Remarks Before Meeting with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
Secretary Condoleezza Rice
United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York
January 7, 2009
SECRETARY RICE: I’m on my way to a meeting with the Secretary General, so I only have one moment. We’re working very
hard here for effective action. Obviously, the United States and several other countries have been working very hard to
get to a ceasefire. We believe a ceasefire is necessary, but it has to be a ceasefire that will not allow a return to
the status quo. Of course – the status quo ante.
Of course, we are very much applauding the efforts of a number of states, particularly the effort that President Mubarak
has undertaken on behalf of Egypt. We’re supporting that initiative. I’ve been in very close discussions with my Arab
colleagues, but also with the Israelis about the importance of moving that initiative forward. We’re also talking about
how the Council can best support the effective action that could be taken on the ground.
I just want to make one comment also about the humanitarian situation. We have deep concerns about the humanitarian
situation in Gaza. I had extended discussions yesterday, very detailed discussions, with the Israelis about the
conditions in Gaza. I had received a report from our director of – the Administrator for USAID Henrietta Fore about
specific problems in Gaza We went over those. I am pleased that the Israelis were able to open a humanitarian corridor
and to provide a pause for humanitarian action, but that needs to be repeated again and again because the people of Gaza
need to be in a position to be able to get a lifeline to goods and supplies and to sanitation and to medical help.
And so we’re very focused on that. I’ve spoken again with the Israeli prime minister and with the foreign minister today
about the need to make sure that that humanitarian corridor functions. And that’s one of the discussions that I’m going
to have with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon right now.
Thank you very much.
ENDS