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

“In that regard, I am pleased to announce to the Security Council that the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process has brokered a trilateral agreement between Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations to enable work at the scale required in the Strip, involving the private sector in Gaza and giving a lead role to the Palestinian Authority in the reconstruction effort, while providing security assurances through United Nations monitoring that those materials will not be diverted from their entirely civilian purpose. Reaching agreement was not without its challenges. We consider it to be a temporary mechanism, which must get up and running without delay, but it as an important step towards the objective of lifting all remaining closures and a signal ofhope to the people of Gaza.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“In that regard, on 10 September, the United Nations and the Palestinian Government called for international donors to provide $550 million in aid to help the hundreds of thousands of Gazans affected by the conflict. Thirdly, Gaza must now be opened up for reconstruction and recovery, while legitimate security concerns with regard to dual-use material must be meaningfully addressed. The Governments of Israel and Palestine understand that, and I appreciate the constructive engagement of both sides in working to find a solution on the issue. That reality is also understood in Gaza.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“First, the fragile calm between Israel and Gaza must be solidified at talks under Egyptian auspices in Cairo, which we hope will resume shortly. The ceasefire agreement already made general provision for entry of humanitarian and relief aid and construction materials and an expansion of the fishing zone to six nautical miles. We hope that any further arrangements are as clear as possible regarding the indefinite maintenance of a ceasefire and the lifting of the closure, bearing in mind the framework of resolution 1860 (2009) and any further guidance that may be provided by the Security Council. Secondly, humanitarian issues require immediate attention. Critical priorities include emergency shelter, energy and water, the absence of which will make progress in all other sectors impossible.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“I would also note that the Secretary-General plans to commission a board of inquiry to review and investigate a number of incidents involving United Nations premises. Leaving aside hollow claims of victory by one side or the other, I sense a realization in my dealings with the parties that a renewed conflict would be a disaster. That means that we must change fundamentally the dynamics in Gaza. If we do not, Gaza could implode or, yet again, explode - possibly with a new and even more devastating round of violence. While distrust is acute, I hope all parties are ready to think afresh about some long-held policies. If so, we may be able, together, to walk a narrow path out of the current dangerous impasse. What does such a path look like?”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“Most were civilians, including some 500 children and 250 women and 11 UNRWA staff. More than 11,000 Palestinians were injured. On the Israeli side, 66 IDF soldiers and six civilians, including a child and a foreign national, were killed. Some 130 Israeli civilians and more than 450 soldiers were injured. Israel struck over 5,000 locations in Gaza and reportedly demolished 32 tunnels, 14 with openings inside Israel. Over 3,500 rockets fired by Hamas and other Palestinian militants struck Israel; another 700 were intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system. We reiterate the Secretary-General's strong belief that efforts must be undertaken to ensure that there is accountability for alleged violations of international law on both sides during the hostilities.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“The Gaza conflict is an appalling human tragedy and has also exacted a terrible cost in already strained trust. While the ceasefire brokered by Egypt has largely held since 26 August, it remains worryingly fragile, with the underlying dynamics still unaddressed. I Visited Gaza last week and witnessed truly shocking levels of destruction to infrastructure, hospitals and schools. Large neighbourhoods lie in total ruin. An estimated 18,000 houses were destroyed or severely damaged. Some 100,000 people have lost their homes, leaving families shattered and despairing. Over 65,000 displaced Palestinians remain in United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) shelters, while 111 UNRWA installations sustained some sort of damage during the conflict. More than 2,100 Palestinians were killed.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“Against the backdrop of the conflict in Gaza, there were 10 separate incidents of rocket launchings from southern Lebanon towards Israel between 11 July and 25 August, and five occasions of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) response with artillery fire across the Blue Line. A relative calm has since been restored and the parties have reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace continued. We again urge Lebanon's political leaders to elect a President without further delay. We reiterate the international community's unified support for Lebanon's security and stability in the evolving regional context and look forward to the upcoming ministerial meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon. Let me now turn to Gaza.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“As Council Members are aware from the recent update on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force's operations, the situation in the Golan remains fluid. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations will brief the Council tomorrow on the most recent developments and steps taken. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have regained control of the border town of Arsal from militants from Syria, including of the Nusra Front and ISIL, but efforts to secure the release of 27 LAF hostages continue. We commend the efforts of Lebanese authorities to ensure calm and contain any popular reaction against Syrian refugees.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“Mr. Serry: I brief the Security Council today in the context of an increasingly volatile region with developments on the ground unfolding at an alarming pace. I intend to make short reference to the situations in Syria and Lebanon, before focusing on the Israeli- Palestinian issue, in particular on Gaza. Let me start by putting on record the Secretary- General's appreciation of Member States efforts to counter terrorism and stop the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Nusra Front. Let me equally stress that measures to counter ISIL should be accompanied by political measures to end the appalling violence in Syria and resolve the Syrian conflict. Special Envoy de Mistura has just completed a first visit to Damascus, looking for new openings.”
2014-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7266 (2014) · source
“The conflict and the occupation that began in 1967 must be ended. The two-State solution is the only viable scenario in that regard. We must urgently call upon and support both parties to return to meaningful negotiations towards a final status agreement in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“On 4 August, on a street near the Green Line in Jerusalem, an excavator driven by a Palestinian ran over and killed an Israeli pedestrian and then turned over a bus, injuring five Israelis. The Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli police on the scene. On the same day, an unknown motorcyclist shot and injured an IDF soldier in the Mount Scopus area in Jerusalem. Last but not least, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The increasingly restive situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, together with the Gaza crisis, should be a bleak warning to all concerned of what the future will bring if we do not reverse the current negative trend towards a one-State reality, which is now on the parties' doorstep. The slide towards a state of permanent conflict and hopelessness must be halted at once.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“The most significant took place on 24 July during the holiest night of Ramadan, when approximately 4,000 to 5,000 Palestinians, including some Palestinian Authority officials, marched on the Qalandiya checkpoint. Demonstrations and clashes have spread as well in East Jerusalem. A total of 17 Palestinians were killed, including two children, and some 1,400 injured during this reporting period. Israeli security forces conducted almost 300 search- and-arrest operations, arresting 623 Palestinians. Seventeen Israeli security forces personnel were also injured. Settler attacks resulted in 1 Palestinian killed and 19 others injured. Twelve settlers were injured by Palestinians.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“We are ready to take on that role provided that we are given the relevant resources and mandate. We also underline the importance of an international monitoring arrangement in support of the ceasefire understandings. Given the implications for peace and security in the region, I trust that the Council will consider taking whatever action is needed in support of a durable ceasefire at the appropriate time. The flare-up in Gaza has also been accompanied by increased tensions and violence in the West Bank. Since 23 July, demonstrations against the Israeli military operation in Gaza have taken place across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, on an almost daily basis, especially around checkpoints and refugee camps, often resulting in clashes with Israeli security forces.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“In any case, we believe that a sustainable solution must address the issues of governance, reconstruction and security - all in the context of the return to Gaza of one legitimate Palestinian Authority that will undertake institutional restructuring, including of the security sector, and that should also gradually assume the effective and exclusive control of the use of force through the deployment of Palestinian security forces to border crossings and throughout Gaza. None of that will be easy, but we see no other way to change the dynamics in Gaza. As needed, in cooperation with other partners such as the European Union, the United Nations will support the Government of national consensus in those tasks, while taking advantage of our presence on the ground.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“On 29 July, the Gaza branch of my own office, the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, was hit by a number of projectiles, which caused damage to the main building and to United Nations vehicles. On three occasions, rockets were found in UNRWA schools that were vacant at the time. Those incidents are intolerable, and they are examples of the parties' disrespect for the vital provisions of international law that safeguard United Nations installations and staff and protect civilians. The Secretary-General has called for a thorough investigation into those incidents to ensure full accountability. It is not yet clear what kind of ceasefire understanding will emerge from the talks or whether it will be reached by the fast-approaching deadline.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“We have been extremely troubled during this escalation by breaches of the inviolability of United Nations premises. On three occasions, there were direct hits on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools that were being used at the time, with full knowledge of the parties to the hostilities, as shelters for Gazans who had fled their homes to seek safety from the fighting. A total of 38 people were killed in those three incidents, and 317 were injured. Eleven UNRWA colleagues were killed in the line of duty. They, as many others, have paid the ultimate price for their heroic efforts aimed at protecting the most vulnerable and to alleviate suffering, for which we honour their memory. An estimated 108 UNRWA installations have been damaged.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“Abu Amr assured me that the Government of national consensus was committed to addressing the urgent and daunting challenges of governance, reconstruction and security as part of bringing Gaza back under one legitimate Palestinian Government that adheres to the Palestine Liberation Organization's commitments. I reiterate the appeal that I made last week in Gaza. I call on all in Gaza to rally behind the Government of national consensus and empower it to take charge and effect the positive, transformative change that Gaza so badly needs. Right now, Gaza urgently needs houses, hospitals and schools, not rockets, tunnels and conflict. We expect Hamas and all other factions to act responsibly in that regard and refrain from any actions that run counter to that agenda.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“We support today's announcement by Norway and Egypt that they will co-host a donor's conference once a durable ceasefire is in place and adequate access conditions have been established. I am heartened that the Government of national consensus has resolved to spearhead the reconstruction agenda for Gaza as part of assuming its rightful responsibilities as the legitimate Government of Palestine, in cooperation with the United Nations and other international partners. Last week, I met with Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Abu Amr in Gaza. I appreciate that he was able to enter Gaza via the Erez crossing. After seeing with my own eyes the massive destruction, in which entire residential neighbourhoods were flattened, I discussed the way forward with the Deputy Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers. Mr.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“That system has demonstrably worked, prevented the diversion of materials, allowed the successful implementation of crucial projects and built trust. Reconstruction of the magnitude now needed can be addressed only with the involvement at scale of the Palestinian Authority and the private sector in Gaza, which means that larger quantities ofmaterials entering Gaza are required. We stand ready to explore with the relevant stakeholders how the proven United Nations mechanism can be expanded to monitoring a Palestinian Authority-led, private-sector-driven reconstruction programme in Gaza. The engagement of the donor community will also be indispensable to help Gaza back get back on its feet.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“Approximately 16,800 housing units have been destroyed or severely damaged, affecting some 100,000 Palestinians. Reconstruction is the main priority, while exports and transfers are crucial to help Gaza's economy get back on its feet. Construction materials - aggregate, bar and cement - must be allowed into Gaza to that effect, and their access to Gaza must be facilitated in such a way that it fulfils Israel's security concerns. The United Nations stands ready to lend its support in that regard. For years, the United Nations has been importing construction materials for United Nations projects under a mechanism agreed with the Government of Israel, which comprises robust measures to monitor the exclusively civilian use of all materials entering under that mechanism.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“Otherwise, the restrictions on the Strip on the exit and entry of goods and people will continue to fuel instability, underdevelopment and conflict, and I am afraid the next escalation will be just a matter of time. As I told the General Assembly recently from Cairo, the basic equation must consist of ending the blockade on Gaza and addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. That has become even more urgent given the unprecedented amount of destruction wrought on the Strip during this latest escalation and the corresponding unprecedented level of humanitarian needs. The assessment of Gaza's reconstruction needs has not yet been completed, but there are indications that the volume of reconstruction will be approximately three times that needed after operation Cast Lead in 2009.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“The temporary ceasefire that currently prevails has granted civilians another such reprieve for the past eight days, and I would like to commend the Government of Egypt for brokering it. It is essential that the guns remain silent to allow civilians to resume the necessities of their daily lives and to allow for increased humanitarian and early recovery efforts to address the manifold needs of the people in Gaza, such as urgent repairs to water and electricity networks and efforts to find more viable shelter for those displaced who are not able to return to their destroyed homes. It remains my conviction that we must not leave Gaza in the condition it was in before this latest escalation.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“Sixty- four Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, two Israeli civilians and one foreign national have reportedly been killed. A few dozen Israelis have been directly injured by rockets or shrapnel. In the face of that devastation and loss of life, the United Nations has mobilized its every effort, including through the personal engagement of the Secretary- General, and is working closely with regional and international stakeholders to end the Violence. We did not relent, despite setbacks, because the loss of civilian life was so unbearable. On two occasions, we were successful. On 17 July and 26 July, humanitarian pauses provided civilians with a much-needed respite from the violence.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“here in New York - we urge the parties to reach an understanding on a durable ceasefire that also addresses the underlying issues afflicting Gaza, or to make substantive progress towards it. At the very least, we hope that the ceasefire will be extended and that the situation remains quiet. I think we all share the relief that no blood is being shed at the moment, but we also all regret that it has taken too much time and too many lives to achieve this pause. The toll of this third major escalation in Gaza in six years is appalling. A total of almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed, of whom 459 are children and 239 are women. Civilians represent more than two thirds of that total. Some 10,000 - again, roughly a third of them children - have been injured.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“As we meet, the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, now on the fifth and last day of its current extension, is holding, with Israeli and Palestinian delegations in Cairo meeting separately with the Egyptian authorities in a crucial effort to break the deadlock of violence and retaliation. I recently travelled to Cairo in support of those important talks, and the Secretary-General has continued to engage with the parties and the stakeholders to end the violence and to reach a durable ceasefire. The hopes of the people in Gaza for a better future and of the people in Israel for sustainable security rest on those talks, and we call on the delegations to live up to that responsibility. By the deadline later today - midnight Cairo time, or 5 pm.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“Mr. Serry: We meet today against the backdrop of a restive region with heightened political tensions and a severe security threat from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Nusra Front, as well as the recent attacks by violent extremist groups from Syria against the Lebanese Armed Forces and the internal security forces in the Lebanese town of Arsal. Given that the Security Council has already been seized of those very worrisome situations, with its adoption on 15 August of resolution 2170 (2014), on countering the threat of ISIL and the Nusra Front, and with its press statement of4 August on Lebanon (SC/11507), I would like to focus my briefing today on the situation in Israel and Palestine, with an emphasis on Gaza.”
2014-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7243 (2014) · source
“Mr. Serry: I shall be very brief. Today has been a long and important debate, given its timing. We have all recognized the critical nature of the situation, and many have been appealing for prudent and restrained actions at this sensitive time. That is something that we have also been underscoring, if we are not going to lose sight of the two-State solution altogether. For my part, I will remain stubbornly committed to that shared objective. Let me thank the Nigerian delegation for the smooth manner in which today's debate was conducted. I would like to thank all Council members and other speakers for having expressed appreciation for my work.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“The Secretary-General firmly believes there is still a window for us, the international community and parties, to act if we wish to realize the vision of two States for two peoples, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition of each other's legitimate rights and those of their respective citizens, including self-determination. The United Nations remains as fundamentally committed as ever in helping parties bring this conflict to an end with an end to the occupation that began in 1967, an end to the conflict and an end of claims, in pursuit oflasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“Yet it is equally important that we work in concert to define a long-overdue political horizon on the basis of principles already laid out, less the Oslo paradigm is put in real jeopardy. This can no longer be business as usual. Unrealistic and prescriptive timelines may be counter-productive, as can rushing the parties back to the table without having the necessary framework in place. I believe we must use the current moment of reflection for a discussion on a substantive basis for an early resumption of talks, while building on the United States effort of the past nine months and relying on continued United States engagement.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“First and foremost, they must refrain from steps that will render futile any efforts to find a way back to negotiations and salvage the two-State solution. Both sides have to convince each other anew that they are partners for peace. If Israel is serious about a two- State solution, it must recognize the negative impact of continued illegal settlement activity. Palestinians in turn should be reflective of their actions in international forums. The international community and the region should also reassess its role, if we remain convinced - as I do - of the importance of the two- State solution, and ask what we can do to persuade the parties to make the right choice. It is important to avoid escalation, diplomatically and on the ground.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“We will be following developments closely in the period ahead, and continue to believe that if unity is implemented on the terms described by President Abbas, it is not contradictory with continued peaceful negotiations, as the President himself has reiterated. As such, it should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat. Difficult choices are now required of the parties. They should realize that not making a Choice is the most detrimental choice of all, namely, to accept that we are going down the path of a one-State reality on the ground. This is a time for the parties to reflect on whether they wish to live up to their stated commitment to the two-State solution, or whether they will by default let it slip further away.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“For this to have a chance of success, it needs to be managed the right way. The Secretary-General calls on all parties to cooperate to that end. We now expect all factions to support that process as described by President Abbas, meaning that they must commit in deeds, not only words, to that path - first and foremost by adhering to non-violence in the West Bank and in Gaza. We are also aware that Israel, facing a continued rocket threat from Gaza, has reacted with acute skepticism to this development, as manifested in its decision to suspend talks and threats of reprisals. We urge all parties to refrain from measures that could turn a delicate situation into a full-blown crisis.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“I was assured by the President that the agreement would be implemented under his leadership and on the basis of the PLO commitments. President Abbas emphasized that those commitments would hold the future Government of national consensus to recognition of Israel, non-violence and adherence to previous agreements. President Abbas also reiterated his continued commitment to peace negotiations and to keeping protests non-violent, a message he also delivered to the PLO Central Council on 26 April. On the basis of those commitments, the Secretary- General is of the view that this development can constitute an opening that offers at long last the prospect of reuniting the West Bank and Gaza under one legitimate Palestinian Authority, including by holding long overdue elections.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“In that regard, I am pleased to report that the Government of Turkey recently pledged $1.5 million to the World Health Organization to address the shortages in a number of key drugs, which we hope will help decrease expensive referrals of patients outside Gaza. We are still waiting for Israel to deliver on its commitment to the full resumption of the previously agreed package of United Nations construction works, where some $26 million worth of projects are still stalled and another $120 million worth of new work is pending Israeli approval. Political progress is crucial to address Gaza's structural problems. In that context, I had an opportunity on 24 April to discuss with President Abbas the very important development towards Palestinian unity.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“In Gaza, too, there are troubling signs, with more rockets fired at Israel, border incidents and Israeli operations, which have also caused death or injury to civilians in recent months. Ongoing political and security developments in Egypt have also led to the continued closure of tunnels, the tackling illegal smuggling and the frequent closure of Rafah. The United Nations remains actively engaged, together with the Palestinian Authority and donors, in addressing some of the most pressing issues in Gaza, including by ensuring that a safety net is in place to allow the most critical water, sanitation and health-related facilities to continue operating.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“The Secretary- General has reiterated the importance of respect for the religious freedom of all, for worshippers of all faiths to have access to their holy sites and for all sides to refrain from provocations. He has restated the United Nations long-standing position that the status of the Old City and the religious sites within is an extremely sensitive final-status issue that can be resolved only through negotiations, and that the parties should refrain from attempts to establish facts on the ground and alter the character of the Old City. All of that points to the fact that the situation on the ground is serious and likely to further deteriorate if not addressed. We must not forget Gaza, where practical steps are urgently needed to improve the humanitarian security situation.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“In two worrisome developments on 13 April, the Government of Israel retroactively approved legalizing a West Bank outpost at Gush Etzion, appropriating private Palestinian land, and granted settler access to a disputed Hebron building that Palestinians have over the years argued in court was purchased illegally. The United Nations position on the illegality of settlements is well known. The reporting period saw 88 demolitions of Palestinian structures, including five residences and a mosque today, and the dismantling of five settlement outposts by the IDF. The situation in East Jerusalem remains worrisome. Tensions and clashes in the Old City have continued, including during the holiday period.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“The rise in violence in the West Bank was reflected by the following trends, inter alia: increased clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, particularly in and around refugee camps; Palestinian stone- and Molotov cocktail-throwing, resulting in some injuries and material damage; and settler attacks against Palestinians and their property, in spite of some Israeli efforts to crack down on so-called price tag attacks, which have also targeted Israeli security forces. We should be under no illusion that the level of violence would be higher still were it not for the work of the Palestinian security forces to maintain law and order, and continued security coordination. Settlement activity continued.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“I was appalled by incidents of violence in the reporting period, against both Palestinians and Israelis, which we condemn. Two particularly disturbing instances were the killing of an Israeli man and the injury of two others, including a child, in an attack near Hebron on 14 April, during Passover, and the shooting by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of a 14-year-old Palestinian boy crossing the Barrier on 19 March, which resulted in his death.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“Following the announcement of that accord, Israel cancelled a meeting scheduled between the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators and, after an emergency Cabinet meeting on 24 April, took the decision to suspend the talks. Quartet envoys remained in frequent contact throughout, holding several telephone calls to discuss the developments. The political stalemate that I have been describing poses great risks to the prospect ofa two-State solution, which I will elaborate on later. It will also not be without impact on the situation on the ground, which I will briefly address, as it is already volatile, with negative trends in the West Bank and a fragile calm in Gaza. The year 2013 saw the highest number of Palestinian fatalities in the West Bank since 2009.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“In an emergency meeting on 9 April, Arab Foreign Ministers remained appreciative of United States efforts and declared their support for President Abbas, including by renewed pledges of a safety net in the event of a loss of revenue as a result of Israeli potential reprisals. Such support is timely and welcome, while we urge Israel to adhere to the punctual and transparent transfer of revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, which is essential for the stability of the Authority. In subsequent developments, Palestinians reached a unity agreement on 23 April, stipulating, inter alia, that a national consensus Government would be formed within five weeks and elections held no later than six months after the formation of that Government.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“In their interpretation, the original understanding was valid as long as there was progress within the talks. Despite those events, the negotiators continued to meet in an effort to find a way out of the impasse. We understand that among the issues discussed as part of Palestinian demands have been the release of the fourth tranche of prisoners and a freeze of settlement construction, combined with an offer of continued talks if the issue of borders is front-loaded. The international community also remained active, urging both parties to remain constructively engaged in talks and not miss the opening presented by the United States. The Secretary- General was in contact with both leaders on 13 and 14 April, and High Representative Ashton issued a statement to that effect on 18 April.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“On 1 April, interpreting that as a breach of the quiet understanding of a diplomatic truce in return for the release of 104 pre-Oslo prisoners, the Palestinians, by a unanimous vote of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), proceeded with submitting accession instruments to 15 international treaties and conventions. The announcements of 708 reissued tenders for settlement units in Gilo on the same day added to the Palestinian conviction that they had no other choice. Nevertheless, President Abbas reiterated his commitment to negotiations. The Palestinian decision was met with surprise by the Israeli side, which has since indicated its understanding that they were nearing a deal to extend negotiations that comprised more than the aforementioned prisoners.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“Yet efforts have faltered, given the inability of the parties to bridge the gaps on their substantive positions or even accept with reservations a United States framework that would attempt to do just that. As of today, we know talks have been suspended. It behooves the parties and all stakeholders to recognize that this is another moment of truth. Inaction could see the situation turn into a crisis. That is why joint reflection is in order on how the current impasse came about and ways to overcome it. On 28 March, the Israeli Cabinet postponed its decision to follow through with the release of the fourth and last tranche of 30 pre-Oslo prisoners.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“Mr. Serry: I intend to dedicate today's briefing to the Middle East peace process as the Security Council will be briefed on Syria tomorrow and on Lebanon next week. We meet today, nine months to date since the launch of United States-brokered negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians with the previously agreed objective of achieving a comprehensive settlement on all core issues by this time. In those nine months, we have seen an unprecedented effort by Secretary of State Kerry, assisted by Mr. Martin Indyk as his envoy, to see the process through at long last. Quartet, regional and international stakeholders, recognizing it as perhaps one of the last chances to achieve a two-State solution, have also been actively engaged in support ofthe effort.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“We sincerely hope that this effort will lead next year to decisive and irreversible progress towards a comprehensive settlement realizing the vision of two States for two peoples - Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition of each other's legitimate rights, including self-determination, with each State ensuring equal civil rights for all its citizens. If both parties, with the continued effective support of the international community, take the bold steps needed to see through what they have started this year, we in 2014 will reach a moment of truth regarding a two-State solution.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“In the southern city of Sidon, two LAF checkpoints were attacked yesterday, resulting in the death of one soldier and four of the assailants. Meanwhile, the political situation remains deadlocked. The Council has urged all parties in Lebanon to engage constructively to facilitate the formation of a Government as soon as possible. It is vital that all parties assume their responsibility in that regard so as to address effectively the acute security and humanitarian challenges facing the country. Serious commitment is also required to holding presidential elections on time in 2014, before the end of President Sleiman's term. Let me conclude. As this year comes to a close, the parties are engaged in a serious effort to implement their commitments to a negotiated two-State solution.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“Separately, there have been reports of further deaths of Hizbullah militants fighting in Syria, in violation of the Lebanese Government's policy of disassociation. By 3 December, some 40,000 refugees had crossed the border into Arsal, fleeing fighting in the Syrian region of Al-Qalamoun. On 30 November, a fresh round of fighting in Tripoli between Sunni and Alawite neighbourhoods led to 14 fatalities, including two children, as well as one soldier of the Lebanese Armed Forces, which were heavily deployed. On 2 December, the city's security was placed under the responsibility of the army for six months, with the support of the Internal Security Forces. The situation is currently calm. There have also been incidents of concern in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain el-Hilweh, where clashes led to two fatalities on 1 and 3 December.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“The IDF and the Lebanese Armed Forces are cooperating with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to ascertain the facts. Both reaffirmed their commitment to working through the established liaison and coordination arrangements with UNIFIL so as to ensure that this remains an isolated incident, and reaffirmed their commitment to the cessation of hostilities under resolution 1701 (2006). The Secretary- General commends both sides for exercising restraint. The security situation has been tense since the terrorist attack against the Iranian Embassy last month. On 4 December, a senior Hizbullah commander was assassinated in Beirut. On 22 and 29 November, the Lebanese army defused a car bomb in the Bekaa and another in Zahle.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“All the Syrian parties must work now to achieve a cessation of violence, humanitarian access, the release of detainees and the return of refugees and internally displaced people to their homes. All those with influence on the Syrian sides should help them prepare for constructive engagement in Geneva and for taking immediate confidence-building measures. In the Golan, the situation remains volatile. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations will brief the Council later this afternoon on the details. Turning to Lebanon, there was a serious incident yesterday with the shooting of an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier by a Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldier in the vicinity of Naqoura. The Secretary- General deplored the incident and called for calm.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source