1 August 2004 – 31 July 2005
ITEMS RELATING TO THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
A. The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question35
At its 5019th meeting, on 11 August 2004, the Security Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
At its 5039th meeting, on 17 September 2004, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
At its 5049th meeting, on 4 October 2004, the Council decided to invite the representatives of Cuba, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, South Africa, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia and Turkey to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
“Letter dated 4 October 2004 from the Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2004/779)”.
At the same meeting, the Council also decided to extend an invitation to the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, in response to his request dated 4 October 2004 to the President of the Council,36 in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure of the Council and its previous practice in that regard.
At the same meeting, in response to the request dated 4 October 2004 from the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council,37 the Council further decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Yahya Mahmassani, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations.
At the same meeting, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in response to his request dated 4 October 2004.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:40
“The Security Council welcomes the Palestinian presidential election held on 9 January 2005. It commends the credible and fair character of the vote and congratulates the Palestinian people who demonstrated their commitment to democracy by participating in the election under challenging conditions. The Council pays tribute to the Central Elections Commission which played a key role in ensuring the successful conclusion of the election, and expresses its appreciation for the contribution of international observers and for the support of the United Nations.
“The Council congratulates the newly elected President of the Palestinian Authority on his election.
“The Council looks forward to the convening of the Palestinian legislative elections in the near future, and affirms its continuing support for the Palestinian people in their democratic process.
“The Council supports the Palestinian Authority and its efforts to pursue the process of strengthening institutions.
“The Council underlines the importance of enhanced and expeditious international assistance to the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority.
“The Council stresses the need for the full implementation of the Quartet Road Map,41 as endorsed by the Council in its resolution 1515 (2003), for the creation of an independent, viable, democratic and sovereign State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
“The Council calls upon Israelis and Palestinians to relaunch a genuine political process and advance towards a just and lasting peace in the region.”
At its 5126th meeting, on 16 February 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:42
“The Security Council welcomes the summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on 8 February 2005, and the resumption of direct talks between the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Ariel Sharon, and the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas. The Council expresses its appreciation to Mr. Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, for the invitation to both parties to the summit, and to King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan for his participation.
“The Council underlines the understandings reached by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, in particular that all Palestinians will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere and that Israel will cease all its military activities against all Palestinians everywhere. The Council calls for the full respect by the parties of their commitments in this regard.
“The Council recognizes these understandings, along with other recent positive developments, as primary steps towards restoring confidence between the two parties and as a significant opportunity to enhance a new spirit of cooperation and to promote an atmosphere conducive to the establishment of peace and coexistence in the region.
“The Council commends the role being played by Egypt and Jordan in facilitating a successful resumption of dialogue between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority within the framework of the Road Map.41
“The Council welcomes the initiative of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in convening an international meeting in London on 1 March 2005 to support Palestinian efforts to prepare the ground for a viable Palestinian State. The Council also welcomes the upcoming meeting of the Quartet at the ministerial level which will convene in the margins of the London meeting.
“The Council looks forward to further engagement by the Quartet with the two parties to ensure continued progress in the peace process and the full implementation of the Road Map and relevant Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), towards the creation of an independent, viable, democratic and sovereign State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
“The Council looks forward to the establishment of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
At its 5128th meeting, on 22 February 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
At its 5136th meeting, on 9 March 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:43
“The Security Council welcomes the conclusions of the London Meeting on Supporting the Palestinian Authority, held on 1 March 2005. The Council supports the objectives of the London Meeting to help the Palestinian leadership to strengthen the institutions needed for a viable and independent Palestinian State.
“The Council hopes that the London Meeting will be part of the longer-term process of international support to the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority and a contribution to helping both sides to implement the road map41 endorsed by the Council in its resolution 1515 (2003) and agreed to by the parties as the path towards a lasting comprehensive negotiated settlement to the Middle East conflict, based on Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002).
“The Council stresses the crucial importance of security, good governance and development of the Palestinian economy. In this context, the Council welcomes President Abbas’s comprehensive plan presented at the London Meeting for strengthening the institutions of the Palestinian Authority in these three areas.
“The Council stresses the key role of the international community in assisting the Palestinian Authority in taking forward this plan. The Council welcomes the international community’s commitments to respond to the plans of the Palestinian Authority by providing financial and political support. The Council recognizes the important role of the Quartet in international efforts aimed at providing assistance to the Palestinian Authority in the fields of security, economic development and governance.
“The Council supports the proposals for follow-up to the London Meeting and looks forward to their early implementation.
“The Council supports the Joint Statement of the Quartet issued following the meeting of the Quartet held in the margins of the London Meeting, and looks forward to the Quartet’s active engagement over the forthcoming period, while recognizing also the important role of other interested parties.
“The Council reiterates its call for full respect by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority of understandings reached at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit on 8 February 2005, in particular that all Palestinians will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere and that Israel will cease all its military activities against all Palestinians everywhere.
“The Council reiterates its call upon both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to ensure continued progress in the peace process towards full implementation of the road map in direct contact with the Quartet. It stresses the need for concerted and sustained action by the Palestinian Authority to fulfil its security-related commitments and welcomes in this context President Abbas’s commitment to exert every effort towards that end. The Council stresses also the need for Israel to implement its road map commitments.
“The Council reiterates its demand for immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction.
“The Council reiterates its commitment to the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.”
At its 5149th meeting, on 24 March 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
At its 5166th meeting, on 21 April 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
On 10 May 2005, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:44
“I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 6 May 2005 concerning your intention to appoint Mr. Alvaro de Soto as the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and your Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation
Organization and the Palestinian Authority45 has been brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council. They take note of the information and intention contained in your letter.”
At its 5181st meeting, on 18 May 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
At its 5206th meeting, on 17 June 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
On 5 July 2005, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:46
“I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 28 June 2005 concerning the activities of the Quartet, including the mandate of its Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement,47 has been brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council. They confirm support for the arrangements proposed in your letter.”
At its 5230th meeting, on 21 July 2005, the Council decided to invite the representatives of Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia and Yemen to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
“Letter dated 19 July 2005 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2005/469)”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council also decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Alvaro de Soto, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General.
At the same meeting, the Council further decided to extend an invitation to the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations, in response to her request dated 20 July 2005 to the President of the Council,48 in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure of the Council and its previous practice in that regard.
At the same meeting, in response to the request dated 20 July 2005 from the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council,49 the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Yahya Mahmassani, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations.
At the same meeting, the Council also decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in response to his request dated 20 July 2005.50
At the same meeting, in response to the request dated 20 July 2005 from the Permanent Representative of Yemen to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council,51 the Council further decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Syed Shahid Husain, Senior Adviser of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to the United Nations.
Upon resumption of the meeting, on 21 July 2005, the Council decided to invite the representatives of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco and Pakistan to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item.
B. The situation in the Middle East52
At its 5028th meeting, on 2 September 2004, the Security Council decided to invite the representative of Lebanon to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East”.
Adopted at the 5028th meeting
by 9 votes to none, with 6 abstentions
(Algeria, Brazil, China, Pakistan,
Philippines and Russian Federation).
On 8 October 2004, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:
[For the text of the letter, see page 29 of the present volume.]
At its 5058th meeting, on 19 October 2004, the Council considered the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) (S/2004/777)”.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:54
“The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 1 October 2004 on the implementation of resolution 1559 (2004) of 2 September 2004.55
“The Council takes note of the letter dated 5 October 2004 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General56 and of the note verbale dated 6 October 2004 from the Permanent Mission of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council.57
“The Council reaffirms its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders.
“The Council notes with concern that the requirements set out in resolution 1559 (2004) have not been met, as reported by the Secretary-General. The Council urges relevant parties to implement fully all provisions of that resolution, and welcomes the Secretary-General’s readiness to assist the parties in this regard.
“The Council appreciates the intention of the Secretary-General to keep the Council updated. It requests that he continue to report to the Council on the implementation of the resolution every six months.”
At its 5101st meeting, on 15 December 2004, the Council considered the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2004/948)”.
Adopted unanimously at the 5101st meeting.
At the 5101st meeting also, following the adoption of resolution 1578 (2004), the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:59
“In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:
‘As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force58 states in paragraph 12: “… the situation in the Middle East is very tense and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached”. That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.’ ”
On 16 December 2004, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:60
“I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 14 December 2004 concerning your decision to appoint Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, of Norway, as your Special Envoy for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004)61 has been brought to the attention of the members of the Council. They take note of your intention and the information contained in your letter.”
At its 5117th meeting, on 28 January 2005, the Council decided to invite the representative of Lebanon to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/2005/36)”.
Adopted unanimously at the 5117th meeting.
At its 5122nd meeting, on 15 February 2005, the Security Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East”.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:68
“The Security Council received a briefing from the Secretariat on the situation in Lebanon on 15 February 2005.
“The Council unequivocally condemns the terrorist bombing in Beirut on 14 February 2005 that killed former Prime Minister of Lebanon Rafiq Hariri and others, and caused serious injury to dozens of people, including former Minister Basil Fleihan.
“The Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the people and Government of Lebanon and to the victims and their families.
“The Council calls upon the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this heinous terrorist act, and notes the Government’s commitments in this regard. The Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.
“The Council is gravely concerned by the murder of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon and its possible impact on ongoing efforts by the people of Lebanon to solidify Lebanon’s democracy, including during the upcoming parliamentary elections. Such a terrorist act should not jeopardize the holding of those elections in transparent, free and democratic conditions.
“The Council is concerned by the potential for further destabilization of Lebanon, and expresses the hope that the Lebanese people will be able to emerge from this terrible event united, and to use peaceful means in support of their long-standing national aspiration to full sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
“The Council reaffirms its previous calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently with the Council for the full implementation of all relevant resolutions concerning the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.
“The Council requests the Secretary-General to follow closely the situation in Lebanon and to report urgently on the circumstances, causes and consequences of this terrorist act.”
On 31 March 2005, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:69
“I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 29 March 2005 concerning your decision to appoint Mr. Geir O. Pedersen to serve as your Personal Representative for Southern Lebanon70 has been brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council. They take note of the information and decision contained in your letter.”
At its 5160th meeting, on 7 April 2005, the Council considered the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“Letter dated 24 March 2005 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2005/203)”.
Adopted unanimously at the 5160th meeting.
At its 5172nd meeting, on 29 April 2005, the Security Council considered the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“First semi-annual report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) (S/2005/272)”.
At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004).
At its 5175th meeting, on 4 May 2005, the Council considered the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“First semi-annual report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) (S/2005/272)”.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:74
“The Security Council recalls all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 1559 (2004), 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 520 (1982) and 1583 (2005), as well as the statements by its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statements of 18 June 200053 and 19 October 2004.54
“The Council reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon.
“The Council welcomes the first semi-annual report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council of 26 April 2005 on the implementation of Council resolution 1559 (2004).75
“The Council welcomes also the fact that the parties concerned have made significant and noticeable progress towards implementing some of the provisions contained in resolution 1559 (2004), while expressing concern at the determination of the Secretary-General that there has been no progress in the implementation of other provisions of the resolution, in particular the disarmament of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias and the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory, and that the requirements of the resolution have not yet been met.
“The Council reiterates its call for the full implementation of all requirements of resolution 1559 (2004), and calls upon all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the Council and the Secretary-General to achieve this goal.
“The Council acknowledges the letter dated 26 April 2005 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Secretary-General stating that the Syrian Arab Republic has completed the full withdrawal of its forces, military assets and the intelligence apparatus from Lebanon.76
“The Council calls upon the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the Government of Lebanon to extend their full cooperation to the United Nations verification team dispatched by the Secretary-General with their agreement to verify whether there has been full and complete withdrawal, and looks forward to his report.
“The Council acknowledges that the full and complete Syrian withdrawal would represent a significant and important step towards Lebanon’s full political independence and full exercise of its sovereignty that is the ultimate goal of resolution 1559 (2004), thus opening a new chapter in Lebanese history.
“The Council welcomes the deployment of Lebanese armed forces to positions vacated by Syrian forces and the assumption of responsibility by the Government of Lebanon for these areas and calls for the deployment of additional Lebanese armed forces
throughout the south of the country.
“The Council urges all concerned parties to do their utmost to safeguard the stability and national unity of Lebanon and underlines the importance of national dialogue among all Lebanese political forces in this regard.
“The Council commends the Lebanese people for the dignified manner in which they have expressed their views and for their commitment to a peaceful and democratic process, and stresses that the Lebanese people must be allowed to decide the future of their country free of violence and intimidation. It condemns, in this context, the recent terrorist acts in Lebanon that have resulted in several deaths and injuries, and calls for their perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“The Council welcomes the decision of the Government of Lebanon to conduct elections beginning on 29 May 2005, and underlines the importance that such elections be held according to schedule. The Council shares the opinion of the Secretary-General that a delay in holding the parliamentary elections would contribute to exacerbating further the political divisions in Lebanon and threaten the security, stability and prosperity of the country. The Council underlines the fact that free and credible elections held without foreign interference or influence would be another central indication of the political independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.
“The Council encourages the Secretary-General and the Government of Lebanon to reach arrangements for international assistance, including United Nations assistance, to ensure that such elections are conducted in a free and credible manner, in particular by inviting international governmental and/or non-governmental electoral observers to monitor the electoral process. The Council urges Member States to extend assistance accordingly.
“The Council commends the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for their relentless efforts and dedication to facilitate and assist the parties in the implementation of all provisions of resolution 1559 (2004), and requests that they continue their work in this regard.
“The Council shares the view that the full implementation of resolution 1559 (2004) would contribute positively to the situation in the Middle East in general.”
On 17 May 2005, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:77
“I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 13 May 2005 concerning your intention to appoint, in accordance with resolution 1595 (2005), Mr. Detlev Mehlis, of Germany, as the Commissioner of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission established following the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri78 has been brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council. They take note of the intention expressed in that letter.”
At its 5197th meeting, on 7 June 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East”.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:79
“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist bombing on 2 June 2005 in Beirut that killed a Lebanese journalist, Samir Qassir, who was a symbol of political independence and freedom, and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim and to the people of Lebanon.
“The Council welcomes the determination and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this assassination and determines that this assassination, like others before it, constitutes a pernicious effort to undermine security, stability, sovereignty, political independence and efforts aimed at preserving civil accord in the country.
“The Council expresses its concern about the destabilizing impact of political assassinations and other terrorist acts in Lebanon, and warns that the sponsors of recent terrorist acts against political leaders and leading members of civil society in Lebanon should not be permitted to jeopardize the holding of parliamentary elections in transparent, free and democratic conditions.
“The Council calls upon all parties to show restraint and a sense of responsibility with a view to the successful completion of the electoral process and government formation in the country.
“The Council reaffirms its resolution 1559 (2004), and reiterates its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon. The Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.”
At its 5205th meeting, on 17 June 2005, the Council considered the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2005/379)”.
Adopted unanimously at the 5205th meeting.
At the 5205th meeting also, following the adoption of resolution 1605 (2005), the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:81
“In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:
‘As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force80 states in paragraph 12: “… the situation in the Middle East is very tense and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached”. That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.’ ”
At its 5212th meeting, on 22 June 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East”.
At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:82
“The Security Council welcomes the Lebanese parliamentary elections held between 29 May and 19 June 2005. It commends the fair and credible character of the vote and pays tribute to the Lebanese people who demonstrated, throughout the process, their strong commitment to democracy, freedom and independence.
“The Council congratulates the newly elected members of the Lebanese Parliament.
“The Council commends the Government of Lebanon for the successful conduct of the elections, in accordance with the Constitution and the planned schedule. It expresses its appreciation for the advice and technical support given to the Lebanese authorities by the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division. The Council also pays tribute to the crucial contribution of the international observers, notably from the European Union. In this regard, it welcomes the report of the European Union observer mission and its conclusions regarding the satisfactory conduct of the four electoral stages.
“The Council looks forward to the formation of a new government in the near future. It stresses that the establishment of this government in accordance with the constitutional rules and without any foreign interference would be another sign of the political independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.
“The Council reaffirms that the Lebanese people must be allowed to decide the future of their country free of violence and intimidation. It strongly condemns, in this context, the recent terrorist acts in Lebanon, in particular the heinous assassination of former leader of the Communist Party George Hawi, and calls for their perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“The Council reaffirms its profound commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous Lebanon. It underlines accordingly the need for the newly elected Lebanese authorities to exercise their full sovereignty over the entire territory, to preserve unity through national dialogue, to strengthen the nation’s institutions and to respect the principles of good governance, in the sole interest of the Lebanese people.
“The Council calls upon the international community to stand ready to examine possible requests from the newly elected Lebanese authorities for enhanced assistance and cooperation, in support of a credible governmental programme of political and economic reform.
“The Council reiterates its call for the full implementation of all requirements of resolution 1559 (2004) and urges all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the Council and the Secretary-General to achieve this goal.
“The Council also calls for the full implementation of resolution 1595 (2005) and looks forward to the cooperation of the newly elected Lebanese authorities in this regard.
“The Council reaffirms its strong support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon.”
At its 5241st meeting, on 29 July 2005, the Council considered the item entitled:
“The situation in the Middle East
“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/2005/460)”.
Adopted unanimously at the 5241st meeting.
35 Resolutions or decisions on this question have been adopted by the Security Council every year since 2000.
41 Performance-based road map to a permanent two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (S/2003/529, annex).
48 Document S/2005/472, incorporated in the record of the 5230th meeting.
49 Document S/2005/471, incorporated in the record of the 5230th meeting.
50 See S/PV.5230 and Corr.1.
51 Document S/2005/473, incorporated in the record of the 5230th meeting.
52 Resolutions or decisions on this question have been adopted by the Security Council every year since 1967.
56 S/2004/794 and Corr.1.
