Statement / by the President of the Security Council

Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5584th meeting, 12 Dec. 2006, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East"]

Expresses its deep concern over the situation in the Middle East, with its serious ramifications for peace and security, and underlines the need to intensify efforts to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region; stresses that there can be no military solution to the problems of the region and that negotiation is the only viable way to bring peace and prosperity to peoples throughout the Middle East; expresses grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and calls for the provision of emergency assistance to the Palestinian people through the Temporary International Mechanism, international organizations and other official channels; reiterates its call for the Palestinian Authority Government to accept the three Quartet principles; reaffirms the vital role of the Quartet and looks forward to its continued active engagement; 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 resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace.

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