YouSaid · the spoken record

Yaacobi

lines on the record: 69
first: 1992-12-18
most recent: 1996-04-18
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“We appreciate the efforts by the European Union and France in this respect as well. This, we hope, will put an end to the situation which forced Israel to retaliate and to use its right of self-defence against those who attacked innocent civilians - men, women and children - in many Villages and towns throughout northern Israel. This is necessary to clear the way for the resumption of the peace process in the Middle East. We believe that there is a coalition for peace which represents the majority of the people in the Middle East who share the desire for peace. We must join forces against militant fanatic terrorists everywhere - in Lebanon as well as in Egypt. We must overcome these immediate hardships, clear the way and continue with the peace process.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“We send our sincere condolences to the families, and our hopes and wishes for a quick recovery to the wounded civilians and UNIFlL soldiers. Unfortunately, we have not heard a word of condemnation from some of the Members of the Security Council who spoke tonight of those who initiated those hostilities. Three hundred Katyusha rockets were launched in the last few days targeting civilians in Israel. Many were injured, thousands left their homes and many are still living in shelters. Prime Minister Peres announced today that we accept President Clinton's initiative to reach a cease-fire, to be implemented as soon as the other party agrees to implement it as well. We hope that the mission of United States Secretary of State Christopher to our region will bear fruit immediately, and that a cease-fire will be achieved without delay.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“I believe that this is a very difficult day for all of us. We regret the loss of life among innocent people who were unconnected to those fanatic terrorists and to those hostile activities. As indicated by the spokesman of the United Nations, the tragedy that occurred today was caused because the Hezbollah launched Katyusha rockets at Israel from locations a short distance away from the United Nations position where innocent civilians had taken shelter. We know that the Hezbollah have been cynically using civilians as a shield. Today the head of the Hezbollah political office admitted this himself. Now they are doing the same with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) units, not for the first time. Unfortunately, this is how this tragedy happened today.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“I call upon all the members of the Council to do what really serves the building of a new order in the Middle East and to contribute to a better future for us all.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“Last month, at the Summit of the Peacemakers in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, 29 world leaders, including leaders from many Arab States, pledged their commitment to enhance the peace process, to promote regional security and to combat terror. All of us, Palestinians, Israelis and others, must be patient and look beyond our immediate hardships in order to achieve our long-term goals of peace and security. Despite the terrorist attacks, we shall continue to work towards enhancing the peace process and towards implementing the agreement which we have reached with the Palestinians. Additional resolutions here will merely serve to further complicate the peace process. Only by confronting the enemies of peace can we ensure that the peace process will move forward.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“We will continue to pursue peace and security for our people. At the same time, we will fight the dark forces of terrorism and fanaticism. We will not allow them to destroy what we have worked so hard to achieve. Unfortunately, the terrorists are supported by several foreign Governments that have time and again shown their opposition to peace through their words and deeds; one of them was just invited to take a seat at the side of the Security Council Chamber. The international community must unite in its effort to isolate these terrorist regimes. Israel is encouraged by the support of the international community in this respect.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“Lately, the passage of goods has been greatly eased both between Gaza and Israel and between Israel and the West Bank. We know that there are still terrorists at large in Gaza and other areas. The Palestinian Authority has gained self-rule over Gaza and most of the West Bank population. Following the successful elections there, we believe that it is the Authority's responsibility to root out the terrorist cancer. Those people are the enemies of the peace which serves the future of all of us. We are indeed encouraged by the efforts undertaken lately by the Palestinian Authority to curb the terrorist groups within the areas under its jurisdiction. Israel cannot lower its defences in the face of terrorists whose stated aim is to kill innocent people and to destroy the peace process.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“The connection between the easing of the closure and those terrorist activities was very clear and very obvious to everyone who watched the scene. Israel is aware of the toll that the closure has taken on the residents of the West Bank and Gaza and we are sensitive to the plight of the Palestinian population. But this, for the time being, is a must to protect the people of Israel and to save the peace. In recent days, the Government of Israel has undertaken measures to gradually ease the closure. Currently, 7,000 workers from Gaza are permitted entry into Israel each day. Since 8 April, Palestinians 45 years of age and older have been able to cross into Israel to earn their living. In addition, development projects initiated in Gaza by Israel and other international donors continue to employ over 25,000 local labourers.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“These despicable crimes left 59 men, women and children dead and an additional 200 injured. As a direct result of these murderous acts of terror, the Government of Israel imposed a closure of Israel to residents of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The rationale behind the closure was to restore a sense of security to the Israeli people by preventing armed terrorists from infiltrating Israel in order to wreak further havoc with the express intention of derailing the peace process and killing innocent Israelis. Let me make it very clear: the closure is not a form of collective punishment against the Palestinian population. It is a measure enacted solely to ensure security for the people of Israel. We really experienced that easing the closure preceded the terrorist actions which took place in the urban centres of Israel.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“At the outset, Sir, I would like to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of April. I would also like to congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Legwaila of Botswana, for the very able manner in which he conducted the affairs of the Council last month. May I say that I am very sorry that the Observer of Palestine used this forum, at this meeting, to react on the Lebanon issue, to which I understand that the Security Council will specifically devote its evening session. I will not respond to what he said on that matter. I will save my remarks for the evening meeting. During a span of eight terrifying days in February and March of this year, Islamic fundamentalist terrorists from the West Bank and Gaza perpetrated four separate suicide bombings within Israel.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“From the outset, we believed that this issue is for the parties concerned, based on the Declaration of Principles which was signed by Israel and the PLO. From the outset, Israel maintained that the Security Council is not the appropriate forum in which to address this issue and that, accordingly, it should take no action in this regard. We therefore consider that the outcome of these deliberations is appropriate. Israel firmly believes that the main effort of the parties should be directed towards the promotion of peace through direct dialogue and negotiations. We call upon our partners to work with us to accelerate the progress towards peace, build mutual confidence, combat terrorism and implement the agreements which have been signed.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“Let all give it the highest priority, especially because the road is so difficult and the obstacles are so many. The Middle East has come a long way in the past years: the agreements between Israel and the PLO, the implementation of the first stage despite the continuous terrorism waged by the enemies of peace and by others, the Israel-Jordan peace treaty, the establishment of working relations between Israel and other countries of the Middle East and North Africa, the basis for regional economic cooperation that has been laid by the Casablanca Conference and the multilateral negotiations. Now we have to continue building on this foundation, to do our utmost so that a comprehensive peace may be achieved. This is our conviction, our commitment and our hope.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“Indeed, Israel and the PLO agreed that differences and disputes arising out of the application or the interpretation of the agreements should be settled between the parties themselves according to an agreed process. This is detailed in article 15 of the Declaration of Principles as well as in article 17 of the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area. Accordingly, we believe that any attempts to address this issue outside the agreed-upon framework stands in contradiction to the letter and spirit of the agreements signed by Israel and the PLO and to the principles of the peace process. We therefore call upon the members of the Security Council not to take any action on this matter. Continued progress towards peace should be the main concern of all parties. We all must travel the road to peace with determination.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“In the Declaration of Principles Israel and the PLO agreed that issues relating to the permanent status will be negotiated by the parties themselves at a later stage, and we are committed to this agreement. Moreover, there is no contradiction between the peace process and continued development in Jerusalem for the benefit of all its residents, both Jewish and Arab, and if one looks at the Declaration of Principles one will find no reference to any prohibition of development activity in Jerusalem. If the leadership of the PLO feels otherwise, then the matter should be appropriately addressed in the framework of the bilateral negotiations.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“I shall quote just a few lines of this song: "Then our hope is not yet lost, The hope of 2000 years: To be a free people in our land, The land of Zion and Jerusalem." This old-new song is the national anthem of the State of Israel, "Hatikva", "The Hope." Speaking in Washington, DC, last Sunday, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin said: "The policy of all the Governments of Israel was and is: Jerusalem is united under Israel's sovereignty, the capital of Israel and the heart of the Jewish people for ever." And he has emphasized on repeated occasions: "We have always promised and ensured freedom of worship for all religions and free access to all holy places." There is no contradiction between this policy and bilateral agreements Israel has signed, including the Declaration of Principles with the PLO.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“Our psalmists have praised it in songs of ascent and mourned its destruction in songs of lamentation. A hundred years ago the Jewish people found inspiration in a new song, but one with an ancient theme.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“For Jews living in exile for 2000 years the centrality of Jerusalem sustained us as a people and gave us the hope to carry on through the darkest days. The words "Next year in Jerusalem" were always on the lips and in the hearts of Jews. It is the prayer of every child born to the Jewish people in every age and in every place - in New York, Moscow, Buenos Aires, London, Paris, Rome, Prague, Rabat, Cairo and Jerusalem. We are sensitive to the importance of Jerusalem to Christians and Moslems, and we are proud that since 1967, for the first time, Jerusalem is open to pilgrims and worshippers of all religions and that each faith freely administers its own holy sites. The centrality of Jerusalem in the soul of the Jewish people is the essence of our nationhood. We have expressed this in many ways.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“When the sites of many of today's great capitals were only fields of passage for nomads and herds, Jerusalem was already our capital. Even then, it was the object of pilgrimage for our people three times a year. Our kings ruled from its palaces, our priests served God in its Temple, our prophets preached justice in its streets. Even then, before many of the nations on this Earth were born, Jerusalem was the national, political, cultural, religious and spiritual centre of the Jewish people. The Jewish presence in the city began 3000 years ago and has lasted, unbroken, to this very day. Even under foreign domination and persecution we maintained a significant and vital presence in Jerusalem. Thus, since the second half of the nineteenth century Jews have constituted the majority of the city's inhabitants.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“Unfortunately, I have heard here some very deceptive statements about the history of our State and the history of United Nations resolutions, including the resolution of 29 November 1947 calling for a Jewish State, the State of Israel, and an Arab State to be established in Palestine, a resolution Israel accepted while the Arabs rejected it and started an overall war to violate the United Nations resolutions. No one is more sensitive to the meaning of Jerusalem than the Jewish people. Ever since King David established it as our capital 3000 years ago Jerusalem has been the essence of our nationhood. Jerusalem was never ever the capital of any other people. The Caliphs ruled it for centuries, but they never made it their capital, nor did the Mamelukes and the Ottomans.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“In the Malha-Bet Zaffaffa area, 20 hectares are at issue, 2.5 hectares under Jewish ownership, 1 hectare under Arab ownership, and 16.5 hectares to which ownership has not been registered. The land to be expropriated has also been designated for the construction of 400 housing units for Arab residents. The needs of a growing, dynamic city will continue to guide us in the future as well. In the light of statements made earlier in this Chamber, I wish to make some brief remarks on the meaning of Jerusalem to us.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“More specifically, the breakdown is as follows: in the Har Homa area, 185 hectares are at issue: 139 hectares are under Jewish ownership, 41 hectares are under Arab ownership and there are five hectares for which ownership has not been registered. With regard to the other areas - the Ramot and Malha-Bet Zaffaffa areas - the Lands Authority has only published its intention to expropriate. The owners have 20 days to present objections to the Authority; should the objections be overruled, the owners have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court. If the expropriation is upheld, the owners will be compensated by the State. In the Ramot area, 33.5 hectares are at issue, 9 hectares under Jewish ownership, 23 hectares under Arab ownership and 1.5 hectares to which ownership has not been registered.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“Several weeks ago, the Israel Lands Authority published its intention to expropriate 53 hectares of barren land in the Jerusalem municipal area. This is for the purpose of development, including housing for Arab residents. In addition, appeals proceedings regarding 185 hectares in the Jerusalem area, expropriated two years ago, were recently completed. This is barren land - land that is not being used for housing, agriculture, or any other purpose. Of the total 238 hectares, the majority, namely 63 per cent, are under Jewish ownership, 27.3 per cent are under Arab ownership, and 9.7 per cent are lands for which ownership has not been registered.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“The recent decision to expropriate, not to confiscate, land for construction in Jerusalem - not for settlements as was said here - is based on our long-standing policy to ensure that development in Jerusalem keeps pace with the changes that are a natural feature of any living city. Construction and development for all residents have always been regular features of Jerusalem life, and will continue to be in the future. We do not accept the proposition that the natural and continued development of Jerusalem, or any other city, can or should be arrested. It is inconceivable that the people of Jerusalem - Jews and Arabs alike - should be deprived of sufficient schools, roads, housing, workplaces, and so on.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“At the outset, I should like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. We are certain that your wealth of experience will be of invaluable assistance as you guide the proceedings of this Council. I should also like to congratulate your predecessor, Mr. Karel Kovanda, on skilfully conducting the Council's affairs. Permit me to say that, even though I disagree with much of what has been said here, I should first like to set the record straight, on the basis of the facts. Unfortunately, the issue has been taken out of context and blown out of proportion.”
1995-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3536 (1995) · source
“Yes, we have differences; but we also have an overriding common interest that has to come first: to create a better future for our peoples and for the people of the Middle East. The opponents of peace want nothing more than to see us fail in achieving our vision. We must not give up; we have to pursue our shared goal and our commitment to a comprehensive peace. Yes, we have differences. We have to address them. The place to do it is at the negotiating table, as we agreed and as we hope to agree now.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“As the elected leadership, it is the Government's responsibility to ensure the personal security of all citizens. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Rabin informed Chairman Arafat of certain measures to ease the closure. These are under way, and we hope that the security situation will enable us to continue with the normalization. This is our policy. Allow me to address our Palestinian partners: let us not lose sight of our shared hope. We have made great progress; irreversible progress, I believe. These are not easy times. They demand wisdom and leadership. The role of leadership is to pursue the best path for the people in the long run and not to lose from view for even one minute the long-term perspective.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“A recent study by the donor countries identified 15,000 policemen on the rolls, and 2,000 more will be added, in accordance with the agreement between Israel and the PLO in early February. Clearly, the means are there. We expect the Palestinian Authority to disarm all those who are forbidden to possess arms. We expect it to do all in its power to combat terrorism and to bring to justice all those involved in murderous activities. Here, I believe it is appropriate to address the issue of closing off the territories that was mentioned earlier. Closure is neither a policy nor an act of collective punishment. Rather, it is an act of self-defence in the face of repeated terrorist attacks from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli people expect that they will be protected.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“As we all know, in Israel, as in all other democracies, the people ultimately decide. Therefore, the most important task before all supporters of peace is credibly to address the growing sense in Israeli public opinion that the Palestinians are unable to meet their commitments to fighting terrorism. Israel believes that the Palestinian Authority too does not want terrorism to hold the peace process hostage. The Palestinian Authority can and should do more to respect its commitment, as set out in article XVIII of the Gaza-Jericho Agreement, "to prevent acts of terrorism, crime and hostilities". (A/49/180, p. 19), 5/1994/727. The means are there. The Gaza-Jericho Agreement provides for 9,000 Palestinian police.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“Twenty of those killed were young men and women ranging in age from 18 to 24. After the attack, we were shocked to see thousands celebrating at the terrorists' homes in the Gaza Strip. Israel cannot View these attacks with indifference. We cannot sit idly by and allow our people to be slaughtered. Morally and humanly, we are obligated to protect our people's lives. We are a democratic country rooted in our Jewish heritage. Both teach sensitivity to the value of human life. Our sages teach us: Kol adam hu olam umlo'o - "In every person is an entire world." We believe that the Palestinians understand the value we ascribe to each life. Certainly, Hamas and Islamic Jihad try to exploit this. But for the sake of its own people as well as ours, the Palestinian Authority must fulfil its obligation to combat terrorism.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“They killed eight people, including three teenage students and two teachers. A week later, on 13 April, Hamas bombed another bus, this time in the coastal town of Hadera. Five people died in the attack. In October 1994, Hamas terrorists kidnapped 20-year-old Corporal Nachshon Waxman. They held him, tortured him and shot him to death. Hamas also claimed responsibility for the 19 October bombing of the Number 5 bus on Dizengoff Street, in the heart of Tel Aviv. Twenty-one Israelis and one Dutch national were killed. And just last month, on 22 January, Islamic Jihad exploded two consecutive bombs at the Beit Lid bus stop near Netanya. Twenty-one Israelis were killed. After the first bomb was detonated, the terrorists attacked the people who had rushed to help the first Victims.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“These significant developments - which have all taken place since the signing of the agreement between Israel and the PLO - bring us closer to a comprehensive peace, yet, at the same time, opposition to the peace process has become more and more Violent. Terrorism is now the major obstacle to peace. Radical fundamentalists with ties to Iran and leading the campaign. Their goal is to derail the peace process. Their strategy is to provoke a cycle of Violence and sow anger, hatred and resentment towards further progress. Their method is to kill Israeli men, women and children going about their daily lives. Israel has already paid a high price: 116 killed since the signing of the Declaration of Principles and 634 injured. On 6 April 1994, Hamas terrorists detonated a car bomb next to a bus in downtown Afula, in the north of Israel.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“These developments are part of a growing recognition that direct dialogue is the only way to solve the issues that divide us. Military conflict and solutions imposed from the outside have not solved the Arab-Israeli conflict. As we turn our gazes from the past to the future, we also find new problems that do not distinguish between Arab and Israeli: economic, environmental, humanitarian and so on. We can solve them only by working together. October's economic summit, in Casablanca, Morocco, brought Arab, Israeli and other businessmen and government leaders together to promote regional cooperation. Another conference is expected to take place in Amman, Jordan, next October.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“In the past year and a half alone, more progress has been made towards comprehensive peace in the region than in the entire half century preceding it. For the first time in their history, the Palestinians are taking responsibility for their own affairs. The Israel Defence Forces have already withdrawn from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area, and the Palestinian Authority has been established there. Israel and Jordan signed three agreements: one outlining peace, one ending the state of war and one that was a full-fledged peace treaty. This is the second peace treaty between Israel and an Arab State following the ground-breaking peace with Egypt 16 years ago. In addition, Israel has established formal relations with Morocco and Tunisia through the exchange of liaison offices.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“The Government stopped allocating public resources to support the extension of existing settlements. No land has been or will be confiscated to establish new settlements. Yes, we continue to build in Jerusalem, as the Arabs do. They have not stopped building, and this is their right. We have not stopped building, and this is our right. The peace process has faced challenges and difficulties ever since Israel and PLO signed the Declaration of Principles in September 1993. But the significance of this and subsequent agreements must not be ignored: Israel regards the agreements with the PLO as a historic breakthrough. We firmly believe that there is no better alternative than peace, freely and directly negotiated by the parties themselves.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“For all these reasons, Israel considers it highly inappropriate for the PLO to have initiated a debate on this matter in the Security Council, in contradiction of the agreements it signed with Israel. For the record, I wish to explain the basic elements of Israel's settlement policy. Immediately after the present Government of Israel was formed in July 1992, it substantially changed Israel's settlement policy. This was not done because of any external pressure or legal claims. The new policy was adopted long before the agreements with the PLO. Rather, it stems from our deep conviction about the kind of Israel we want to have and from our profound belief that the best alternative is peace based on security, understanding and cooperation. Therefore, no new settlements have been established in the territories since then, nor will they be.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“I would also draw the Council's attention to the fourth paragraph of Chairman Arafat's letter to Prime Minister Rabin dated 9 September 1993 and to the preambles to the Declaration of Principles and the Gaza-Jericho Agreement. In these documents the PLO committed itself to resolving outstanding issues through negotiations, not through the intervention of outside parties. Furthermore, we find it difficult to understand why the PLO seeks to address its concerns in the Security Council rather than through the agreed mechanisms for settling differences and disputes that were specified in article XV of the Declaration of Principles, as well as in article XVII of the Gaza-Jericho Agreement.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“Secondly, in these same agreements the PLO committed itself to settling these issues at a specific time - namely, in the negotiations on permanent status, at the final stage of the process. It was agreed not to address these issues at the present time. These commitments were made numerous times throughout the agreements. I will spare the Council a detailed account of every specific instance. However, I wish to call its attention to article V, paragraph 3, of the Declaration of Principles, whereby Israel and the PLO agreed that the issue of settlements would be dealt with in the permanent-status negotiations, not at the present time.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on the able manner in which you have conducted the affairs of the Security Council this month. I would also like to congratulate your predecessor, Mr. Emilio Cardenas, on his skilled conduct of the Council's affairs. I would like to begin with some comments regarding the issue of settlements. Here I wish to emphasize that the PLO's initiative to debate this issue in the Security Council is incompatible with its signed commitments vis-a-vis Israel. In the first place, the PLO has committed itself repeatedly in its agreements with Israel to resolve all outstanding permanent-status issues, such as settlements and Jerusalem, in direct and bilateral negotiations.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“Israel has suffered from terrorism throughout the years of its existence, yet we have never abandoned our quest for peace. Now, too, Israel remains fully committed to advancing towards peace on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and the Declaration of Principles signed by Israel and the PLO. Time is precious. We should not miss this historic opportunity. We call upon the Palestinians and all other participants in the negotiations - Syria, Jordan and Lebanon - to return to the peace talks in order to carry on with the essential task of establishing peace and security in our region.”
1994-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3351 (1994) · source
“The Government of Israel stated that, with the completion of the negotiations on the Gaza-Jericho agreement, a Palestinian police force will be established which will take responsibility for the security of the Arab residents of those areas. During the transition period the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that a security vacuum is not created. The reference to Jerusalem in this resolution is not compatible with the Declaration of Principles, whereby both parties have agreed to address the issue not later than the beginning of the third year of the interim period. The reference to Jerusalem in the resolution is also at variance with Israel's position regarding the city's present and future status: Jerusalem will remain united under Israeli sovereignty as our eternal capital.”
1994-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3351 (1994) · source
“Following the tragic event which took place in Hebron on 25 February, Israel strongly condemned this massacre, this murder, and took some unprecedented measures. At its weekly meeting on Sunday, 13 March 1994, the Government of Israel declared that the Kach and Kahane Chai movements are terrorist organizations. This 17 announcement applies to these organizations as well as to any group of people acting to achieve aims of the nature which the aforementioned groups have been working to achieve. The Government of Israel also reaffirmed that at present, as in the past, it is solely responsible, by means of the Israel Defence Forces and the Israel Police, for the security of all inhabitants, Jewish and Arab, of the territories. The Government of Israel intends to take all measures necessary to ensure security within the boundaries of the law.”
1994-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3351 (1994) · source
“We can best achieve this by implementing the Declaration of Principles, Article VII of which stipulates: "In order to guarantee public order and internal security for the Palestinians of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Council will establish a strong police force, while Israel will continue to carry the responsibility for defending against external threats, as well as the responsibility for overall security of Israelis for the purpose of safeguarding their internal security and public order." The Declaration of Principles provides for the possibility of a temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed upon. We maintain that nothing in the present resolution prejudices this provision in the Declaration of Principles.”
1994-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3351 (1994) · source
“The letters of invitation to the Madrid Peace Conference, sent by the co- sponsors to the participants on 18 October 1991, constitute the terms of reference upon which the peace process is based. Within this framework, Israel and the PLO signed the Declaration of Principles on 13 September 1993, as well as the Cairo Agreement on 9 February 1994. We believe that we have to act within the framework of the agreed peace process and those agreements. Security must be guaranteed for all residents of the territories, Jews and Arabs alike.”
1994-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3351 (1994) · source
“At the outset, Sir, I should like to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I have no doubt that your wealth of diplomatic experience and personal skills will be of invaluable assistance in conducting the affairs of the Council. Israel believes that all sides should dedicate themselves from now on to resuming and accelerating the peace process. This is the only way to change the reality and create a new future for Israelis, Palestinians and the neighboring Arab States. Therefore, we share the Security Council's support for the peace process currently under way, and call for the implementation of the Declaration of Principles, signed by Israel and the PLO, without delay. My Government welcomes the steps announced today to put the peace process back on track soon.”
1994-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3351 (1994) · source
“"We call upon you to return to the negotiating table, to resume the talks. We shall sit down and continue the negotiations. For after the blood, after the tears, that which we have so long sought and dreamed about may lie waiting in the near future: to put an end to 100 years of war and terrorism, and to begin to exist, to begin to live, like all nations."”
1994-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3340 (1994) · source
“Faithful and speedy implementation of the agreement on interim self-government arrangements will frustrate the plans of extremists and swell the ranks of those who believe that Israelis and Palestinians can and should live in peace, dignity and mutual respect. The Security Council has a responsibility to support these proponents of peace by calling for accelerated progress towards implementing the Israeli-Palestinian agreement. I will conclude with these words, delivered by Prime Minister Rabin to Israel's Knesset today: "IT say to the Palestinians ... we understand your feelings, and suffer this terrible tragedy together with you. We identify with the heavy sorrow, the distress and the tears, and we know that, even when peace comes, both you and we will bear the scars of war.”
1994-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3340 (1994) · source
“The Israel Defence Forces will continue to do all they can to maintain public order and to prevent further incidents and bloodshed. Once the implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian agreement begins, the Palestinian police will take its part in ensuring security. We believe that the only sincere solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is to enhance the implementation of the agreement between Israel and the PLO. We all have to focus on accelerating the progress towards peace. As Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said, "peace is the true answer to the hate-mongers and the sowers of grief".”
1994-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3340 (1994) · source
“Fourthly, the Government has decided to release up to 1,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners within the coming week. Fifthly, new security and prayer arrangements will be made for the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. The site will be reopened when these new arrangements are made. Sixthly, the Government will provide compensation to the families of the victims. Unfortunately, some Palestinian leaders have called the Government's decisions "empty, hollow and superficial". This is very regrettable. I want to stress here that the Government of Israel is fully committed to doing its utmost to protect Arabs and Jews alike. Measures are being taken to halt the activities of all radical elements which are a source of incitement in the territories.”
1994-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3340 (1994) · source
“At two meetings, held on 25 and 27 February, the Cabinet discussed the massacre in Hebron and authorized a number of steps: First, a Commission of Inquiry headed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Israel has been established to fully investigate the massacre. Secondly, a series of measures has been taken against radical elements among the Israeli residents of the territories. These measures include the imposition of administrative detentions, the extension of restraining orders and supervisory orders against the entry of certain persons into the territories and especially into the Hebron area, and the disarming of specific individuals and the cancellation of their permits to carry weapons. Thirdly, the Attorney General will explore and propose options for outlawing the radical organizations "Kach" and "Kahane Chai".”
1994-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3340 (1994) · source
“Following the formation of the present Government, on 13 July 1992, Israel made far-reaching changes in its order of national priorities: The Government of Israel stopped construction of new settlements in the territories; we reallocated resources away from the territories and into Israel; the Government of Israel decided to recognize the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people and to commence negotiations with the PLO within the Middle East peace process; Israel signed the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, with the PLO, on 13 September 1993; we announced our readiness to negotiate, without preconditions, a permanent settlement with the Palestinians by no later than the third year of the interim period; and we announced our readiness to negotiate a peace treaty with Syria on the basis of territorial compromise.”
1994-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3340 (1994) · source