Palestinian legislative elections – SecCo Presidential statement

    Statement by the President of the Security Council

  At the 5365th meeting of the Security Council, held on 3 February 2006, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

    “The Security Council congratulates the Palestinian people on an electoral process that was free, fair, and secure. It commends all the parties for the preparation and conduct of the elections, particularly the Central Elections Commission and the Palestinian Authority security forces, for their professionalism.

    “The Security Council expresses its expectation that a new government remain committed to realizing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for peace and statehood. The Security Council welcomes President Abbas’ affirmation that the Palestinian Authority remains committed to the Roadmap, previous agreements and obligations between the parties, and a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Security Council expresses its view that all members of a future Palestinian government must be committed to the aforementioned instruments and principles.

    “Cognizant of the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, the Security Council reaffirms its continuing interest in the fiscal stability of the caretaker government, consistent with clear reform and austerity benchmarks. The Security Council notes that major donors have indicated they will review future assistance to a new Palestinian Authority government against that government’s commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap.

    “The Security Council reminds both parties of their obligation under the Roadmap and on existing agreements, including on movement and access. It calls on both parties to avoid unilateral actions which prejudice final status issues. The Security Council underlines the need for the Palestinian Authority to prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle the infrastructure of terror. It reiterates its view that settlement expansion must stop and its concern regarding the route of the barrier.

    “The Security Council reaffirms its profound attachment to the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security. The Security Council reiterates the importance of, and the need to achieve, a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including its resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace.”

______________