YouSaid · the spoken record

Serry

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746

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2008-02-26

most recent

2015-03-26

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33

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un-security-council

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1. “Steps towards the approval and advancement of settlements involve 70 housing units in Har Homa, between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, 84 units in Nokdim, in the southern West Bank, and 700 units in Modiin Illit. A report of the Israeli State Comptroller issued on 17 July noted that there was little to no criminal law enforcement in the settlements regarding violations of planning and construction law, and that administrative procedures for demolitions are rarely implemented. Of note, on 19 July the European Commission, drawing from earlier Council conclusions, issued guidelines that stipulate that it would provide grants and maintain relations only with Israeli institutions within the 1967 line.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

2. “Tensions continued on the ground as a result of settler attacks that injured 13 Palestinians and caused extensive damage to Palestinian property. Palestinian attacks on settlers also resulted in two injuries and some material damage. Following last month's reported slow-down, demolitions of Palestinian property in Area C and in East Jerusalem increased again during the reporting period. A total of 83 structures were demolished, leading to the displacement of 129 Palestinians, including 45 children. I regret to inform the Council that, despite earlier reports of Israeli restraint on settlement activity, the reporting period witnessed some renewed steps in settlement planning both in the West Bank and, to a lesser extent, in East Jerusalem.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

3. “This includes Hamas Palestinian Legislative Council member Mohammed Abu Tair on 2 July in Ramallah, after he had previously been deported from Jerusalem. Against the background ofa UNICEF report, issued in March, on the treatment of Palestinian children by the Israeli security forces, we are also troubled by the detention in Hebron on 9 July of a five-year old Palestinian boy for several hours in a stone-throwing incident. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly checking this incident and reviewing its policies regarding the detention of children. Israeli security forces announced a crackdown on Israelis suspected of carrying out so-called price tag attacks, with a number of reported arrests, including of one suspect in connection to the desecration of the Latrun monastery in September 2012.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

4. “We note that President Abbas has consistently called on Israel to address the legitimate concerns ofPalestinian prisoners and, as a confidence-building step, to consider releasing prisoners, including those convicted in times predating the Oslo agreement. With the parties having now agreed to resume negotiations, I have little doubt that a meaningful prisoners release would help to build confidence and improve the situation on the ground. Israeli security forces conducted a total of 360 search-and-arrest operations in the occupied West Bank, including in Area A, resulting in one Palestinian being shot and killed on 2 July and 134 Palestinians injured, including 24 children and six women. Three members of Israeli security forces were also injured. Four hundred and nineteen Palestinians were arrested by Israeli security forces.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

5. “The potential risk of increased instability and violence in the West Bank was illustrated on 11 July, when Israeli security forces reported seizing a rifle, ammunition and two pipe bombs during a raid in Nablus. Palestinian security forces continued working to maintain law and order in the West Bank, in coordination with Israeli security forces. On 12 July, a Palestinian explosive engineering unit safely disposed of an unexploded ordinance near Qalqiliya. We are concerned about continued prisoner protests, including of a number of hunger strikes that have already lasted more than two months. On 14 July, Jordanian detainee Abdallah Barghouti was transferred from prison to an Israeli hospital in critical condition after 76 days of continuous hunger strike.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

6. “We should further stress that any negotiations must be accompanied by a renewed focus on visibly and tangibly improving the situation on the ground. Both parties must take every possible step to promote conditions conducive to the resumption of the political process and refrain from actions that undermine trust. In doing so, we must not forget the situation in Gaza, where practical steps to improve the humanitarian and security situation in the wake of transformations in Egypt can be an important enabler for peace and stability. We feel that this is also the time for bold steps to enhance the understanding on the ceasefire reached in November 2012 through Egyptian good offices. Turning to events on the ground, the situation in the reporting period can be summarized as relatively quiet, but tense and volatile at the same time.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

7. “Similarly, plans to shore up the Palestinian economy with a major boost to private-sector development are welcome, and indeed necessary, but must now be complemented by progress on the political track. In this near-to-last chance to preserve the viability of the two-State solution, we remain hopeful that renewed negotiations will be substantive and set a clear path towards that solution, namely, the end of conflict and lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Nobody but the parties themselves can make the hard choices required to achieve peace, but the international community and the region should cooperate in a concerted and committed manner to drive the peace process forward.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

8. “The Foreign Ministers of the European Union in their Council conclusions of 22 July also reaffirmed that they would give active and concrete support to help ensure that negotiations between the parties were successful. The envoys of the Quartet were recently briefed on the efforts under way and intend to meet soon to review the situation and assess how the wider international community can effectively support resumed negotiations. The efforts to bridge the gaps between the parties are commendable, but more hard work lies ahead of us. As Secretary Kerry noted, it is important that tangible progress be made before the new General Assembly session in September. The United Nations has been clear that progress this year can be expected only ifa credible political horizon for achieving a negotiated two-State solution emerges.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

9. “In that regard, we appreciate the ministerial meetings of the Arab League Committee with Secretary Kerry and President Abbas in Amman; the Committee made a significant difference with its statement of support. We particularly commend Jordan's important contribution to the current efforts. It is crucial to build on the opening offered by the Arab League ministerial committee's recent reaffirmation of the Arab Peace Initiative and the prospect of ending the Arab-Israeli conflict and achieving regional peace. We continue to hope that Israel will find a constructive way to respond to it. As for the United Nations, the Council may rest assured that the Secretary-General and I on the ground will continue our engagement in support of the vital ongoing effort to revive meaningful negotiations.”

   2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

10. “The meetings that President Abbas has held with the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Al-Fatah Central Committee serve as an indication thereof. The Secretary-General, encouraged by the positive developments towards negotiations, has called on both sides to show leadership, courage and responsibility in order to sustain this effort towards achieving a two- State solution. While United States engagement is central, we are convinced of the need for a broader regional and international role in support of any political initiative, as well as continued efforts to ensure that the Palestinian Authority remains a viable interlocutor and partner.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

11. “It is against that compelling background that the Secretary-General has welcomed United States Secretary of State Kerry's intense diplomatic efforts in recent months and his announcement in Amman that a basis had been established for resuming direct final status negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. We understand that the agreement is still being finalized, and that Palestinian and Israeli negotiators will join Mr. Kerry in Washington, DC, in the near future to begin initial talks. We also note that some very tough choices will be required from both sides in the period ahead. Both leaders will have to win the support of their domestic constituencies for renewed negotiations.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

12. “Mr. Serry: Let me begin by expressing my best wishes to our Muslim colleagues on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. As the Middle East continues to go through a deepening crisis, with an ever-deteriorating humanitarian catastrophe in Syria and significant political developments in Egypt, the Middle East peace process remains critical to the fate ofthe region. Progress in the peace process and a more constructive dynamic between the parties would have important, positive regional political implications. Conversely, continued deadlock will further erode hope for an agreed two- State solution. In the effort to renew a serious dialogue between the parties, time is of the essence.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

13. “Let me affirm that the United Nations stands ready to contribute to a return to meaningful negotiations in the period ahead, including through the Quartet and broader engagement with all parties.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

14. “It is imperative that everyone work collectively to avert those risks, preserve stability and help to lay peaceful foundations for a better future in the Middle East, to which so many of its peoples aspire. Since the efforts being made to develop a meaningful initiative aimed at achieving a negotiated two-State solution are likely to reach a critical point in the next few weeks, we sincerely hope that this time the leaders on both sides will demonstrate their commitment and realize that this is a moment of opportunity they cannot afford to lose. That also applies to regional stakeholders, who can play an important role in achieving peace through a revitalized Arab Peace Initiative.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

15. “On 9 May, Hizbullah, which had denied responsibility for a drone that was shot down on 25 April by the Israeli Air Force over Israeli waters, announced its readiness to receive new weaponry from Syria. It also offered support for opening a new front on the Syrian Golan, occupied by Israel since 1967. The Secretary-General has remained actively engaged with international and regional leaders in calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prevent escalation, respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region and adhere to all the relevant Security Council resolutions. In conclusion, the events set out in this month's briefing again attest to the mounting risks posed to regional stability.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

16. “The consideration of arrangements for the elections due next month resumed in Parliament on 15 May. The temporary suspension of the current electoral law expired on 19 May. Now is the time to intensify efforts to agree to a way forward and avoid an institutional vacuum. The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and along the Blue Line remained quiet. However, tensions were markedly increased by air strikes around Damascus on 3 and 5 May and Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace in that period. On 5 May, Lebanon lodged a complaint with the Security Council about intensified incursions by the Israeli Air Force.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

17. “The Secretary-General strongly supports President Sleiman's leadership and reiterates his call to all Lebanese to act responsibly and refrain from involvement in the conflict in Syria. Following the fighting in Al-Qusayr, violence broke out on 19 May between Sunni and Alawite neighbourhoods in Tripoli and spread to other areas of the town. At least nine people are reported to have been killed, including two members of the Lebanese security forces; more than 70 were injured. The Lebanese army has been deployed to contain the fighting. Given the scale of the challenges facing Lebanon, it is vital that a new Government be agreed on without delay. We encourage all parties to continue to engage positively with Prime Minister-designate Salam in order to reach early agreement, which is also essential to ensure timely parliamentary elections.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

18. “The past month has seen repeated incidents of shelling from Syria into Lebanese territory that have caused casualties. On 19 May, as many as eight rockets were fired from Syria in the town of Al-Hermel, prompting President Sleiman to once more call on the parties in Syria to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and avoid military acts against Lebanese border areas. A new incursion by Syrian forces into Lebanese territory was reported around Ras Baalbek. There has also been an increasing focus on Lebanese fighters' involvement in Syria, notably from Hizbullah, in the battle between the Syrian Government and opposition forces in the town of Al-Qusayr. President Sleiman had earlier called on all Lebanese to abide by the policy of disassociation and the Baabda declaration.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

19. “Finally, the Secretary-General also remains gravely concerned about the allegations of the use of chemical weapons. The mission he established to investigate the claims has been doing what it can to gather and analyse the available information. Amid mounting reports on the use of chemical weapons, we once again urge the Government of Syria to allow the investigation to proceed without further delay. Lebanon is increasingly under pressure. The war in Syria, including the unprecedented refugee crisis, is putting a growing strain on its economy, political dynamics and security. The humanitarian emergency, and its long-term implications, as well as the continuing political deadlock, require close international attention and support.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

20. “It is the responsibility of the warring parties to ensure the protection of the civilian population. Amid that growing tragedy and spreading chaos, United Nations priorities are clear. We will continue to ensure that the millions of Syrians in need receive life-saving help. The Secretary-General is grateful to the donor community for its generosity, and we urge it to do even more. Humanitarian workers also need access; we must think of better and more practical ways to deliver assistance. However, humanitarian relief is not a long-term answer. That is why the Secretary- General welcomed the initiative of the United States and the Russian Federation to bring the Syrian parties to the negotiating table, and is fully devoted to helping Syrians find a political solution. The weeks ahead will be critical, and we urge everyone to cooperate.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

21. “While we recognize the impact on host countries, we stress the importance of keeping borders open for refugees fleeing violence, consistent with international humanitarian obligations. Communities in Syria, including the Palestinian refugee population, who are among the most vulnerable, are under immense stress. Despite the best efforts of the staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to keep schools and health clinics open, often at great personal risk, half of Syria's Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA are now internally displaced. Some have fled to neighbouring countries, an estimated 54,000 to Lebanon in particular. UNRWA's emergency operation has reached many, but much more needs to be done.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

22. “Those consultations should start within a month and lead to a Government in the next three months, after which elections, including those for the Palestinian National Council, are to take place within another 90 days. On 16 May, President Abbas visited Cairo, where he met with President Morsi to discuss Palestinian reconciliation as well as the Middle East peace process. The Secretary-General remains deeply alarmed about the escalating violence in Syria. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with every third Syrian now in need of urgent assistance. One in four have been uprooted from their homes. Syria's neighbours, as generous and hospitable as ever, are reaching their limits, now hosting more than 1.5 million registered refugees.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

23. “We also continue to call on Israel to permit the unrestricted entry of construction material into Gaza, particularly aggregate, iron bar and cement. Restrictions on trade should also be lifted, including transfers to and from the West Bank and imports from and exports to Israel and other countries. In a separate development, we welcome the release today of the seven Egyptian servicemen captured in the Sinai, as well as the subsequent reopening of the Rafah crossing. On 14 May, Fatah and Hamas delegations met in Cairo to make progress on the implementation of existing reconciliation agreements. The factions reportedly recommitted to consultations on the formation of a national consensus Government, headed by President Abbas, as laid down in previous agreements.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

24. “The United Nations, with funding from Japan, has installed a desalination plant with a capacity of 50 cubic metres per hour - the thirteenth desalination plant installed by the United Nations in Gaza. That example illustrates how United Nations programming in Gaza continues apace and makes a difference. The first phase of United Nations reconstruction projects totals approximately $450 million worth of projects approved by the Government of Israel. The United Nations continues to work in concert with other members of the international community to scale up reconstruction efforts while also pursuing the policy changes that will be required if a sustainable Gazan economy is to be re-established.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

25. “All must exert maximal effort to preserve the ceasefire and its basic tenets, namely, adhering to full calm and lifting the remaining closure on Gaza. We continue to support Egyptian efforts in that regard. Following the worrisome developments to which I have referred, uneasy calm has returned. Yesterday's announcement by Israeli authorities that the fishing limit had been re-extended to six nautical miles is an encouraging step. Among the many long-term challenges facing the people of Gaza, as identified by the United Nations in our 2012 report Gaza 2020: a liveable place?, the lack of safe drinking water and the decline of the aquifer are perhaps the most pressing. Desalination will be necessary to improve the situation.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

26. “Eleven Palestinian civilians were injured in the buffer zone over the same period. On 30 April, for the first time since 21 November 2012, an Israeli air strike killed a Palestinian, who was a militant allegedly involved in firing rockets. Starting on 21 March, the fishing limit was scaled back to three nautical miles, leading to shooting in the vicinity and arrests of Palestinian fishermen trying to go beyond the limit. Since 27 February, Kerem Shalom, the only functioning crossing for goods from Israel into Gaza, has periodically been closed for 13 days in response to rockets, resulting in shortages of some basic food stuffs and cooking gas and in losses in export cash crops. In our view, the ceasefire understanding reached in November 2012 continues to represent the best opportunity to start changing the negative dynamics in Gaza.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

27. “The most recent visit by families of Gaza prisoners took place on 20 May and included some 80 relatives, among them children. Six months ago yesterday, the parties agreed to a ceasefire understanding in the Gaza Strip, which makes today a good opportunity to take stock and look ahead. The understanding brought about marked improvement during the first three months of its implementation. No rockets from Gaza landed in Israel, and there was some relaxation of remaining closures, notably the extension of the fishing limit from three to six nautical miles. However, three months of hopeful trends were followed by a reversal, as subsequent developments have threatened the improvements made. According to Israeli authorities, 33 rockets and five mortar shells landed in Israel from Gaza during the past three months.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

28. “The ongoing demolition of homes, livelihood-related structures and essential infrastructure is of serious humanitarian concern and should stop. The United Nations continues to monitor with concern the condition of Palestinian prisoners. Despite the release of two hunger strikers, four other Palestinians restarted their hunger strikes. Five Jordanian prisoners in Israeli jails are also reportedly on hunger strike. On 14 May, Israel renewed the administrative detention of four Palestinian Legislative Council members for another six months. We reiterate our position that the use of administrative detention must be on an exceptional basis only. Those detained must be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees, or be released without delay.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

29. “Israeli security forces carried out a total of 368 search-and-arrest operations in the occupied West Bank, including in Area A, resulting in 439 Palestinians being injured and 454 Palestinians being arrested. Eighteen members of Israel security forces were also injured. The large majority of the casualties resulted from clashes during Palestinian demonstrations, including against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (see A/ES-10/273). The reporting period also witnessed continued demolitions of Palestinian homes and property in Area C and East Jerusalem. In total, 57 structures were demolished, leading to the displacement of 75 Palestinians, including 41 children.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

30. “Clashes between Palestinians and settlers in the occupied West Bank intensified during the reporting period. In a deplorable event, one settler was stabbed to death by a Palestinian on 30 April at the Tapuach junction, in the northern West Bank. He was the first Israeli to be killed by Palestinians in the West Bank since September 2011. The killing triggered numerous incidents of settler violence against Palestinians and their property, primarily in the Nablus governorate. Overall during the reporting period, a total of 46 Palestinians, including 12 children and one woman, were injured by settlers, while 11 settlers were injured by Palestinians. Clashes between Palestinians and settlers also resulted in extensive material damage, including to vehicles and Palestinian orchards, with some 1,400 Palestinian trees vandalized.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

31. “It remains the view of the Secretary-General that Jerusalem - a final status issue - should emerge through negotiations as the capital of two States living side by side in peace and security, with arrangements for the holy sites that are acceptable to all. On 15 May, Palestinians marked what they call "Al-Nakba Day" -to commemorate the 1948 events leading to their displacement - by holding large marches and festivals in urban centres across the West Bank and Gaza. In East Jerusalem, dozens ofIsraeli right wing extremists entered the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount and clashed with Palestinians, resulting in some injuries and arrests. Overall events were relatively contained, with clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces resulting in some 50 Palestinians and six Israeli security officers being lightly injured.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

32. “Following the incident, Israel reportedly apologized to Egypt via diplomatic channels for the excessive use of force. The Secretary-General has reiterated the importance of respect for the religious freedom of all and for worshippers of all faiths to have access to their holy sites, while noting that religious and other leaders should also refrain from inflammatory statements. We also note the statement by President Peres on 8 May that Israel, as per its agreement with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, will work to ensure the protection of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in the Old City and the safety of the worshippers. Those events once again underscore the importance of addressing the underlying issues regarding Jerusalem, which are still unresolved.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

33. “That was coupled with the temporary detention of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem for interrogation owing to reported incitement. While his detention was short, the incident added to existing friction and drew wide criticism from Palestinian, Arab and Muslim leaders. It also led to an emergency meeting of the League of Arab States in Cairo on 12 May. Notwithstanding the increased tensions, events on the ground were relatively contained, and authorities acted with restraint. Clashes resulted in 15 Palestinian being lightly injured and 23 arrested, as well as one Israeli being injured and 13 arrested. Preceding those events, on 4 May, during Orthodox Easter, an 85-year- old Coptic Egyptian cleric and two Egyptian diplomats were held by Israeli police in the Old City while they were on their way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

34. “Palestinians have shown countenance in diplomatic forums, and Palestinian security forces have maintained their robust performance in maintaining law and order, including in dealing with tensions on the ground. Several moments of friction illustrate the importance of both sides continuing to work responsibly to defuse tensions and avoid escalation. Recent tensions around the sensitive issue of Jerusalem, particularly when it came to restrictions of access to holy sites, were troubling.CIashes occurred on 7 and 8 May in and around the Old City in East Jerusalem, in the context of what Israelis call "Jerusalem Day". Restrictions on access for Palestinians were imposed in connection to visits in the esplanade of the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount - by right-wing Israeli activists.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

35. “We take note that both parties are exercising some restraint and care not to upset the fragile situation on the ground in order to support the ongoing diplomatic effort. On the Israeli side, we have noted that there have been no new approvals or tenders issued for settlements in the West Bank or in East Jerusalem since March. However, there was a disconcerting exception, involving approximately 300 units preapproved in Beit El - a settlement deep inside the West Bank - based on a decision from last year. Settlements are illegal under international law, and Israel must abide by its commitments under the road map to freeze all settlement activity and dismantle outposts erected after 2001. We are also concerned about reports that the Israeli Government intends to legalize four West Bank settlement outposts.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

36. “The Secretary-General has also remained in close contact with the parties on the issues. In recent conversations with the two leaders, he strongly encouraged the ongoing efforts towards the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and expressed his hope that they would soon lead to a substantial peace initiative with a defined political horizon. He further stressed the importance for the parties of creating the conditions conducive to a resumption of meaningful negotiations and avoid actions that would risk undermining such prospects. The risk to both sides is clear. As we have said before, it is crucial that both sides reverse negative trends on the ground to restore confidence in each other and in the possibility of a solution.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

37. “We have also noted the renewed interest of regional stakeholders, particularly the important visit to Washington, DC, on 29 April of a delegation of Arab Ministers and leaders, including the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, and Secretary General of the League of Arab States Nabil El Araby. Their visit reaffirmed the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, first proposed in 2002, and, we hope, revived prospects that its promise of regional stability can become an important part of developing peace efforts. We note, in that regard, the positive comments about the visit by President Peres and Israeli Minister of Justice and chief negotiator Tzipi Livni. We encourage the Israeli Government to respond to that opening for a revitalized Arab Peace Initiative.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

38. “Now is the time for concerted action in support of a substantive initiative, lest we miss the slight opening that has been offered in recent months. While diplomatic efforts to break the political deadlock and bring the parties back to the negotiating table have remained quiet, they are no less serious in determination. The renewed United States effort and sustained personal engagement of the United States Secretary of State is cause for encouragement. Secretary Kerry is currently on his fourth trip to the region, underscoring his commitment.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

39. “Mr. Serry: The Middle East continues to undergo a period of grave turmoil, with tragic human consequences and an uncertain outcome. We have seen regional tensions mounting dangerously as the brutal bloodshed in Syria continued while the fighting also crossed boundaries, and United Nations peacekeepers in the Golan area of separation found themselves increasingly in harm's way. Ending the conflict in Syria is a matter of great urgency and must be the top priority of the international community. At the same time, it would be mistaken and dangerous to assume that a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is less important. Now is not the time to relent in our commitments to advancing the prospects for the resumption of meaningful talks towards the realization of a two-State solution.”

    2013-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6969 (2013) · source

40. “The United Nations is committed to playing its role in shaping the conditions for a return to meaningful negotiations in the period ahead. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 10.30 a.m.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

41. “As called for by the Council, it remains important for Lebanon's continued stability that all parties make swift progress to ensure that parliamentary elections take place on a consensual basis within the legal and constitutional framework. Allow me to conclude. We now have an opening to develop a serious and substantial political initiative to achieve the negotiated two-State solution that we all hope for and that will best serve the interests, rights and aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike. The months ahead will not be easy. Both sides will now have to demonstrate political will and determination to make progress, and the concerted action of the international The President (spoke [n Russian): 1 thank Mr. Serry community, including the region, will be needed to for his briefing. support their efforts.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

42. “Meanwhile, the situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations and along the Blue Line remained generally stable, but Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace continued at a high level. The total strength of the Lebanese army presence in UNIFIL's area of operation is now at approximately two brigades, following new redeployments out of the area to address security challenges elsewhere. In that context, consultations on a new Government are expected to begin this week. The Secretary- General urges all concerned to engage positively with the President to agree on the way forward through dialogue, in accordance with Lebanon's constitutional requirements and in full respect for the democratic process.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

43. “Secondly, on 18 March, Syrian helicopters were reported to have entered Lebanese airspace and fired rockets at two locations close to the north-eastern border town of Aarsal. There were no casualties. The Secretary-General expressed grave concern at the reported strikes, which President Sleiman condemned as an unacceptable violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The Syrian Government has denied the incident. On 21 March, there was a new report of a further rocket that was fired by a Syrian helicopter and landed in the same area. Also on 20 March, there were reports of Syrian shells landing on the outskirts of Al-Qasr in Lebanon's north-eastern region of Hermel.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

44. “Let me recall that only 10 days ago, following the briefing by the Special Coordinator of the Secretary- General for Lebanon on 14 March, the Council clearly recognized the fragility of the situation in Lebanon, expressing deep concern at the impact of the Syrian crisis on the country's stability. Since then, there have been more security concerns. First, on 17 March, four Sunni religious scholars were assaulted in Beirut. The attacks were widely condemned, and the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed to contain ensuing tensions. In the northern city of Tripoli, the Lebanese army deployed in force to contain renewed clashes since 20 March, which had left nine persons, including a Lebanese soldier, dead as of yesterday.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

45. “The Department of Peacekeeping Operations will brief the Council in detail tomorrow on the situation in the Golan, including that most recent incident. In Lebanon, the resignation of Prime Minister Mikati on 22 March has cast further uncertainty over the political process at a time of increased tensions across the country, most notably in Tripoli. The Secretary- General has called on all the parties in Lebanon to remain united behind the leadership of President Sleiman; to work together with the institutions of the State to maintain calm and stability; to respect Lebanon's policy of disassociation, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration; and to support the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in sustaining national unity, sovereignty and security.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

46. “The deteriorating situation in Syria has also affected significantly the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operation, with clashes between Government and opposition forces intensifying in recent days. The continued military activities in the area of separation have the potential to escalate the situation between Israel and the Syria andjeopardize the ceasefire between the two countries. There was a worrisome incident yesterday in that regard, as heavy machine gunfire from the Bravo side, which reached across the ceasefire line, was answered by the firing of an Israel Defense Forces missile into the area of limitation. UNDOF is still ascertaining the facts with both sides.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

47. “He acted on the request of the Syrian Government, which was soon followed by requests from the Governments of France and the United Kingdom. He believes that all allegations should be taken seriously. The Secretary-General responded promptly to the Governments concerned, formally informing them of his decision and seeking additional information pertaining to the incidents reported to facilitate the investigation. He also sent a letter to the President of the Security Council. He has been in close contact with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the World Health Organization. Both organizations have assured the Secretary-General of their full support. The terms of reference for the mission will soon be finalized.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

48. “In the meantime, the United Nations is doing its utmost to respond to the tragic humanitarian consequences of the conflict, which continue to grow dramatically by the day. Nearly 1.2 million refugees from Syria are seeking safety in neighbouring countries. We are grateful for the generous hospitality shown towards these refugees by regional Governments, which face an increasingly heavy burden on their own economies. Funding for our humanitarian efforts remains a challenge. Regrettably, only about 20 per cent of what was pledged during the Kuwait pledging conference on 30 January has been received thus far. We continue to appeal for those pledges to be translated into real commitments as soon as possible. Last week, the Secretary-General announced his decision to conduct an investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

49. “Impunity is widespread; human suffering and destruction are pervasive. As the Secretary-General has said repeatedly, the prospects for a political solution in the Syria will remain slim unless the parties abandon violence and instead commit to a political solution. Limited signals by the parties towards the possible start of a dialogue have so far not materialized. The opposition coalition has elected an interim Prime Minister and will participate in the upcoming summit of the League of Arab States in Doha. A consensus position of the international community and a common position on the part of the Security Council are critical to a political settlement. Joint Special Representative Brahimi is working tirelessly to achieve that objective. He is counting on the Council's united and meaningful support to his efforts.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source

50. “There was no progress on Palestinian reconciliation efforts during the reporting period and no meetings between the sides. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission has announced that the updated voter register, including electors from Gaza, will be available on 10 April in spite of Israeli authorities not having authorized the transfer of registration forms from Gaza to Ramallah. The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic has continued to worsen since the Council was briefed by Under-Secretary-General Feltman last month (see S/PV.6926) and by Under-Secretary-General Amos, High Commissioner Guterres and Special Representative Bangura. The continuing pursuit of a military victory by both sides, and their reckless disregard for civilian lives and their protection are of deep concern to the United Nations.”

    2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source