{"id":197112,"date":"2014-10-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-12T17:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?p=197112"},"modified":"2019-03-12T17:20:48","modified_gmt":"2019-03-12T17:20:48","slug":"auto-insert-197112","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/auto-insert-197112\/","title":{"rendered":"Secretary-General’s remarks at press encounter with Israeli PM Netanyahu – SecGen remarks"},"content":{"rendered":"
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OFF-THE-CUFF<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Secretary-General remarks to press encounter with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Jerusalem, 13 October 2014<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Mr. Prime Minister,<\/p><\/div>\n

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Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.<\/p><\/div>\n

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It is a great pleasure to see you again soon after our very constructive meeting in New York on the margins of the General Assembly.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister for welcoming me despite this very pleasant holiday season. I hope I am not [inaudible] during this holiday season.<\/p><\/div>\n

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On my way from the airport yesterday to my hotel, I saw so many Israeli people enjoying this holiday — Sukkot holiday. And I congratulate them and wish you all the best.<\/p><\/div>\n

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As you remember, I was here in July most recently.<\/p><\/div>\n

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After a summer of immense suffering and destruction, I am back to strongly urge leaders and Member States to find the way to peace and contribute to the pressing issue of Gaza’s reconstruction.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The conflict left unprecedented levels of damage and pain for thousands of civilians living in the Gaza Strip.<\/p><\/div>\n

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On the other side of the border, Israelis repeatedly lived with constant fear for their own lives and safety and security — running for shelter at a moment’s notice.  I consistently condemned the rocket fire from Hamas and other armed groups, the tunnels and breaches of the ceasefire.  <\/p><\/div>\n

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In the end, more than 2,100 Palestinians were killed together with 70 Israelis and one foreign national.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Today as we move toward a more sustainable ceasefire and peace, I welcome steps taken by the Israeli Government to ease movements and restrictions in the West Bank and Gaza.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The UN-brokered trilateral agreement on a temporary Gaza reconstruction mechanism has opened the door for much needed reconstruction, taking fully into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns. I thank the Prime Minister Netanyahu for his support for this mechanism.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I urge both sides to implement this mechanism in good faith.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Large scale reconstruction must start without delay.<\/p><\/div>\n

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But that is not enough to break the cycle.<\/p><\/div>\n

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If conditions in Gaza simply revert to where they were before this escalation, the clock will be reset for more instability, underdevelopment and conflict.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Economic revival – which requires the predictable exit and entry of goods and people — can change the dynamics on the ground and ultimately enhance stability in Gaza, which in turn will improve Israel’s security.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I am confident that we can work together so that this economic revival enhances, not harms, Israeli security.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Turning to a subject I am very sorry to have to raise yet again — I am very concerned about the recent announcement of plans to advance settlements in East Jerusalem, which are in clear violation of international law.<\/p><\/div>\n

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This does not send the right signal and I urge the Government of Israel to reverse these activities.<\/p><\/div>\n

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As you mentioned this Holy Site in Jerusalem and as I also said this morning, I am deeply concerned by repeated provocations at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. These only inflame tensions and must stop.<\/p><\/div>\n

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After this difficult summer for Palestinians and Israelis, both sides need to take steps to build trust and confidence<\/p><\/div>\n

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I am also well aware that the current regional turmoil continues to pose many challenges to Israel.<\/p><\/div>\n

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In view of recent incidents, we count on both sides to cooperate to reduce tension and prevent escalation along the Blue Line.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I also want to once again thank the Israeli government for its good cooperation with UNDOF.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Finally, let me say that as the rounds of hostilities indicate, the status quo is not tenable.<\/p><\/div>\n

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It is clear that the sides must quickly return to the negotiation table with the readiness to make the tough but necessary compromises.<\/p><\/div>\n

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This is the time for leadership Mr. Prime Minister – for the resumption of talks – for an end to polarization.  There is not a moment to lose. <\/p><\/div>\n

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The outlines of an agreement are clear – the ultimate destination is known to all.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Unilateral action is no foundation for the future. The two-state solution is the only way to bring peace to both sides.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Toda. Thank you.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Off-the-Cuff on 13 October 2014<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Jerusalem – Secretary-General remarks at press encounter with the President of the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Reuven Rivlin<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

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Ramallah – Secretary-General's joint press conference with Palestinian Prime Minister Hamdallah<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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