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

“The United Nations, in close cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, is seeking larger and more strategic interventions to address needs in Gaza. These efforts enjoy strong support from Quartet and regional partners. We are in active dialogue with the Israeli authorities in pursuit of that objective. Defence Minister Barak confirmed to me last week that Israel will further engage the United Nations on the way ahead. I believe we must move forward with urgency on several fronts. First, major water and sanitation interventions cannot wait. The aquifer underlying Gaza is collapsing and is expected to be completely unusable within two years.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“The Tel el-Sultan water treatment project will be completed by the end of this month. Construction material began entering Gaza yesterday to begin the completion of 151 housing units at Khan Younis within 16 weeks. I received confirmation this morning that the essential wastewater treatment facility and pipeline at Khan Younis is now also fully approved. Two thousand four hundred and sixty-nine truckloads entered Gaza between 11 April and 8 May. That represents a modest increase over the previous period, and there was a wider variety of items allowed in. The entry of wood, aluminium and, in particular, glass into Gaza on the private market has enabled a range of minor repairs. However, import levels are still only about one quarter of pre-June 2007 levels. This can only be a beginning. Much more is needed.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“We call for access to, and the release of, Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit, who has been held in captivity for 47 months without third-party access. The resolution of this issue, and with it the release of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, would be 10-36643 in the overwhelming interest of both Israel and the people of Gaza. Above all, we stress the scale of the unmet needs of Gaza's civilian population after nearly three years of closure and the heavy damage of Operation Cast Lead, and we urge an end to the Israeli closure of the Strip. While the Israeli Government continues its existing policy, I welcome initial steps that have been taken to ease the impact of Israel's closure. The package agreed between the Government of Israel and the Secretary-General in March is being implemented.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“The United Nations is seeking to be a catalyst for such an approach on the ground, within the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009). We continue to condemn acts of indiscriminate or excessive violence and to urge calm. Militants fired 12 indiscriminate rockets towards Israel, causing no injuries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted 19 incursions and eight air strikes during the reporting period, injuring nine Palestinians and killing three. Seven Palestinians were killed and 13 injured in tunnel incidents under the border with Egypt. We continue to urge Palestinian unity on the basis of PLO principles. Despite recent efforts by independent Palestinian figures promoting reconciliation, Hamas continues to refuse the unity proposal that was mediated by Egypt and accepted by other Palestinian factions.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“We commend the United States on its readiness to play an active role in the process. Quartet members remain in close touch regarding the ongoing talks. While the issues are complex and sensitive, the goal of the effort under way is clear, as stated by the Quartet on 19 March in Moscow: the resolution of all core issues, an end to the 1967 occupation, and two States living side by side in peace and security. With the start of the proximity talks, it is vital that positive actions be taken on the ground to build confidence in both Gaza and the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. I turn first to Gaza, where the Secretary-General has repeatedly called for a different and more positive strategy.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“The leaders have displayed political courage in entering those negotiations. That courage will now be tested anew at the negotiating table, initially in proximity format, with a view to transitioning to direct talks as soon as possible. Both parties have made specific commitments and received certain assurances, which have enabled proximity talks to begin. Some of these remain confidential. These commitments must be respected, as must obligations under the Road Map and international law. We welcome United States President Obama's reaffirmation that both parties would be held accountable for actions that undermine trust during the talks. United States Envoy George Mitchell is currently in the region for a second round of proximity talks, following the first round in early May.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“Mr. Serry: At the outset, let me congratulate you, Sir, on Lebanon's presidency of the Security Council. Since the Council last met on this item, Israeli- Palestinian proximity talks, mediated by the United States, have officially commenced. The Secretary- General has been actively supporting the resumption of proximity talks, and the Quartet welcomed that development on 11 May. We commend President Abbas's continued commitment to the two-State solution and his readiness to participate in talks. We welcome the support provided by the Arab League ministers' meeting in Cairo on I May and from the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on 8 May. We also commend Prime Minister Netanyahu's adherence to the policy he laid out last year committing his Government to a negotiated two-State solution.”
2010-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6315 (2010) · source
“He remains committed to an end to the occupation and an end to the conflict, through the creation of a 09-65522 Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace and security, and comprehensive regional peace, in accordance with Security Council resolutions, previous agreements, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“If we cannot move forward towards a final status agreement, we risk sliding backwards, both with the Palestinian Authority and with the two-State solution itself imperilled. In my meeting with United States Special Envoy Mitchell in Washington earlier this week, I was reassured of President Obama's determination to work not only for the early resumption, but also for the early conclusion, of negotiations, as called for by the Quartet, as well as a comprehensive approach to peace. The Secretary-General believes that a revitalized Quartet must play its full role in urgently advancing a common agenda in the crucial few months ahead.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“The Cabinet also affirms its exclusive right to decide over war and peace, and envisages the extension of the Government's authority over all Lebanese territory. Following the parliamentary vote of confidence, Prime Minister Hariri paid his first official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before travelling to the climate change summit in Copenhagen, where he met with the Secretary-General. President Sleiman undertook a trip to the United States, where he reiterated Lebanon's commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has remained quiet. However, air violations have continued on an almost daily basis. In conclusion, in recent briefings we have warned of the danger of a political vacuum.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“A further reading is required, but if passed this bill could make any future territorial return more complex. Turning to Lebanon, on 10 December, and following a three-day debate, Lebanon's Parliament formally expressed its confidence in Prime Minister Hariri's Government, which has now officially assumed its functions. The vote of confidence saw 122 out of a total of 128 members of Parliament express their support. The parliamentary vote followed the adoption by the Council of Ministers on 2 December of the new Government's Ministerial Statement, which outlines the Cabinet's programme of work. In the Ministerial Statement, the new Government of Lebanon affirms its commitment to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) "in all its aspects".”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“In addition to my regular consultations with the Israeli Government, I visited Syria on 9 December to discuss the prospects for a resumption of the Israeli- Syrian track. Important work has been done on this file in previous efforts, including under Turkish auspices during 2008, and this progress should be built upon. We support all efforts in this regard as part of our commitment to a comprehensive regional peace. On the ground, the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan remains stable, although settlement activity continues. I draw to the Council's attention the fact that a Knesset bill requiring a certain majority of Knesset members, or a referendum, to approve the 09-65522 return of any territory in the Golan Heights or East Jerusalem passed its second reading on 9 December.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“The great majority of the 750 students seeking to leave Gaza to study abroad remain in Gaza. Within Gaza, there have been new measures imposed by Hamas on Gazans trying to pass through the Erez crossing into Israel. Civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations have been the targets of what appear to be politically motivated burglaries for which no culprits have been held responsible, despite the total security control of the de facto authorities. We take note that on 26 November, 150 prisoners from all political factions were released in Gaza on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha holiday. As the de facto authorities on the ground, Hamas must act with responsibility towards the population. Hamas should also work more constructively under Egyptian auspices, on the basis of Egypt's proposal for national reconciliation.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Ten rockets and mortars were fired by Palestinian militants towards Israel, although there were no reports of injuries or damage. Four alleged Palestinian militants were injured by an Israeli air strike on 27 November, and a Palestinian man died on 12 December after being shot by Israeli forces near the border area. Despite these worrying incidents, it is our assessment that neither side is seeking escalation. There are possibilities for a sustained calm if wisdom and restraint prevail. Efforts continue to secure the release of Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit, along with a number of the more than 9,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and as the United Nations we continue to be supportive of these efforts with all concerned. We urge both Israel and Hamas not to miss the current opportunity and resolve this issue.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“The blockade is unacceptable and counterproductive, and must end. Normal economic life must be restored for the civilian population, half of which is under the age of 18. I do not overlook legitimate Israeli concerns regarding the situation in Gaza. We continue to be concerned at reports of the continued smuggling of weapons into the Gaza strip. According to the Israeli authorities, an S-SK rocket was fired on 5 December. We continue to note the efforts of Egypt to increase security along the border, including seizing a truck loaded with a ton of explosives on 23 November, the installation of sensor equipment, and actions taken to close down tunnels. During the reporting period, however, Violence was at a comparatively restrained level.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Beyond immediate humanitarian needs and measures for the winter, I regret that the Israeli authorities have not provided a satisfactory response to the United Nations proposal to complete stalled projects of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and United Nations Development Programme for housing, schools and health facilities. On a recent Visit to Gaza, I visited one of these projects. It is painful to see a project that is 70 per cent complete and needs only the remaining materials to be completed to provide housing for several hundred families. The Gaza business community expressed its frustration that legitimate commerce has been destroyed by the blockade. Smugglers and militants control commodities flowing through tunnels, with attendant revenues reaching Hamas.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“The lack of fuel for the Gaza power plant and a shortage of materials to repair damaged electricity infrastructure leave the majority of the population of Gaza subject to rolling electricity blackouts. It is essential that Israel increase the quantity and quality of supplies through the crossings, including to meet urgent winter needs in accordance with United Nations requests. Discussions on this issue are ongoing with the Israeli authorities, and we hope that approval followed by swift entry of winterization materials will take place in the coming days.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“A different approach is needed to the situation in Gaza, grounded in resolution 1860 (2009). During the reporting period, imports were at approximately a quarter of the level prior to the imposition of the blockade after the Hamas takeover in mid-2007, which 3 represents a decline on the last reporting period. Food and hygiene items continue to constitute the vast bulk of goods allowed into the Strip, although there was an increase in the amount of cooking gas allowed in. The Gaza Strip remains closed to exports of its agricultural products, with the exception of one truckload of flowers allowed out of the Strip during this reporting period.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“On 1 December, pursuant to an order of the Israeli court, a group of armed Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli security forces entered and took control of part of a Palestinian home in Sheikh Jarrah, claiming ownership of the building. The United Nations efforts to persuade the Israeli authorities to apply a moratorium on demolitions and evictions and to cease installing settlers in Palestinian neighbourhoods have so far not been heeded. I have taken careful note of reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu has appointed a focal point to oversee decisions on these matters. I hope that this step signals an intention for Israel to take this issue in hand in a positive manner. Jerusalem remains a final status issue, and a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two States.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Israel continues to fall short in imposing the rule of law on such Violent extremists, and this issue must be addressed. I welcome the strong condemnation of the mosque attack by the Israeli Government and I urge the authorities to seek out those responsible for this incident, along with other such acts of Violence, and bring them to justice. The situation in Jerusalem remains tense and makes prospects for successful negotiations more difficult. Palestinian institutions remain closed, contrary to the Road Map. There are concerning reports of increased revocation of the identity cards of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. Provocative actions continue in sensitive neighbourhoods such as Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah, where many properties remain under threat of demolition.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Palestinian, Israeli and foreign protesters continued demonstrating against the barrier built in occupied territory contrary to the advisory opinion of 09-65522 the International Court of Justice, mostly in Nil'in and Bil'in villages, and there have been clashes with Israeli security forces. Settler attacks against Palestinian civilians, property and places of worship have continued, some in the context of the so-called price tag policy to protest the Israeli Government's settlement restraint announcement. There were 33 violent incidents between settlers and Palestinians. Tensions further increased on 10 December, when a group of settlers set fire to the mosque in Yassuf Village, in a deplorable desecration of a place of worship.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Israel needs to build on previous steps in the economic and security fields with a range of further measures, including a reduction of incursions into Palestinian areas, facilitation of Palestinian development in Area C, and a further easing of closures, which currently number approximately 575 obstacles to movement across the West Bank. Citing security concerns, Israeli forces arrested 172 Palestinians and injured 27 others in 64 operations in the West Bank, and two explosive devices were defused near the settlement of Beit E1 on 3 December. Six members of the Israeli security forces were injured.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“I underscore the full political and programme support of the United Nations for the Palestinian Authority's agenda, and I was pleased to welcome Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad to participate in the United Nations country team retreat in Bethlehem to plan United Nations activities for 2010. Palestinian security forces have continued exercising their important security responsibilities, often at risk. On 26 November, the residence and vehicle of the Deputy Mayor of Nablus were riddled with bullets by unknown assailants. A fifth battalion of newly trained Palestinian security forces is due to be deployed in a West Bank city before the end of the year.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“The PLO Central Council resolved to meet again in 2010, and we continue to hope that it will be possible to hold free and fair elections throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. President Abbas has indicated his readiness to continue to serve until elections, and restated his commitment to a negotiated two-State solution and his rejection of violence. He has called for a full Israeli settlement freeze in accordance with the Road Map in order to resume negotiations. Significant and urgent improvements on the ground are needed if the two-State agenda is to be sustained and advanced. The Palestinian Authority must continue its efforts to meet its Road Map obligations, and Israeli-Palestinian cooperation to enable security and economic performance must be further developed.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Settlement activity is illegal under international law and unilateral actions on the ground prejudicing final status issues will not be recognized by the international community. On the Palestinian side, the inability to hold elections decreed for 25 January 2010 has further deepened the internal crisis. This has presented new challenges for the institutions of the Palestinian Authority, in a context where President Abbas has confirmed his decision not to stand in any future elections. In that extraordinary situation, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Central Council 09-65522 convened on 15 and 16 December and resolved that the terms of the Palestinian Authority presidency and the Legislative Council should be extended until elections can be held, as soon as possible in 2010.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“In addition, on 13 December the Cabinet granted additional budget allocations to some 110,000 settlers, many living in isolated settlements deep in the West Bank. The policy announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu is a step beyond previous Israeli Government positions and has not come without domestic political challenges. We will follow closely the impact of the decision on the ground, and it must be hoped that it contributes to forward movement. However, particularly as regards East Jerusalem, the policy falls considerably short of Israel's commitments under the Road Map to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001. I reiterate the Secretary-General's and the Quartet's calls on Israel to implement its Road Map obligations.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“On 26 November, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel would restrain certain settlement activity by temporarily freezing new construction permits and starts for a period of 10 months. Prime Minister Netanyahu described the decision as designed to "encourage resumption of peace talks with our Palestinian neighbours". Teams of Israeli inspectors have been visiting settlements to ensure compliance with the Cabinet decision, facing protests from settler groups. Under the terms of the announcement, construction already under way on over 3,000 units and on public buildings will continue, as evidenced by the approval of a further 28 public buildings in settlements. The restraint does not apply to settlement activity in the Israeli-determined municipal boundaries of East Jerusalem.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Israel must do more in that regard, by implementing Road Map commitments, including on settlements, easing measures which stifle the Palestinians, and being prepared unambiguously to negotiate and resolve all core issues in a fixed time frame, including Jerusalem. The Palestinians need to play their part, too, by engaging constructively on efforts to bring about resumed negotiations in earnest and continuing to advance their important State-building project. The situation in Gaza needs to be addressed with an end to the blockade and a period of calm and responsible steps 2 from all concerned. The region and the Quartet need to work together, without delay and with united purpose, to support that agenda over the crucial months ahead.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Mr. Serry: As 2009 draws to a close, Israeli- Palestinian negotiations are yet to resume, confidence between the parties remains low, facts continue to be created on the ground, tensions persist in Jerusalem, and the actions of both Hamas and Israel are not contributing to the stability and welfare of Gaza. Even the genuine progress taking place in parts of the West Bank runs in parallel with negative trends. We are in a race against time to overcome the contradictions on the ground and the crisis of confidence between the parties, and move decisively towards a political endgame.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“There is an important opportunity to lay the basis for progress as leaders gather for the general debate of the General Assembly next week, and Quartet principals will meet on 24 September. Above all, the parties must take responsibility and seize this opportunity. Now is the time to make the commitments necessary to relaunch negotiations and to see them through to a two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“On 11 September, UNIFIL shared with the parties the report on the investigation into the Khirbat Salim incident. Israeli air violations continued on a daily basis. I am in close touch with my Quartet colleagues regarding the efforts to create conditions for resumed negotiations and to secure the commitments required under the Road Map; the important State-building efforts of the Palestinian Authority; the unsustainable situation in Gaza, including the efforts of the United Nations to begin civilian reconstruction; and the broader regional dimensions. There is unity of purpose on all those issues, as well as a determination to focus all political energies on conflict resolution in the crucial few years ahead.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“Hariri as Prime Minister-designate and tasked him with forming a Government. The Secretary-General hopes that the Lebanese will continue working towards the goal of a unity Cabinet. Allow me to add that it is important to form a Government speedily in order to ensure that the gains towards stability in Lebanon achieved through the elections are not eroded by a prolongation of the current political stalemate. With regard to southern Lebanon, on 11 September two rockets were launched against Israel 09-51668 from the area of Al-Qulaylah. Israel retaliated by firing 12 artillery shells. The firing of the rockets constituted a clear violation of resolution 1701 (2006). The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese Armed Forces have intensified joint operational activities.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“The mission was tasked to "investigate all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law that might have been committed at any time in the context of the military operations that were conducted in Gaza during the period from 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009, whether before, during or after". The report will be formally presented to the Human Rights Council on 29 September. I now turn briefly to Lebanon. Three months after the 7 June parliamentary elections, efforts to form a Government reached a new standstill on 10 September, when Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down after the opposition had rejected his Cabinet proposal. On 14 and 15 September, President Sleiman conducted a new round of consultations with all parliamentary blocs. As a result of those consultations, he reappointed Mr.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“Some 80 million litres of untreated and partially treated sewage are discharged into the sea daily, with potentially grave public health and environmental consequences for Gaza, southern Israel and Egypt. The approvals given for the three United Nations projects, as well as that given to the World Bank for work on a sewage project in northern Gaza, can be only a beginning. A 09-51668 considerable scaling-up will be required if urgent water and sanitation needs are to be met. Finally, the report of the fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict, mandated by the Human Rights Council and headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, was released on 15 September.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“The Government cites the continued detention of Gilad Shalit as the key obstacle to allowing even limited civilian reconstruction. I reiterate our appeal to the Government of Israel to allow without delay the entry of material into Gaza in order to make a meaningful start in addressing the massive civilian recovery needs. More positively, Israel has announced the approval of three United Nations water and sanitation projects, drawn from a list proposed to the previous Israeli Government some 15 months ago by the Secretary-General. As highlighted in a recent report of the United Nations Environment Programme, underground water supplies in Gaza - upon which 1.5 million Palestinians depend for agriculture and drinking water - are in danger of collapse.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“The proposal is fully supported by the Palestinian Authority and the Quartet. I have had extensive and constructive high- level discussions with the Israeli Government on the proposal. A United Nations working-level negotiating team, comprising the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, has had constant and positive dialogue with Israeli officials on the technical details, including United Nations monitoring and verification procedures. The United Nations has left no reasonable stone unturned in this matter. However, I must inform the Council that we have not received a positive response from Israel. That is deeply regrettable.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“As stressed in a recent report of the Humanitarian Coordinator, immediate humanitarian needs include agricultural inputs, water and sanitation equipment, material for shelter repair and educational material. The urgent entry of those items must be facilitated by the Israeli authorities. The longer-term consequences of the blockade are deeply worrying in terms of deteriorating public infrastructure, environmental degradation, the destruction of livelihoods and the incubation of despair and frustration among a population half of which is made up of children. As the Council is aware, in early June the Secretary-General presented Israel with a proposal for United Nations-led civilian reconstruction activities in Gaza, beginning with suspended projects comprising housing, medical clinics and schools.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“Hamas reportedly arrested some 160 supporters of the radical group Jund Ansar Allah in the last days of August, after explosives had been laid near a key Hamas security installation; some have recently been released. Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit remains in captivity after almost 39 months. We continue to call for access to be granted to him, as well as for his release. Discussions are continuing with a view to securing his release and that of a number of the nearly 10,000 Palestinians currently in detention in Israel. Owing to Israel's blockade, no Palestinian exports were permitted during the reporting period and there has been no significant improvement in the inadequate levels of access reported in previous briefings. Food and medical supplies make up the bulk of imports.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“During the reporting period, two rockets and 11 mortars were fired from Gaza and there were 18 IDF shallow incursions and three air strikes, as well as several incidents in which the IDF opened fire on Palestinian fishermen. Six Palestinians were killed - two of them children - and 16 injured, while one IDF soldier was injured by a mortar. We continue to call for an end to violence and for full respect for international law by all parties. We note with grave concern that, according to a statement by Hamas leader Khaled Mashal on 10 September, Hamas continues to buy and manufacture weapons and to smuggle them into Gaza. Extreme radical groups are also active in Gaza.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“We 3 reiterate our call for the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank, as called for by the Quartet, and urge all factions to engage positively in internal dialogue under Egyptian auspices. The situation in Gaza remains unsustainable and not in the interests of anyone concerned. Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) contains the elements of a more strategic approach, but key elements remain unfulfilled. As efforts are made to relaunch a meaningful political process, the situation in Gaza cannot be left to further deteriorate and unravel. There is an uneasy informal calm, but it is inherently fragile, and violent incidents continue.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“On 26 August, the Palestinian National Council - the PLO's legislative body - met in Ramallah. It was the first such meeting since 1988. Six new members were elected to the PLO Executive Committee. President Abbas has indicated his intention, in accordance with Palestinian law, to decree that presidential and legislative elections be held in the West Bank and Gaza upon the expiry of the term of the current Palestinian Legislative Council, in January 2010. Hamas has, however, stated that it will not permit the holding of elections in Gaza before an agreement on national unity is reached. On 10 September, building on seven rounds of dialogue since the early months of this year, Egypt presented a comprehensive proposal to resolve the outstanding issues dividing the Palestinians, based on the holding of elections in the first half of 2010.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“In that context, we remain concerned that Israel has not approved the minimum required frequency for the Wataniya mobile telephone operator, which would allow commercial viability. That is essential for the Palestinian economy and for PA revenues. The Palestinian Authority has continued its reform and fiscal stimulus efforts. The economy grew by 5.4 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 as compared with the same period in 2008. However, shortfalls persist in meeting recurrent budgetary needs. Timely donor support is vital in order to maintain the liquidity of the Palestinian Authority, to help it avoid borrowing from domestic banks and to enable it to sustain its reform agenda. There have also been important political steps on the Palestinian side under the leadership of President Abbas.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“However, Israeli 09-51668 Government steps to ease closure measures reported in recent briefings have resulted in a qualitative improvement in movement and access. During the reporting period, Israel eased the operation of a checkpoint, which should improve access to the Jordan Valley. Yesterday, Israel announced that it would begin the removal of 100 earth mounds in several West Bank cities. United Nations staff have witnessed actions being taken in that regard, although most of those obstacles are not included in the official United Nations count. We strongly encourage the Government of Israel to build on those positive steps with more far-reaching measures consistent with its policy of facilitating increased movement and economic activity.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“The trend of reduced Israeli military operations evident since June 2009 continued. However, between 20 August and 15 September, 50 Palestinians were injured and three were killed in actions by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the West Bank, among them a 15 year-old boy. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recorded 35 settler attacks on Palestinians, some of which occurred in the context of the so-called price-tag policy, whereby settlers attack Palestinian communities to resist any attempts to remove settlement outposts. Overall, OCHA reports that 619 obstacles to movement remain in place in the West Bank, including 69 permanently staffed checkpoints.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“As I indicated in my introduction, on 25 August the Palestinian Authority announced its agenda to complete, within the coming two years, the building of institutions of a State apparatus in order to form the basis for the creation of an internationally recognized Palestinian State. That agenda of self-empowerment, which is reflected in concrete security and economic improvements on the ground and more ambitious plans for the period ahead, will be a powerful complement to a renewed political process. It must be enabled and supported. The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting to be held here in New York on 22 September will be an opportunity for renewed commitment in that regard. During the reporting period, the Palestinian Authority continued to ensure law and order in West Bank cities and towns.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“We hope that countries in the region stand ready to take positive steps towards Israel if indeed negotiations resume based on the implementation of Road Map obligations. We also strongly re-emphasize the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence throughout the region through the conclusion of peace agreements between Israel and Syria and Israel and Lebanon on the basis of Security Council resolutions, in a manner that is mutually reinforcing of efforts to establish the State of Palestine. In addition, we would urge intensified support to the Palestinian Authority as a point of common regional action.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“Moreover, on 8 September, the Israel Lands Administration accepted bids for the construction of 486 apartments in the settlement of Pisgat Ze'ev, in East Jerusalem. The Secretary-General issued a statement on 9September stressing the illegality of settlement activity and calling on Israel to implement its obligations under the Road Map to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle 09-51668 outposts erected since March 2001, as called for by the Quartet. We also reiterate the Quartet's call for the cessation of provocative actions in Jerusalem, including demolitions and evictions. Members of the Council will recall the Quartet's support for dialogue among all States in the region in the spirit of the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“We believe that any resumed negotiations should build on that work, that robust third-party support will be helpful to the parties and that the end goal of a two- State solution based on the 1967 lines and the resolution of all core issues can, and must, emerge quickly and meaningfully. But for negotiations to be enabled, it is critical that the parties commit to, and implement, their Road Map obligations. In that regard, continued Israeli settlement activity remains a source of deep concern. In addition to ongoing construction, on 7 September, Israeli Defence Minister Barak authorized the construction of a further 455 housing units in several settlements in the West Bank, including around Jerusalem and in the Jordan Valley.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“The failure to do so, I believe, would deepen the conflict to a point from which it will be very difficult to recover, with profound and lasting consequences. That is why the current moment is so important, and why all parties must cease finding excuses and rise to their responsibilities. United States Special Envoy George Mitchell is in the region as part of continuing efforts towards the early resumption and conclusion of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Those efforts are at a critical stage and have our strong support. We take this opportunity to remind the Council of the commitments made to the Quartet by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in November 2008, which formed the basis of Security Council resolution 1850 (2008).”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source
“We have a player ready to meet its responsibilities, determined to insist on its rights and desperately in need of support and enablement - from Israel, from the region and from the world. The Palestinian Government is resolved to complete preparations for statehood in less than two 2 years. I am convinced that they can do it, if indeed they have not already. In a few short years from now, any one of our national teams could play soccer against Palestine, not in area A of the Palestinian Authority but in a contiguous State of Palestine that is a full and sovereign State Member of the United Nations living side by side with the State of Israel in peace. We all know that there are obstacles to this goal, and they can at times seem overwhelming. But it can be achieved, and it simply must be.”
2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source