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 ongoing illicit tunnel trade in these essential building materials empowers those who control smuggling at the expense of the legitimate commercial sector. Exports to foreign countries and the West Bank should also be further enabled. The much freer movement of people to and from the Strip is vital if Gazans are to enjoy basic rights, normal interaction with the outside world, and human dignity. We continue to seek the full reopening of all legitimate crossings. We urge continued vigilance to combat smuggling of weapons into the Strip. Most of the vessels involved in a recent flotilla did not receive authorizations from maritime authorities from countries in the region to sail towards Gaza.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“Unemployment in Gaza is very high, at 31 per cent; 54 per cent of households remain food insecure; and 38 per cent live in poverty. Israel's June 2010 policy change from a list of permitted items to a list of prohibited ones has contributed to an increase in consumer good imports. A limited range and volume of agricultural products has also been exported since Israel's December 2010 decision to allow them. The level of United Nations projects approved for Gaza to date, pursuant to Israel's policy, totals $265 million - a significant start towards addressing Gaza's vast basic needs including in education, housing and sanitation. The Rafah crossing for people now operates six days a week between Gaza and Egypt. Together with our Quartet partners, we urge Israel to allow aggregate, iron bar and cement for use by Gaza's private sector.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“One Israeli soldier was injured during an incursion, and an Israeli civilian contractor was lightly injured by gunfire from Gaza. Militants' firing of indiscriminate rockets towards civilian areas is unacceptable and must cease. Israel must also show restraint. Tensions have subsided in recent days. My office remains active in promoting a full restoration of calm, which remains a cornerstone for any broader achievements in Gaza. A nascent recovery is under way in Gaza, with real GDP growth of 15.1 per cent in 2010 and 17.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2011. However, this rebound starts from a very low base and is driven in part by public expenditures, donor aid, tunnel traffic, increased imports from Israel and limited exports. Imports are only about a third of the volume before the closure.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“I urge donors, including members of the Arab League, who are meeting on this issue today in Cairo, to ensure that the Palestinian Authority can pay salaries and meet its other financial obligations. I urge Israel to do more to empower its moderate, committed and peaceful Palestinian partner. 3 Security Council resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009) and the framework of international law continue to guide United Nations policy on Gaza. We are concerned that the calm between Israel and Gaza, which was restored in early April, has been challenged by the firing of some 18 rockets into Israel since 23 June. During the same period, Israel conducted three incursions and 16 air strikes, killing two and injuring eight Palestinian militants, but also killing one Palestinian civilian and injuring 14 others.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“I note that on 23 June the Israeli authorities, as ordered by the Israeli Supreme Court, began re-routing a section of the barrier near Bil'in, a village where there are weekly protests, thus giving residents access to an additional 1,020 dunums of agricultural land, although they are still deprived of another 1,280 dunums. There are now growing calls from civil society groups and political figures for intensified peaceful protests against the status quo and calls for action to realize the Palestinian right of self-determination. Meanwhile, precisely at the time when the State- building plan was meant to reach fruition, the Palestinian Authority has faced setbacks owing to its fiscal position and shortages in donor funding, forcing it to cut back on security expenditures and only pay half-salaries in June.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“This departs from Israeli public undertakings not to build new settlements or set aside land for new settlements, and sets a worrying precedent for the future legalization of outposts, which, under the Road Map, should be removed. Settlements are illegal under international law and prejudge final status discussions, and settlement activity must cease. Issues on which we report regularly to the Council, including settler violence, incursions citing security concerns, movement and access limitations, and the route of the barrier, continue to be sources of friction between the parties.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“This year, 700 people have been displaced as approximately 370 structures have been demolished - the highest number since 2006. Water and sanitation systems have been targeted in particular. Settlement activities continue in many of the most sensitive areas of East Jerusalem and Area C. In the past month, 40 units were approved in Karnei Shomron in the northern West Bank. I am particularly concerned that on 26 June 2011, for the first time in several years, Israel confiscated 19 hectares of private Palestinian land in the village of Karyut, also in the northern West Bank. An outpost, illegal even under Israeli law, has been placed on that land.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“However, as we have often warned, this agenda will soon reach the limits of achievement without more political and physical space. This requires Israeli steps to roll back measures of occupation and continuous donor support. For example, we have repeatedly called on Israel to allow the expansion of Palestinian urban centres to accommodate population growth and industrial activity, which would necessitate including some parts of Area C. While steps of enablement were made in the past, bold measures have been lacking in recent times, and the implementation of those measures that have been announced, including the February 2011 package agreed with Quartet Representative Blair, has been slow. Indeed, we have seen many negative actions 11-43003 in Area C. The demolition of Palestinian structures has surged.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The Palestinian Authority has, in key areas, reached a level of institutional performance sufficient for a functioning State. The Palestinian Authority is ready to assume the responsibilities of statehood at any point in the near future. Real security and economic gains have been made, benefiting both peoples. Better governance, increased investment, improvements in movement and access, and donor engagement have strengthened the West Bank economy in a difficult global environment over the past two years. The training and deployment of thousands of Palestinian security officers and intensified security coordination have seen terrorist cells dismantled and extremist incitement combated. Palestinians have seen law and order return to the main cities, and Israelis have faced comparatively few acts of violence from the West Bank.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We hope that the international community can be united in forums of collective decision-making - now, in September, and after September too - and shape a legitimate and balanced way forward that will help the parties to overcome their differences and ultimately return to negotiations. We will continue to work with Quartet partners to seek urgent action in this regard. We also note the prerogatives and responsibilities of the Security Council and the General Assembly. We must not lose sight of what is at stake. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and my own Office, the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories (UNSCO), have all acknowledged the unprecedented achievements of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“However, in the absence of a framework for meaningful talks, and with Israeli settlement activity continuing, the Palestinians are actively exploring approaching the United Nations. President Abbas states that he remains committed to negotiations and that efforts in the United Nations would help to preserve the two-State solution. Israel opposes this course of action, stating that it will make negotiations for a two- State solution more difficult to achieve. The Palestinians are consulting closely with the Arab 11-43003 League on this issue, and both parties are intensively engaging members of the international community.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The Quartet has engaged throughout this year to promote meaningful negotiations. Most recently, the Secretary-General joined Quartet partners in Washington, DC, on 11 July. The Quartet sought to translate the important speech of President Obama on 19 May, in which he laid out parameters on borders and security as what he termed a "foundation for negotiations", into an internationally agreed framework for the parties to resume talks. The Secretary-General appreciated the substantive discussion in Washington, DC. The Quartet did not issue a statement to help chart the way forward, but its efforts continue. Both President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu continue to reiterate their desire to negotiate.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“Mr. Serry: Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. Let me acknowledge the presence of both Ambassador Mansour at this table - I think we met a few weeks ago in Jerusalem - and of the new Israeli Ambassador, Mr. Prosor. I had the privilege of meeting him yesterday. The political process to resolve the Israeli- Palestinian conflict is in profound and persistent deadlock. Efforts to find the necessary common ground for resumed negotiations have proven extremely difficult, given the differences and lack of trust between the parties. Political leaders on both sides are frustrated, as are their publics. This is particularly acute on the Palestinian side in the absence of a credible political horizon for ending the occupation that began in 1967. Israel remains concerned about achieving lasting security and an end to the conflict.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We will continue to work closely with the United States and all our regional and international partners in the quest for a two-State solution.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“We strongly agree with United States President Obama that it is more than ever vital to solve this conflict, and we will be following closely his speech on the region today. We also await the address of Prime Minister Netanyahu to the United States Congress next week, and whether an initiative for breaking the logjam will be announced. We will continue to seek enhanced and substantive Quartet engagement to shape the 5 process between now and September, as well as beyond. We must show purpose, rather than paralysis, as we approach a critical period in the search for peace in the Middle East. In closing, let me thank retiring United States Envoy George Mitchell for his two years of tireless and difficult work on peace in the Middle East. The Secretary-General and I appreciated our close working 6 relationship with him and his team.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“We urge all parties to give this process a chance, while reminding the Palestinians of the importance of agreeing on a Government that can live up to the expectations of the people, meet the concerns of the international community and support negotiations with Israel. But with September just around the corner, a meaningful political initiative offers the only prospect for reaching September with the various dynamics in play working together towards one objective: a negotiated, two-State solution. In the absence of an initiative, it is too early to assess whether September will bring a new and more effective paradigm for resolving the conflict through negotiations, or renewed confrontation between the parties in the diplomatic arena or on the ground.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“At this difficult time in the region, we take this opportunity to urge continued funding for UNRWA and its support for refugees. The Agency faces an overall deficit of nearly $65 million in 2011 in its General Fund, a shortfall that if not bridged would have significant consequences. UNRWA also requires an additional $6 million in support for its 2011 Summer Games activities for children in Gaza. We are now three months away from September. There is a State-building agenda that has ensured Palestinian institutional readiness for statehood in the West Bank, and there is now a unity process in its infancy. We hope that real security and economic improvements can be continued in the West Bank and broadened to begin to include Gaza, and that elections can take place in a year.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“I would like now to turn briefly to the situation in Lebanon, where, with the exception of the grave incident of 15 May that I just reported, the overall situation in the UNIFIL area of operations has remained generally stable over the last month. Israeli air violations continued on an almost daily basis. 11-34790 At the political level, almost four months after his nomination as Prime Minister-designate by President Sleiman, consultations by Najib Mikati with the new parliamentary majority have not led to agreement on the composition of Lebanon's next Government. We continue to believe that a Government supported by all is critical to enabling the country to face important challenges in the political, economic, social and security spheres.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“We further note that the protests involved violations of the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon and the disengagement line along the occupied Golan Heights, and stress the importance of the Governments in the area ensuring respect for these lines. Among the other serious incidents that took place during the reporting period, two were fatal. A Palestinian child was killed in East Jerusalem on 14 May, apparently by a settler. An Israeli civilian was killed and four others injured by Palestinian security forces on 24 April during an uncoordinated visit by settlers to a Palestinian-controlled religious site in the West Bank.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“In Gaza, 80 people were reportedly injured in clashes between demonstrators and the IDF in the Beit Hanoun area near the Erez crossing. On the same day, one Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire in the buffer zone area in Gaza. We await details of an incident in Tel Aviv that day involving a truck which left one Israeli killed and 17 injured. The Secretary-General expressed his deep concern at the fact that a significant number of people were killed or injured during the events of 15 May. He called on all concerned to show restraint and refrain from provocations, so as to prevent any escalation of tensions and ensure that civilians involved in protests are not killed or injured.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“Official Lebanese figures say that 10 protestors were killed and 112 injured. 11-34790 The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) were in close contact with the parties throughout the incidents, trying to restore calm. UNIFIL and UNDOF are now separately investigating both incidents, in accordance with their respective mandates. We recall that full compliance by all parties with resolutions 1701 (2006) and 350 (1974) is essential. In the occupied West Bank on 15 May, 164 people were reportedly injured, mostly in Area C and East Jerusalem, where Israeli security forces are present, while Palestinian security forces generally prevented demonstrators in Area A from approaching Israeli security positions.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“Thirteen Israeli soldiers were also injured in the incident. Subsequently, the majority of the few hundred civilians who had crossed into the Israeli-occupied Golan were escorted by local villagers and returned to the Syrian side. Of the three infiltrators subsequently arrested by Israeli police, two were returned to Syria and one remains in Israeli custody. In southern Lebanon, thousands of Palestinian refugees gathered in the area of Maroun al-Ras. While most demonstrators protested peacefully away from the Blue Line, an estimated 300 to 400 demonstrators broke away from the demonstration and approached the Israeli technical fence. They started throwing stones and interfering with the fence. The IDF opened fire to repel the demonstrators at the fence. The Lebanese Armed Forces also fired shots in order to disperse the demonstrators.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“Regarding the occupied Syrian Golan, at least 1,000 to 1,200 civilians, the vast majority of them Palestinian, were allowed into the area of separation on the Syrian side, to which access is tightly controlled by the Syrian authorities. They gathered opposite the village of Majdal Shams, on the Israeli-occupied side. An estimated 200 to 300 demonstrators who had crossed the ceasefire line broke through the Israeli technical fence, crossing a clearly marked minefield despite attempts by the Syrian police to block them. After firing warning shots, the IDF opened fire in an attempt to stop protesters from reaching the Israeli-occupied side. Early reports indicate that four people were killed and approximately 48 injured by bullets, while approximately 87 others suffered gas inhalation.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“I renew our calls for Hamas to release and allow humanitarian access to Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, who will have been in captivity for five years next month. Now is clearly the time to resolve this humanitarian issue through a prisoner exchange. In that context, we also follow with concern the situation of several thousand Palestinians in Israeli prisons, and we continue to underscore the importance of the release of prisoners to the Palestinian Authority. Let me now turn to the serious confrontations that took place on 15 May between Israeli security forces and Palestinians in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territory, as Palestinians demonstrated in large numbers, marking what they call "Nakba Day". Allow me to elaborate on some of the most serious incidents.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“The Secretary-General is also following with concern media reports of potential new flotillas to Gaza that can provoke unnecessary confrontations. The Secretary-General calls on all Governments concerned to use their influence to discourage such flotillas, which carry the potential for escalation. He further calls on all to act responsibly to avoid any violent incidents. We must also open Gaza to enable its civil society and children to engage with the world. I can personally attest to the positive impact of the visit of United Nations Messenger for Peace Daniel Barenboim and the Orchestra for Gaza, comprising musicians from leading European orchestras, who performed a concert of works by Mozart on 3 May in Gaza.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“At present, we urgently need the approval of further projects, including two United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) housing projects in Khan Younis and Rafah, totalling 1,100 units. Moreover, the market in aggregate, steel bar and cement - the so-called ABC of construction in Gaza - can and should be liberalized by the Israeli authorities, particularly given the quantities of construction material now entering through unregulated tunnels. The United Nations believes that all assistance and legitimate goods destined for Gaza should be channelled through official crossings and established channels, as requested by the Quartet on 21 June 2010 and the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on 13 April 2011. In this regard, we continue to urge action to combat the smuggling of weapons.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“We call once again for Israel to freeze settlement activity, which continued apace during the reporting period in the East Jerusalem and the remainder of the West Bank. We also continue to stress the need for further measures regarding Area C and East Jerusalem, both in enabling Palestinian efforts and supporting vulnerable communities. Further measures of liberalization in Gaza are also essential to solidify the modest progress already made and empower those seeking continued calm. The Secretary-General urges the Government of Israel to take further meaningful and far-reaching steps to end the closure of Gaza within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009). A free flow of both people and construction materials in Gaza remains a central objective of the United Nations.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“To date, the Palestinian Authority has received about $30 million less per month than what is budgeted for the first four and a half months of 2011. Inadequate donor support for the budget would undermine Government functions and the State-building agenda, affecting the ability of the Palestinian Authority to borrow to meet recurrent expenditures. Continued engagement based on an assessment of the make-up and real policies of any new Government under President Abbas can empower moderation, enhance security, restore hope, help begin Gaza's reconstruction and contribute to reunification. We take note of President Abbas's concerns about Israel's continued expansion of settlements contrary to the Road Map and international law.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“The international community's expectations reflected in Quartet statements are directed to any Palestinian Government and are clear. I am pleased that the Israeli Government has now decided to transfer value added tax and customs revenues that were withheld from the Government of Prime Minster Fayyad for a period after the announcement of the reconciliation accord. These funds are collected from Palestinians and are essential for meeting normal budgetary gaps and paying salaries to employees, including security personnel who are maintaining cooperation with Israel. Israel's adherence to its international obligations is the right way to promote cooperation with a responsible Palestinian partner. We appeal to donors to remain fully engaged.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“We also note Prime Minister Netanyahu's serious concerns about the accord, which have been repeated to me by many Israeli interlocutors. Yet, we would counsel against reaching a predetermined view about the accord's merits or prospects. The reunification of Gaza and the West Bank is a vital goal for all interested in peace, and the process should not be underlined in its infancy. We must encourage the formation of a non-factional Government under President Abbas, with an effective Prime Minister and ministers, who are able to preserve the functioning security apparatus on the ground in the West Bank, adhere to calm in Gaza, expand the State- building agenda, oversee reconstruction in Gaza, begin the process of reintegration and prepare for new elections. The Government should be able to fully support President Abbas's programme.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“A seventh battalion of Palestinian security forces returned to the West Bank from training in Jordan with international assistance, raising the number of newly trained security personnel in the West Bank to over 3,500. We stress the importance of this process continuing under any future Government. Some Hamas statements have suggested that the faction is ready, within the framework of the accord, to submit to national decisions on issues on which the movement itself has extreme positions. However, other statements assert those extreme positions in worrying terms. Statements such as those calling on the PLO to renounce its recognition of Israel, lauding Osama bin Laden or stressing that the movement's sole programme is resistance are a reminder of why deep international concerns remain and why we must follow developments vigilantly.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“I can report that no rockets and three mortars were fired from Gaza during the reporting period. Calm from Hamas has been met with Israeli restraint. There were five Israeli incursions and no air strikes into Gaza. Apart from incidents on 15 May, which I will come to later, one alleged militant and five Palestinian civilians were injured in incidents with Israel security forces, while there were no Israeli deaths, injuries or material damage around Gaza. The de facto authorities in Gaza must now actively maintain this encouraging and important calm. Israel must show maximum restraint and ensure an environment conducive to calm. In the West Bank, existing security cooperation and performance has been sustained.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“He has stated that any Government he commissions would support this programme. The accord envisages the reform of Palestinian security forces on a national and professional basis, and the establishment of a security committee of professional officers, with the participation of Egypt. Security reform is likely to be a gradual process. The current realities are expected to continue for the immediate future. In particular, we believe it is understood that the security cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel in the West Bank must continue, and this is to be respected by all parties. Equally, we believe there is an intention to observe the calm that is now in place between Israel and Gaza, which had been secured in early April with Egyptian and United Nations assistance.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“The agreement also envisages the establishment of an interim committee to address national political issues, in which Hamas and other non-PLO factions would participate with PLO factions, including Fatah, pending National Council elections. However, it is explicitly stated that the work of this committee will not contradict the jurisdiction of the Executive Committee of the PLO, which is recognized internationally as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. At the Cairo ceremony, President Abbas reiterated his full commitment to the platform of the PLO, which has long accepted resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), recognized Israel's right to exist in peace and security and renounced violence and terrorism, and which remains committed to existing 11-34790 agreements.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“The accord has been widely welcomed by the Palestinians, who have strongly pressed their leaders in this direction. Civil society figures have been active in the process. Under the accord, a Palestinian Government of national "capables", or technocrats, is to be formed, with the Prime Minister and ministers agreed by consensus. The Government is to prepare for simultaneous elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council, the presidency and, where this is possible, the Palestinian National Council, in one year, organized and overseen by reformed electoral institutions. During the transitional period until elections, the Government is to begin reunifying Palestinian institutions and follow up on Gaza reconstruction.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“Bearing in mind resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009), the Secretary-General has continually supported efforts for Palestinian unity and the work of Egypt in that regard. The Secretary-General wishes to see unity in the framework of the positions of the Quartet and the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Arab Peace Initiative. Within this framework, the Secretary-General asked me to represent him on 4 May at the ceremony in Cairo that marked the conclusion of the accord. The accord was signed by Fatah and Hamas, together with other Palestinian factions. Faction representatives met again earlier this week in Cairo for discussions on the implementation of the accord, which will clearly be a process rather than an event.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“Yet we are worryingly stuck regarding the search for a two-State solution. As evidenced by Prime Minister Netanyahu's address to the Knesset on 16 May and President Abbas's opinion piece in the New York Times on the same date, both sides profess their desire to negotiate a two-State solution. However, deep differences over the stalemate in the peace process remain. There is a genuine lack of trust, and no credible initiative has yet been taken that could overcome the impasse. In the absence of negotiations, and amidst continued Israeli settlement expansion, the Palestinians are preparing to approach the United Nations in September to seek recognition of a Palestinian State. I turn first to the Palestinian reconciliation agreement.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“Mr. Serry: Two events with important implications took place during the reporting period. On 27 April, Palestinian factions concluded a reconciliation agreement under Egyptian auspices designed to overcome years of division. Last Sunday, there were serious clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territory during the largest popular demonstration of Palestinians in many years. Both developments remind us that popular protests and political change continue to sweep the Arab world and shake the unsustainable status quo found in many parts of the Middle East. The Arab- Israeli conflict will not be immune to these dramatic developments. One way or another, change will come to it, too. This change must be shaped to positive ends.”
2011-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6540 (2011) · source
“I hope that the leaders will join in that effort by acting responsibly and in keeping with their peoples' aspirations for stability and peace. That, in my view, is the right lesson to draw from the changes that are taking place in the region.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“The overall situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remained quiet and stable. Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace have continued to occur on an almost-daily basis. In my December briefing (see S/PV.6448), I indicated that I believed that the credibility of the international community, including the Quartet's, would be at stake in 2011. It is now all the more urgent and crucial that it respond to this test. To that end, the Quartet intends to engage the parties in serious talks, including on substance, and to support them in finding ways back to the negotiating table. I also believe that there should be a readiness to offer more concrete suggestions for those negotiations, if that is what it will take to enable decisive progress towards peace.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“The Secretary-General issued a 11-24239 statement on that occasion in which he reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to the efforts of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. On 22 February, the Lebanese caretaker Minister of Labour signed an administrative decree regulating the implementation of the labour law amendments that were approved by Parliament in August 2010. That is an important and positive step that will contribute to improving the living conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. While progress is being made in the reconstruction of the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, funding remains a major concern. The United Nations urges the international community to renew its financial support to the reconstruction of Nahr al-Bared so that progress can be sustained.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“The Secretary-General welcomed the statement issued by Prime Minister Hariri and called on all parties to maintain calm and avoid any acts of violence. On 25 January, following two days of constitutionally mandated consultations with all parliamentary groups, President Sleiman requested Mr. Najib Mikati to form a new Government. Mr. Mikati's consultations are continuing. On behalf of the Secretary-General, I would like to convey his hope that the new Government will meet the aspirations of all Lebanese people and his call on that Government to abide by all of the international obligations that Lebanon has undertaken. On 14 February, a political rally was held in Beirut to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“We regret the lack of progress towards peace between Israel and Syria. We are concerned about a new campaign to encourage additional Israeli settlement in the occupied Syrian Golan, the goal of which is to recruit 140 new families during 2011. In the interest of regional stability and to realize the Arab Peace Initiative, the conflict between Israel and Syria should be resolved on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions. In Lebanon, the collapse of the Government on 12 January led to an increase in the level of political tension in the country, culminating in a series of demonstrations in support of caretaker Prime Minister Hariri on 24 and 25 January, mostly in the northern city of Tripoli and in some areas of Beirut. The demonstrations ended as Prime Minister Hariri called for calm.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit has been detained by Hamas for over 1,700 days. We reiterate our appeal for his release and for humanitarian access to be granted without delay. We continue to express concern about the several thousand Palestinians in Israeli prisons. Beginning on 30 January, the Rafah crossing was closed to all traffic, including humanitarian cases. We welcome the gradual reopening of the crossing since 18 February. Let me turn now to regional events. With regard to developments in Egypt, where a transition is under way that must serve the interests of the Egyptian people, we take positive note of reaffirmed commitments by Israeli and Egyptian authorities to regional stability and peace. We note with appreciation that Israel is allowing 300 Palestinians living in Libya to enter the West Bank as a humanitarian gesture.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“The United Nations is also in discussions with the Government of Israel on a process, led by the Palestinian Authority with United Nations monitoring, for the commercial import of construction materials for the private sector. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay visited the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel during the reporting period and expressed her concern at the violations of human rights. Among other issues, she spoke out against settlement activity in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and the associated regime of obstacles to movement, given their devastating impact on human rights, peace and development. On 10 February, the High Commissioner also met with victims of the rocket attacks in Sderot and urged the militants in Gaza to stop committing war crimes by firing those rockets.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“At the same time, I note positively the Israeli approval of 14 additional United Nations infrastructure projects in Gaza, including seven United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools. That brings to 20 the total number of approved UNRWA schools. The total amount of approved projects now stands at $155.4 million. It is important that implementation now proceed smoothly, which will require the streamlined entry of materials and adequate capacity at the crossings. Import levels are more significant than before Israel's policy adjustment in June 2010, but are far from meeting pre-2007 levels. The needs in Gaza remain vast. We hope that both import and export levels can be scaled up within the framework of the implementation of resolution 1860 (2009).”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“During the night of 17 February, three Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli security forces near the border fence in Gaza as they were allegedly planting explosive devices, while the de facto authorities contend that they were fishermen. During the reporting period, Israel conducted 10 further incursions and four air strikes into Gaza, in which two Palestinian militants and 27 Palestinian civilians were injured. We call on Israel to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure the protection of civilians. All parties must respect international humanitarian law. We remain concerned at the depressed economic situation in Gaza and the continuing impact of Israeli closure measures.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“On 31 January, three Grad rockets were fired, narrowly missing a wedding celebration in Netivot. Also on 23 February, a 10- year- old girl was killed in the southern Gaza Strip when an explosive device went off while being prepared by militants. We condemn rocket attacks and once again call for their immediate cessation. We are urging the de facto authorities to intensify their efforts to maintain calm. Israeli forces responded overnight to the recent rocket attack with air raids against Hamas facilities in the Strip. On 23 February, Israeli forces also used tank fire against militants who were allegedly detonating an explosive device near the border fence and firing mortars. The operation injured 11 Palestinians, including militants from Islamic Jihad, killing one.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“I was in Gaza last week, on 16 February, and it remains a high priority in all my engagement to seek to improve the situation in Gaza on the basis of respect for calm and a significant improvement in socio-economic conditions, which have deteriorated so badly in recent years in the aftermath of the Hamas takeover and the Israeli-imposed blockade. I regret to report to the Council that the reporting period was marked by an increase in violence, with an escalation of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza and Israeli air raids and repeated confrontations in the border area with Israel. Nineteen mortar shells and 15 rockets were fired indiscriminately from Gaza towards Israeli civilian areas. As recently as yesterday, three Grad rockets were fired at the city of Be'er Sheva, damaging a house.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source
“It is critical that the donor community continue to support the Palestinian Authority and buttress the reform agenda, even if the Palestinian Authority has been able to halve its dependence on budgetary assistance between 2008 and 2011. Thus far in February, the Palestinian Authority has received over $80 million in support for recurrent expenditures. A 3 new international donors' conference for the Palestinian State will be held in Paris in June. This will be preceded by a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on 13 April.”
2011-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6488 (2011) · source