Wednesday
Jan072009
Mr. Robert Serry, UN Special Coordinator gives an update on middle east peace process
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 12:44PM
Mr. Robert Serry, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process; and Mr. John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator briefed reporters on the current attacks and growing violence in Gaza. Serry said the United Nations has been working to end the crisis immediately.
“The protection of civilians, regional stability and the future of the peace process itself are at stake”.
Serry said rocket attacks, Palestinian disunity and economic deprivation have place the region in a dangerous predicament. “The Security Council through resolutions 1850 among others, will be closely monitoring follow-up and will begin to work today on consultations for a peace and ceasefire agreement. “President Abbas is the umbrella where these efforts must be advanced ” Serry said.
The UN and member-states have called for be an immediate ceasefire and viable mechanisms must be in place to ensure peace. There is some discussion of an international monitoring force–and a massive reconstruction effort for Gaza.
From Gaza, UNRWA representative in Gaza John Ging, said food distribution has been minimal and the Palestinian people are stoical in the face of a major tragedy. The United Nations is one of the only remaining agencies in Gaza.
John Holmes, humanitarian coordinator, said the situation in Gaza is alarming with 680 dead and more than 3,000 injured. “The UN was horrified by the attacks on UNRWA (UN Relief Works Agency) schools yesterday.” Holmes said the UN has called for an independent investigation into the bombing due to conflicting statements made by both sides of the battle.
The UN’s reliefweb reported on the urgent need to get food and aid supplies to civilians affected by the Israeli strikes in Gaza after nearly two weeks of combat and shelling in the impoverished region.
Lines formed outside bakeries and grocery shops reopened for the first time since Israel sent ground troops into Gaza after nearly two weeks of aerial and naval attacks. Others rushed to hospitals to visit injured relatives or search for loved ones. At least half the population has no running water. There is also a growing sewage problem.
The Security Council has resumed its meeting with an open debate on recent fighting in Gaza. The Council has scheduled consultations for 3pm this afternoon. The Secretary-General said “attacks on UN relief and works agencies and schools are unacceptable.” He called for an immediate ceasefire and intends to travel to the region next week to call for a durable and immediate ceasefire. He said viable international mechanisms must be put in place to ensure borders are functioning to get essential food and medicines to Gaza and other affected areas.
The World Food Program has assisted 50,000 people with food aid, despite the tough security climate. The Human Rights Council will hold a session on Friday, January 9 to address the growing human rights violations in Gaza.
Other news:
From Washington, the Secretary-General conveyed to President Bush on the recent commitment by US to airlift critical equipment to Darfur to protect civilians. The Secretary General expressed his concern for Sudan and urged the United States to work on stabilizing the region.
The talks on DRC have resumed in Nairobi today to discuss attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army on civilians and to produce an effective plan of action for peace in the region.
Mr. Christopher Ross from the United States will work with the UN as a special envoy on improving the situation for civilians in Western Sahara.
“The protection of civilians, regional stability and the future of the peace process itself are at stake”.
Serry said rocket attacks, Palestinian disunity and economic deprivation have place the region in a dangerous predicament. “The Security Council through resolutions 1850 among others, will be closely monitoring follow-up and will begin to work today on consultations for a peace and ceasefire agreement. “President Abbas is the umbrella where these efforts must be advanced ” Serry said.
The UN and member-states have called for be an immediate ceasefire and viable mechanisms must be in place to ensure peace. There is some discussion of an international monitoring force–and a massive reconstruction effort for Gaza.
From Gaza, UNRWA representative in Gaza John Ging, said food distribution has been minimal and the Palestinian people are stoical in the face of a major tragedy. The United Nations is one of the only remaining agencies in Gaza.
John Holmes, humanitarian coordinator, said the situation in Gaza is alarming with 680 dead and more than 3,000 injured. “The UN was horrified by the attacks on UNRWA (UN Relief Works Agency) schools yesterday.” Holmes said the UN has called for an independent investigation into the bombing due to conflicting statements made by both sides of the battle.
The UN’s reliefweb reported on the urgent need to get food and aid supplies to civilians affected by the Israeli strikes in Gaza after nearly two weeks of combat and shelling in the impoverished region.
Lines formed outside bakeries and grocery shops reopened for the first time since Israel sent ground troops into Gaza after nearly two weeks of aerial and naval attacks. Others rushed to hospitals to visit injured relatives or search for loved ones. At least half the population has no running water. There is also a growing sewage problem.
The Security Council has resumed its meeting with an open debate on recent fighting in Gaza. The Council has scheduled consultations for 3pm this afternoon. The Secretary-General said “attacks on UN relief and works agencies and schools are unacceptable.” He called for an immediate ceasefire and intends to travel to the region next week to call for a durable and immediate ceasefire. He said viable international mechanisms must be put in place to ensure borders are functioning to get essential food and medicines to Gaza and other affected areas.
The World Food Program has assisted 50,000 people with food aid, despite the tough security climate. The Human Rights Council will hold a session on Friday, January 9 to address the growing human rights violations in Gaza.
Other news:
From Washington, the Secretary-General conveyed to President Bush on the recent commitment by US to airlift critical equipment to Darfur to protect civilians. The Secretary General expressed his concern for Sudan and urged the United States to work on stabilizing the region.
The talks on DRC have resumed in Nairobi today to discuss attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army on civilians and to produce an effective plan of action for peace in the region.
Mr. Christopher Ross from the United States will work with the UN as a special envoy on improving the situation for civilians in Western Sahara.
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