YouSaid · the spoken record

Williams

lines on the record: 70
first: 2007-06-20
most recent: 2007-08-29
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“I think all of these give us hope that, with good will and 18 political courage - and it will require real political courage - we may be able to move forward on the Israeli-Palestinian peace track and towards a just and comprehensive peace throughout the region.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“And I urge those Member States that have relations with Hizbollah to urge that group to meet the basic humanitarian standard that proof of life of prisoners should always be presented. 17 I am sad to be leaving the United Nations. That sadness is diminished by the fact that, throughout this long debate, signs of hope were alluded to by delegations from all corners of the globe: the appointment of Tony Blair as Quartet Special Envoy; the meeting called by the United States for November this year; the Arab Peace Initiative, which stemmed from the summit held in Riyadh in March; and, perhaps above all, the dialogue that has been taking place between Prime Minister and President Abbas, with the most recent meeting having taken place yesterday.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“And it is only because of that commitment that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has been able to operate in southern Lebanon and to provide security on Israel's northern border - security that has been elusive for very many years, if not decades. Last Friday, before I left Israel at the end of another regional tour, my last conversation was with Karnit Goldwasser, the wife of one of the two abducted Israeli soldiers. Members will recall that the cause of the war last summer was the abduction of those soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. I have to say with deep personal regret - because I have made very considerable efforts in this regard - that, more than 13 months after their abduction, we still cannot establish proof of life. I do not even say the release and repatriation of the prisoners; I say proof of life.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Mr. Williams: It is late in the afternoon, and I will not keep my colleagues for long. But I am grateful to the Council for giving me the opportunity to say a few more words. First, let me say how grateful I am for the comments that have been made about me personally, particularly with regard to my work on Council resolution 1701 (2006) and, more recently, as United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. I deeply appreciated those remarks, which came from very many delegations. With regard to the first Security Council resolution, resolution 1701 (2006), I would like to take this opportunity to commend the commitment of both Governments - the Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon - to that resolution. I think both have worked extremely hard to avoid any renewal of hostilities along their common border.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“I wish to thank the Secretary-General and his predecessor for giving me this opportunity, and to pay tribute to the professionalism and dedication of my colleagues in the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and here in New York. I wish them well and look forward to working closely with the United Nations in the region in my new role.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Let me conclude by saying that we cannot afford a new failure in the efforts to revive the Arab-Israeli peace process. There is a hope now which has been absent for almost seven years. A setback at this stage could have serious consequences. Nor can we allow progress in Lebanon in the past year to be stalled by internal political deadlock or by opponents of Lebanese sovereignty and unity. In both arenas, the international community's engagement must be robust and purposeful in order to advance the implementation of the resolutions of this Council. I will miss the opportunity to contribute to those goals as United Nations Special Coordinator and as Special Adviser on the Middle East, a role I have undertaken since last summer's war in Lebanon.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Despite a welcome reduction in the number of mine and unexploded-ordnance incidents in recent months, tragedies continue. On 23 August, a non- governmental organization worker was killed while clearing a cluster-bomb site. Four civilian deminers were injured in that incident, and one supervisor was injured in another. To date, 22 Lebanese civilians have been killed as a result of the unexploded ordnance contaminating large tracts of southern Lebanon. While the United Nations continues its demining efforts on the ground, the provision of the necessary cluster-munitions strike data would greatly facilitate the rate of clearance operations and reduce the present threat to civilians. Further to the adoption of resolution 1773 (2007) last week, the Secretary-General reiterates his call for Israel to provide that strike data.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Last week, the army ensured the evacuation of the remaining family members of Fatah al-Islam fighters. The United Nations has worked closely with the Lebanese authorities in fashioning a strategy to support the Government's post-conflict reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared camp and its assistance to the approximately 30,000 Palestinian refugees who have been displaced by the fighting. Responsive and concerted action on the part of the Lebanese authorities and donors will continue to be required in order to deliver effective assistance. In the south, the situation has remained generally calm. There has been a modest decrease in the number of Israeli air violations of the Blue Line, with 170 overflights recorded since my last briefing to the Council. However, the fact that the overflights continue represents a continuing violation.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“He supports the clear desire of the Lebanese to hold presidential elections as stipulated in their Constitution - an outcome that would help to achieve a breakthrough in the country's political impasse. We also note that on 5 August, parliamentary by- elections were held in a tense but orderly atmosphere for the seats rendered vacant by the tragic assassinations of Pierre Gemayel and Walid Eido. In northern Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces have entered their fifteenth week of confrontation with fighters from Fatah al-Islam in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr el-Bared. According to official figures, 141 soldiers have been killed and hundreds wounded since fighting erupted in May. The exact extent of civilian casualties has not been established. Fatah al- Islam fighters have continued to reject calls by the army to surrender.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“In Lebanon, the political deadlock that has gripped the country since November of last year continues. International initiatives to facilitate a Lebanese dialogue and to address the causes behind the stalemate also continue, but there has been little tangible shift in the positions of the parties. In this respect, I pay tribute to the recent efforts of France in particular. Attention is now turning towards presidential elections. The Speaker of Parliament has begun constitutional consultations, signalling the advent of the official process through which the Lebanese will select their next president. The Secretary-General hopes that the Lebanese will find their way to consensus on this critical issue.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“We hope that that meeting will reconfirm the international community's strong support for the Palestinian Authority Government's programme. The meeting will also be a key stepping stone towards a donor pledging conference planned for December. 07-49245 The Quartet representative, Tony Blair, will participate in both the Quartet and Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meetings, which will be an opportunity to share with international partners his agenda for the period ahead to support Palestinian reform and economic rejuvenation. Mr. Blair's core team and office are being established in Jerusalem, and he is expected to arrive there on 4 September for his second visit. Several United Nations offices and departments are collaborating to finalize arrangements for the provision of financial management and security support for Mr. Blair's mission.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“I also welcome assurances from both the Israeli and the Syrian leaderships that they have no desire to initiate conflict, despite reports of military exercises and build- ups on both sides, and media speculation about heightened tensions. The Secretary-General will host his Quartet partners for a meeting here at United Nations Headquarters on 23 September, after which he and other Quartet members will host an iftar dinner for members of the Arab League's follow-up committee on the Arab Peace Initiative. This will be an important moment to take stock of the bilateral efforts under way and to make preparations for the November international meeting. On the following day, 24 September, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee will meet at the ministerial level here at the United Nations.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“In the aftermath of the visit to Israel in late July of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Jordan, as envoys of the committee of the League of Arab States on the Arab Peace Initiative, Arab Foreign Ministers met in Cairo on 30 July and called for the November international meeting to be comprehensive in nature. The Secretary-General recently exchanged views with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal, on these matters. The Secretary-General believes that the widest possible attendance from the Arab world at the international meeting should be encouraged, and he will be working towards that end. I note too, in this context, the continued Syrian commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Israeli steps to meet its Road Map obligations in this regard are crucial to the credibility of the renewed diplomatic process. Settlement activity undermines hope for a contiguous Palestinian State. Settlements and their supporting infrastructure are also a key cause of significant hardship for the Palestinian people, as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs details in a forthcoming report. I have described the bilateral process and the considerable challenges on the ground. I wish to turn now to regional and international diplomatic efforts.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Eighteen Israeli security personnel and 12 settlers were injured during the evacuation of a building in the market of the Old City after settlers had refused to obey the orders of the Israeli Government. Three settlers were also injured by Palestinians throwing rocks. I note also the continued lack of progress in securing the release of the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and I call on all parties to work with Egypt as it seeks to resolve that issue and the fate of a number of Palestinian prisoners. I am also deeply concerned that Israeli settlement activity continues throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I regret to say that there are no credible efforts or actions to remove any of the more than 100 outposts or halt settlement expansion.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Secondly, Palestinian casualties of IDF operations in the West Bank and Gaza include, in the latest period, five children killed and 23 injured. A Palestinian woman also died of a heart attack while waiting at a West Bank checkpoint to be taken to a hospital. I remind Israel of its obligations to protect civilians under international humanitarian law and of the need for more credible accountability measures, as called for by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Thirdly, I wish to underscore my concern at the lawless action of some Israeli settlers, who injured eight Palestinians, including a United Nations staff member, in violent incidents in the past month. In Hebron, there have been confrontations between Jewish settlers and Israeli security personnel.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“First, 83 rockets and 89 mortars were fired by Palestinian militants, including Hamas, from Gaza into Israel. A school and a day care centre in Sederot were hit, and an infant was among those injured. There have also been several attacks with those weapons on the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip. I condemn those attacks on civilians and on crossing points used by civilians as well as aid workers seeking to help the people of Gaza. Reports of the continued smuggling of weapons and materiel into the Gaza strip from Egypt are another cause for concern. On 25 August, two Palestinian militants scaled the wall between Israel and Gaza and opened fire on IDF positions before being killed by IDF fire.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“United Nations policy in that regard is guided by three concerns: first, that the people of Gaza should not be subject to collective punishment; secondly, that further damage to the socio- economic fabric of Gaza will only increase dependency on aid and fuel extremism; and, thirdly, that all steps taken should be consistent with the goal of reunifying the occupied Palestinian territory under the Palestinian Authority. I call for the cooperation of all parties to work to reopen the Karni crossing. Israeli-Palestinian violence has continued this month, claiming the lives of 51 Palestinians, injuring 145 others and injuring 13 Israelis. A further 18 Palestinians were killed and 88 injured in internal violence. I would like to draw the Council's attention to three aspects of that violence.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Neither the import of raw materials nor the export of commercial goods through Karni has been possible. As a result, 85 per cent of manufacturing businesses have been closed and 95 per cent of private construction projects have been halted - at a loss of $160 million, as well as $213 million in United Nations projects. Approximately 70,000 workers have lost their jobs. The United Nations and others continue efforts to find a formula that could lead to the early reopening of Karni.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Yesterday, for the first time in two months, potatoes were exported through Karem Shalom. Despite a temporary interruption of support earlier this month, owing to concerns about a diversion of resources, the European Commission has resumed payments to enable fuel shipments to Gaza for local electricity generation. However, those measures are not enough to prevent a worrying social and economic deterioration in Gaza. The shortage of some essential commodities, unstable prices, the accumulation of garbage owing to municipal strikes and, above all, the mass closure of industry are sources of acute concern. The main commercial crossing of Karni has now been closed for more that two months, ever since the Hamas takeover led to the removal of trained Palestinian Authority security personnel on the Palestinian side.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Hamas continues to assert its military control over the Gaza Strip, including through the establishment of new security body, a coastal force, a female police force and an interior security force. There are reports of increasing arrests and clashes with other political factions. Palestinian civil society groups have documented allegations of the harassment of 3 journalists, arbitrary arrests and torture and other human rights abuses by Hamas militants. The Palestinian Authority is continuing to pay public sector salaries in Gaza. Due to efforts by the Palestinian Authority, Israel and the United Nations, food and medical supplies are entering through two border crossings, namely, Sufa and Karem Shalom, as well as through a conveyor belt at the Karni crossing.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“For its part, Hamas continues to call for dialogue. However, in the absence of steps that indicate acceptance by Hamas of President Abbas's dismissal of Mr. Haniya as Prime Minister on 15 June, or its readiness to reverse its actions, progress will remain elusive. While some order has been brought to the streets of Gaza, the actions of Hamas are taking place outside the framework of the rule of law and the institutions of the Palestinian Authority, generating concern regarding respect for human rights and the future development of Gaza. Hamas is recruiting volunteers and using charities in efforts to provide certain services, since the majority of Palestinian Authority employees are not reporting to work owing to the dispute over whom they should report to.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“While Israel has its legitimate concerns, the 532 obstacles in the West Bank continue to restrict the movement of Palestinians and to prevent normal economic activity. Freedom of movement is essential in any economy. In the context of genuine security cooperation and political empowerment, it is vital for Israel to ease closures in the West Bank. I am also concerned about reports by United Nations agencies about increasing difficulties for staff access. Let me turn now to Gaza. I remain deeply concerned about the political, institutional and socio- economic consequences of the continued split between Gaza and the West Bank. President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad confirmed to me that they remained committed to reintegrating Gaza under the legitimate authority of the Palestinian Authority. I welcome that clear position.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“I would also like to commend the work of the Palestinian Authority security forces in Jenin, who recently rescued a soldier of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from a mob after he had mistakenly entered the city. It is incumbent upon both parties to respect the agreements that have been reached and to move to 07-49245 further cooperation that results in an early end to Israeli incursions and the deployment of credible Palestinian Authority security personnel on the streets of cities such as Nablus. Further releases of prisoners would also build upon the important and positive first step already taken by Prime Minister Olmert in that regard. The casing of closures is another urgent requirement.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Turning to the situation in the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority, under Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, has begun to implement reforms and a serious security programme. The Palestinian Authority Government has initiated measures to remove redundant employees and end superfluous hiring at ministries. It is preparing an emergency plan for immediate public expenditures, while initiating wide- ranging consultations for the production of a medium- term expenditure framework for the period 2008-2010. On security, Israel's agreement not to pursue a number of wanted militants provided - they turn in their weapons and report to Palestinian Authority offices - has provided an important first example of security cooperation.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Both sides have reported to me substantive discussions and exchanges of ideas on permanent status issues, as well as on confidence-building steps. There also appears to be a welcome common desire to reach an agreement or understanding that could be presented to the international meeting in November. Inevitably, differences of emphasis are noticeable regarding the precise content and scope of what needs to be achieved. For expectations to be met, I believe that the talks will need to shift gear to achieve concrete agreements on permanent status issues and implementation steps. Given the sensitivity of those issues, the shortness of time and the amount of work to be done, that will not be easy. But, with political will and supporting action on the ground, it is my assessment that that can be achieved.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“In the period ahead, the diplomatic process will need to be carefully monitored and supported and must be buttressed by urgent and meaningful efforts and steps on the ground, 07-49245 if the many factors that could derail efforts are to be overcome. I wish to turn first to the bilateral process between President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert, who met again yesterday for three hours. That meeting followed closely on their meeting on 6 August at Jericho, which marked the first visit by an Israeli leader to a Palestinian town in seven years. These meetings will continue, with the next one anticipated to be held on 10 September, before a mission to the region by United States Secretary of State Rice.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Mr. Williams: I have just completed my last visit to the region as Special Coordinator, and I return guardedly optimistic but conscious of many challenges ahead. The substantive dialogue developing between Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) chairman Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and the reform efforts of Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad have created growing expectations. The anticipated engagement of Tony Blair, the Quartet's representative, more active regional diplomacy and the preparations for a series of high-profile international gatherings - above all the November meeting called for by President Bush - reinforce those efforts.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“There has been a promising start to the new relationship of Prime Minister Olmert, President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad. We must encourage the parties to continue to build confidence through the fulfilment of their Road Map commitments. Israel must remove checkpoints in the West Bank as well as dismantle outposts and freeze settlement expansion. President Abbas should continue to work to end violence, disarm Palestinian militias and reform 6 Palestinian institutions. Fulfilment of those conditions would constitute solid foundations for the international meeting this autumn, which will hopefully be an important step to begin bilateral negotiations for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“In conclusion, following the collapse of the National Unity Government, the Palestinian Authority under President Abbas remains the only legitimate authority, and I have been pleased to see the quick response of the international community to deliver financial assistance and political support to Prime Minister Fayyad's caretaker Government. However, it is important that the people of Gaza not be punished for the Hamas takeover. Re-opening the crossings to prevent the complete collapse of the Gazan economy remains a priority. The humanitarian and emergency response has been an effective short- term measure, but a solution led by President Abbas is an urgent necessity. In the longer term, Gaza and the West Bank cannot remain separated. There is only one future Palestinian State, and it encompasses both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“In connection with this attack, Fatah al-Islam fired Katyusha rockets from the embattled camp on surrounding towns and villages, leading to the death on 17 July of one civilian. Israeli air violations of the Blue Line have continued to occur and, during this period, have significantly increased. UNIFIL has recorded a total of 271 Israeli overflights during the past month. These overflights are a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The Secretary-General calls upon the Israeli authorities to make full use of the appropriate tripartite mechanism that exists with UNIFIL in which to address issues of concern.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“The Lebanese Army continues its intense battle against the militant organization Fatah al-Islam in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr el-Bared in northern Lebanon. The fighting, which erupted on 20 May, has now claimed the lives of 114 Lebanese soldiers, at least 47 fighters from Fatah al-Islam and an unidentified number of civilians. On 6 July, two Palestinian demonstrators died in a confrontation with the army. The army and certain Palestinian factions have taken steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to minimize the risk of violence spreading to other Palestinian camps in Lebanon. A major assault was launched on 13 July by the army against an estimated 100 fighters still remaining in Nahr el-Bared.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“On 14 and 15 July, France hosted a meeting of Lebanese political figures representing participants in the Lebanese National Dialogue. That important initiative created a forum in which basic political principles and commitments were reaffirmed and participants pledged to avoid violence in resolving their political differences. We support the commendable and continuing diplomatic efforts of France and those of the Arab League to assist the Lebanese in achieving consensus. The Secretary-General's Special Coordinator for Lebanon has remained in close contact with the parties and has continued to advocate for a return to dialogue and for compromises in order to narrow the gaps between the parties. The Secretary-General calls on Member States in the region to support the Lebanese parties in their efforts to reach a consensus.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“Blair all the support necessary to ensure the success of his mission. In that context, we welcome Norway's proposal to reactivate the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, with the stated support of President Bush and others in the international community, to discuss assistance management, financial support to the PA and Palestinian institutional reform. The meeting will take place in New York in September on the margins of the General Assembly. Let me turn now to Lebanon. Lebanon continues to face a precarious political and security situation. The Council has already been briefed on the two terrorist attacks in less than a month that targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as on the status of the investigation. In Beirut, the political impasse remains, with no tangible shift in the position of the parties.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“The process of institution-building will be led by the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was appointed as Quartet Representative on 27 June. On 19 July, the Quartet welcomed his agreement to be the Quartet Representative and discussed with him the urgent work that lies ahead. The Quartet urged the parties and all States in the region to work closely with Mr. Blair and encouraged robust international support for his efforts. Mr. Blair is returning from the region today after consultations with Palestinian and Israeli leaders and stakeholders. His initial visit was to form an assessment of the current situation before returning to the region in September to start implementing his strategic plan ahead of the international meeting in the autumn. The Secretary-General and our Quartet partners are all committed to giving Mr.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“In a significant speech on 16 July, President Bush supported Palestinian institution-building ahead of serious negotiations towards the creation of a Palestinian State and announced the intention of the United States to call an international meeting this autumn chaired by Secretary Rice, with the participation of Israel, the Palestinians and regional States. The Secretary-General welcomed that proposal. As for the Quartet, it indicated in Lisbon last week that it was looking forward to consultations as the meeting is prepared and agreed that such a meeting should provide diplomatic support for the parties in their bilateral discussions and negotiations in order to move forward on a successful path to a Palestinian State.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“It has injected more than $100 million into the Palestinian economy, and its effects on the daily welfare of Palestinian households were immediately felt. I should note that salaries were not paid to the 20,000 members of the Hamas-affiliated security forces or the 11,000 civil servants hired by Hamas in the past year. As part of this positive atmosphere of trust, and in a step welcomed by the Quartet, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert met on 16 July and renewed their bilateral dialogue at a very positive meeting. I am informed that all issues were put on the table, from prisoners to serious discussion on final-status issues.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“In that regard, Israel transferred $117 million in Palestinian tax revenues on 1 July and released 255 Palestinian prisoners on 20 July. I am pleased to note the positive and businesslike way in which Israel and the Palestinian Authority are working together. In a step that will help Prime Minister Fayyad on the ground, the PA and Israel also reached an agreement that led to 178 wanted militants giving up their arms and signing peace pledges in return for being removed from Israel's most-wanted list. I would like to commend Prime Minister Fayyad's successful effort to pay full salaries to 160,000 PA employees in the West Bank and, in particular, in the Gaza Strip as well. This is the first time in 15 months that a full salary payment has been made to civil servants.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“However, there has been no indication as to when such elections might be held, and it is not clear how or when the current impasse will be resolved. I must note that my own meetings in the region suggest that there are no immediate prospects for reconciliation between Hamas and President Abbas's Fatah movement. The creation of the independent emergency Government of Prime Minister Fayyad on 15 June, which was warmly welcomed by Quartet members, has led to the renewal of direct financial assistance from the donor community. Prime Minister Olmert has made commitments to support the new Government of Prime Minister Fayyad through transferring tax revenues, significantly freeing movement in the West Bank, renewing economic and security cooperation and releasing some Palestinian prisoners.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“On 13 July, Prime Minister Fayyad's emergency Government was reappointed as a caretaker Government that will continue to function until there is a vote in the Palestinian legislature terminating its tenure or until elections are held. The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) has tried to convene on a number of occasions, but, owing to alternate boycotts by both Hamas and Fatah, no sessions have been held. The continued Israeli detention of 45 Palestinian legislators is an aggravating factor, and we join the European Union in calling for their release. As a result of those obstacles, the PLC failed to meet the Basic Law deadline for a vote of confidence on the emergency Government, as had been requested by Prime Minister Fayyad. On 16 July, President Abbas called for early presidential and PLC elections.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“The World Bank now estimates that more than 75 per cent of Gaza's factories have had to close operations and that more than 68,000 workers have been temporarily laid off. Unless the crossings are open for imports and exports, the downward economic spiral will lead to extensive hardship for an already impoverished Gaza Strip. It is particularly worrying that very little progress has been made to resolve the question of approximately 6,000 Palestinians who are unable to move from Egypt back into the Gaza Strip. I would urge all parties to act quickly to hasten the return of that displaced population. I turn now to developments on the political front.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“Overall, 65,000 metric tons of basic food and medical supplies have entered the Strip commercially or through the United Nations, meeting 88 per cent of the population's basic minimum food needs. However, it is clear that humanitarian assistance alone will not be sufficient to stop the decline in the economy that is currently unfolding owing to the interruption of regular commercial flows to and from the Gaza Strip. The closure of the Karni crossing since early June has meant that agricultural and industrial products destined for markets in Israel, the West Bank or farther afield have not been exported. It has also meant that materials essential for the production of industrial goods and for the construction sector are not entering Gaza. For the United Nations alone, that has resulted in projects worth $213 million coming to a halt.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“The Hamas takeover of Gaza and the absence of Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces have left the crossings connecting Gaza with the outside world mostly inoperable. The Secretary-General has stated his concern about that situation and its impact on economic life, most notably in a statement on 13 July. He believes that it is essential for the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible to ensure the well- being of the Palestinians of Gaza. The United Nations encourages the PA to work with Egypt, Israel and the international community to explore all possible options to operate the crossings. United Nations agencies have redoubled their efforts with Israel and the Palestinian Authority over the past month to facilitate and ensure the continuous flow of basic humanitarian goods through the Kerem Shalom crossing.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israeli military actions continued throughout the reporting period, leading to 52 Palestinian fatalities, including four children, and 109 injured, three of whom were children. Thirty-three of those fatalities were in Gaza. One Israeli was killed and 18 injured, including one child. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued targeted killings in Gaza. In the West Bank, the IDF carried out almost daily arrest raids into towns and villages, killing some 20 Palestinians and arresting at least 244 suspected activists from various Palestinian factions. I encourage Israel to cease those operations and to hand over security control of the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“In this reporting period there were more than 20 incidents of Palestinian attacks, involving 192 rocket and mortar shells, against the Gaza crossings and into Israel. The military wing of Hamas has been responsible for most of the rockets and mortars fired at the crossings, and it claimed responsibility for 10 attacks aimed towards Kerem Shalom and 5 aimed towards Erez. However, Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade also carried out attacks against the crossings. Islamic Jihad was also responsible for most of the rockets and mortars launched against Israel, with Hamas claiming responsibility for only one such attack during the reporting period. The Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned Palestinian rocket fire, which targets civilians - causing injuries and damage - and impedes the flow of assistance to the people of Gaza.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“The situation in the Gaza Strip has stabilized somewhat since my last report. Hamas is in control of Gaza and has detained political opponents and those whom it accuses of collaboration with Israel. At least two men have been killed while in Hamas captivity, and local Palestinian human rights groups have made allegations of torture. BBC journalist Alan Johnston, who had been kidnapped by the Army of Islam, was released on 4 July. The Secretary-General expressed his profound relief at the release of Mr. Johnston, who had been held for nearly four months. Hamas subsequently detained 12 members of the Army of Islam and affiliated Islamic groups said to be behind the kidnapping of Johnston and recent attacks on such targets as the American School and a Christian bookshop.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“On 16 July President Bush made an important speech announcing a series of measures of support to the Palestinian Government, leading to an international meeting in the autumn to be chaired by Secretary of State Rice. Most encouraging is that, on 16 July, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert had a very positive bilateral meeting that touched on final status issues. That was their first meeting in three months. Last week, on 19 July, the Quartet met in Lisbon, together with its new special envoy, Mr. Tony Blair. Today, the Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Egypt have arrived in Israel to discuss the Arab Peace Initiative. That is impressive diplomatic momentum, but the positive developments are offset by a problematic and increasingly complex reality on the ground, where violence continues.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“Mr. Williams: May Ijoin you, Mr. President, in expressing best wishes for the future to Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere. I would also like to thank him for his unstinting personal support for the work of the United Nations in the Middle East. Since my last briefing to the Council, there have been a number of important political developments giving cause for hope. Most notable is the re-engagement of the international community and Israel with the Government of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. On 25 June, President Mubarak of Egypt hosted a summit at Sharm el-Sheikh that included Prime Minister Olmert, King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Abbas.”
2007-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5723 (2007) · source
“I wish to salute in particular the dedication of the Director of UNRWA in Gaza and the Chief Security Adviser, as well as the international security officers and national staff who remained at their posts throughout the height of the fighting. The United Nations will remain fully engaged in meeting its mandated responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territory and in efforts to advance the cause of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.”
2007-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5701 (2007) · source
“It is the responsibility of all - the parties, the regional States and the international community, including the Quartet - to provide the kind of leadership required to steer through this difficult period towards a more hopeful future. The Secretary-General is hoping that the Quartet will meet soon. I wish to conclude this briefing by paying tribute to the United Nations team on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territories and, above all, in Gaza. Two United Nations staff, Abdel-Fatah Abu-Ghali and Ahmad Al-Laham, were killed on 13 June, and others were injured serving the people of Gaza. While operations had to be curtailed, they never ceased entirely. Even at the time of heaviest fighting, the United Nations remained with the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
2007-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5701 (2007) · source