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

“Turning to Syria, the Council was briefed earlier today by the Secretary-General on the use of chemical weapons. Yet the vast majority of the killings and destruction continues to be carried out with conventional weapons. As they try to settle their scores by military means, the warring parties continue to disregard their legal and moral responsibilities to protect the civilian population. With almost half of the population displaced and in need of urgent assistance, the humanitarian tragedy is worsening every day, particularly with the onset of winter. Since the United Nations is now working very hard to prepare for a "Geneva II" conference on 22 January, we should also be seeing steps from the Syrian parties and the international community aimed at helping the conference succeed.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“The United Nations remains ready, with other Quartet partners, to help to define agreed modalities for the secure transfer and use of such materials. During the past month, the security situation in and around Gaza has witnessed relative calm. One rocket and four mortar shells fired from Gaza landed in Israel, and Israel conducted one incursion and four airstrikes, none of which caused casualties or damage. Six Palestinian civilians were injured by Israeli live fire near the border and three were arrested. Since in the past year the lowest level of violence and civilian casualties in 13 years has been registered in Gaza and southern Israel, the continued preservation of the ceasefire understanding of a year ago will provide a basis for progress on other issues as well, including further opening of the crossings.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“That is an important but by no means sufficient development in order for Gaza's structural energy problems to start being addressed. I am pleased to note the decision of the Government of Israel to resume the transfer of construction materials for United Nations projects in Gaza, under an agreed- on mechanism for the materials' secure transfer and use. Work has now resumed on critical construction projects - part of the half-billion-dollar package the United Nations is implementing in the Strip - such as schools, social housing and water and sanitation facilities. While we recognize Israel's legitimate security concerns, it remains important that Israel also reinstates its September decision to begin allowing imports of construction materials for the private sector.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“As the Council is aware, we have been expressing our deep concern about the critical energy situation in Gaza, especially since the Gaza power plant ceased operations on 1 November. I have been working closely with the Palestinian Authority and other relevant parties to address the issue. I am pleased to report that the Government of Qatar has come forward with a donation of $10 million for the Palestinian Authority to purchase fuel for the plant. In addition, a Qatari shipment of 18,000 metric tons of fuel is expected to reach an Israeli port in due course. The Israeli authorities have confirmed their cooperation in transferring 450,000 litres of fuel per day through the Kerem Shalom crossing. As a result, the Gaza power plant resumed operations as of yesterday.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“The United Nations is actively engaged with relevant parties in addressing the most urgent issues. Shelter, flood-water removal equipment and non-food items, particularly fuel, are being provided to those in need with the support of the United Nations humanitarian system on the ground. While Israel was hit by the same inclement weather conditions, it responded to an urgent request to provide four water pumps for Gaza. With the Erez crossing flooded and temporarily inoperable, Israeli authorities have expanded the operations and opening hours of the only other crossings, at Kerem Shalom. We hope that the Rafah crossing will also resume normal operations as soon as possible in order to help address the difficult humanitarian situation.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“Three Palestinian administrative detainees, on hunger strike since 16 November in protest at their detention, have been transferred to hospital in Israel due to deterioration in their health. We reiterate that people in administrative detention should either be charged or released. Turning now to Gaza, as reported previously, thanks to a generous Turkish contribution a safety net is in place to allow the most critical water, sanitation and health-related facilities to continue operating. However, Gaza's deficient infrastructure was not able to cope with the impact of the current inclement weather. While the West Bank was also affected, heavy flooding in many parts of the Gaza Strip has resulted in the displacement of approximately 10,000 people.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“So-called price-tag attacks by settlers on Palestinian property included several incidents of racist graffiti and vandalism in the West Bank. Palestinian stone-throwing attacks, on the rise in recent months, injured four settlers, including two children. Demolitions of unlicensed Palestinian structures in Area C and East Jerusalem have been increasing. A total of 74 structures, including more than 30 in the Jordan Valley last week, were demolished, leading to the displacement of98 Palestinians, including 55 children. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a halt to demolitions and for Palestinian access to a fair planning regime that meets their residential and development needs.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“This shooting follows a recent series of serious injuries to Palestinians from live fire and rubber-coated metal bullets directed by Israeli security forces at or near the camp. We urge the Israeli authorities to reach a speedy conclusion to their inquiry into the circumstances of this fatal incident, and to act with maximum restraint and avoid the use of excessive force. Palestinian security forces, working to maintain law and order in the West Bank, carried out major security operations in Jenin and Nablus, which included the arrest on 1 December of more than 20 alleged Salafist extremists. Violence between Palestinians and settlers continued. Settler attacks injured eight Palestinians, including four children.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“Six Palestinians were killed, including when on 26 November Israeli security forces shot dead three allegedly Al-Qaida- affiliated Salafist extremists near Hebron, who were reportedly carrying explosives and weapons and planning lethal attacks on Palestinian and Israeli targets. One Palestinian was shot dead on 30 November while in Israel without a valid permit, and another died on 28 November of injuries sustained at Qalandiya checkpoint in March. In a troubling incident on 7 December, a 14-year- old Palestinian was shot in the back by Israeli security forces and died in Jalazun refugee camp, next to the Israeli settlement of Beit El, allegedly after throwing stones at Israeli forces.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“There is good reason to be concerned about the fragile situation on the ground. Indeed, the current environment is far from conducive. Continued settlement activity cannot be reconciled with the goal of a two-State solution and is illegal under international law. The United Nations is also concerned about recurrent violence and incitement. During the reporting period, Israeli security forces carried out some 217 search-and-arrest operations. A total of 352 Palestinians were arrested and 206 injured, including during demonstrations against the barrier. Six Israeli soldiers were also injured.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“The European Union, in its Council conclusions issued today, expressed its full support for the efforts of the parties and of the United States towards a just and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It offered "[a]n unprecedented package of European political, economic and security support to both parties in the context of a final status agreement." All of this testifies to the ongoing international and regional support for the process. The parties are approaching another important timeline in the negotiations, the third release of prisoners, scheduled for 29 December. We urge both sides to refrain from steps that would increase mistrust and undermine the prospects for progress in the critical period ahead when bolder decisions are required to bridge the gaps towards a final status agreement.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“We also warned that the consequences of inaction could be dire for everyone, putting an already precarious situation on the ground at risk even further. And it has certainly been an important year, in which we have finally witnessed the renewal of direct talks, brokered by the United States and now in their fifth month. Spurred by the unwavering personal involvement of Secretary of State Kerry, leaders on both sides have taken courageous steps, despite domestic headwinds and public scepticism. Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have engaged quietly in some 20 rounds, and neither side is ready to give up or walk out of the talks. The Quartet envoys continued to consult with each other and engage with the parties, as well as with Arab partners.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“Mr. Serry: We have previously spoken of 2013 as a decisive year for the peace process, a year that would be pivotal for salvaging a two-State solution, a year that would decide whether the Palestinians - already accorded non-Member observer State status by the General Assembly - could realize their aspirations to statehood, self-determination and an end to the occupation that began in 1967 through a negotiated solution, the only solution that would also bring Israel the security and recognition in the region that it deserves. And we spoke of it as a year that would test the commitment of the international community to re-engaging and breaking the deadlock in this conflict, in the face of competing priorities in the region and elsewhere.”
2013-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7084 (2013) · source
“And yet, 20 years of peace efforts have also demonstrated that fair, reasonable and legitimate solutions can be found for the key issues dividing the parties. It is for the negotiators to identify and narrow these gaps, and for their leaders to take decisions in the best interest of their peoples. And the international community, including key regional stakeholders, must now show unity and resolve in assisting the parties in moving forward. The Secretary~General therefore looks forward to productive meetings of the AHLC and the Quartet this month, as well as to a constructive Words are critical in preparing the ground for peace. Both leaders are soon to address the General Assembly, and we sincerely hope that they will take the opportunity to reach out to each other's people in making the case for peace.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“On 12 September, during heavy clashes between the Syrian Arab Armed Forces and armed members of the opposition near United Nations observation post 54, five artillery shells and one tank shell landed on the Alpha side. There was no retaliation from the Israel Defense Forces. In conclusion, last week marked 20 years since the signing of the Oslo accords. Twenty years of endless negotiations, prolonged occupation, terror and conflict have deeply affected perceptions and expectations within both Israeli and Palestinian societies and undermined the belief that peace is possible, even if the majority still favours a two-State solution. We do not underestimate the challenges ahead or the momentous efforts required to sustain and successfully conclude negotiations within the prescribed time frame.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“The Lebanese authorities condemned the attack and have now detained two suspects. The Israel Defense Forces carried out a retaliatory strike on 23 August in the area of Naameh, south of Beirut. The Secretary-General urged all concerned to fully adhere to resolution 1701 (2006), cooperate with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and respect the cessation of hostilities. On the Golan, the security situation remains volatile, with heavy clashes between the Syrian Arab Armed Forces and armed members of the opposition continuing inside the area of separation. The military activities in the area of separation have the potential to escalate the situation between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic and jeopardize the ceasefire.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“Three Lebanese men and a Syrian were charged in connection with the attack. The Secretary-General strongly condemned the bombings and called for calm and unity in Lebanon. The Lebanese army and security forces intensified security measures across the country. There was further cross-border fire from Syria into Lebanon, which caused material damage but no casualties. President Sleiman repeated his calls on all Lebanese parties to disassociate themselves from the conflict in Syria and to respect the Baabda Declaration. Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam continued his consultations to form a new government. On 22 August, four rockets were fired from the area of Tyre in southern Lebanon towards Israel, including two that landed in Israeli communities. The Abdallah Azzam Brigade claimed responsibility for the launch.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“United Nations construction work in Gaza includes almost 3,000 housing units, 67 schools, eight health clinics, 31 water- and 10 electricity-related structures, and road habilitation, totaling some $450 million. On 27 August, a military court in Gaza sentenced two men to death, one on charges of collaborating with Israel and the other for multiple homicides. No dates for the executions were set. I recall High Commissioner Navi Pillay's position on death sentences in Gaza, as well as her concern about ill-treatment and torture during interrogations of persons later sentenced to death. Turning to Lebanon, there was a further devastating attack on 23 August, when two car bombs exploded outside mosques in the city of Tripoli, killing at least 45 people and injuring more than 200 others.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“As a result of shortages of fuel, the Gaza power plant shut one of three generating turbines. The deficit of around 40 per cent of required electricity in Gaza could adversely impact other essential services, including water, sanitation and health. We continue to work with all concerned parties to ease the humanitarian pressures on Gaza and further increase access through legal crossings into Gaza, in particular of construction materials, fully taking into account legitimate security concerns and previous agreements. The Gaza Strip remains a high priority for the United Nations, and we welcome the approval of another package of United Nations construction works involving what are still classified as dual-use materials.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“Earlier this month, I met with the Egyptian leadership in Cairo, who ascribed great importance to progress in the peace process. The situation in Gaza was central to our discussions. Egypt has intensified military operations in northern Sinai, which included the continued closing of smuggling tunnels. Here, let me condemn the attacks in Rafah on 11 and 16 September, when six Egyptian security personnel were reported killed and 20 injured. Egyptian authorities have today announced that Rafah will be reopened for special cases. While we fully recognize Egypt's legitimate security concerns and the need to effectively counter illegal activities in the Sinai and around Gaza, including smuggling via tunnels, we are particularly attentive to the potential humanitarian impact on Gaza.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“Two rockets exploded at their launching sites and seven rockets dropped short, landing inside of Gaza and putting its population at risk. Three Palestinian civilians were reportedly injured by Israeli fire on 20 and 30 August while approaching the border area in the north of Gaza. Israeli forces conducted five limited incursions into Gaza, and three improvised explosive devices were detonated during their patrols in the border area. The Israeli navy reportedly fired warning shots at the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats on several occasions, citing security concerns. There were also reports of the Egyptian navy intercepting Palestinian fishing boats in Egyptian territorial waters. Allegedly, five fishermen were arrested, two of whom were injured.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“A total of 33 residential structures were demolished, including of the Bedouin community of Tel al-Adassa in East Jerusalem, leading to the displacement of 176 Palestinians, including 78 children. The ongoing practice of demolishing Palestinian structures that do not have an Israeli-issued permit only highlights the need for Israel to address the urgent housing and development needs of Palestinian communities in Area C and East Jerusalem. Palestinians require access to a fair planning and zoning regime so as not to resort to the building of structures without an Israeli permit, which leads to demolitions. We urge Israel to find a sustainable solution for the Tel al-Adassa Bedouins, most of whom have crossed the barrier into Area C in search of new grazing lands for their herds. The calm in Gaza was mostly sustained.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“The construction of settlements is counterproductive and against international law. Clashes between Palestinians and settlers also continued, and reports of settler attacks against Palestinian farmers, including arson of olive trees near Nablus on 11 September, are particularly worrisome as we enter the olive-picking season. We are monitoring with concern increased tensions in the Old City of Jerusalem, which resulted in clashes with Palestinian worshippers, injuries, arrests and restrictions imposed on Palestinian access to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount compound. Incitement, provocation and violent actions must cease and the sanctity of holy sites of all faiths must be respected.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported tens of instances of rock and firebomb throwing by Palestinians at Israeli forces, during which five Israeli soldiers were injured. Israeli security forces announced on 1 September the arrest of two Palestinians of East Jerusalem suspected of planning an explosive attack at a popular mall in West Jerusalem during the Jewish holidays. Their indictment suggests that the terrorist attack was at an advanced stage. The IDF also announced the arrest of a total of 24 Palestinian terror suspects on 2 and 4 September, and the confiscation of weapons, explosives and military equipment. Palestinian security forces, continuing to work to maintain security in the West Bank, defused a total of 23 unexploded devices. Settlement activity continued in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“Stability in the West Bank is all the more critical as talks are ongoing, and parties should exert all efforts to avoid violence. Israeli security forces carried out some 282 operations, during which five Palestinians died in Jenin and Qalandia refugee camps on 20 and 26 August, respectively. We strongly deplore those losses of life, including of one employee of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Additional clashes took place in early September in the vicinity of refugee camps, as well as at Al-Quds University in Abu Dis. Demonstrations, including against the barrier, also continued, resulting in 32 Palestinian injuries. A total of 169 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during this period, including 26 children and six women, while 339 Palestinians were arrested.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“In the short to medium terms, donors must continue to provide timely and predictable direct budget support. However, as also highlighted in the reports of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, all socioeconomic trends indicate that the status quo is not sustainable absent real political progress, pointing to dire consequences for Israelis and Palestinians alike. We sincerely hope that the resumption of negotiations marks the beginning of closing the gap, renewing hope for a final status agreement in which Palestinians can realize their rightful aspirations for an independent and viable Palestinian State, and Israelis can meet their legitimate security needs and become a full partner in the development of a stable and prosperous Middle East. Another opportunity may not present itself soon.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“In that regard, we hope ongoing discussions will soon produce results. The foregoing are issues we shall also address in next week's ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC), which comes at a more hopeful time. The meeting is expected to discuss a Palestinian economic initiative, developed in close consultation with Quartet Representative Blair and United States experts, that should mutually reinforce and complement the political track. The United Nations report to the AHLC highlights steps towards expanding Palestinian economic activity, including in Area C, to improve the lives of Palestinians and increase revenue through taxation for the Palestinian Authority.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“Concurrently, any substantial political initiative must yield early dividends in the immediate period ahead, with tangible improvements to security and socioeconomic conditions for Israelis and Palestinians alike. In that context, we welcome the decision taken on 8 September by the Israeli Government to increase the number of work permits for West Bank Palestinians by 5,000 to a total of 50,000. Noteworthy too is the agreement between the Israeli and Palestinian agriculture ministries to revive some of the joint committees first formed in the 1990s under the Oslo Accords. We look forward to further such steps that would increase Palestinian and Israeli economic cooperation, ease restrictions on access and movement of Palestinians, and lead to tangible improvements on the ground in both the West Bank and Gaza.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“However, at this stage, public comments would be counterproductive, and the parties' commitment to not revealing the contents of their sensitive negotiations should be respected as a signal of their resolve to overcome the deep divisions that exist on key issues. There are formidable challenges ahead and they cannot be underestimated. The international community has long supported the vision of a two-State solution and now has a responsibility to give efforts towards that end a chance. But the onus to sustain an enabling environment lies with the parties. Both should refrain from actions that risk undermining the prospects of negotiations. And we urge them to act responsibly and with restraint.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“He also continued his regular consultations with members of the Arab League Peace Initiative Follow-up Committee in Paris, as the region's engagement on a solution is vital. On 26 August, Foreign Minister Fahmy visited Ramallah, signalling Egypt's commitment to a comprehensive peaceful settlement to the conflict. The Quartet has lent its full backing to that political initiative, and principals and envoys are scheduled to meet next week. The negotiating teams have been engaged in several rounds of talks, and we encourage both sides to accelerate and intensify their discussions. It is perhaps understandable that the skeptics continue to question the substance of the talks.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“As indicated by Under-Secretary-General Feltman in his horizon briefing on 4 September, the Secretary-General returned from the region encouraged by what he deemed to be a demonstrable seriousness by both President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu to resume direct talks, despite skepticism from their domestic bases, as the only viable path through which a two-State solution may still be achieved. In a sign of support for the bold decision taken by the leaders, regional and international partners pursued their diplomatic engagement with the parties. United States Secretary of State Kerry, credited for the renewed momentum, met with President Abbas on 8 September in London and Prime Minister Netanyahu on 15 September in Jerusalem.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“Mr. Serry: Developments in the region remain profoundly troubling, and the Security Council was briefed yesterday by the Secretary-General on the situation in Syria. As those events have already been well covered this month, my briefing today will continue to focus on efforts for renewed peace prospects in the Middle East, which should not be neglected, even against the background of turmoil elsewhere in the neighbourhood. The resumption on 29 July of direct negotiations with the agreed objective of achieving a peaceful, comprehensive settlement on all final status issues within a nine-month time frame has been widely welcomed.”
2013-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7032 (2013) · source
“I would stress, in the light of some statements, that our support includes providing, as requested, fair, balanced and factual briefings on what all will agree is a very complex situation in the Middle East.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Mr. Serry: I will be brief. We have had another long but, in my view, relatively instructive debate in which nearly all speakers have registered their strong support for the important United States-led effort to relaunch meaningful negotiations and not, as a few have noted, merely talks about talks. Virtually every speaker has also stressed the urgency of the situation and the immediate need for these efforts to provide, at long last, a credible political horizon for achieving a two-State solution. That means that we are heading into yet another important period, and I want to assure the Council of the Secretary-General's and my own support for the important efforts under way.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Progress indeed necessitates serious political commitments if leaders on both sides are to achieve the vision of the two-State solution they have both agreed on. We do not underestimate the difficulty of developing a substantial initiative that should provide a credible horizon for achieving a two-State solution at long last. But we cannot emphasize enough that this is the moment for concerted action and continued support to the parties. The risks of forgoing the present opportunity should be clear for both sides. As the United Nations, we remain convinced that achieving the two-State solution, ending the occupation that started in 1967 and ending the conflict as envisaged by the relevant resolutions of the Council are in the best interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“UNIFIL protested the violation of the Blue Line on 12 July by IDF soldiers to secure the surroundings of the Sheikh Abbad tomb during a visit by pilgrims on the Israeli side. Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace continued on an almost daily basis. Last week witnessed a promising opening in the efforts under way to develop a meaningful political initiative on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. We have now reached a decisive point. In recent years, we have shared the frustration at the political deadlock. This is the moment to translate our collective call for action into a shared sense of urgency in supporting leaders on both sides, as they must realize that this is an opening they cannot afford to lose.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“In a visit to Lebanon on 3 July, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed the need for Palestinians in Lebanon to disassociate from the conflict in Syria and from any internal tensions in Lebanon. On 14 July, the Lebanese security forces seized a vehicle with arms and materiel reportedly en route to Syria. On 16 July, President Sleiman reiterated his call for the implementation of the Baabda Declaration. He stated his intention to call a session of the national dialogue to discuss a defence strategy for Lebanon and consider solutions to the current crises. The situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations and along the Blue Line remained generally quiet.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“On 9 July, a bomb in Beirut's Shiite southern suburbs injured 53 people and caused extensive material damage. On 7 July three people were injured, including two soldiers, when a bomb exploded near Hermel, and on 16 July at least two members of Hizbullah were injured in a roadside bomb on the Masnaa highway. At the political level, two sessions of Parliament scheduled for l and 16 July to vote on an extension of the term of the army commander and other issues were postponed due to a lack of quorum. Prime Minister-designate Salam continued efforts to form a Government. The delay in forming a Government is a matter of concern. We reiterate our call on all sides to engage constructively in that regard.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“In its presidential statement of 10 July (S/PRST/2013/9), the Council unambiguously stated the need to redouble efforts to safeguard Lebanon from the spillover of the conflict in Syria. The Secretary- General welcomes the Council's unity and continued attention, and its support for the efforts of President Sleiman and the Lebanese Armed Forces to preserve national unity and stability. Following the fighting in Sidon last month between supporters ofthe Salafist Sheikh Assir and the Lebanese Armed Forces, the security forces arrested dozens of suspects. Twenty-seven have been charged, including Assir. Related violence broke out in Tripoli on 29 June, and again on 2 July, causing three fatalities. There is a real danger of further escalation in violence extending from the conflict in Syria.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General hopes that the meetings in Damascus will result in a mutual understanding on access for the mission to conduct its fact-finding activities and establish the facts pertaining to the reports received by the Secretary-General. The situation in the Golan remains volatile, with heavy clashes between the Syrian armed forces and armed members of the opposition occurring inside the area of separation. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force reported that during intense clashes in the vicinity of Al-Qataniya on 16 July, several artillery rounds landed in close proximity to United Nations positions, as well as across the Alpha line. Such military activities in the area of separation have the potential to escalate the situation between Israel and Syria, and jeopardize the ceasefire between the two countries.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General remains gravely concerned at the reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. The United Nations has received 13 such reports so far. In addition, on 9 July, the Russian Federation presented to the Secretary-General its analysis of one incident of alleged use. That and other information is currently being studied by the investigation mission. High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Angela Kane and Mr. Ake Sellstrom will visit Damascus this week to complete consultations on the modalities of cooperation required for the proper, safe and efficient conduct of the United Nations investigation mission.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Joint Special Representative Brahimi has pursued his consultations and convened in Geneva two rounds of tripartite meetings with the Russian Federation and the United States to prepare for the Geneva conference on Syria. While progress has been made and convergence found between the two initiating States of the conference, a number of parameters are still under discussion. On 6 July, the Syrian National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces elected a new leadership. The general assembly of the Coalition also increased its membership from 63 to 114 to include, inter alia, representatives of the Syrian Democratic Platform led by veteran opposition figures. It is hoped that the laudable enlargement of the Coalition proves to be an expression of Syria's political spectrum, rather than a mere response to exogenous factors.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The surge in sectarian threats and violence in Syria and across the region is deeply worrisome. Syria is increasingly turning into a regional, if not global, battleground. Unfortunately, the warring parties have not responded to appeals for a cessation of violence during Ramadan. All fighters in Syria should be reminded that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law will be held accountable. Recent reports of military victories by the Government should not create false confidence that the conflict can be won militarily. The legitimate demands of the people in Syria cannot be met with arms, but only through vision and leadership by all Syrians, the Government and the opposition alike. In that regard, we continue to do our best to ensure that the Geneva conference takes place as soon as possible.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Further to the four such sentences and two executions carried out during the last reporting period, a man was sentenced to death in Gaza on 14 July. We call on de facto authorities in Gaza to refrain from carrying out further executions. All here heard the reports of the grim situation in Syria last week from Emergency Relief Coordinator Amos, High Commissioner for Refugees Guterres and Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Simonovie. The bloodshed in Syria continues unabated. The Government continues to use its military might against civilian areas, while increasingly attracting foreign fighters and using paramilitary forces. Parties to the conflict continue to fail in their obligation to protect civilians. Humanitarian needs are outpacing our efforts to increase the delivery of assistance throughout Syria.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Any violation of the ceasefire by rocket fire at this politically delicate juncture is not only unacceptable but also completely irresponsible. We also call on Egypt to maintain the Rafah crossing open for people, with due consideration for Egypt's security requirements. Let me briefly mention a few other developments. The United Nations Mine Action Service reported the removal over the past six months of most unexploded ordnance that had been dangerously stored in Gaza city, thereby greatly improving the protection of civilians there. Over 2,000 items of unexploded ordnance have been safely destroyed since January. We continue to be concerned about death sentences in Gaza, outside of the Palestinian legal framework.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“We are aware that the Palestinian Authority has approached the Israeli Government on the matter, requesting that remaining restrictions on the entry of building materials via Kerem Shalom be lifted. We encourage all parties not to forget the precarious situation in Gaza and to take advantage of the improved context between the parties to further lift the remaining closures. We call on Israel to liberalize the entry of key construction materials into Gaza so that the private sector will be able to legally procure these materials to satisfy Gaza's infrastructural needs. The opening of Gaza and the lifting of remaining closures are part of the November 2012 understanding on the ceasefire. The other part is adherence to full calm. We therefore call on the de facto authorities in Gaza to heed their commitments.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“As a result of these actions against illegal activity, 80 per cent of the tunnels are now no longer functioning, according to some estimates. Gaza is beginning to experience some serious shortages of fuel and basic building materials for which the tunnels had become the primary entry points due to severe restrictions on imports via the official crossings and the higher cost of fuel available from the West Bank and Israel. While the only Israeli crossing for goods, Kerem Shalom, has remained open and is handling increased quantities of consumer goods, we are concerned that already difficult economic and humanitarian conditions in Gaza will further deteriorate if access into Gaza through legal crossings of such basic commodities as building materials is not liberalized.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The situation on the ground in Gaza has been affected by political developments in Egypt. For security reasons, the Rafah crossing was closed for nearly a week, and since 11 July it has been partially reopened to allow limited categories of people and those stranded on either side of the crossing to return home. Egypt also deployed two additional battalions in the Sinai to address security concerns. However, on 4 July two explosions were heard in the Israeli southern city of Eilat, without any casualty or damage, reportedly resulting from rockets fired from the Sinai. A Salafist group, Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, took responsibility for the shooting. We strongly condemn any such shootings. The Egyptian authorities also took robust measures against the tunnels into Gaza.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Nevertheless, visits between 10 and 17 July of Israeli groups, including senior officials, to the Temple Mount/ Haram Al-Sharif resulted in some clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli police accompanying these groups. We urge all parties to show extreme restraint and to keep the calm around this holy site. In Gaza, the relative calm observed in June was largely maintained during the reporting period. A total of three rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, without resulting in casualties or damage. There were also no reports of Israeli airstrikes into Gaza. Israeli forces conducted six limited incursions into Gaza and in some instances the Israeli navy forced Palestinian fishing boats ashore by shooting in their vicinity. No casualties were reported on either side.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The guidelines, to come into force on 1 January 2014, prescribe that any Israeli legal entity receiving funding from the European Union will have to state that it has no links to the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, or the Golan Heights. Israeli officials have voiced their strong objection to these guidelines. The position of the United Nations regarding settlements is unequivocal. They are contrary to international law and Israel's commitments under the road map. Continuing settlement activity would not be conducive to creating a favourable environment for negotiations. In a positive development, Israel is providing a considerable number of permits for Palestinian residents of the West Bank to visit Jerusalem and Israel during Ramadan, and applying more flexible regulations at checkpoints and points of passage during the holiday.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source