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

“Annan has stressed that implementation will be key, not only for the Syrian people, who are caught in the middle of this tragedy, but also for the region and the international community as a whole. The support of all key regional and international actors is critical to help secure the effective implementation of the plan at all levels and create the conditions for a genuine political process that will meet the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people. The Joint Envoy visited Moscow, where he met with Russian President Medvedev and Foreign Minister Lavrov on Sunday. He is now in Beijing for consultations with the Chinese authorities.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“The Joint Special Envoy, who has recently briefed the Council, has continued his intensive diplomatic engagement to bring about a cessation of the violence and promote a peaceful political solution. He sent a mission to Damascus last week to pursue discussions on the six-point proposal he made to President Al-Assad on 11 March. The presidential statement (S/PRST/2012/6) adopted by the Council last week endorsed the six points and was an important signal, which the Secretary-General strongly welcomed. We were informed this morning that the Syrian Government has now written to the Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan, accepting his six-point plan. Mr. Annan has written to President Al-Assad urging the Syrian Government to put its commitments into immediate effect. Mr.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“The overall situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon area of operations has remained generally quiet. Air violations by the Israel Defense Forces have continued on an almost daily basis. On 21 March, the Lebanese Cabinet adopted a decree on the establishment of a petroleum authority to manage the exploration and exploitation of Lebanon's potential hydrocarbon resources. Let me now briefly say a few words on Syria, which remains the most pressing issue the United Nations has to address in the region. Violence on the ground has continued unabated, resulting in scores of people killed and injured. Credible estimates put the total death toll since the beginning of the uprising one year ago at more than 9,000. It is urgent to stop the fighting and prevent a further violent escalation of the conflict.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“Around 900 refugees, fleeing fighting in the Syrian town of Al-Qusayr, arrived in Lebanon's Bekaa valley on 3 and 4 March. That was the largest influx of Syrian refugees since the crisis started over a year ago. The number of refugees in the Bekaa valley has reached approximately 5,000, while another 8,100 have registered with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Government in northern Lebanon. Over the past week, tensions have increased in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el Hilweh following the escape to the camp of the alleged leader of a militant group that is accused by the Lebanese Armed Forces of plotting attacks against it. The Lebanese Armed Forces have increased control measures around the camp and requested Palestinian factions to hand over the alleged leader.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“All sides must take measures to resolve the supply problems through legitimate means in both the short and long term as soon as possible, and the de facto authorities in Gaza should assume their share of the responsibility in this regard. There have been no major developments related to Palestinian reconciliation. We continue to support reconciliation efforts within the framework of the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the positions of the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative. Turning to Lebanon, the Council heard a briefing last week on the situation from the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Mr. Derek Plumbly. As was highlighted in that briefing, the situation along Lebanon's borders with Syria remains of concern.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“We continue to call for the unrestricted import through legal crossings of aggregate, iron bar and cement, which will also benefit expanded construction of international community projects. In that effort, calm in Gaza and southern Israel is an indispensable condition to enable the proper environment for development. Gaza also faces a fuel shortage that is beginning to extend beyond the rationing of electricity for households, which has been a feature over the past several years, to a situation where day-to-day life for Gazans is ever more dire. Hospitals and ambulance services are finding it increasingly difficult to function, and already water and sanitation systems are failing.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“The most recent approvals include two housing projects, consisting of just under 1,000 units, 10 schools, a road and four water infrastructure-related projects - all to be implemented by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. That brings the total value of approved United Nations works in the Gaza strip to more than $350 million. We will continue to work to address the manifold needs of the population of Gaza. Our goal remains the lifting of the closure regime within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009). In that regard, the recent transfer of Gaza-produced date bars to the West Bank is a welcome step. An extension of the fishing limit will help to restore livelihood opportunities to some 3,000 families.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“The calm remains tenuous and fragile, and we cannot stress enough the paramount importance of all efforts to maintain it. Overall during the reporting period, a total of 211 rockets, including 80 Grad rockets, and 36 mortar shells were fired from Gaza into Israel, while the IDF conducted one incursion and 42 airstrikes into Gaza, resulting in four Palestinian civilians killed and 54 injured, while 20 Palestinian militants were killed and 15 injured. We have consistently condemned indiscriminate rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel. Such attacks are unacceptable and must stop. We also urge Israel to show maximum restraint. All sides must respect their obligations to protect civilians, who often pay the price of violence. I am pleased to note Israel's approval of key United Nations projects in Gaza.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“In Gaza, the most extensive escalation of violence since Operation Cast Lead took place from 9 to 13 March. The Quartet principals expressed concern and called for calm. The initial Israeli strike against the leader of the Popular Resistance Committees, who was allegedly involved in advanced planning for an attack against Israeli targets, resulted in a four-day exchange that resulted in 24 Palestinians being killed, including five civilians, and 71 Palestinians injured, including 55 civilians. A total of 11 Israeli civilians were injured, including one in critical condition. The Israeli Iron Dome anti-missile system was effective in intercepting military Grad missiles fired toward urban centres. Relative quiet was restored on 13 March through Egyptian mediation; President Abbas was also active in that regard.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“On a positive note, I am pleased to inform the Council about the substantive progress achieved in the implementation of the mandate entrusted by the General Assembly to the United Nations Register of Damage caused by the Construction of the Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem. It has collected more than 26,000 claims for material damage caused by the construction of the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line. It has finished its work in four out of nine affected 3 governorates and has started its work in Salfit. That represents half of the estimated work. In that connection, in the light of the most recent visit to the occupied Palestinian territory by the Executive Director, we continue to urge that sustained donor support be provided to the work of the Register.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“On 25 March, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the illegal settlement outpost Migron, located on private Palestinian land, must be evacuated by the end of July, thus extending its own deadline for evacuation by four months and striking down an agreement reportedly reached between the Government and settlers to delay the evacuation by three years. Incidents of settler violence against Palestinians and their property resulted in 13 Palestinians injured, including one child. Demolition of Palestinian property left 158 people, including 38 children, homeless in East Jerusalem and Area C. On 22 March, among other decisions, the Human Rights Council decided to dispatch a fact-finding mission to examine the impact of Israeli settlements on Palestinian human rights. Israel is highly critical of the Council's action.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“A high-profile case is that of Hana Shalabi, a female Palestinian prisoner affiliated with Islamic Jihad who started her hunger strike on 16 February in protest of alleged ill-treatment under administrative detention. Her condition has now reached a life-threatening stage. Meanwhile, on 25 March, an Israeli court rejected her appeal. I call for a reasonable resolution to this case on the basis of our reiterated view that the use of administrative detention must be exceptional. Those detained must be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees, or released without delay. Settlement activity continued during the reporting period.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“On 29 February, the Israeli Ministry of Communications and security forces confiscated broadcasting equipment from two Palestinian television stations in Area A of Ramallah after an unresolved dispute on the use of radio frequencies. Both channels have broadcast since 1996 and are 12-27644 registered with the International Telecommunication Union. They have partially resumed transmission through support from other Palestinian channels. The situation of the approximately 4,400 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention centres, 300 of whom are under administrative detention, remains an important focus of attention, in particular as some detainees have continued to protest their situation through hunger strikes.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“Early this morning, three Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were wounded during an Israeli incursion near Ramallah. On 8 March, a young Palestinian was shot dead, and two were injured, by Israeli security forces during a raid near Hebron, after a Palestinian stabbed and slightly injured an Israeli soldier. On 15 March, a l9-year-old female Israeli soldier was stabbed and moderately injured while riding the Jerusalem light rail near the settlement of Pisgat Ze'ev; one Palestinian suspect was apprehended. On 6 March, two Palestinian children were killed, and three more were injured, when a piece of unexploded military ordnance detonated near the West Bank city of Hebron.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“That included one Palestinian man critically injured on 5 March at a checkpoint near Ramallah when a tear gas canister hit his head directly. Large demonstrations are expected during the commemoration of the events of 30 March 1976 - referred to as Land Day by Palestinians - which will be held in various countries of the region on 30 March. In Lebanon, where Palestinian factions are also planning to participate in commemorative events, Lebanese authorities have declared that they are taking measures to avoid violence and the occurrence of incidents close to the Blue Line. The United Nations is monitoring the situation. Allow me to stress that the right of peaceful protest must be upheld and that protests must be kept strictly non-violent. Citing security, the IDF conducted 273 operations into the West Bank.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“In the West Bank, a comparison between January and February revealed that, while the 12-27644 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) search operations in areas under the full control of the Palestinian Authority remained at the same level, the number of Palestinians injured during those operations more than tripled, from 46 to 138. Stone-throwing incidents by Palestinians increased significantly, along with the use of Molotov cocktails. Demonstrations and riots in the West Bank almost doubled. Most demonstrations protested Israeli actions, but some protested the Palestinian Authority's perceived failure to achieve reconciliation with Hamas. Of the more than 100 Palestinians who were injured by the IDF during the reporting period, at least 90 were injured during demonstrations that resulted in clashes with the IDF.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“In the coming months, we must ensure a broadening of community-driven planning in Area C and the provision of basic services, including with regard to education and health. Recent progress in obtaining permits for key infrastructure in Area C is welcome. The United Nations is already engaged on those issues, at both the policy and programming levels. Moreover, due consideration should be given to the transfer of land to the Palestinian Authority in Area C, in particular in areas surrounding major urban centres, so as to facilitate more suitable urban development and relieve the acute pressure on the land and housing market. In the absence of progress, there have been a number of potentially worrying developments in the West Bank and Gaza.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“Israel must also play its full role to help alleviate the fiscal situation of the PA. 1 must underscore that Palestinian State-building efforts face increased risks. Little progress was achieved in the past several months, while financial and political pressure on the Palestinian Authority increased. The prolonged absence of a credible political horizon is beginning to undermine the viability of the Palestinian State-building effort. In support of the PA, the AHLC identified a range of immediate measures to be taken on the ground. The AHLC called on Israel to take further steps to improve the movement of people and goods, trade and exports in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as development in Area C and East Jerusalem. Area C remains critical to the viability of a future Palestinian State.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“The meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the 2 Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) on 21 March in Brussels reconfirmed the institutional readiness of the Palestinian Authority to assume the functions required of a future State. However, the primary concern of all AHLC members was the dire financial situation of the Palestinian Authority. We regret that technical agreements to strengthen revenue collection by Israel on behalf of the PA, which provides approximately 70 per cent of the net PA revenue, and to minimize revenue leakage during transfer have not been finalized. The AHLC members called on donors to meet the $1 billion-financing requirement of the Palestinian Authority for 2012. I therefore reiterate the call on donors to meet their commitments and front- load contributions.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“I met fellow Quartet envoys in Brussels on 21 March to prepare for the upcoming meeting of the Quartet principals, now scheduled for 11 April in Washington, DC. The unfortunate reality is that the parties have not yet found sufficient common ground to resume direct negotiations, and the prospects remain slim. The Jordanian track has been valuable, and we continue to encourage exploratory talks under Jordanian auspices to identify ways to move the process forward. We also continue to urge both sides to avoid any provocations that would be detrimental to the prospects for peace. In parallel, we must continue to make progress on the ground for the Palestinians. The very viability of the Palestinian Authority is at stake, and ensuring its sustainability remains a fundamental priority.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“Mr. Serry: The situation between the Palestinians and Israel remains uncertain and difficult. The events of the past month demonstrate a dangerous combination of no political progress, instability and violence on the ground, especially in Gaza, and an increasingly precarious situation for the Palestinian Authority (PA). The Quartet principals met for consultations on 12 March here in New York to assess developments and to reiterate their commitment to the objectives of their 23 September statement (SG/2178). They welcomed the important effort led by Jordan to facilitate the resumption of direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians with a view to shaping the path to a negotiated agreement before the end of the year.”
2012-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6742 (2012) · source
“It will not be easy to overcome them. However, I appeal to them to de-escalate, refrain from provocations and adhere to their obligations, enter direct negotiations and come forward with concrete and negotiable proposals. The United Nations stands ready to play its full role in supporting such efforts in good faith, based on the international legal basis affirmed by the Quartet, including the resolutions of the Council and existing agreements between the parties.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has otherwise remained generally quiet and stable. However, Israeli flights over Lebanese air space continue on an almost daily basis. The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs will brief the Council in greater detail on 29 November, during consultations on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). In conclusion, the stakes remain high. As I warned in my briefing to the Council in July (see S/PV.6590), Without a credible political path forward, accompanied by more far-reaching steps on the ground, the viability of the Palestinian Authority and its State- building agenda - and, I fear, of the two-State solution itself - cannot be taken for granted. Gaps of trust, perception and substance remain between the parties.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“The United Nations continues to coordinate closely with the Government of Lebanon on the provision of assistance to displaced Syrian nationals, as well as on matters of protection and the determination of their status. As of mid-November, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Government had registered 3,581 displaced persons. 11-60238 Two explosions took place in the southern city of Tyre on 16 November, targeting a hotel and a liquor store. They caused only material damage, including to two United Nations vehicles that were parked near the hotel. The Lebanese authorities have launched an investigation into the explosions. Thus far, neither the motive nor identity of the perpetrators is clear. There are no indications that the United Nations was targeted.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Lebanon's vote on 12 November against the League of Arab States' proposal to suspend Syrian membership has become a divisive issue between the coalition in power and the opposition. The discussion in the parliamentary human rights committee of the disappearances of four Syrian opposition figures in Lebanon earlier this year also sparked a heated debate between the 14 and 8 March movements. The situation along Lebanon's border with Syria also remains a concern. The Syrian army planted landmines on the Syrian side of the border, in areas most commonly used as illegal crossing points into Lebanon. At least one person was admitted to Lebanese health facilities as a result of injuries from the explosion of a landmine.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“He has remained closely engaged with Arab partners and the Secretary-General of the Arab League in this regard. We call for the Arab work plan to be implemented fully and expeditiously. All violence should stop for a Syrian-led process of comprehensive political change to take place that will address the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people regardless of their political, religious or ethnic background. In this challenging context, there was no progress towards peace between Syria and Israel, which continues to maintain settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan. No incident has been reported in the area of separation since the events of June. I now turn to the situation in Lebanon, where developments in neighbouring Syria have continued to stoke political tension.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“There are also worrying signs of an armed confrontation taking place in several areas of the country. The League of Arab States has intensified its efforts to stop the bloodshed and seek a political solution to the crisis, announcing on 2 November a work plan to which the Syrian Government agreed in principle. In the absence of full implementation by the Syrian authorities, the Ministerial Council of the League suspended Syria from participating in its meetings and activities, and decided to consider imposing economic sanctions. The League is currently seeking to dispatch an Arab observer mission to monitor the implementation of the plan and protect civilians in Syria. 11-60238 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has repeatedly called for an immediate end to the bloodshed.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“The reconciliation accord envisages, inter alia, elections in May 2012, following the formation of a technocratic transitional Government. Prime Minister Fayyad, who has consistently supported reconciliation efforts, has publicly reaffirmed his long- standing position that he Will not be an obstacle to an agreement on a new Government. The issues among the Palestinians remain challenging, while the substance of any reconciliation arrangement will be carefully assessed by donors. As the United Nations, we continue to support reconciliation efforts within the framework of the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the positions of the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative. The situation in Syria is a source of deep and growing concern for the United Nations. Violent repression by the Syrian security forces has escalated.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“With due consideration for Israel's legitimate security concerns, I continue to call for further measures towards the lifting of the land closure on Gaza, such as imports of construction materials at scale, exports, the extension of the Gaza fishing zone, and the freedom of movement of people. Opening Gaza is vital to the well-being of Gazans and for closing gaps in supply increasingly filled by other actors, including illicit tunnel trade largely controlled by the de facto authorities. During the reporting period the Israeli navy stopped two boats attempting to reach the Gaza Strip by sea. Following Fatah-Hamas contacts, a further high- level meeting is being prepared to discuss the implementation of the reconciliation accord agreed in Cairo in May.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“In a welcome development, on 8 November the Government of Israel granted four new sets of approvals for construction projects, valued at approximately $5.5 million, to be carried out by the United Nations Development Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Sweden and the United States Agency for International Development. I also welcome the start of the delivery of aggregate, bar and cement for use by the private sector in Gaza, in a pilot arrangement that represents a significant step towards rebuilding the Gaza economy. We are urgently awaiting further approvals of vital housing projects under the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“The IDF fired nine tank shells and conducted 25 airstrikes and four incursions into Gaza, killing 14 Palestinian militants and injuring 12 others, While two Palestinian civilian were killed and five were injured. A 14 November Israeli airstrike injured a French consular official in Gaza, as well as his daughter and pregnant wife, who miscarried. Israel must exercise maximum restraint and minimize the risk to civilians. We reiterate the Secretary-General's call for all to fully respect international humanitarian law.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Throughout the episode, both Israel and the de facto Hamas authorities in Gaza signaled their desire to de-escalate. Diplomatic efforts led by Egypt helped to restore relative calm on 1 November. However, Islamic Jihad released footage purporting to show its possession of increasingly sophisticated mobile rocket launchers smuggled into the coastal strip, highlighting the need for more effective steps to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition. During the reporting period a total of 56 rockets - including 24 Grad rockets - and 16 mortar shells were fired into Israel, killing one Israeli civilian and injuring four others. We condemn these indiscriminate attacks, which must stop.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Israel must remove outposts consistent with its Road Map commitments, and provide adequate law enforcement for acts of settler violence in line with its obligations 3 towards the Palestinian civilian population under occupation. Preserving calm in Gaza and southern Israel continues to be crucial for improvements there and for the overall political atmosphere. The United Nations remains committed to promoting the implementation of resolution 1860 (2009). The fragility of the relative calm was once again demonstrated on 26 October when a Grad rocket launched by militants in Gaza exploded near the Israeli city of Ashdod. Between 29 and 31 October, a dangerous escalation ensued. Tens of Grad and homemade rockets, as well as mortars, landed in Israel. Israel conducted air strikes in Gaza, targeting mainly Islamic Jihad militants.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Palestinian stone-throwing against Israeli vehicles in the West Bank resulted in three injuries, and several arrests of Palestinians. A Jewish holy site in Nablus was desecrated on 31 October. I wish to note that the weekly average of attacks by settlers has increased by 40 per cent in 2011 compared to 2010, and by 165 per cent compared to 2009. Israel recently made some arrests in connection with previous "price-tag" incidents. On 1 and 7November, the IDF demolished structures in three West Bank settlement outposts, resulting in clashes with settlers and several arrests. However, on 10 November the Israeli Government delayed the demolition of two unauthorized West Bank settler outposts built on private Palestinian property.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“On 15 November, Palestinian activists boarded an Israeli bus near Ramallah, which headed to Jerusalem to protest travel restrictions, and seven were detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). However, violent incidents continue. Citing security concerns, the Israel Defence Forces conducted 218 operations, during which 44 Palestinians were injured, including three children, and 113 arrested, including a prominent West Bank Hamas leader, who was placed in administrative detention without charge for six months on 31 October. Meanwhile, 21 settler attacks on Palestinians resulted in six injuries and the destruction of another 174 olive trees during the harvest season. On 15 November, the IDF arrested six Israeli settlers near Ramallah for throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“An eighth battalion of internationally trained Palestinian security forces has been deployed on the ground, bringing their number to 11-60238 over 4,000. In a positive gesture, 51 alleged militants being held in protective custody by the Palestinian police in the West Bank were granted amnesty by Israel on 4 November. Weekly demonstrations continued against the barrier in the occupied West Bank, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The route of the barrier was reportedly recently moved in the northern Jordan Valley, resulting in a de facto annexation of Palestinian land. During a speech marking the seventh anniversary of President Arafat's death, President Abbas firmly rejected violence, but called for the widest possible Palestinian "non-violent resistance".”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“For its part, the Palestinian Authority should find ways to contribute to the de-escalation of the situation and improving the prevailing divisive climate, including in the international arena. De-escalation will be necessary to create an environment conducive for direct talks. In this regard, as Israel prepares for a further prisoner release pursuant to the swap of two months ago, I hope that it will be mindful of the continuing appeal of the Palestinian Authority for prisoners - some of whom have been incarcerated since before the signing of the Oslo Accords - to be released. We underscore the importance of the security efforts of the Palestinian Authority and of continued coordination. Palestinian security forces seized and defused unexploded devices on two different occasions in the reporting period.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“If the funds are not immediately unblocked, this action will threaten the State-building gains made by the Palestinian Authority, including the increased good governance benefiting the Palestinian people and the development of the security forces that uphold law and order in the West Bank. The United States is also partially withholding the assistance funds that it had been providing to the Authority. We must de-escalate this situation. In addition to acting on its settlement obligations, Israel should heed the calls of the Secretary-General and other international leaders to unfreeze transfers to the Palestinian Authority immediately, in accordance with existing agreements. Donors should also unblock their funding to the Palestinian Authority.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Since the adoption of the decision, he has indicated that he wishes to work With member States on practical solutions to preserve UNESCO's financial resources. The Israeli Government reacted to the UNESCO outcome by freezing the transfer of value-added tax and customs revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority pursuant to the Paris Protocol. Those funds amount to approximately $100 million per month, and represent two-thirds of the Palestinian Authority's annual revenues. Withholding that level of funding would cripple any Government, let alone an authority under occupation.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Israel subsequently publicized its intention to invite tenders for the construction of 1,557 new units in East Jerusalem and 673 units in other areas of the West Bank. On 2 November, the Secretary-General strongly criticized settlement activity, which runs contrary to international law and the Road Map and prejudices final status negotiations. Unilateral actions on the ground will not be recognized by the international community and must cease. The Palestinian application for membership in the United Nations remains before the Council. Meanwhile, on 31 October, UNESCO's General Conference voted in favour of Palestinian membership. 11-60238 The decision was the prerogative of member States. The Secretary-General had urged that all parties approach the issue wisely in determining a course of action.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“While we appreciate Israel's stated security concerns and its readiness to enter direct talks, we also believe that Israel should provide genuine assurances that it is willing to present serious proposals, including on territory, in the context of direct negotiations. Moreover, direct engagement should be facilitated by a conducive environment. That remains very difficult given the lack of mutual trust and tensions on the ground. In particular, Israel continues to engage in settlement activity, including in highly sensitive areas, and demolitions of Palestinian structures are ongoing. On 1 November, Israel announced the accelerated construction of housing units in occupied East Jerusalem after the decision by UNESCO to admit Palestine as a member.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“The 23 September statement of the Quartet reaffirmed the international legal basis for peace talks. It continues to provide the framework for a way forward if both parties Show flexibility and responsibility. Quartet envoys and Quartet Representative Blair met separately on two occasions in Jerusalem with Israeli and Palestinian representatives, on 26 October and 14 November. Quartet envoys stressed the need for the parties to avoid provocations, develop serious proposals on borders and security, and discuss them directly with each other without delay or preconditions, with active Quartet support. The United Nations appreciates the substance that has been discussed by the Palestinian side, which shows serious intent. At the same time, we believe its potential can be realized only in direct negotiations.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“UNESCO funding has also been affected. Palestinian unity has not moved forward, though there is speculation about future developments. Meanwhile, Gaza has once again witnessed dangerous violence, including rocket fire by militants into Israel and Israeli strikes. President Abbas has publicly warned that the status quo cannot endure. We have to find a meaningful diplomatic path forward. As the Secretary-General's envoy, I am engaged with both parties and my Quartet and regional partners in that effort. His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan paid an official visit to Ramallah today to hold consultations with President Abbas, underscoring his concern at the current situation and 2 his support for the Palestinian Authority and a resumption of meaningful negotiations for the creation of a Palestinian State.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Mr. Serry: It is an honour for me to brief the Council today in your presence, Sir, and under your presidency. During the reporting period, both parties engaged separately with the Quartet in the framework of the 23 September statement. While that is constructive, direct negotiations without preconditions, in which the parties would be expected to table territorial and security proposals within 90 days, are still not taking place. Provocations continue to damage confidence and make resuming direct negotiations very difficult. Settlements are expanding, undermining the territorial basis for a future Palestinian State and the credibility of Palestinian moderates. The Palestinian bid for membership in the United Nations is viewed negatively by Israel, and the Palestinian Authority's tax revenue is being withheld by the Government of Israel.”
2011-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6662 (2011) · source
“Without a credible political path forward, accompanied by more far- reaching steps on the ground, the viability of the Palestinian Authority and its State-building agenda - and, I fear, of the two-State solution itself - cannot be taken for granted. This agenda should be advanced within the framework of Security Council resolutions and international law, the agreements and obligations of the parties and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“I will not brief on Lebanon given that the Special Coordinator for Lebanon briefed you last week. In conclusion, after nearly 20 years of inconclusive peace negotiations since the Madrid Conference, yet again we are reaching a point where the parties fail to meet an agreed timeline for a permanent status agreement. I can only describe the current situation, whereby the process of Palestinian State-building in the West Bank has matured but the political track has failed to converge, as dramatic. We continue to urge the parties to find a way forward at this sensitive and important time. We hope that the international community can help by shaping a legitimate and balanced framework.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The longer reconciliation is delayed, the more that developments on the ground will push the West Bank and Gaza further apart, with grave consequences for prospects for a viable Palestinian State. The United Nations continues to promote reconciliation within the framework of the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the positions of the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative. There has been no movement on the regional tracks of the peace process. Popular protests and political change have become part of the regional dynamic and affect the way the parties perceive their security and political strength. Uncertainty in the region should be cause for the parties to redouble efforts to address stability. Progress towards peace is more urgent than ever.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The Secretary-General joined the Director- General of the International Red Cross in expressing his grave concern at the continuing captivity of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit on the fifth anniversary of his detention, and called on Hamas to protect his life, treat him humanely and present a proof of life. We also continue to call for his release and for the conclusion of prisoner exchange negotiations, which would also enable the release of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. We note with concern reports of steps taken to harden the conditions of detention of some of these prisoners during the reporting period. Implementation of the May reconciliation accord is stalled amid disputes over the composition and programme of a new Government.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We are also very concerned that a bomb was detonated near the UNSCO compound in Gaza on 25 June causing material damage to the perimeter wall, which underlines the continued challenging security environment facing the United Nations in the Strip. I also draw your attention to the fact that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) faces an unprecedented funding shortfall of $61.4 million for its core programmes and operations, as well as for its emergency food and employment operations. I urge donors to provide decisive and speedy support to UNRWA, without which support to Gazans could be significantly curtailed come October.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“On 19 July, Israeli naval forces intercepted a small boat carrying approximately 10 activists who intended to sail to Gaza, and directed it to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Unnecessary confrontations at sea were avoided, as urged by the Quartet. In Gaza, the Hamas interior ministry closed the local Sharek Youth Forum on unspecified accusations of immoral behaviour. The authorities are also seeking to audit international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with on-site inspections. We urge full respect for the free and independent exercise of the functions of those organizations. We also urge full respect for the work of United Nations agencies, some of whose activities in support of Palestinian beneficiaries have been misrepresented recently.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source