Menu
20/11/2003
Renewed vigour must be applied to 'road map' peace plan
With a new Palestinian Prime Minister in place, all parties involved in peace process between Israelis and Palestinians should "recommit themselves to the process", a senior UN official told the Security Council yesterday.
In his assessment of developments in the Middle East, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Kieran Prendergast, said newly installed Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei would be expected "to take immediate steps to establish law and order, control violence and start operations to confront those who engage in terror".
"We hear talk here and there of a possible meeting between the two Prime Ministers and of another ceasefire," he said.
"These tender shoots need nourishing. The peace process cannot be allowed to remain stalled."
Both sides had done little to address the situation and both should be judged by their performance, Mr Prendergast said.
Despite the prospects afforded by the 'road map' peace plan, terrorism remained a threat to Israel, and Israeli military and settlement operations, meanwhile, as well as its construction of a separation barrier, caused Palestinian suffering, he added.
"The period of inertia, excuses and conditionality in Middle East peacemaking must end," he said.
The Security Council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the Road Map, which advocates achieving "the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security".
The resolution - cosponsored by Bulgaria, Chile, China, France, Germany, Guinea, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom - also called on the parties to fulfil their obligations under the 'road map' in cooperation with the Quartet.
While recognizing Israel's right and duty to defend itself against terrorism, this defence could not be carried out at the expense of the entire Palestinian people, Mr Prendergast said in his assessment.
(gmcg)
In his assessment of developments in the Middle East, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Kieran Prendergast, said newly installed Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei would be expected "to take immediate steps to establish law and order, control violence and start operations to confront those who engage in terror".
"We hear talk here and there of a possible meeting between the two Prime Ministers and of another ceasefire," he said.
"These tender shoots need nourishing. The peace process cannot be allowed to remain stalled."
Both sides had done little to address the situation and both should be judged by their performance, Mr Prendergast said.
Despite the prospects afforded by the 'road map' peace plan, terrorism remained a threat to Israel, and Israeli military and settlement operations, meanwhile, as well as its construction of a separation barrier, caused Palestinian suffering, he added.
"The period of inertia, excuses and conditionality in Middle East peacemaking must end," he said.
The Security Council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the Road Map, which advocates achieving "the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security".
The resolution - cosponsored by Bulgaria, Chile, China, France, Germany, Guinea, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom - also called on the parties to fulfil their obligations under the 'road map' in cooperation with the Quartet.
While recognizing Israel's right and duty to defend itself against terrorism, this defence could not be carried out at the expense of the entire Palestinian people, Mr Prendergast said in his assessment.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2014
PM Promotes Economic Growth
Prime Minister David Cameron is on his two day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories to focus on the opportunities that peace would bring.
PM Promotes Economic Growth
Prime Minister David Cameron is on his two day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories to focus on the opportunities that peace would bring.
12 November 2004
Blair to push forward Middle East roadmap at Washington talks
The Prime Minister is in Washington today for talks with President Bush, and Iran, Yasser Arafat's death and the state of the Middle East peace process are expected to top the agenda. After flying into Andrews Air Force base last night, Tony Blair began his two-day visit with a one-on-one dinner with the president at the White House.
Blair to push forward Middle East roadmap at Washington talks
The Prime Minister is in Washington today for talks with President Bush, and Iran, Yasser Arafat's death and the state of the Middle East peace process are expected to top the agenda. After flying into Andrews Air Force base last night, Tony Blair began his two-day visit with a one-on-one dinner with the president at the White House.
20 April 2004
Israel defends 'targeted assassination' policy at UN
At an open UN Security Council meeting yesterday, Israel defended its decision to kill two founding members of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, saying such "defensive actions" would not have occurred had the Palestinian leadership been a "genuine partner in peace".
Israel defends 'targeted assassination' policy at UN
At an open UN Security Council meeting yesterday, Israel defended its decision to kill two founding members of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, saying such "defensive actions" would not have occurred had the Palestinian leadership been a "genuine partner in peace".
08 May 2003
Nobel peace prize nomination for Bush and Blair
US president George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. A Norwegian member of Parliament made the call today saying that the men who headed the Coalition forces in the war in Iraq were worthy of recognition as their actions have created a more stable environment.
Nobel peace prize nomination for Bush and Blair
US president George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. A Norwegian member of Parliament made the call today saying that the men who headed the Coalition forces in the war in Iraq were worthy of recognition as their actions have created a more stable environment.
01 May 2003
Prime Minister welcomes Roadmap for Middle East peace
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the presentation of the Middle East peace plan to the Israeli government and the newly installed Palestinian cabinet. The Roadmap was presented yesterday after the swearing in ceremony of the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas yesterday – a precondition for publication.
Prime Minister welcomes Roadmap for Middle East peace
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the presentation of the Middle East peace plan to the Israeli government and the newly installed Palestinian cabinet. The Roadmap was presented yesterday after the swearing in ceremony of the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas yesterday – a precondition for publication.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
