The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Kodjo Menan (Togo):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in New Delhi, India, aimed at Israel’s diplomatic personnel which resulted in injuries to diplomatic personnel and civilians, and the recent attempted terrorist attack in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council condemned the new and recurring acts of violence against diplomatic and consular representatives, which endanger or take innocent lives and seriously impede the normal work of such representatives and officials.

The members of the Security Council recalled the obligations on States, including under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

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Israel’s UN Ambassador Ron Prosor said, “Today the unanimous voice of the Security Council can be heard around the world from the halls of every embassy that faces Iranian terror to the hospital room of Israeli diplomat Tal Yehoshua, who is still recovering from her injuries. Tal can rest this evening knowing that her friends in the diplomatic community have joined together from New York to New Delhi to send a clear message against terror and stand in solidarity with her.”

He added, “After seven years of silence, the Council has finally spoken against the terrorism that the Israeli people face every day. ”

The statement followed a letter that Ambassador Prosor sent to the Security Council last week, which called on the body to condemn the attacks immediately and unequivocally. He urged the Council to send a strong message to Iran and Hezbollah the parties directly responsible for the recent campaign of attacks.

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(Communicated by Josh Hantman, International Media Advisor, MOD)

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said this afternoon (Tuesday, February 14th) in Singapore that, “The attempted attack in Bangkok proves once again that Iran and its proxies are continuing to perpetrate terrorism.  The recent attacks are yet another example of this.”  The Minister, who spent a few hours in Bangkok on Sunday, also noted that, “Iran and Hezbollah are elements of unrelenting terrorism and are endangering the stability not only of the region, but of the entire world.”

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(Communicated by the Office of the President)

The recipients of Israel’s first Presidential Awards of Distinction were announced on Thursday, 9 February 2012. The recipients are private individuals and organizations that have made unique and outstanding contributions to Israeli society and the State of Israel’s image around the world, and which constitute examples of initiative, innovation, creativity and vision. Similar awards are traditional in Canada (the Order of Canada), France (the Legion of Honor) and Italy (the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic).

President Peres and former President Navon (Photo: Uri Lentz/Flash 90)

President Shimon Peres and the members of the advisory council chaired by former Supreme Court President Meir Shamgar and former President Yitzhak Navon announced this morning (Thursday, February 9th) the recipients of the first Presidential Awards of Distinction:

Henry Kissinger, for his unique contribution to Israel and to peace in the Middle East, and for being a statesman with foresight, creativity and vision;

Attorney Uri Slonim, the President of Variety Israel, for his voluntarism regarding Israel’s POWs and MIAs and for his work at Variety Israel;

Judy Feld Carr, for secretly saving thousands of Syrian Jews, including young people and entire families, for over 25 years;

The Rashi Foundation, which was established by the Leven family;

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, for his unique and extraordinary contribution to Jewish culture and education; and

Zubin Mehta, Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, for his unique contribution to the world of Israeli music.

President Peres began this morning’s ceremony  by saying that, “I am proud to begin a tradition in which I, as the President of Israel, express appreciation and esteem for individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to the State of Israel and to all of humanity.

I am old enough to know that people are no less important than ideas. The world has learned to say thank-you and the time has come for us as well to thank great people who have served as examples for the younger generation so that we might pass on the message that every person can be as great as his deeds and his ideas. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the advisory committee for their dedicated work and for being pioneering partners in the launch of the Presidential Award of Distinction.”

The President addressed the recipients: “You are shining example for us all. The honor is ours that we give you the Presidential Award of Distinction today.”

The actual medallions were designed by Bezalel Academy of arts and Design graduate Yossi Matityahu and feature the North Star, symbolizing the right path, and a menorah, symbolizing the renewal of the State of Israel and the strong and continuous link between past and present. The medallion is crowned with [the Hebrew] words from I Samuel 9:2, “From his shoulders and upward,” which, to the artist, symbolize the unique and rare characters of the recipients.

In addition to retired Supreme Court President Meir Shamgar and former President Yitzhak Navon, the advisory committee included: Prof. Suzie Navot, Al-Qasemi Academic College of Education, Director Dr. Mohammed Issawi, Kiryat Ono Chief Rabbi Dr. Ratzon Arusi, Check Point Chairman and CEO Gil Shwed and Prof. Anita Shapira.

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(Communicated by the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks earlier this afternoon Monday February 6th at a meeting of the Likud Knesset faction:

“I would like to say a few words about what was signed in Doha. Hamas is a terrorist organization that strives to destroy Israel, and which is supported by Iran. I have said many times in the past that the Palestinian Authority must choose between an alliance with Hamas and peace with Israel. Hamas and peace do not go together.

Over the past few weeks, Israel and elements in the international community have made great efforts to advance the peace process. If Abu Mazen implements what has been signed in Doha, he will have chosen to abandon the way of peace and to join with Hamas, without Hamas having accepted the minimal conditions of the international community: Not only does Hamas not recognize Israel and the [previously signed] agreements, it has not  abandoned terrorism. It is continuing with terrorism and to arm itself in order to perpetrate even deadlier terrorism.

I say to Abu Mazen: You cannot hold the stick by both ends. It is either peace with Hamas or peace with Israel; you cannot have it both ways.”

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