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

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“The reopening of crossings for humanitarian relief and commercial flows, with the presence of the Palestinian Authority, will also be crucial if any calm is to be 5 sustained. A calming and easing of the situation in and around Gaza is essential for genuine progress in both the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and in reuniting the West Bank and Gaza within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. For those reasons, I am actively engaged in supporting a more positive strategy on Gaza. Secondly, progress must be intensified on the Annapolis track, both in the political negotiations and in action on the ground, notwithstanding the domestic challenges on both sides. We continue to press and support the parties to intensify cooperation on these issues and meet Road Map commitments.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“In contrast with developments in Beirut, the situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remained generally quiet during the past month. During the days of conflict in Beirut and other parts of the country, the Lebanese Armed Forces continued all their operational activities, and UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces continued to coordinate their operations as usual, without interruption. This has been an extensive briefing, but, even by the standards of the region, it has been an event-filled month. I wish to conclude with three observations. First, Egyptian efforts to achieve a calming of violence in and around Gaza are extremely important, and the United Nations strongly supports those efforts.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“The Secretary-General also expressed his hope that the agreement would be the prelude to a lasting period of national reconciliation, political stability, peace and progress for the Lebanese and a stepping stone towards the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. Both the Doha and Beirut agreements emphasized the fundamental importance of reinforcing the authority of the Lebanese State over all of Lebanon. The Secretary-General supports the dialogue in that regard, to be continued under the chairmanship of President Suleiman, who was elected on 25 May 2008. He also welcomes in particular the stated commitment of the parties to reject the use of weapons or violence for achieving political gains.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Through the intense efforts of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, the Lebanese leaders reached an understanding on 21 May regarding the formation of a national unity government and certain aspects of a new electoral law. The Secretary-General welcomed the agreement and expressed his appreciation for the crucial diplomatic efforts of Qatar in assisting the Lebanese leaders to reach agreement on key issues.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Shortly afterwards, the Arab committee announced an inter-Lebanese understanding that called for calm on the streets and the withdrawal of all armed elements. The Beirut agreement also called for a Lebanese national dialogue to begin the following day in Doha, aimed at seeking consensus on the issues of a national unity Government 08-35444 and certain aspects of a new electoral law, thereby enabling the election of a President of the Republic. Lebanese political leaders travelled to Doha on 16 May.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Heavy fighting also occurred in the Chouf mountains, where reports indicated the use of rocket fire and heavy artillery. Throughout that period, the United Nations remained in close contact with all parties aiming at containing the violence. Hostilities continued until 14 May, by which time approximately 69 people had been killed and over 180 injured. On 14 May, a ministerial committee of Arab Foreign Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr Al-Thani, and by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Amr Moussa, travelled to Lebanon. The committee held discussions with the parties aimed at ending the immediate crisis. On 15 May, the Cabinet rescinded its decision of 6 May.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“On 6 May, the Lebanese Cabinet declared Hizbullah's exclusive telecommunications network illegal and unconstitutional and announced the dismissal of the chief of security of the Beirut international airport. In protest, Hizbullah closed all roads leading to and from Beirut airport and other principal roads in parts of the capital. That led to the cancellation of all flights to and from Beirut airport, bringing the country to an effective standstill. Hizbullah stated that its actions would continue until the Government rescinded both decisions. Later that day, exchanges of fire between members of the opposition and pro-Government forces took place throughout several districts of Beirut. The violence soon escalated and spread to other parts of the country, including several areas of the Bekaa valley, Tripoli and northern Lebanon.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“This significant announcement comes after nearly two years of indirect contacts under Turkish auspices. The Secretary-General has warmly commended President Al-Assad and Prime Minister Olmert, as well as Prime Minster Erdogan, for their efforts. We welcome the important possibilities opened by these 08-35444 negotiations and hope that they yield progress on this important track of the peace process. Turning to Lebanon, recent events in that country have been just short of tumultuous. Within the space of a few weeks, we have witnessed both the ruinous effects of sectarian violence and hope and optimism following the agreement of the Lebanese leaders in Qatar on 21 May. In the two weeks preceding the 21 May agreement, Lebanon was hostage to instability and violence.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“That effort is continuing through Egyptian contacts with representatives of Hamas and other groups in Gaza, and with the Israeli and Palestinian Governments. We strongly urge all parties to work constructively with Egypt in that vital effort. I now turn to the Israel-Syria track. On 21 May, the Governments of Israel, Syria and Turkey issued simultaneous statements, confirming that Israel and Syria have started indirect peace talks under the auspices of Turkey. The two sides stated their intention to conduct those talks in good faith and with open minds. They decided to pursue the dialogue between them in a serious and continuous way, in order to achieve the goal of a comprehensive peace in accordance with the Madrid Conference terms of reference for peace.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“The International Committee of the Red Cross has still not been provided access to Corporal Shalit. The United Nations has repeatedly made clear our concern that the situation in and around Gaza is unsustainable, and we have called for a different and more positive strategy for Gaza. In London, the Quartet threw its weight behind a new strategy for Gaza that would provide security for all Gazans, end all acts of terror, provide for the controlled and sustained opening of the Gaza crossings for humanitarian reasons and commercial flows, support the legitimate Palestinian Authority Government and work towards conditions that would permit implementation of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access. We therefore commend and support the Egyptian efforts now under way to calm the violence and ease the situation on the ground.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“No exports have left Gaza for five months, and only 77 trucks left during the six months before that. The Rafah crossing to Egypt opened on an exceptional basis between 10 and 12 May, to allow 140 of 1,700 patients seeking medical treatment and about 750 students and others to cross into Egypt. Some 550 Gaza residents also crossed back into Gaza from Egypt. Meanwhile, Palestinian institutions in Gaza are being increasingly separated from the Palestinian Authority itself, and Hamas-Fatah tensions are increasingly evident. In addition, Salafist elements are suspected of attacks on cafes and other institutions associated with Christians in Gaza during the reporting period. In addition, no agreement has been reached on securing the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit or of Palestinian prisoners.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Meanwhile, although 70 per cent of the amount of industrial fuel needs for the Gaza power plant entered Gaza during the reporting period, the power plant shut down entirely for two days on 10 May due to the sporadic nature of import and delivery. Almost all Gazans face significant interruptions in their access to water, due to a lack of fuel and spare parts. Up to 80 million litres of raw and partially treated sewage continue to be discarded into the Mediterranean Sea every day. An estimated 600 tons of rubbish accumulates in the streets every day, with attendant health risks. In May, the catch by fishermen was 50 per cent of what it was in the same month last year. Meat shortages have been compounded by the destruction of two chicken farms on 17 May during IDF operations.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Humanitarian conditions for the 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip are increasingly grave. Those people are caught between the closure of crossings due to militant attacks and Israeli measures amounting to collective punishment. Approximately 5 per cent of the weekly average of petrol and 16 per cent of the weekly average of diesel entering Gaza prior to June 2007 were delivered during the reporting period, leading to a virtual cessation of vehicular traffic and a cessation of some of the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, including food distribution, for four working days.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“One hundred and ninety-one rockets and at least 183 mortars have been fired from Gaza at Israeli civilian targets or at crossing points since the Council was last briefed. These attacks are sometimes launched from civilian areas. Concerns continue to be expressed over alleged smuggling. On 3 14 May, a longer-range rocket hit a shopping mall in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, wounding dozens of civilians. IDF operations, including land incursions and air attacks, also continued throughout the reporting period. While we acknowledge Israel's legitimate security concerns, we deeply deplore the killing and injuring of civilians in some of these operations. The IDF must seek to exercise maximum restraint and to comply with international law, so as not to endanger civilians.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Attacks on the Nahal Oz fuel terminal have played a significant part in the fuel crisis in the Strip. The Erez crossing, through which aid workers and urgent medical cases must pass, was closed until yesterday after a suicide bombing attack on 22 May, involving four tons of explosives in a truck and causing significant structural damage to the Erez terminal. The blast also damaged electricity lines between Gaza and Israel, causing a complete loss of electricity for six days to northern parts of Gaza. Kerem Shalom, the main crossing for goods into Gaza, has remained closed since an attack on it on 19 April. We condemn the firing of indiscriminate rockets from Gaza into Israel.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“I now turn to Gaza and southern Israel, where the complex political, security, human rights and humanitarian crisis has deepened this past month. In total, four Israeli civilians were killed by Palestinian militants and at least 30 were injured during the reporting period. In total, 50 Palestinians, at least 18 of whom were civilians, among them 11 children, were killed during IDF operations during the reporting period, the great majority in Gaza. Two hundred and seven Palestinians were injured, including at least 22 children. We condemn attacks by Hamas and other militant groups on Gaza crossing points. These attacks are also totally contrary to the interests of the civilian population of the Strip and run counter to all efforts to help them.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“We also note with concern a rising number of incidents 08-35444 of settler violence and insufficient signs of law and order being imposed on settlers. Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem remain closed by Israeli order, despite Road Map commitments. Hundreds of demolition orders remain pending against Palestinian structures in East Jerusalem, along with some 3,000 further orders in the remainder of the West Bank. The Government of Israel has undertaken to review these as part of Quartet Representative Blair's package. Construction on the barrier continued Within occupied Palestinian territory, in deviation from the Green Line and contrary to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Further steps are vital, with the number of obstacles to movement in the West Bank now standing at over 600. We also note that Israel has announced the issuance of 5,000 special permits for Palestinian workers in Israel. On 2 May, the Quartet expressed its deep concern at continuing settlement activity and called on Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001, as required by the Road Map. However, construction continues in a majority of settlements, as does the building of settlement infrastructure in East Jerusalem and throughout the West Bank. This activity is contrary to international law and Security Council resolutions.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“In this context, we note that Israel has approved the reopening of 20 Palestinian police stations. However, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) incursions have continued in the West Bank, including in areas where Palestinian security forces are deployed. Additionally, Israel has not consented to the delivery of certain equipment for the Palestinian security forces. Easing of movement and access remains an essential precondition for Palestinian economic revival. In this regard, the removal of two roadblocks in the southern West Bank and one in the Qalqiliya area should have a significant impact on commercial activity. Intentions to remove other obstacles will be subject to a security assessment, and five others are to be upgraded to facilitate improved movement.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“As stressed by the Quartet, much more remains to be done to improve conditions, implement recent commitments and fulfil Road Map obligations. Some steps have been taken. For instance, Palestinian security forces have continued efforts to disarm and arrest militants. They seized a cache of illegal weapons and explosives in Bethlehem and, on 3 May, some 500 security personnel, mostly trained and equipped in Jordan with the assistance of the United States Security Coordinator, were deployed in and around Jenin. A European Union (EU) conference to support measures in the civil security andjustice sector is scheduled for 24 June in Berlin. Continued Palestinian efforts to meet its Road Map commitments on security need encouragement and support from all parties.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Prime Minister Fayyad announced that investors pledged $1.4 billion for Palestinian business projects, including for major housing projects in the West Bank. Israel was supportive of the conference and issued more than 500 visas and permits to foreign investors, some from countries having no diplomatic relations with Israel. On 13 May, Quartet Representative Tony Blair announced a package of measures coordinated with the parties to stimulate economic development, ease movement and access restrictions, develop the 60 per cent of the West Bank in Area C and build Palestinian 08-35444 security capability and performance. The package also included measures to establish an economic and security zone around Jenin, which if successful could be replicated elsewhere. These various measures hold promise, but action on the ground remains the key.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“We welcome the additional budget support to the Palestinian Authority from Arab countries and note that further donor support, particularly from the region, will be vital to address a $600 million budget shortfall. The United Nations plans to host the next meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on the margins of the General Assembly in September. The Palestinian Authority has finalized its 2008- 2010 reform and development plan and has begun implementing nearly 200 development projects worth $250 million. A further 226 projects were recently approved by the Government. A Palestine investment conference to attract private sector investment was held in Bethlehem from 21 to 23 May. Hundreds of foreign representatives and Palestinian businesses, including from Gaza, attended.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“United States Secretary of State Rice visited the region immediately after that meeting to push the Annapolis process forward, and United States President Bush underlined his support for the process during a subsequent trip. The Quartet also emphasized the importance of tangible and visible progress on the ground to build confidence and create an atmosphere supportive of negotiations. In the economic sphere, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting, also on 2 May, stressed that Israel must enable Palestinian reform and economic revival; the Palestinians must continue their reform efforts; and regional and international players need to continue to provide concrete support.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“At the same time, they all remain fragile. Underlying sources of tension must still be addressed through further political progress and action on the ground. Nowhere is this more urgent than on the Israeli-Palestinian track, to which I now first turn. The confidential bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians are ongoing. Comprehensive discussions are under way, and the parties remain committed to the process. At the same time, it appears that important gaps remain to be overcome. When the Quartet met on 2 May in London, it stressed its continuing encouragement and support for the goal of reaching a peace treaty this year.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“Mr. Serry: There have been a number of important political developments in the Middle East this month. The start of indirect Israeli-Syrian peace negotiations has been announced. Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are continuing. There have been new pledges of investment in the Palestinian economy and new measures announced to improve conditions on the ground in the West Bank. Egyptian-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza are ongoing. In Lebanon, an Arab League initiative led by Qatar has produced agreement to unblock an 18-month political impasse. The active roles that regional countries are playing in addressing the region's issues are commendable and deserve our support. Not least thanks to them, there are now various processes under way that have the potential to lastingly change the conflict-fraught face of the Middle East.”
2008-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5899 (2008) · source
“The goal must be an end to the occupation that began in 1967, the coexistence in peace and security of the State of Israel and the State of Palestine and a comprehensive regional peace, in fulfilment of resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“08-2520] But the Annapolis process can be sustained only by real changes on the ground. First, a major intensification of efforts in the West Bank is required, including more substantial and urgent Israeli actions and continued and intensified efforts by the Palestinian Authority, in accordance with phase I of the Road Map. Secondly, we believe a different and more positive strategy for Gaza is a humanitarian, security and strategic imperative, for Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, and we welcome the united engagement of the Quartet on this issue. We will continue to remind all parties of the framework of international law and to work closely with Quartet partners, countries of the region and the Council towards implementation of the Road Map.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“In southern Israel, communities that believed Israel's disengagement from Gaza would bring security face daily rocket attacks, while Israelis generally continue to believe that they must primarily rely on Israeli security measures for their safety. In the region, there is a growing sense of disquiet about the state of the political process. I applaud the sense of responsibility and indeed political courage that Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas have shown in re-embarking on the political process despite public scepticism and many anxieties. The Annapolis process needs to proceed, and it needs support. The international community should do everything it can to ensure that the parties move ahead in the bilateral negotiations towards an agreement on all core issues without exception.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“From what I have seen in several field visits, including to the West Bank, Gaza and southern Israel, ordinary people, understandably, have little confidence that the political process is delivering. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the imposing presence of the barrier, the expanding settlements, the unremoved outposts, the system of closures and constant military incursions have grave implications for the human rights, economic life and social fabric of the entire population. In Gaza, the deprivations of basic human dignity are even more acute, and the sense of abandonment and frustration is palpable.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“However, they have stressed their growing concern regarding the direction of the peace process, as well as developments in Gaza, and regarding the implications for the region should the peace process not succeed. During the reporting period, the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan has remained largely quiet, other than an incident on 11 February in which two Syrian youths, residents in the Golan, were shot by an Israeli soldier and subsequently treated in hospital. I should add that I am not briefing on Lebanon this month in view of the forthcoming report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). Allow me to conclude with some brief personal impressions.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Quartet members, individually and collectively, are ready to provide support for such efforts, including the European Union Border Assistance Mission at Rafah, as appropriate. Egypt's efforts along the border and diplomatically to find durable solutions to this crisis are to be commended. The Quartet has also stated publicly its strong support for the proposal of the Palestinian Authority to resume operations at the crossings. Turning to the regional aspect, the Governments of Egypt and Jordan and the Secretary-General of the 08-2520] League of Arab States have underlined the importance of the continued commitment of Arab countries to the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Rocket fire and suicide attacks should cease, as should all acts of violence, so that an atmosphere of calm is created. The humanitarian needs of the civilian population must be met, including the uninterrupted provision of essential goods and services, including fuel and power supplies. Stalled United Nations and other projects in Gaza should resume, and the movement of United Nations and humanitarian personnel needs to be facilitated. Conditions need to be established to allow the reopening of crossings, as envisaged in the Agreement on Movement and Access. It is therefore of crucial importance now that Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority develop a positive strategy for Gaza designed to achieve those goals.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Unless addressed, it will remain a danger to the safety, security and well-being of the Palestinian population, to the security of Egypt and of Israel, and to the sustainability of the political process itself. Only yesterday, several thousand people protested against the conditions they face, and the Israel Defense Forces increased its military presence in areas surrounding the Strip. In the light of these developments, the United Nations has actively made the case with all parties and our Quartet partners that a different and more positive strategy for Gaza is required. To this end, Quartet envoys are agreed that we should now work towards resumption of normal economic life for the people of Gaza, pursue arrangements that ensure the security of Israel, Egypt and the Palestinians, and support the legitimate Palestinian Authority.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Reports of smuggling continue to be of concern, as are reports of outside militant groups now gaining a foothold in Gaza. We continue to call on Hamas to live up to the responsibilities it has taken on itself and to choose the olive branch over the gun. However, Israeli measures amounting to collective punishment are also not acceptable. We call on Israel to meet its obligations towards the civilian population of Gaza under international law. The breach at Rafah at the end of January caused understandable relief in Gaza, as civilians sought basic commodities and a respite from the pressure cooker conditions under which they are forced to live. Egypt moved to re-establish order along the border earlier this month. But the situation remains extremely fragile.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Major changes are taking place outside a legal framework. Many independent institutions have been closed, or replaced and restaffed so that they are controlled by Hamas but disconnected from their headquarters in Ramallah. The civilian justice system has ceased to function, as have important instruments of good governance and social regulation in Gaza. Allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza continue to be made by various Palestinian and international non-governmental organizations operating in the Strip. Despite statements of intent, Hamas has not acted with sufficient determination to bring about an end to rocket attacks by militant groups. Hamas itself also carries out periodic rocket firing and regular mortar fire, to say nothing of the recent suicide bombing.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Construction work on the barrier continues within occupied Palestinian territory, in deviation from the Green Line and contrary to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion. I now turn to the situation in Gaza, which is unacceptable and also unsustainable in humanitarian, human rights, security and political terms. The Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs will brief the Council on the severe humanitarian situation in more detail. Several factors have created a dangerous cocktail for Israel, Egypt and the Palestinians, causing deep suffering and damaging prospects for a two-State solution. The Hamas takeover last June violently removed the Palestinian Authority from Gaza, including from the crossings. A degree of order has been established, but the rule of law is absent.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Tenders for new housing continue to be issued by the Israeli Government, and no outposts have been removed. Continued settlement activity is illegal anywhere in the occupied Palestinian territory and is an obstacle to peace. I should also inform the Council that settlement expansion was cited by several Palestinian and Arab interlocutors as among the biggest factors undermining confidence in the Annapolis process and prospects for a viable Palestinian State. In the same vein, and despite the Road Map obligation to re-open Palestinian institutions in East 3 Jerusalem, an order was recently issued by the Israeli Government continuing their closure for a further six months. Israel should demonstrate with concrete and urgent steps its commitment to phase I of the Road Map, as called for by Quartet principals when they last met in Paris.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“In that context, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that there are 580 obstacles to Palestinian movement in the West Bank, a level that has stayed steady for many months, and has even increased, despite Palestinian Authority security efforts and Israeli pledges to remove obstacles. Closure levels must be reduced significantly if the Palestinian economy is to revive and if donor assistance is to produce long-term results. Phase I of the Road Map, to which the parties recommitted at Annapolis, requires the Government of Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including "natural growth", and to remove all outposts erected since March 2001. However, construction continues in settlements throughout the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Even if not intended, such casualties are deplorable and should be the subject of transparent investigation and accountability measures. While we are cognizant of Israel's security concerns, Israel is obliged not to take disproportionate measures or to endanger civilians. The United Nations principled opposition to extrajudicial killings is compounded by the frequency with which such operations are carried out in densely populated civilian areas. Citing security concerns, the IDF is also continuing operations in the West Bank. Those actions undermine the Palestinian Authority's own security efforts. Improved IDF cooperation with the Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank is crucial.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Corporal Gilad Shalit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is in his twentieth month of captivity in Gaza, and Hamas continues to deny the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to him. We call for access to be provided and for his release. Over 10,000 Palestinian prisoners remain in Israeli prisons. President Abbas has appealed for 08-25201 further Palestinian prisoner releases, building on the steps already taken in that regard. Israeli military operations into Gaza and the West Bank have continued throughout the reporting period. There have been several instances in which civilians have been killed or injured - including last Saturday, when three civilians were killed by a ground-to-ground missile fired into Beit Hanoun.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Forty-five Palestinians have been killed and 139 injured during Israeli incursions into Gaza and the West Bank. I am particularly alarmed at the number of incidents on both sides where children are being killed or injured. On 4 February, a suicide attack in Dimona by two bombers from Hebron, for which Hamas claimed responsibility, killed one Israeli and injured six others. Over 320 rockets and mortars have been fired from Gaza, with the town of Sderot again coming under particular attack. We unreservedly condemn indiscriminate rocket and mortar firing towards civilian population centres and crossing points, and suicide attacks against civilians, and call for their immediate cessation. Israeli interlocutors regard the continuation of such attacks as the biggest obstacle to progress in the peace process.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“The death of a Hamas detainee from what an official autopsy found was a heart attack has led to allegations of mistreatment of detainees by Palestinian Authority security forces. President Abbas has called for an investigation. Approximately 1,000 Palestinian Authority security officers are being trained in Jordan, with support from the United States security coordinator, with a view to their redeployment in April and May. The European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) continues to support the Palestinian civilian police and criminal justice system in the West Bank. However, the security situation for both Israelis and Palestinians remains a matter of deep concern. One Israeli has been killed and 27 injured by Palestinian militants.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“We remind donors of the urgency of their quickly disbursing the generous pledges made last December in Paris. Quartet Representative Tony Blair continues his work on economic development projects and other confidence-building measures. 08-2520] Efforts to improve the security performance of the Palestinian Authority continue. Palestinian security forces carried out operations against militants in several West Bank cities. A Palestinian military court sentenced two individuals to 15 years in prison for killing two Israelis near Hebron in December. Israel stopped pursuing 32 Fatah militants after they surrendered to Palestinian Authority security forces and successfully completed a three-month trial period.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“I was also pleased to meet United States Lieutenant General William Fraser when he visited the region for the first time to lead United States efforts to monitor the implementation of phase I Road Map commitments, as agreed at Annapolis. I have offered full United Nations support to the United States-led monitoring process and look forward to regular Quartet consultation on it. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Fayyad and his Government continue to promote good governance and revive the economy. Steps this month included addressing electricity subsidies, the finalization of measures to ensure financial transparency and efforts to ensure that Palestinian Authority ministries and agencies develop coordinated and standardized project proposals.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“I look forward to paying further introductory visits in the region. I also wish to express my appreciation to my Quartet partners and Quartet Representative Tony Blair for the support and cooperation they have extended to me. Today, I will brief the Council on developments since the last report, on 30 January (see S/PV.5827), and offer an initial assessment of the situation. I turn first to the bilateral negotiations. Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Palestinian lead negotiator Ahmad Qurei are meeting on a continuous basis. President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert continue their fortnightly meetings. We welcome the determination of the parties to continue those negotiations despite challenges on the ground, and in an atmosphere of confidentiality. The talks need to make tangible progress on all core issues without exception.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source
“Mr. Serry: It is an honour to brief the Security Council for the first time. I look forward to doing so regularly in the course of my tenure as Special Coordinator, in the service of the Secretary-General and the United Nations. After two months in Jerusalem, I am deeply conscious of what is at stake today in the Middle East peace process. I am also impressed by the calibre and 2 scale of the work of the United Nations on the ground in difficult, and even dangerous, circumstances. I am convinced of the importance of the United Nations playing its full political, development, humanitarian and human rights role. I wish to thank President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert and their Governments, as well as the Governments of Egypt and Jordan and the Secretary- General of the League of Arab States, for the warm welcome they have given me.”
2008-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5846 (2008) · source