YouSaid · the spoken record

Serry

lines on the record: 746
first: 2008-02-26
most recent: 2015-03-26
sittings or episodes: 33
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The United Nations condemned the firing, in line with our consistent position that rocket fire into civilian areas is completely unacceptable. We also urged Israel's continued restraint. It must be very clear to the parties to the understanding reached on 21 November that full adherence to its terms is required by all if work is to continue to solidify the calm, prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza, advance the lifting of the closure and have a chance to fully implement resolution 1860 (2009). The United Nations will continue to support Egypt's important efforts to restore and solidify the calm. Israeli forces conducted five incursions into Gaza, and a total of six Palestinian civilians were injured by Israeli fire, mostly while attempting to approach the border fence.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“Unfortunately, it was also in this reporting period that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East had to cancel the annual Gaza marathon because the de facto authorities would not permit the participation of women. In Gaza, the reporting period saw a serious setback in the implementation of the ceasefire brokered on 21 November. On 21 March, rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel for the second time since the ceasefire. In reaction, Israel rescinded the extension of the fishing limit, bringing it back to three nautical miles, and restricted travel by Palestinians into and out of Gaza. It also closed the Kerem Shalom crossing, bringing the movement of goods to and from Gaza to a halt for the second time after the closure from 27 February to 3 March, following the previous rocket fired.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“The alternative to progress is sliding back, and a political horizon must be restored without delay. With regard to other developments during the reporting period, as the Council is aware, the Secretary- General submitted to the General Assembly his report on the status of Palestine (A/67/738), which reviewed progress made in the implementation of General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012. I would also like to highlight the activities of Palestinian women's and human rights organizations in the West Bank and in Gaza to mark International Women's Day on 8 March. Numerous events called attention to the situation of Palestinian women and their demands, including an end of the occupation and the full realization of Palestinian statehood.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“I expressed my concern that State-building achievements could be eroded, given the deteriorating reality on the ground, negative socioeconomic and security trends, and the dire fiscal situation of the Palestinian Authority. Those concerns were widely shared by participants in the meeting. The AHLC underscored the importance for Israel to transfer Palestinian clearance revenues to the Palestinian Authority in a timely, transparent and predictable manner, that the Palestinian Authority continue with structural reforms, including fiscal containment, and that donors provide adequate and predictable assistance to the Palestinian Authority. The general feeling at the AHLC meeting was that it is an illusion that we can preserve the current situation indefinitely.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“Palestinian security forces have continued working to maintain law and order in the West Bank, in coordination with Israeli security forces and supported by training and equipment from international partners. I have just come from Brussels, where the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) met on 19 March. Two years after the donors - based on reports from the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund - gave their positive assessment of the State readiness of the Palestinian Authority regarding the institutions studied, I highlighted again in my report to the AHLC on behalf of the United Nations the growing disconnect between the widely recognized success ofthe Palestinian State-building agenda and the continued impasse in the political process.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“Five other prisoners remain on hunger strike, one of whom is reportedly in grave, life-threatening condition. Activities in their support continued in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including a demonstration in front of United Nations offices in Ramallah on 16 March, during which a letter was delivered by the families of prisoners and transmitted to the Secretary- General. The United Nations reiterates that those held in administrative detention without charge should be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees, in accordance with international standards, or be promptly released. We also recall the importance of full adherence by all sides to the 14 May 2012 agreement.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“Palestinian attacks on settlers included a suspected shooting on 18 March that resulted in injuries to one settler. A suspect in that shooting was arrested by Palestinian security forces on 20 March. Stones and Molotov cocktails thrown at Israeli vehicles in the West Bank reportedly resulted in a road accident on 14 March that injured six settlers, including a three-year-old, critically. Similar attacks on 6, 11 and 15 March resulted in slight injuries to six Israelis. We remain concerned about the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, which we understand was the subject of discussion during this week's high-level meetings. One long-term hunger striker agreed to stop his strike in exchange for being released and deported to Gaza by Israeli authorities on 17 March.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General stresses the importance for protests to remain strictly non-violent and for the right to peaceful protest to be fully respected. Settler violence against Palestinians continued, injuring six. On 12 March, a Palestinian man died of his injuries after he had been run over by a settler vehicle near Salfit on 9 March. Settler attacks on Palestinian orchards resulted in damage to over 590 trees, while stone throwing at Palestinian vehicles in the West Bank resulted in material damage. Israeli security forces arrested a total of nine settlers suspected of assaulting Palestinians in the West Bank. Israeli security sources have also reported an increase in stone throwing, including against settlers, that injured a total of 10 during the reporting period.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“The use of rubber-coated bullets by Israeli security forces continues to result in a high number ofPalestinian injuries, including those of a 23-year-old man who recently died from wounds suffered when hit on his head by a rubber-coated bullet on 22 February. A third Palestinian died on 15 March after an Israel security forces gas canister had earlier entered his taxi in East Jerusalem. Thirteen Israeli soldiers were also injured. Tensions also extended to Jerusalem, with multiple clashes taking place at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound, including on 3 and 6 March, and again on 8 March when dozens of Israeli police officers entered the compound and fired stun grenades at Palestinians throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“In that context, we note that there were no new settlement announcements during the reporting period, and that three structures in settlement outposts were demolished on 18 March. The period also registered fewer incursions by Israeli security forces in the West Bank, including in Area A, as well as a decrease in demolitions of Palestinian structures. The United Nations position is clear and firm on all the aforementioned issues. It is now our hope that those initial signals that the negative measures on the ground are being reversed will take hold and create a conducive environment for a meaningful political process to take shape. Overall, it must be said that the levels of violence remained high. Several clashes took place during protests, including in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, which caused the death of one Palestinian.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“Much work lies ahead. We should not underestimate the difficulties, but neither should we belittle the real possibility of overcoming them. It is now time for all of us to come together in concerted action and support a serious international initiative, including through a revitalized Quartet that engages more broadly with key Arab partners and regional and other stakeholders. Efforts currently under way offer the chance for a new beginning and a renewed push for serious political progress. Therein lies opportunity, but we worry that it will not last if the volatile situation on the ground is not urgently addressed at the same time. Both parties should undertake constructive steps and work to reverse negative trends.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“In his congratulatory letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Secretary-General stated that he counted on the Prime Minister's commitment to the two-State solution, and he expressed the view that it will be critical this year to achieve substantial results that would strengthen Israel's security, as well as its regional and international standing, and fulfil the legitimate aspirations ofthe Palestinians to a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian State. Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas reiterated their commitment to the two-State solution as essentially the only prospect for the future of Israelis and Palestinians, while they undeniably differ on its terms and on how to attain it. It is incumbent upon us, as the United Nations, and the international community, to help them bridge those differences.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“On 22 March, regarding an important related development and a hopeful signal for the stability of the region, the Secretary-General welcomed the news that the Governments of Israel and Turkey had agreed to restore normal relations between each other and expressed his appreciation for President Obama's role in reaching that positive outcome. On 18 March, a new Israeli Government was confirmed by the Knesset.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“The United Nations welcomes the continued commitment of the United States to the peace process, and we appreciate President Obama's strong reaffirmation of a two-State solution as necessary, just and possible in his speech of 21 March, in which he called for an independent and viable Palestine while emphasizing Israelis' right to insist on safeguarding their security. The United States President also recalled that he had previously proposed principles on the issues of territory and security that he believes can be the basis for talks, and called on Arab States to take steps towards normalized relations with Israel.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“Mr. Serry: As the peoples of the Middle East face a period of extraordinary challenges and turmoil, establishing the groundwork necessary for a credible Israeli-Palestinian peace process remains a core priority for the United Nations. President Obama's visit to the region last week marked an important opportunity to reinvigorate efforts towards a two-State solution. President Obama met with leaders on both sides. He also visited His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan, who has been central to recent dialogue initiatives. In a direct follow-up to the visit, the United States Secretary of State Mr. John Kerry met with President Abbas in Amman and returned to Jerusalem to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
2013-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6940 (2013) · source
“That, in our view, is in essence the vision ofa two- State solution endorsed by the international community and accepted in the Arab Peace Initiative as the basis for ending the Arab-Israeli conflict and achieving regional peace. None of the steps to realize that vision are easy, but we cannot afford another year without courageous action undertaken for the purpose of achieving a two- State solution.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Palestinian seriousness could be demonstrated by pausing further action in the international arena while talks begin. Both parties must reaffirm their commitment to a negotiated two-State solution consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, one that would fulfil resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), resolve the core issues - territory, security, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements and water - and constitute the end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and all claims related to it. As a result of negotiations, two States for two peoples, Israel and Palestine, will live side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition of each other's legitimate rights, including the right to self- determination. Each State will ensure equal civil rights for all its citizens and will be committed to respect for human rights and human dignity.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Israeli Violations of the Lebanese airspace continued on a frequent basis. In conclusion, given internal political calendars, we have weeks to prepare for a new initiative. Israeli and Palestinian leaders have stated, like us, that they are convinced that the two-State solution is the only path towards a durable peace. But they should realize that, absent serious engagement, the peace process will remain on life-support and stability on the ground will be put at risk even further. The consequences ofinaction could be dire for everyone. The parties must therefore not only remain open to new initiatives to overcome the current impasse, they must also demonstrate their seriousness. If Israel is serious about the two- State solution, it must recognize the negative impact of continued settlement construction.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“As a result of the continued political stalemate between the two main blocs, the session of the national dialogue scheduled for 7 January was postponed indefinitely by President Sleiman, who continues to hold consultations with all parties. Members of a parliamentary subcommittee started a series of meetings on 8 January to discuss the different proposed drafts of a new electoral law. It is a positive development that the parties are working together constructively in that manner. We hope that broad consensus will emerge over a new law. It is important that elections be held on time, in accordance with the Constitution and for the stability of the country. The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remained generally quiet and stable.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“There was, however, an attack on the convoy of the Minister of Youth on 18 January, in which 11 were injured. One 11-year-old Lebanese boy was killed by gunfire coming from Syria on 25 December, but generally the bad weather and heavy snow in the border region contributed to a decrease in violence and in smuggling activity. The nine Lebanese pilgrims who have remained in the custody of Syrian opposition forces since May 2012 have still not been released. The bodies of some 10 of the fighters killed in the Tel Kalakh incident on 30 November were returned for burial in Lebanon, and at least one Lebanese fighter is believed to be held by Syrian Government forces.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) remains volatile. Armed clashes between the Syrian army and armed opposition take place sporadically inside the area of separation, posing risks to the ceasefire between Israel and Syria as well as to the safety and security of civilians and UNDOF personnel. That situation clearly jeopardizes regional stability and the ceasefire between the two countries. We have repeatedly called on both sides to respect the Disengagement Agreement. The situation in Lebanon has been relatively quiet since last month's briefing, in spite ofpersisting tensions linked with the ongoing conflict in Syria. In Tripoli the Lebanese Armed Forces continued to maintain calm between the Sunni and Alawite communities of Bab Al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“On 21 January, the Secretary-General and the Joint Special Representative expressed deep disappointment and anguish at the appalling levels of killing and destruction carried out by both the Government and the opposition, fuelled by outside Powers providing weaponry to both sides. They also expressed their consternation about the lack of a unified international posture that could lead to a transition as agreed at Geneva last June and put an end to the desperate suffering of the Syrian people. The United Nations is doing its utmost to assist all in need inside and outside Syria. The Secretary-General will chair a high-level donor conference in Kuwait on 30 January to support our humanitarian assistance programmes. We are hopeful that Member States will contribute generously to bridge the funding gap.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Indiscriminate shelling, armed clashes and the general state of insecurity have driven more than 670,000 Syrians outside the country. There are now more than 18,000 Palestinian refugees displaced from Syria being hosted in Lebanon, assisted by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, up from 10,000 in early December, as well as 3,200 in Jordan. More than 67,000 Iraqi refugees from Syria have had to return to Iraq. Since mid-December Yarmouk Camp, a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, has been the site of fighting between Syrian rebels and gunmen loyal to the Government, leading to massive displacement of the camp's population.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The peace process and reconciliation is not an either-or proposition and must be made compatible by advancing both in a mutually reinforcing way. But for real progress to be made, the time has come for Hamas to make clear where it stands on the central issues at stake. Turning now to Syria, I will be succinct, as the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, will brief the Council at the end of this month. The conflict, now in its twenty-second month, continues unabated. Nearly 60,000 persons were killed between 15 March 2011 and 30 November 2012. Thousands remain in detention. Many have suffered torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“In that regard, President Abbas met with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal on 10 January in Cairo to discuss the implementation of previous Palestinian reconciliation deals. On 17 January, members of Fatah and Hamas held in Cairo the first of what is intended to become a series of regular meetings. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) temporary body that includes all PLO factions as well as the leaders ofgroups outside ofthe PLO is expected to meet in early February. In addition, both sides have made positive gestures, as Fatah was permitted to hold an anniversary rally in Gaza earlier this month, following the Hamas anniversary rallies in the West Bank during the previous reporting period. Reconciliation and negotiations remain essential for achieving the two-State solution.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Further measures to lift the closure should include transfers of goods between Gaza and the West Bank, exports to Israel and beyond and, as needed, increased capacity at Kerem Shalom and the reopening of the Sufa crossing. To further advance that important agenda and address Israel's legitimate security interests, it is essential that efforts continue in parallel to enforce the calm and prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. In a new development, since 29 December, Egypt has allowed the entry of an average of 30 trucks per day carrying construction materials through the Rafah crossing for a range of Qatar-funded projects. Implementing resolution 1860 (2009) in full also means overcoming the Palestinian divide.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Israel has also allowed Palestinian farmers access up to 100 metres from the fence with Israel, and Palestinian fishermen have been able to access up to six nautical miles from shore. That is important progress. However, a further extension of the fishing limit to at least nine nautical miles is necessary for a significant increase in the catch of the fishermen. We also continue to call for the unrestricted entry of all construction materials. Assessments of damage to residential properties and civilian infrastructure resulting from the escalation in November 2012 highlight the urgent need to remove the ongoing restrictions.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“It is significant to report that no rockets or mortar shells landed in Israel during the reporting period, and only one rocket has landed in Israel since the end of November. Israeli forces conducted three incursions into Gaza during this period and fired six tank shells. One Palestinian civilian was killed and 10 Palestinian civilians were injured by Israeli fire, mostly while attempting to approach the border fence. I traveled to Cairo last week to continue our close work with Egyptian authorities to encourage further progress on all aspects of the understanding for the ceasefire. As part of its commitments in the understanding reached, Israel began to allow gravel for commercial use through the Kerem Shalom crossing. In the past month 551 trucks, carrying more than 38,000 tons of gravel, entered Gaza.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General has expressed his grave disappointment about the announced plans for Israeli settlement construction in the so-called E-l area and repeated his call that such plans must be rescinded. The Secretary-General also stresses the importance for protests to continue to remain peaceful and for the right to peaceful protest to be fully respected. Another encampment named Bab Al-Karamah - Gateway to Dignity - was set up on 18 January in the Palestinian village of Beit Iksa, between Jerusalem and Ramallah, to impede the construction of the barrier on village land. The encampment was subsequently dismantled by Israeli security forces on 21 January. In Gaza the calm brokered by Egypt in November has largely held, but remains tenuous.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Palestinian demonstrations continued to be organized against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. On 11 January, over 100 Palestinians and international activists moved to the E-1 area of the West Bank and established an encampment named Bab al-Shams - or "Gateway to the Sun" - consisting of over 20 large tents, aimed at countering Israeli plans to expand settlement construction there. Demonstrators were evicted in the early hours of 13 January. On 18 January, the Secretariat received a letter from Ambassador Prosor in which he considered the incident as "a provocation staged against Israel".”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“On 5 January, Palestinian security forces arrested members of a Palestinian group in Hebron that had announced a third intifada and threatened to abduct IDF soldiers. Palestinian security forces also intervened in several refugee camps to prevent some members of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades from rearming and reverting to armed resistance. Demonstrations in Ramallah over the alleged Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners led to clashes with Palestinian security forces on 20 January. We continue to be concerned about the fate of Palestinian prisoners on administrative detention in Israeli jails, especially those on prolonged hunger strike. All ofthese events paints a grim picture and, absent a new perspective on the political track, I fear that such negative trends will only worsen.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“On 1 and 3 January, undercover Israeli operations, in one instance to arrest a member of Islamic Jihad, resulted in clashes with civilians injured by live ammunition. On 25 December, Israeli security forces arrested 10 members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in Ramallah and other West Bank villages. Two ofthem allegedly confessed to planning to kidnap Israelis in order to force the release of PFLP leader Ahmad Saadat. Palestinian attacks on Israeli security forces in the West Bank included throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, in one instance against an IDF post at Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem on 27 December. A repeat attempt was thwarted by Palestinian security forces on 1 January.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The reporting period has been characterized by increased Israeli operations - a total of 379 - and arrests in the West Bank, both of which are up nearly 90 per cent compared to the last reporting period, as well as increased clashes and renewed protests over the fate of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. There are also continuing signs of tensions in security coordination, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrest of one Palestinian security officer at a checkpoint near Nablus. As a result ofthe operations, two Palestinians, including a teenager, were killed, 158 injured and 379 arrested. Four Israeli soldiers were also injured. Increased use of live fire by Israeli security forces has been reported in the West Bank and is of concern.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The reporting period also witnessed continued activity in Palestinian neighbourhoods ofEast Jerusalem, including Beit Safafa and related to the construction of a military academy on the Mount of Olives. Israeli security forces demolished 105 structures in the occupied West Bank during the reporting period, resulting in the displacement of 170 Palestinians. Settlement construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is contrary to international law and cannot prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations. Clashes between settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank resulted in 14 Palestinian casualties, including one girl who was shot dead this morning near Hebron.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“At the same time, we should be under no illusion - the viability of the Palestinian Authority will be increasingly at stake if its standing is based on political quicksand. Ultimately, there is no future for the Palestinian Authority without a two-State solution. All this is taking place amid worrying events and trends on the ground, including continued settlement construction and increased violence. In East Jerusalem, on 19 December plans to approve 2,600 units in the settlement of Givat Hamatos were advanced, and 1,242 units were approved on 25 December in the settlement of Gilo. On 19 December, Israeli authorities advanced a plan to build 523 units in the Gush Etzion settlement south-west of Bethlehem. On 16 January, there were further tenders issued for construction in Efrat and Kiryat Arba, near Hebron.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The Government also ended the refugee exemption from paying for electricity, which resulted in protests and clashes with Palestinian security on 1 January in Nablus. In 2012, the recurrent budget deficit of the Palestinian Authority exceeded $1 billion. International contributions amounted to $600 million in support of the recurrent budget last year, but further timely disbursement of aid is essential to sustain institution-building and prevent the disruption of core operations. I welcome reports of the recent contribution from Saudi Arabia and statements of support by some Gulf States during yesterday's Riyadh summit, but members of the League of Arab States have yet to provide financial assistance pursuant to their communique of 9 December, and I urge them to do so urgently and to heed to the appeals of Prime Minister Fayyad.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“President Abbas has warned that building in E-l is a red line and that ifplans proceed he would consider raising his opposition in international forums, including the International Criminal Court. I urge both sides to abstain from actions that will make efforts to resume meaningful negotiations even harder in the critical period ahead, and I call on Israel to restore the timely, predictable and transparent transfers of tax and customs revenues without further delay. The withholding of clearance revenues has already seriously weakened the capacity of the Palestinian Government to meet its obligations. Key among these is the payment of salaries to civil servants, who have only received partial salaries since November and launched strikes in protest since mid-December.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“No international effort alone is sufficient for progress absent the requisite will on the part ofthe parties themselves. If they want to provide themselves and others with the opportunity to get on track in the period ahead, then now is not the time for actions that further undermine mutual trust. As previously reported, after the General Assembly accorded Palestine non-member observer State status in the United Nations, we witnessed developments such as a dramatic increase in Israeli settlements announcements, including in the critical E-l area, and the withholding and redirection by Israel of tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, which have been widely deplored, including by the United Nations.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“They have also questioned the effectiveness of international efforts to bring about decisive results. The Quartet envoys met again on 10 January in Amman, Jordan. Everyone recognized the urgent need for action, but I must express my genuine concern that a clear and realistic path ahead is still lacking. The United Nations will remain an integral part of efforts to urgently address the dangerous political vacuum, and we are willing to work with any initiative that will achieve our common goal, including in the context of the Quartet. We have also taken note of the European Union (EU) Council decision of 10 December that reaffirmed the EU's vision for a way forward. We look forward in particular to renewed United States engagement.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Instead, we are entering a critical period in which concerted action will be vital if we are to salvage the two-State solution. The Secretary-General has repeatedly highlighted the fact that 2013 will be a decisive year for the two-State solution and that the parties must now show the political will to cooperate with new renewed effort to achieve it. I recently visited Egypt and Jordan - two key Arab stakeholders with peace treaties with Israel - and my interlocutors reiterated their direct interest in assisting the parties to realize the two-State solution at long last, and their concern over the dire regional consequences if not movement is achieved. Regional and international partners are increasingly alarmed that the only way to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict in accordance with resolutions and international law is slipping away.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Mr. Serry: Allow me to start by congratulating the new members of the Security Council at the start of their term. Let me also welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Observer State of Palestine, Mr. Riad Malki, and the Permanent Representative of Israel, Mr. Ron Prosor. We meet today against the backdrop of ongoing events in the Middle East that could affect the peace process itself. Israel held elections yesterday, and Jordan is holding elections today. The United States Administration also commenced a second term this week. While the process of forming a Government in Israel could take weeks, we look forward to engaging the next Israeli Government in the common pursuit of peace. This is not a time to be idle.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“I remain convinced that a solution of the Palestinian-Israeli issue, in the form of a negotiated two-State solution, is the best contribution we can make at this time to regional stability.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“Efforts to ensure calm against the backdrop of that violence have received broad political backing, including from Hizbullah. Let me conclude. This week alone, the Council will hear three briefings on the Middle East, not to mention the expected General Assembly proceedings, which are testimony to the highly dynamic times the region is experiencing. Last week, with the situation in Gaza we came very close to the brink of a crisis that could have engulfed the region. We should take this as a wake-up call that challenges all of us to work together to restore prospects for a durable regional peace. The region is headed for an unpredictable future with multiple sources of uncertainty. What is certain, though, is that the Arab-Israeli conflict cannot be ignored in constructively shaping that future.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“A further session of the national dialogue is scheduled to be held on 29 November. It is in the interests of Lebanon's continued stability that all parties continue to exercise restraint, avoid provocative rhetoric and work cooperatively as preparations begin for the 2013 elections. The situation inside the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has remained generally quiet. On 19 November, two Grad rockets were discovered by members of the Lebanese Armed Forces near the village of Mazraa al-Islamiya in southern Lebanon. The rockets had reportedly been prepared to be launched across the Blue Line into Israel. UNIFIL and the LAF have increased their level of alert and the number of coordinated operational activities following the outbreak of violence in Gaza and southern Israel.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“That political assassination triggered violence across the country that caused at least eight more deaths and approximately 30 injured. The opposition has called for the resignation of the Government of Prime Minister Mikati and announced that it will not engage in dialogue with the Government. President Sleiman continues to hold consultations with political leaders to find a path forward that is met with broad support. His efforts deserve strong support. The principles ofthe June Baabda Declaration, including the disassociation policy, remain the fundamental compact agreed by all Lebanese political factions for the security and stability of Lebanon. Meanwhile, it is essential for the institutions of the State to continue to play their role in ensuring security, stability and justice.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“There are continuing reports of cross-border shelling and arms smuggling. Clashes between Salafists and Hizbullah in a predominantly Shia neighbourhood in the southern city of Sidon on 11 November reflected ongoing tension between supporters and opponents of the Syrian regime, causing three fatalities and a number of injuries. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were deployed to control the situation and prevent any further escalation of the violence. As for the general situation in Lebanon, the main development since the last briefing was the terrorist attack that killed Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan, Chief of the Information Branch of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces, in Beirut on 19 October. Two others were killed and dozens were injured as the explosion occurred in the residential neighbourhood of Achrafieh.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“In several instances, mortar shells fired by Syrian Government forces landed in the Israeli-occupied Golan, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retaliating on three occasions. Syrian authorities reported that two Syrian soldiers were killed on 18 November as a result of the IDF fire across the ceasefire 1ine. Israeli authorities also reported that small arms fire has affected IDF patrols on a number of occasions. The situation clearly jeopardizes regional stability and the ceasefire between the two countries. We have repeatedly called on both sides to respect the Disengagement Agreement. The situation in Lebanon also remains vulnerable to the ongoing conflict in Syria. Special Coordinator Plumbly will also brief the Council in more detail later this week, so I will just mention a few highlights.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“Over 10,000 Palestinian refugees from Syria have also fled the violence, mostly to Lebanon, but also to Jordan. We continue to call on the donor community to support our humanitarian assistance programmes. Against this background, the Secretary-General and Joint Special Representative Brahimi continue their efforts aimed at reaching a political solution and pulling the parties out of the military logic in which they remain locked. As a consequence of the internal conflict in Syria, the situation in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force area of operation remains volatile. Armed clashes between the Syrian Arab Armed Forces and armed members of the opposition take place daily inside the area of separation. Fire across the ceasefire line has shown potential for escalation between Israel and Syria.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“Let me now turn briefly to the Syrian Arab Republic, where the conflict, now in its twenty-first month, is reaching new and appalling heights of brutality and violence. I shall keep my remarks short, as Joint Special Representative Brahimi will brief the Council in more detail in private consultations later this week. Destruction, death and suffering have become part of daily life across Syria. The humanitarian crisis is becoming more acute now that winter is upon us, and the number of those in need is growing, potentially reaching 4 million inside Syria by the end of 2012. The flow of refugees also continues. The overall number of registered and assisted Syrian refugees is now approximately 450,000, with Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan hosting over 100,000 each.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source
“I have also consistently warned about the threat of a prolonged stalemate in the peace process to the two-State solution and the viability of the Palestinian Authority. There is no substitute to meaningful negotiations to achieve this vision. This must remain our collective priority. Unfortunately, that effort continues to be undermined by actions on the ground, including continued settlement activity, settler violence and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, during which two Palestinian demonstrators were killed. The spillover of violence from the Gaza crisis into the West Bank was largely contained thanks to the effectiveness of the Palestinian security forces.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6871 (2012) · source