“The Secretary-General has condemned the disturbing vandalism of a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) summer camp for Gazan children on 23 May with accompanying threats to the safety of United Nations personnel. I am, however, pleased to report that the UNRWA summer games, which will provide much-needed recreation and relief from the stresses of living in the Strip for some 250,000 children, have been successful under way in 144 locations since 12 June. In early June, Hamas security forces broke into the offices of a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including United Nations partners, in Gaza City and Rafah, closing them down and confiscating their equipment.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“We continue to condemn rocket fire, which indiscriminately targets civilians, and acts of disproportionate military force, which endanger civilians. We urge calm and full respect by all parties for international humanitarian law. We are also making it directly clear to interlocutors in Gaza that, just as we urge a significant change in Israel's policy at the crossings, we will be looking for a significant change from Hamas in its policies as well, in particular by declaring an extended ceasefire and acting to prevent all forms of violence against Israel. During the reporting period, there was a worrying spate of attacks on international and civil society organizations in Gaza.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“We also note the detention of over 9,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails, among them women and children, and persons detained without charge. We urge the completion of a prisoner exchange agreement, as well as further releases of Palestinian prisoners to the Palestinian Authority. Since the flotilla incident, the de facto authorities have maintained comparative calm with Israel. Nevertheless, militant groups fired some 29 indiscriminate rockets into southern Israel during the reporting period, causing no injuries. The IDF conducted 10 incursions and 12 air strikes, killing 13 Palestinians, all of whom were alleged militants, and injuring 44, of whom 40 were reportedly civilians, including six women and seven children.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“Between 15 and 20 May, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt was exceptionally opened for six days, facilitating the entry and departure of thousands of Gazans for humanitarian purposes. Since 2 June, the Egyptian authorities have opened the Rafah crossing for pedestrian travellers to and from the Gaza Strip; some 5,000 Gazans flocked to Rafah on the first day. Egypt destroyed a number of smuggling tunnels and continues to install preventive measures, including steel sheeting, along its border with Gaza. Over the reporting period, eight people died and 14 more were injured in tunnel-related incidents. On 25 June, Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit will have been in captivity for four years. We call on his captors to urgently allow third-party access to him and to release him immediately.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“At least 70 per cent of industrial establishments are totally closed, with the remainder working at very low capacity. According to a survey undertaken by the United Nations Development Programme, three-quarters of the damage wrought by Operation Cast Lead - including to homes, schools and hospitals - has not been repaired or rebuilt. Electricity production from the Gaza power plant now stands at 38 per cent of its full capacity, leaving the majority of the population in Gaza with power cuts of eight to twelve hours per day. Between 16 May and 13 June, 566 truckloads entered Gaza on average per week, a 6 per cent drop compared to the previous reporting period. This included building materials for the approved United Nations package, on which work is proceeding, as well as for a French project to repair a hospital in Gaza City.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“To implement these measures, it will be crucial to expand capacity at commercial crossings between Israel and Gaza. Practical steps should be taken in this regard to reinstate the framework of the Agreement on Movement and Access, including the Palestinian Authority's appropriate presence at crossings. A fundamental change in policy would empower moderation in Gaza while ensuring that its civilian population was not reliant on an illicit economy that empowers smugglers and militants. It would also begin to address unmet needs in Gaza, which are easily illustrated with a few statistics. Given the state of economic collapse and rising poverty levels, 61 per cent of Gaza's households are food insecure and 80 per cent of the population receives some kind of humanitarian assistance, mainly food and cash assistance.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“Accordingly, Israel should facilitate and fast- track United Nations projects on a large scale, particularly in areas such as water and sanitation, energy, education and health. At last month's briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.6315), I stressed that the needs are immense in these sectors in the face of a collapsing aquifer, a burgeoning student population, pressures on the public health system, and an urgent need for spare parts for the power plant and electricity grid. Other key development projects should also be approved on a similar basis to meet the needs of a growing population, half of whom are under 18 years old. In addition, we strongly hope that exports will now be facilitated at a proper scale, and that the categories of people permitted to enter and leave Gaza will be significantly expanded.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“It is important that measures taken by all parties be part of a broader strategy to implement resolution 1860 (2009) in all ofits aspects. The basic principle that should guide the policy on Gaza is clear. Everything should be allowed into Gaza unless there is a specific and legitimate security reason. Israel should therefore move from the current policy - whereby only about 116 items are approved 10-40544 to enter Gaza - to a policy whereby all goods and materials are able to enter Gaza unless there is a legitimate security rationale against it. Even in such cases, existing understandings between Israel and the United Nations, which have enabled some United Nations construction projects to begin recently, demonstrate that even so-called dual use items can enter Gaza and be used for proper civilian purposes.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“As the Secretary-General has repeatedly stated, the situation in Gaza is unsustainable and the current policy is unacceptable and counterproductive and requires a different and more positive strategy. The closure and blockade of the Gaza Strip need to come to an end. There is now a welcome international consensus on Gaza. It is fully agreed by the Quartet that there must be a fundamental change to the situation. To this end, Quartet principals have engaged with the Israeli leadership and Quartet representative Blair has had several meetings with the Government. I have been informed that Israel is now conducting a review of its Gaza policy. I believe it is vital that this result in an end to measures that punish the civilian population.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“We have reason to believe that the de facto authorities in Gaza will respect the independence of United Nations programming in this regard. I appreciate the constructive role played by the Government of Turkey in facilitating this process. We will begin to operationalize this understanding as soon as possible, maintaining close contact and full transparency. It will be essential for all parties to respect the independence of the United Nation as we undertake this work. It is equally important to stress that the amount of material on the vessels in question, which includes medical and construction supplies, is comparatively modest in scale compared with the needs in Gaza. It is these needs which must be the focus of immediate action and the Council's attention. The flotilla crisis is the latest symptom of a failed policy.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“Consistent with the wish of this Council for the cargo to reach its destination, as expressed in the presidential statement of 1 June, and after consultations with the parties concerned, I wish to announce that the United Nations is ready to accept this responsibility on an exceptional basis. The United Nations has obtained 10-40544 the consent of the cargo owners of the three Turkish- registered vessels to take possession of and responsibility for the entire cargo and ensure its timely distribution in Gaza for humanitarian purposes, as determined by the United Nations. The Government of Israel has agreed to release the entire cargo to the United Nation in Gaza, again on the understanding that it is for the United Nations to determine its appropriate humanitarian use in Gaza.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“On 14 June, the Israeli Prime Minister announced the formation of a public commission to examine the flotilla incident, to be composed of three Israeli members and two international personalities, who will participate as observers. The Secretary-General has taken note of Israel's announcement and recognizes that a thorough Israeli investigation is important and could be consistent with the Secretary-General's own proposals for an international panel. The two combined would fully meet the international community's expectation for a credible and impartial investigation. The Secretary-General's proposal is not incompatible with domestic inquiries; in fact, the two approaches are complementary, so his proposal, accordingly, remains on the table.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“There continue to be reports of intentions to send further ships from several quarters to try to reach Gaza. I reiterate the Secretary-General's earlier comments that all parties should act responsibly and with caution to avoid any further incident. In its 1 June presidential statement (S/PRST/2010/9), this Council called for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards. The Secretary- General held consultations with the permanent members of the Security Council and a host of other concerned parties on the modalities for complying with the Council's call. In this context, he has proposed an international panel under the aegis of a third party seen as impartial and in which both Turkey and Israel actively participate. He has briefed the leadership of both Turkey and Israel.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“I reiterate the Secretary-General's regret over the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation, and his condemnation of the acts, which it now appears resulted in the deaths of nine civilians and injuries to at 2 least 30 others, together with seven soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). By 2 June, 682 detained civilians had been repatriated. Five Israeli citizens were questioned in Israeli custody and conditionally released between 1 and 3 June. The vessels remain in Israeli ports. A further vessel, the Rachel Corrie, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces as it sailed for Gaza on 5 June, without violence from any party, and was rerouted with its passengers and cargo to the Israeli port of Ashdod.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“Mr. Serry: At the outset, I wish to inform the Council that this briefing will focus mainly on developments relating to Gaza; the Secretariat will report fully on other developments in next month's briefing. Following the presidential statement of the Security Council on 1 June on the flotilla incident of 31 May (S/PRST/2010/9), the Secretary-General and I have been active in addressing the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, and we renew our urgings for a fundamentally different approach to Gaza, while underscoring United Nations support for all efforts to preserve and promote the broader political process. The Secretary-General has been in contact with a number of regional and world leaders, and I have been engaged on the ground, including with the parties and Quartet colleagues.”
2010-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6340 (2010) · source
“Equally, the process must be sustained by positive actions on the ground, including in Gaza and Jerusalem, and in the further empowerment of Palestinian State-building. The United Nations will continue to play its full role in such efforts, consistent with the resolutions of the Council.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“Efforts must continue to restart regional negotiations, and I take note of recent efforts by Israeli and Syrian leaders to convey messages of peace through international leaders. The situation in the occupied Syrian Golan remained stable, although settlement activity continued. In conclusion, after many setbacks and delays, we are entering a new phase in the efforts for Israeli- Palestinian peace. Those efforts have our strong support, and I am convinced of the united determination of the international community. But let us all realize that we do not have the luxury of time. There is distrust and scepticism among people on both sides; their leaders face multiple political challenges; and there are powerful elements who will seek to derail progress. Negotiations need to address the core issues and cannot be allowed to stagnate.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“In both instances, the situation was tense but contained. Israeli air violations have continued on an almost daily basis. On a number of days, there were over 30 violations, the majority of which were carried out by fighter jets. The search for Arab-Israeli peace must be comprehensive. We continue to value close engagement with Arab partners, which have a crucial role to play in supporting efforts on the Israeli- Palestinian track. Moreover, the Israeli-Syrian and the Israeli-Lebanese tracks, and indeed the framework provided by the Arab Peace Initiative, must be fully integrated into an overall effort for comprehensive peace, as recognized by the Quartet in Moscow.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“There is a shortfall of $209 million to cover the costs of rebuilding the camp. The situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon area of operations remained largely quiet. On 16 April, a local Member of Parliament led a demonstration in the village of Al-Abbassiye, and around 20 demonstrators, including journalists, crossed south of the Blue Line, where one person planted two Lebanese flags at the technical fence. The demonstration and the Blue Line violation took place in the area where, three days earlier, the IDF had carried out work north of the technical fence, but south of the Blue Line. No Blue Line violation had occurred during that work. A week later, on 23 April, demonstrators, led by the same Member of Parliament, crossed the Blue Line in the Shab'a area, in Violation of resolution 1701 (2006).”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“Lebanese officials, including President Sleiman and Prime Minister Hariri, Hizbullah leaders, and Syrian officials sharply denied these allegations. A number of Arab and European leaders actively engaged with all relevant parties to dispel the tension. Within Lebanon, leaders met to continue their discussions on the development of a national defence strategy in the forum of the national dialogue on 15 April. They will resume their deliberations on 3 June. Lebanon has also seen the successful conduct of the first two rounds of municipal elections on 2 and 9 May, which took place in an atmosphere of overall calm and stability and without security incidents. The next two rounds will take place on 23 May and 30 May. Concerning the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp, international support remains of great importance.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“10-36643 UNRWA also faces a financial crisis that threatens the sustainability of essential operations throughout the region, from employing teachers and providing medical care to improving precarious camp conditions for Palestine refugees. Even after scaling back requirements to critical levels, UNRWA's deficit today amounts to $90 million. I urge all those in a position to assist, in particular countries in the region, to provide additional support to UNRWA this year. While the situation pertaining to Lebanon has remained largely stable on the ground, allegations of arms transfers to Hizbullah created tension between Israel and Lebanon during the reporting period. Israeli officials have reiterated their concern over alleged transfers of sophisticated weaponry through the Syrian border.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“The United Nations also awaits an Israeli response to a $5-million plan to address some of the most basic humanitarian needs in education, shelter and water and sanitation in Area C. Let me also draw the Council's attention to certain funding concerns. Despite the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee's call on donors, only $380 million have so far been provided to the Palestinian Authority out of the $1.24 billion required for 2010. I urge increased support for the Palestinian Authority budget. Private sector growth is critical to sustainable economic growth, and in this regard I note that the second Palestine Investment Conference will take place on 2 and 3 June to facilitate and mobilize investment in Palestinian businesses, including in the tourism sector.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“The Palestinian Authority should also continue and intensify its ongoing security efforts, in accordance with the Road Map. On 25 April, Palestinian security forces seized hundreds of kilograms of explosives, ammunition and weapons from a number of Hamas arms caches in Nablus, and arrested some 35 individuals. President Abbas has also recommitted to combating any incidents of incitement. Looking ahead, and building on earlier steps, reduced Israeli incursions and the further removal of obstacles to movement - which currently stand at 505 - would be very positive. It is equally important that certain security and development steps by the Palestinian Authority are now permitted in Area C.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“By contrast, Israeli forces conducted a significantly increased number of incursions from the previous period, arresting 286 Palestinians and injuring 96 others. A militant was killed in an IDF operation on 26 April. Weekly demonstrations against the barrier continued, with Israeli security forces using live rounds, rubber-coated bullets and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Following recent amendments to a 1969 Israeli military order that originally authorized the deportation of infiltrators from countries hostile to Israel, there are continuing concerns regarding the number of Palestinians who may be affected by the broad and unspecific terms of the order. The United Nations is closely monitoring its impact and continuing to seek clarifications.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“Both parties have responsibilities to act to maintain a secure environment, and security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority continues to be an important enabler of improvements in the West Bank. However, there are also worrying trends, in particular a rise in settler violence. Two mosques were vandalized, one in an arson attack by unidentified assailants on 4 May in a village between Nablus and Ramallah. The Israeli authorities condemned these incidents and ordered investigations, but no one has yet been held accountable. Following stone-throwing at Israeli vehicles on 13 May, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was shot and killed by unknown assailants believed to be Israelis - an incident that must be fully investigated. I strongly urge Israel to do more to combat violence by settler extremists.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“In the remainder of the West Bank, no new tenders were issued or approvals given for construction of settler units during the reporting period, reflecting Israel's settlement restraint policy. Construction is ongoing due to approvals given prior to the restraint, or due to violations of the restraint policy by settlers. The Israeli Government is taking certain steps to address violations. The restraint is a step beyond previous Israeli positions and has not come without domestic challenges. We strongly urge that it be extended beyond September and expanded to cover all settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, and that action be taken in accordance with the Road Map to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“However, the Government continues to state its intention to build settlements in Jerusalem, and there is ongoing settlement activity. Construction in existing Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem - such as the start of work on 14 settler housing units within the Ras el-Amud neighbourhood - is particularly provocative. Marches by right-wing Israelis into East Jerusalem have also caused tensions, as have settler provocations and clashes in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem remain closed. I urge Israel to implement its Road Map obligations and respect international law in East Jerusalem. I stress the utmost importance of all parties showing restraint and responsibility in words and actions regarding Jerusalem.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“Within the Gaza Strip, we condemn the extrajudicial execution by Hamas of two Palestinian prisoners on 15 April and a further three executions carried out today without presidential authority. We call on Hamas not to carry out any further executions. Hamas demolished approximately 20 homes two days ago in Rafah, which it alleges were built illegally. 3 We are closely following developments on the ground in East Jerusalem. No demolition orders against Palestinian homes were implemented during the reporting period, despite official statements threatening further demolitions. No new settlements have been approved or tendered in East Jerusalem. Israel has also publicly stated that there will be no construction in the Ramat Shlomo settlement for two years.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“By contrast, international agencies and local contractors who wish to procure goods entering through legitimate crossings too often stand idle due to the Israeli closure. Yet, as we have seen with the recent imports of glass, restoring functioning market conditions is the way to meet needs, lower prices, combat smuggling and empower legitimate business activity. I wish to note that Egypt opened Rafah crossing on 13 May for six days to enable the movement of persons on humanitarian grounds. I also note that Egypt continues its important efforts to combat weapons smuggling, including by installing metal sheeting along its border with Gaza. This only redoubles the importance of goods being able to enter Gaza through the legitimate crossing points.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“Without new schools, UNRWA cannot meet a rapidly expanding demand for quality education for the next generation of Gazans. Thirdly, there are key construction needs in the health sector, along with needs for additional equipment. The Gaza power plant also requires a major servicing and the routine supply of spare parts to ensure continuous operation and a corresponding reduction in electricity cuts across the Strip. The first step in this regard will be to ensure that all material required for this servicing enters Gaza in the days ahead. Fourthly, a significant increase in both the quantity and range of commercial traffic through legitimate crossings is required to restore market conditions. At present, the flourishing illegitimate tunnel trade permits smugglers and militants to control commerce.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“The salinity of water available is reducing agricultural productivity, while raw sewage continues to flow at alarming levels into the sea - as bad for Gaza's neighbours as it is unacceptable for Gaza itself. The United Nations has already presented a full programme of the work required in this sector. In partnership with the independent water authority in 10-36643 Gaza, supported by the Palestinian Authority, we will seek discussion with Israel on its implementation. Secondly, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) needs to build 100 schools in Gaza, starting with at least 15 straight away. The student population in UNRWA schools will have increased by 15,000 above the classroom capacity since the imposition of the closure in June 2007.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source