SC/8629
6 February 2006
In Presidential Statement, Security Council Congratulates Palestinian People on Free, Fair Electoral Process
Expresses View That All Members of Future Palestinian Government Must Be Committed to Road Map, Negotiated Two-State Solution
NEW YORK, 3 February (UN Headquarters) -- Congratulating the Palestinian people this afternoon on a free, fair, and secure electoral process, the Security Council expressed its view that all members of a future Palestinian Government must be committed to the "Road Map", previous agreements and obligations between the parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a negotiated two-State solution.
A statement read out by Council President John Bolton (United States) welcomed the affirmation by President Mahmoud Abbas that the Palestinian Authority remained committed to the aforementioned instruments and principles. It also expressed the Council's expectation that a new Government would remain committed to realizing the Palestinian people's aspirations for peace and statehood.
Reminding both parties of their obligation under the Road Map and on existing agreements, the Council called on them to avoid unilateral actions which prejudiced final status issues. It underlined the need for the Palestinian Authority to prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle the infrastructure of terror while reiterating its view that settlement expansion must stop, as well as its concern regarding the route of the barrier.
Cognizant of the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, the Council reaffirmed its continuing interest in the fiscal stability of the caretaker Government, and noted indications by major donors that they would review future assistance to a new Palestinian Authority Government's commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Road Map.
The meeting began at 4:25 p.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m.
Presidential Statement
The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2006/6 reads as follows:
"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 Road Map, 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 Road Map.
"The Security Council reminds both parties of their obligation under the Road Map 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."
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