UN commends Israel on Gaza pullout
By Shlomo Shamir
August 25, 2005
Haaretz
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/616826.html http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/616826.html 

NEW YORK - In a move described by the United Nations as a rare gesture to Israel, the UN Security Council issued a special press statement yesterday commending Israel on its implementation of the disengagement plan in Gaza and the northern West Bank. However, the statement also emphasizes the centrality of the road map and the expected pullout from Gaza, and the central role of the Quartet in the process.

The statement, signed by the President of the Security Council, Kenzo Oshima of Japan, says that the members of the Security Council welcome the beginning of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank, and they commend the ongoing implementation of this process.

The statement goes on to say that the members appreciate the coordination between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority before and during the disengagement.

The statement was issued after a periodic briefing on the situation in the Middle East, presented by Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim A. Gambari of Nigeria. Gambari praised Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and commended his courage and determination in implementing the pullout in face of fierce internal opposition. The official also praised the restraint of IDF troops.

However, Israel's ambassador to the UN Dan Gilerman expressed displeasure at Gambari's explicit inclusion of negative remarks about Israel at the session. After the briefing, Gilerman told journalists that at a time when Israel has undertaken a historical move involving many risks, the briefing should have focused on the large picture and not been overly concerned with preserving a balance. 

Gilerman also said the periodic briefings on the Middle East had become irrelevant and should be discontinued.