family member in prison, and they want to get there sentence reduced, you are looking at the nature of the crime, did it involve violence, was it a drug offense or not, that seems to be a focus of the president's initiative, are there any issues like unrewarded corporation or disproportionate sense, things like that. overall, what is the petitioner's attitude toward the

you this is with the story looks like. he said the constitution gives the president a wide grant of use the power of pardon. suggesting they could be used if anyone seemed to be violating a conflict of interest law or

protocols. guest: the answer would be it would depend. if the conduct in question would cannot be a crime so he pardon someone from a civil ethics regulation or law and essentially exempt them from the ethics rules. if they where -- had committed a camilla fence that was rooted in the ethics laws he could pardon them for that. host: what type of crimes are they serving in jail clause they some drug dealers? ofst: a large percentage people in federal prisoner serving time for drug or gas drug-related offenses. something of 40%. host: the democrats line with samuel morrison. caller: i am inquiring

about a pardon for edward snowden. someone reveals the government is routinely breaking the law [indiscernible] or something like that? the answer is complicated because he himself broke the law. he is a civil disobedient. disobedientsl face the punishment. he has never turned and face the cost cleanses of his acts and in general, while the president has the authority to do it he usually does not intervene in a case like that. host: another tweet saying can

pardons and connotations be made probably to subsets without identifying each member, each individual by name? >> absolutely. amnesty.alled an it is a form of pardon then is granted to a class of people and that has happened dozens of times in american history. host: it surprised me when we were getting ready for you to come on and looking at the number of pardons this president has issued courtesy of usa usatoday is online at .com. that is up to about 2000. george w. bush, 189. george were walker bush, 74, ronald reagan 393. jimmy carter, 594. 382.d for -- ford lyndon johnson 960. john f. kennedy, 472. dwight eisenhower, 1100. harry truman almost 2000.

guest: most of president obama's grants are coming station. 150 are pardons. >> good afternoon. to order.g is called the agenda for this meeting is the situation in the middle east including the palestinian question. the agenda is adopted. in accordance with rule 37 of the councils provisional roots -- rules of procedure, i invite the representative of israel to participate in this meeting. this is so decided. i propose the counselor invite

to permit observer participate in a meeting and the provisional rules of procedure and the previous practice in this regard. there being no objection, it is so decided. the security council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. members happy for them document -- have in front of them they document submitted by malaysia, new zealand, senegal and venezuela. i will give the floor to members of the council who which -- wish to make a statement. i give the floor to the ambassador of malaysia. ambassador: thank you for convening this important meeting on short notice. malaysia together with new venezuela, and senegal

are cosponsors of the draft resolutions on the issue of the illegal israeli settlements are calling for this meeting to put the draft to vote. as representatives of various regional groupings at the u.n., -- we are bound by similar aims and sense of responsibility to take effective actions on the israeli- palestinian conflict, especially on the issue of settlements. in numerous council meetings on palestine, and at the meeting on settlements last october, we listened to calls by council members, the u.n. secretary-general, the special leader for the middle east process, the civil society, as well as other u.n. member states for urgent council actions to

halt settlement activities and reverse the negative trends that are threatening peace and the viability of the two state solutions. the latest unprecedented attempt by the israeli parliament to legalize outposts on private palestinian lands added further urgency for the council to send a clear signal on the issue of settlement. malaysia acknowledged the efforts by egypt and the arab league for engaging in consultations with council members over the past two months on this issue. we fully support the effort and we share their aim for council action. we also observed an emerging consensus among councilmembers on the issue of settlements. we believe it is urgent for the council to seize the opportunity for effective council action without any further delay.

the draft resolution being put to vote today calls for the sensations of all israel he settlement activities, and for affirmative steps to reverse the negative trends on the ground that are endangering the two state solution. it also calls for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against the civilians including acts of terror and calls for accountability. urges all parties to intensify their efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the middle east and to and israeli occupations. on the implementations of the resolution the text is requesting that the secretary-general report to the council every three months. mr. president, we realize that some councilmembers may have legitimate concerns on the short time in which the draft was officially circulated, put to cable for adoption.

in normal and ideal circumstances we would have preferred a more transparent and inclusive process. we realize that this is anything but a normal situation at -- and we need to tread carefully. exceptional circumstances require bold action and exceptional measures. our aim is to bridge the gap in the respective positions of councilmembers in order to reach a consensus. the last time the council onpted resolutions settlements was over 36 years ago. since then, the situation on the ground has worsened to a point where the very prospect of the two state solution is now in question. there is no doubt that this falls under the responsibility of the security council, under the u.n. charter to maintain international peace and security.

with this appeal to all councilmembers, not to lose the opportunity for peace and to exercise our legal, political, and moral responsibility to vote in support of the resolutions which is based on previous resolutions, the values in the principles of the u.n. charter international law, and international standards of human rights. the time for action is now. to prove our long-held commitment and to reinforce that the two state solution is not merely an empty slogan. i thank you, mr. president. >> i thank you for your statement. ambassador: new zealand has made no secret of its frustration that it has been almost eight years since a security council passed a resolution on the middle east peace process. new zealand has worked hard over the last two years to try to advance the resolution on this

issue which we consider to be one of the most pressing and -- issues onssue the agenda. we are grateful for the willingness of other council members to engage with us on that text. it became apparent that the balance of the council wish to focus on the more pressing issue of the settlements which, as my colleague has said is threatening the viability of the two state solution. this message was clearly delivered in the last quarterly report and regular reports of the secretary-general. for these reasons, we supported the text circulated on wednesday and joined the group calling for a vote on that text today. in order to ensure that this council has a chance to consider it. thank you. >> thank you for your statement. i now give the floor to the ambassador of venezuela.

ambassador: thank you. we would like to thank you, sir, for convening this important vote on a resolution which may well be historic. as a contribution to peace. together with malaysia and new zealand and senegal decided to cosponsor and call for a vote on this draft resolution on the peace process in the middle east, especially on the issue of the illegal israeli settlements. the decision to present this draft resolution to the council responds to the pressing, urgent need for this body to speak on the concerning situation in the occupied palestinian territories as a result of the continued illegal expansion of settlements of israeli settlements, which is a most serious threat to the two

state solution at present. when we submit this proposal, we are driven by the firm commitment to reverse this dangerous trend in order to safeguard the interests of the palestinian people and by virtue of the state and to revitalize the peace process which has [inaudible] for over 20 years. it is high time for the council to take the very great responsibility and has in the origin of the extension of this conflict area -- conflict. reaffirming the right of both peacefullyo coexist within the internationally borders pursuant to the resolution 242 two international law and bearing in mind the advisory opinion of the international [inaudible] on july 9, 2004. this proposal deals with

settlements and their destabilizing effect on the region condemning the violence against the civilian population no matter who commits to that and whatever the motives may be. they [inaudible] especially for those countries which have called for open, transparent, frank discussion in this body and the security council which will reinitiate the peace process. as far as the countries which have presented initiatives to emerge from the stalemate, special mission must be made of effectivechieve progress in dealing with the palestinian [inaudible] way of knowledge the presence of the council for this vote and new zealand which led this

thisution to present before the end of the year. the proposing countries represent diverse regions of the entire world. we feel encouraged because of the emerging consensus on the issue of settlement. all countries that recognize that illegal settlements are an obstacle to the peace process and a threat to the two state solution [inaudible] calls of the members of the council, the secretary-general himself, the special coordinator for the peace process, the middle east quartet, amongst other member states and prominent stakeholders in the framework [inaudible] peace process. beyond the threshold of the historic decision this can represent the opening of a new phase in the peace process. after almost four decades of failed attempts. this is why the council and the

international community and the guarantor of peace and security must act with -- approving the text today. [inaudible] and its members proceeding for peace and aware that history will judge our actions if we can contribute even in a small way to re-initiating this process. we are [inaudible] so new generations will be able to build a better peaceful world. thank you very much, mr. president. mr. president: thank you for your statement. the council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. draft resolution to the vote now. with those in favor of the draft resolution contained in the

document please raise their hand. those against? abstentions? the result of the voting is as follows. 14 votes in favor. one abstention. the draft resolution has been resolution --e under resolution 2324. [applause]

>> now to those members of the council who wish to make statement after the vote. i give the floor to the ambassador of egypt. ambassador: mr. president, ladies and gentlemen, since the beginning of the arab-israeli the risein 1948, since of the palestinian people to an independent, sovereign state a naturaleen meant life of dignity and freedom

theite clear silence in international community and dozens of resolutions of the security council and the general assembly of the united nations that remain unimplemented, egypt has taken on its duties. it has confronted many challenges that we have had, many wars underground and in diplomacy in defense of palestinian rights. to move forward to the creation of an independent state of palestine with its capital in east jerusalem, steps toward just and herbal, peaceful settlement in the middle east. ladies and gentlemen, the draft resolution on israeli settlements adopted by the council today and -- undoubtedly expresses a painful reality of illegitimate settlements. ofis also borne of a policy

confiscation of palestinian land against a clear principle adopted by the international community, the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by armed force. requires all of us to be wise, to be politically realistic in order to take up this issue without any accesses just as we have seen during our deliberations on the draft resolution. i mean specifically settlements because an issue that is related to one of the most important components of the final settlement, the issue of borders. consultations on the draft, the timing of the vote, in the past few hours have showed that some international parties want to intervene directly to resolve

the question of palestine finally, in accordance with relevant security council to 42tions, most notably 1973, andd 338 of 446 of 1990 -- 1997. any opportunity for future steps canin no way mean that we stay away from the fundamental requirements of the settlement to the question of palestine including the issue of settlement. are well known, they are set out in previous international resolutions. this security council as well as positions of international powers and the palestinian leadership, ladies and found itselfypt

today compelled to withdraw its own draft resolution. this was procedural because of the pressures that the draft has meant since it was [inaudible] in blue. this led to even a warning by some members of the security council. this is utterly an acceptable, informed -- unacceptable in form and substance of positions that cannot be placed in doubt pertaining to legitimate palestinian writes. but it also be noted that those also bes -- let it noted that these pressures took place in the absence of egypt's political efforts, 24 hours a day ever since the draft was set up in blue. legitimate maintain hellas denny and rights through a just and durable settlement in accordance with international

resolutions relevant to the issue, we did so. nevertheless, egypt has voted in favor of the draft resolution just voted on. this is based on a firm principled positions that cannot be put in doubt. ght not to be subject to pressures from any way -- any. to make peacerst with israel as we believe in these rather than armed conflict. egypt has been and continues to be one of the strongest believers in the possibility of just, durable peace in the middle east, based on the principles of a two state hastion and peace recognized by [inaudible]

i thank you. >> thank you for your statement. i now give the floor to the ambassador of the united states. ambassador: let me begin with a supporthe u.s. will not use of additional land for the purpose of settlements during the transitional period. the immediate adoption of a settlement freeze by israel could create the confidence needed for wider artistic patient in these talks. further settlement activity is in no way necessary for the security of israel and only diminishes the confidence of the arabs that a final outcome can be freely and fairly negotiated. that is the end of the quote. 1982 by said in president ronald reagan. he was speaking about a new proposal that he was launching

two and the israeli-palestinian conflict while ultimately, president reagan's proposal was not recognized it is illuminating in two respects. they underscore the commitment to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace between the israelis and palestinians. that has been the policy of republicanistration, and democrat, since before president reagan and all the way through the -- to the present day. second, because president reagan's words highlighted the u.s.'s long-standing position activityeli settlement in territories occupied in 1967 on -- undermines israel's security, harms the viability of a negotiated two state outcome, and erodes prospects for peace and stability in the region. today, the security council reaffirmed its established consensus that settlements have no legal validity.

the united states has been sending a message that the , privately must stop and publicly, for nearly five decades. ofough the administrations president johnson, richard nixon, gerald ford, jimmy carter, ronald reagan, george h.w. bush, bill clinton, george w. bush, and now, barack obama. and date, since 1967, the only president who had not had one israeli-palestinian related resolution passed during his tenure is barack obama. our vote today is fully in line ofh the bipartisan history how american presidents have approached both the issue and the role of this body. consistency of this position across u.s. administrations, one would think

it would be a routine vote for the u.s. to allow the passage of the resolution with the elements in this one, reaffirming the long-standing position on settlements, condemning violence, and incitement, and calling for the parties to start taking constructive steps to reverse current trends on the ground. familiar, will articulate components of the u.s. policy. but in reality, this vote for us becausestraightforward of where it is taking place, at the united nations. for the simple truth is that for as long as israel has been a institution,s israel has been treated differently from other nations at the united nations. not only in decades past such as the infamous revolution that the general assembly -- resolution at the general assembly adopted in 1975 determining that zionism is a form of racism, but also in 2016, this year.

one need only look at the 18 resolutions adopted or the 12 adopted in the human rights council, more than those focused iran, north korea, and south sudan put together. to see that israel continues to be treated differently from of -- other member states. like u.s. administration's before, the obama administration has worked tirelessly to fight for israel's right something to be treated like any other country. from advocating for israel to finally be granted membership to you and regional body, not -- it's something no other member state had been denied, to fighting that ensure that -- ensuring that israeli ngos are not denied accreditation because they are israeli and getting yom kippur officially recognized as he u.n. holiday, to pressing this counsel to rake its indefensible silence in response to terrorist attacks on israelis. ,s the u.s. has said repeatedly

such unequal treatment not only hurts israel, it undermines the legitimacy of the u.n. itself. the practice of treating israel differently at the u.s. -- u.n. matters for most like this one, for even if one believes the resolution proposed today is justified, or even more necessitated by events on the ground, one cannot completely separate the vote from the venue. member states that say they are for the two state solution must ask themselves some difficult questions. for those states that are quick to promote resolutions condemning israel, but refuse to recognize when israelis are the victim of terrorism, what steps will you take to stop trading israel differently? for those states that passionately denounced the in gaza as crossings exacerbating the humanitarian situation, but say nothing of the resources diverted from helping gaza's residence to dig

tunnels into israeli territory so the terrorists can attack israelis in their homes, what will you do too and the double standard that undermines the legitimacy of this institution? -- shouldtes could ask themselves about the double standards when it comes to this counsel taking action. this morning we came together as a council and we were unable to muster the will to act to stop the flow of weapons going to killers in south sudan who are perpetrating mass atrocities that the u.n. has said could lead to genocide. we could not come together just to stem the flow of arms. earlier this month, this counsel could not muster the will to adopt the simplest of resolutions calling for a seven-day positive the savage bombardment of innocent civilians, hospitals, and schools in aleppo. yet, when the resolution on israel comes through for this counsel, embers suddenly summon the will to act. forumbecause this

continues to be biased against israel, because there are important israel -- issues that are not sufficiently addressed in this resolution, and because the u.s. does not agree with every word in this text that the u.s. did not vote in favor of the resolution. ground,e facts on the and is consistent with u.s. policy across republican and democratic administrations throughout the history of the state of israel that the united states did not veto it. the united states has consistently said we would block any resolution that we thought would undermine israel's security or seek to impose a resolution to the conflict. we would not have let this resolution pass had it not also addressed counterproductive actions by the palestinians such as terrorism and incitement to violence which we have repeatedly condemned and repeatedly raised with the palestinian leadership and which of course must be stopped.

unlike some on the un security council, we do not believe that outside parties can impose a solution that has not been negotiated by the two parties. nor can we unilaterally recognize a future palestinian state. but it is precisely our commitment to israel's security that makes the u.s. believe we cannot stand in the way of this resolution as we seek to preserve a chance of attaining our long-standing objective, two states living side by side in peace and security. let me briefly explain why. the settlement problem has gotten so much worse that it is now putting at risk the very viability of that two state solution. the number of settlers in the roughly 150 authorized israeli settlements east of the 1967 lines has increased to medically. since the 1993 signing of the oslo accords which launched efforts that made a comprehensive and lasting peace possible, the number of settlers has increased like 355,000. the total settler population in

jerusalemank feast in -- east in jerusalem exceeds 500,000. 90 thousand are living east of the separation barrier that was created by israel itself. since july 2016 when the middle east or ted issued a report highlighting international concern about a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansion, and legalization, israel has approved expansion rather than dismantling these and other outposts which are illegal even under israeli law my now there is new legislation advancing the -- that would legalize most of the outposts, a factor that theelled the decision by sponsors to bring a before the council. one of his leading coalition partners declared that "the air

of the two state solution is over." the primee time, minister has said that he is still committed to pursuing a two state solution but these statements are irreconcilable. one cannot simultaneously champion expanding settlements and champion aced a -- a two state solution that would and the conflict. one has to make the choice between settlement and separation. in 2011, the u.s. vetoed a resolution that focused exclusively on settlement, as of settlements were the only factor harming the prospect of a two state solution. the circumstances have changed dramatically. since 2011, settlement growth has only accelerated. since 2011, multiple efforts to pursue 3 -- peace through negotiations have failed and since 2011, president obama and secretary kerry have warned you of the publicly and privately that the absence of progress toward peace and continued settlement expansion was going

-- peace and risk. this resolution condemns violence, terrorism, and incitement which also poses an extremely grave risk to the two state solution. this resolution reflects trends that will permanently destroy the hope of a two state solution if they continue on their current course. the united states has not taken the step of voting in support of this resolution because the resolution is too narrowly focused on settlements. when we all know are we all should know that many other factors contribute significantly to the tensions that perpetuate this conflict. let us be clear. even if every single settlement were to be dismantled tomorrow, piece still would not be attainable without both sides acknowledging uncomfortable truths and making difficult choices. that is an and disputable fact, yet it is one that is too often overlooked by members of the you

are -- united nations and members of this counsel. for palestinian leaders, that means recognizing the obvious, and it -- in addition to taking innocent line -- lives, the growth of violent extremism erodes prospects for peace. the most recent wave of palestinian violence has seen terrorists commit hundreds of attacks including driving cars into crowds of innocent civilians and stemming mothers in front of their children. rather than condemn these attacks, how moskva other radical factions, and certain members of fatah have held up the terrorists as euros and used social media to inside others to follow in their footsteps. president abbas and his leaders have made clear their violence to bash aversion to violence and extremism, they have to often failed to condemn specific tax or condemn the praise he heaped on the perpetrators. our vote did not in any way

diminish the united states's commitment to israel. or to democracy in the middle east. we would not have let this pass lunless it addressed counterproductive actions by the palestinians. israelis are rightfully concerned about making sure there is not a new terrorist haven next-door. president obama and this administration have shown an unprecedented event to israel's security because that is what we believe in. our commitment to that security has never wavered and it never will. financial crisis and budget deficits, we repeatedly increased funding to support israel's military, and in september, the obama administration signed a memorandum of understanding to provide assistance to israel over the next 10 years, the largest single pledge of in u.s. history to

any country. our military and intelligence cooperation is unprecedented. we believe that continued settlement building seriously undermines israel's security. some may cast the u.s. road as a sign we have finally given up on a two state solution. nothing could be further from the truth. none of us can give up on a two state solution. we continue to believe that solution is the only viable path to provide peace and security for the state of israel and freedom and dignity for the palestinian people. we continue to believe the parties can still pursue this path if both sides are honest about this it -- choices and have the courage to take steps that will be politically difficult. --t we can encourage them while we can encourage them it is up to the two parties to choose this path. we hope they will begin making these choices before it is too late. i thank you. >> i would like to thank the

investor of the united states for her statement and i would like to give the floor to the ambassador of france. ambassador: mr. president, the adoption of resolution 2334 is and in many ways historic event in the work of the security council. this is the first resolution adopted by this counsel on the in eight years. it is important that the security council is making its position known as clearly in what is obvious, and that is that israeli settlement building undermines the possibility of having an state -- palestinian

state living side by side with israel. it is necessary for the security council to recall the unanimous attachment of the international community to the two state solution and to express its position clearly on the threats to that solution. act resolutely toward that end, these -- the two state solution will disappear like a mirage in the desert. even though there is no credible alternative that could meet the legitimate aspirations of both parties. over the past few decades, is really -- is really settlement aeli settlement building has accelerated. this fuels tensions on the ground and undermines the aspirations of the international community. settlement building which is illegal under international law is part of a deliberate policy

which aims at putting the international community and the --ple on the ground before between jerusalem and the west bank. the expanding of settlements beyond the green line and the de facto annexation of zone c forces the transfer of the emotion of palestinian homes, restriction to movements, building of separation wall, this is all part of this policy. this policy is not only illegal under international law, it threatens prospects for the creation of a viable and independent palestinian state. which is in fact the best guarantee for israeli security lasting solution to this conflict. that is a message that france by voting in favor of this resolution wanted to send today.

while settlements are the main thread on the ground to the two state solution, it is not the only threat. , incitement to violence, and terrorism also undermines the chances of having two states, palestinian and israeli state, live side-by-side peacefully one day. they destroyed trust and dialogue among the people that are meant to live together side-by-side. from this point of view, the resolution strongly reiterates its condemnation of all acts of terrorism, of incitement to violence, and deliberate attacks against civilians. the resolution calls on the to continue to do everything possible to discourage terrorist undertakings. outidentify and to point threats to the two state solution is important, it is important to work on re-creating

after two years of impasse the conditions for resuming negotiations. israelis as the palestinians have a vital interest in peace and that peace can only be based on the two state solution. that is the aim of the french initiative, to relaunch the peace process. in this framework to after the important meeting of june 3 of this year, france decided to organize in paris on january 15 an international conference, the goal of which will be to present the contribution of the international community to relaunch the negotiation process towards reaching a peace agreement. of course, with the understanding and everyone agrees on that, only palestinians and israelis will be able to achieve that piece in the group -- in direct negotiations. the resolution we adopted today,

and the paris international two sides of the that reiterating our joint attachment to the two state solution and towards creating the conditions that make it must look to achieve that solution. this resolution and the french will beve are, we hope, the first and very important steps towards relaunching a credible political process, a process that we will need to collectively pursue over the weeks and months to come. this resolution, to sum up, certainly is not the end of the road. it is an important stage, an historic step, a on the difficult and demanding path that should lead us to peace and security in the middle east. mr. president, colleagues, let us together assume the very

heavy responsibility that is incumbent on all of us on this difficult path. thank you very much. it >> >> thank you. i give the four to the ambassador from venezuela. ambassador: thank you very much. we express our satisfaction of the adoption of the resolution with the condition that this is a unique opportunity to push forward the peace process and reestablish [inaudible] between parties. it allows the security council -- inve in action behind nation behind. takes into account aspirations and concerns of both people and in defending the inalienable rights of the

palestinian people to a free, sovereign, independent state in accordance with the resolution 181 of the general assembly. of course, this resolution is just one step forward. that this conflict is a very complex one with many obstacles. there is an urgent need to decisively respond to the greatest challenge to the two state solution, the continued expansion of illegal israeli settlements on the occupied territory of the state of palestine. illegal settlements are against international law. it injures the rights of the palestinian people, depriving them of their land, their homes, their means of life, their free circulation, and limiting their social and economic development, and this is why this council

must speak categorically. general sibley, and the security council have the obligation and the mandate to defend peace and international law. furthermore, the u.n. and the security council have the moral obligation to support the palestinian cause, because they have a very great responsibility for the tragedy of the palestinian people. must issue ally the resolutions they can to protect the palestinian people. israel to respect international law and frankly, open a peace based on a two state solution. the resolution we adopted today is the first step on the path to a peaceful negotiated solution between israel and palestine

with support of the international amenity. it is necessary for israel, the occupying power m, [inaudible] the gaza strip, which has gone from last decade and is a flagrant violation of international law. these are essential conditions for what we have achieved today to be consolidated and move forward, toward a political solution in which israel and palestine as a full member of the united nations and with jerusalem -- east jerusalem as its capital will able to exist within the pre-1967 borders. the members of the council have recognize that illegal

settlements are a systematic obstacle to the peace process and a threat to the two state solution. hence, the increasing the urgent need for israel to take its responsibility and comply with the resolution which this council and the general assembly -- pushing it to put it into the pernicious practice that denies the human rights of the palestinian population. [indiscernible] andmatter who the author is who -- what their motives are, we condemn the continued violations of the rights of the palestinian people in the occupied territories and the besieged gaza strip. through the use of indiscriminate, disproportionate force by military and israel's security. we repudiate the violence against the palestinian

population. powers subjecting men, women, and children to prison. we call for the release of all children who are unfairly languishing in israeli prisons, as you can appreciate. a lot needs to be done in order to reverse the negative situation and ensure that israel complies with its obligations as an occupying power. we recognize that with today's decision, the necessary space to renew dialogue has been opened and [indiscernible] for almost 70 years. the council has had the vision and the courage to adopt this thelution, this is contribution of all those who contributed to the historic outcome especially egypt, new zealand, and the countries who

cosponsored this resolution. venezuela affirms its commitment to peace and security and with the palestinian cause. of the remain vigilant development of the task of assisting a negotiated solution to this conflict. in accordance with article two of the u.n., we will support all efforts and initiatives oriented the two stateg solution in accordance with international law. thank you very much, mr. president. >> thank you for your statement. i give the floor to the ambassador of china. ambassador: mr. president. china welcomes the adoption by the security council resolution 2334 on the israeli settlement, and appreciates the important

role-played why it's sponsors. the question of palestine has been the crux of the middle east issue. it is also the underlying cause of the situation in the region. is the shared responsibility of the international community. have seen stalled peace talks between the two sides, the ever expanding israeli settlement, ongoing violence and conflict, ever deteriorating humanitarian situation. thethis has threatened regional peace and stability. resolution 2334 adopted by the council today is significant in that it reflects the common wish

of the international community. we urge israel to practically implement resolution 23-34 immediately and its settlement activities and stop demolishing palestinian homes in order to create conditions for the resolution of peace talks. we hope to keep calm, exercise restraint, and establish mutual trust. supporterbeen a firm of the just cause of the palestinian people. china is with the palestinian people in establishing a sovereign state. china welcomes and supports all helps ease tensions

between the two sides and achieves the two state commission and peaceful coexistence between the two sides. china is ready to work with the international community in diplomatic efforts to promote early, comprehensive, and just solution between the two countries. i thank you, mr. president. you for yourthank statement and i would like to give the floor to the investor of the united kingdom. >> the united kingdom welcomes the adoption of resolution 2334 today, the first resolution on the israel-palestine issue in over seven years. and foremost a clear reinforcement of the international community's conviction that a two state solution remains the only viable route to sustain arab israeli peace. report in july highlighted, the foundations of peace, trust, and goodwill are

being corroded from all sides because of violence, and them aleutians, and settlement activity. as long as terrorists thetreated as marchers -- scourge of anti-somatic and racist language must be excised from the region. it is critical that the continuean leadership their efforts to tackle terror and strengthen institutions and develop a sustainable economy. the united kingdom will continue to provide the palestinian authority with professional support in helping develop it security institutions. but goodwill alone will not secure peace. today's resolution is a sober recognition that the two state solution is slipping away. prospects for the

a contiguous palestinian state, settlement construction corroded the possibility of a two state -- since the process in populationttlement has doubled, including 85,000 settlers deep in the west bank. intoeport warns of sliding a one state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict. that is no future at all. kingdom is a dear and close friend to the state of israel. we reject all effort to deal of demise best to lead legitimize -- reject all efforts to delegitimize israel. hostility to israel is a barrier to peace and my government will never support any resolution that involves boycotts or delegitimize asian in any way. delegitimization in any way.

it is the stalwart commitment to security and the existence as the jewish homeland that we work tirelessly to establish a balanced -- we believe israeli settlement activity or present a clear and present danger to our shared vision of two states for two peoples. the united kingdom's long-standing view is that settlement expansion is illegal, and this is not in israel's long-term interests. today's resolution takes important steps to support peace through, first of all, calling for immediate steps to prevent violence against all civilians. it also calls for a strengthening to combat terrorism. as well is all acts of terrorism. -- as well as condemning all

acts of terrorism. -- and to refrain from provocative actions to create trust and build conditions for peace. and third this resolution calls upon all parties to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations on all final status issues, urging the acceleration of international and regional efforts to support a comprehensive peace. we have long held that the negotiations be successful -- that for the negotiations to be successful they will lead to a safe israel, leading to a viable palestinian state based on 1960 seven borders with agreed lancelot. jerusalem is the share capital of both state's, and a just, fair, -- and a just, agreed settlement for both refugees. we recognize that the passing of this resolution will not change the situation on the ground

overnight. easy yearnot be an for the israel-palestine issue. the subsequent occupation of gaza in the west bank and the occupation of jerusalem, my country has issued -- sponsorall uphold our ability as this council finally upheld its responsibility today in order to deliver the long-term security that israelis deserve and the statehood had entered occupation the palestinians are calling out for. thank you. thank the like to ambassador to the united kingdom. i know give the floor to the ambassador of uruguay. >> thank you very much. uruguay voted for this resolution, convinced that after eight years we have before us a breakic opportunity to

from the action of the security council, which has threatened the two state solution and peaceful negotiations between israelis and palestinians. resolution 2334 adopted a few calls to break the status quo and reverse the negative trends on the ground. case, with in this regards to the illegal in occupied palestinian territory. very important a moment for the peace process in the middle east and the two state solution. we hope that this resolution will be a call for action by both israel and palestine to promptly resume bilateral negotiations, which will lead to responding to the

interests of both parties. we have affirmed that support for the possibility of both israel and palestine living in peace side-by-side with internationally recognized orders and free from any action which might breach the peace, we also reaffirm our support to the two state solution. we are convinced really possibility that will make it possible for palestine and israel to exist peacefully. it is important to give signals to get out of the quagmire created by misunderstanding, hatred, and violent confrontations. in the same way they must both refrain from adopting unilateral decisions, which will that's unilateral decisions which will hamper dialogue and act in good with under obligations

international law. uruguay reaffirms its willingness to continue working the peaceo reactivate process in the middle east as quickly as possible. and make the two state solution and reality once and for all. this to many generations of israelis and palestinians who are exhausted after so many years of conflict. thank you very much for your statement. i give the floor to the ambassador of the russian federation. >> as i'm sure many others in this room, i was puzzled by the process that unfolded around today's resolution. although the draft has been worked on for many months, the haste in adoption does not than

us at the purpose for the resolution. our country for many years has been involved in the middle east peace process. the cochair of the madrid process is a permanent member of the un security council. the experience we have gained confirms that resolving this issue is only possible through direct negotiations without any preconditions between palestinians and israelis. that is precisely what dictated the work we did in september, in a meeting between prime minister netanyahu and -- palestinians were ready to take part in this meeting. today we voted on the draft resolution on israeli settlements on the premise that it is based on tested language that reflects the general position of the international community on the illegality of israeli settlements -- settlement activity on occupied

palestinian territories. we also think it is important the document condemns violence and acts of terrorism against civilians. it aims to put in and that put an end to the violence -- to put an end to the violence. these kinds of actions no doubt undermined the possibility of having a two state solution. russia will continue working on andunching the negotiations on restoring palestinian unity based on the political platform. we -- approvedective and mechanism of the security council on the middle east peace process. we also know that the report of the quartet published in july on the situation of the palestinian -- of the israeli-palestinian track is still very relevant as a consolidated signal of the

international community on both sides of the conflict. thank you very much. >> i would like to think the ambassador of the russian federation for his statement and dine out of the floor to the ambassador of japan. >> thank you mr. president. -- is deeplyly concerned about the stagnation in the process and is alarmed that a two state solution may be slipping from our reach. consistent in our position that the settlement activities is in violation of international law, and that it has been steadily eroding the viability of a two state solution. with this in mind, japan has voted in favor of the resolution. it is important that parties commit themselves to the resolution just adopted so as to

make meaningful progress in the middle east peace process. the council must also reaffirm its commitment to a two state solution and support the parties to that end. beliefemains firm in its that peace in the region can be we only through negotiations and will not recognize any that will change prejudge the final solution. like to conclude by stressing the japan will continue to engage in this matter both in and out of counsel to facilitate the peace process. >> thank you for your statement. i give the floor to the ambassador of malaysia. >> thank you, mr. president.

after decades of paralysis in the council on the israeli-palestinian conflict, the council finally exercises its legal, political, and moral responsibility to take effective actions to reverse the negative trends that are threatening peace and a two state solution. with the historic adoptions of prove our 2334, we sincere commitment to peace and a two state solution. we sincerely thank all council members who are in support of the draft resolutions today. restraint byrage some of the members of the council, we appreciate. port and solidarity shown by other countries and carrying out this forward. theave warned that settlement enterprise constitutes the single biggest

threat to peace and a two state solution. it is illegal under international law, as reinforced by the 2004 advisory opinion of the icj and various council resolutions. violence, landto confiscations, discriminator terrie -- discriminatory policies. decades of great injustice and growths -- and gross violations has -- rights meeting to further de-radicalization in the region and beyond. -- recentelephants developments have made it more urgent for the council to act, particularly an attempt by the israeli pilot to legalize -- legalize outposts on

palestinian lands. we need to send a strong and clear signal that this is simply not acceptable. today the council has redeemed to steer the parties in the right directions, away from violence and illegal acts. we are giving hope to the people of israel and palestine, the majority of whom still believe in the two state solution and still want peace. this is not just a victory for palestine. council,ictory for the for the united nations, for the rule of law, for peace and for humanity as a whole. it is also a victory for the people of israel who still believe in living side-by-side with thend security palestinians and arab neighbors.

in the next few months the council will exert pressures on both sides. we will also urge both member states to abide by the obligations under the settlement to halt activities. as we enter into 50 years of israeli occupation next year, we a step back to reflect on our collective failures in the past half-century that have led to the current predicament on the viability of the two state solution. although our actions today are helpingant in settlement activities, we need to recognize we are addressing the symptoms, and not the root causes of the conflict. in the long term the council and the international community must galvanize the efforts to end the long occupation -- and the --gest occupation in history

to end the longest occupation in modern history. we must intensify efforts to resume the peace process in order to achieve comprehensive, just, and lasting peace on the basis of the united nations , including the arab peace initiative. we also reaffirm our support for all diplomatic initiatives to end. although the days in the council are coming to an end, we will continue to play a role as necessary for peace in the region. in line with our principled positions on the palestinian question. i thank you. >> i now give it to the

ambassador of angola. >> i welcome the adoption of resolution 2334. i would like to thank the zealand,, egypt, new venezuela, for presenting it to the council. for far too long a source of frustration and despair in the international communities has been the continued illegal settlements by israeli authorities, which have perpetuated an atmosphere of and violence among israelis and palestinians. doubt these settlements are illegal under international law.

so we find it disappointing that israeli authorities dispute this and believe that their final be internment talks on palestinian statehood. palestinian statehood would not be possible if settlements are and any possibility of continued palestinian state is eliminated. parties to refrain from any negative unilateral actions which could hinder the of the two states living side by side in peace. the resolution by this council represents only a positive contribution to peace and security in the world, which is -- if they reason

resolution is implementable. i hope resolution 2334 will be effectively implemented, particularly by all the key parties. this calls for unity of the council -- of the security council, unity of the palestinians, unity of israel. resolution 2334 calls for commitment to peace, particularly between the two main parties, israeli and -- israel and palestine. this resolution is not an imposition on terms by the united nations, but rather a measure to salvage the prospects of the two state solution.

therefore we hope that we will definitely see a step in the right direction, as we have several times in this council this several times reiterated in this council. we have several times reiterated in this council. >> i now give flow to the ambassador of new zealand. -- i now give the floor to the ambassador of new zealand. i was so very pleased that in this last meeting of the year we were able to a duck a very positive step on a most very difficult issue. theapplause reflects pent-up frustration that the council has been unable to, for so long, pass an resolution on the issue. that urgent action was necessary.

i noted earlier, the focus of resolution 2334 is on settlements, the primary threat to the fidelity of the two state solution. as others have pointed out the resolution also includes welcome need to stophe violence and lays the groundwork for a return to negotiations. there is no question that ongoing israeli settlement activity in palestinian territories is a great threat to the very viability of a future palestinian state. as my foreign minister earlier this month, the settlements violate international law, and the settlements have created and it where there should have been neighbors. every settlement creates falsehood for the settlers that the land will one day be parter of a greater -- be part of a greater israel.

today's resolution provides important signals to the parties and the international community about the way forward. it reaffirms the solution of achieving a negotiated peace. forlso prepares the ground a return to negotiations as soon as possible. the resolution reaffirms through the united nations must powerful organ that settlements in -- itinian territory are condemns the acts of violence, revocation and terror. and hardened feelings of hostility and mistrust on both sides. the reporting mechanism should provide a firm foundation for this council to continue to encourage the parties to

negotiations on a viable two state solution. we recognize there is much more than this resolution might have done. providencil must additional support to the parties, including setting up parameter for negotiations when the time is right. we focused on what is achievable right now. itt is what we believe takes. >> i think the abbasid of new zealand for his statement. i shall now give it over to the ambassador of -- >> thank you, mr. president. deciding to cosponsor this resolution, 2334, along with new malaysia, and the republic of venezuela, senegal wishes to reaffirm its on theles position

settlements, which are legal from the point of view of international law. indeed while the peace process at a stalemate. upsee continued speeded settlement of the areas of fret -- areas of west bank. we encourage -- and it affects the right of both to live peacefully side-by-side with an internationally recognized borders. together with the israelis and we, asnians, with whom numbers of the council, show the

same aspirations to peace and stability, we must find the path to negotiation in order to reach a peaceful, happy solution to this dispute. that said, we are ourselves of to theortunity condemnation of acts of terrorism and the incitements of violence, no matter what the authors or motives may be. we're reaffirm that we've reaffirm the urgency of relaunching the peace process. this is why the ongoing initiative, such as that of ,diplomatic efforts all of these initiatives deserve, we believe, greater coordination. to conclude, mr. president, it is up to the inter--- up to the worknational community to

on this two state solution. by theth was reaffirmed international day of the united nations come in solidarity with the palestinian people. and i quit what he said, "despite the stalemate of the peace process, i have a strong conviction that efforts must be continued, strengthened, and intensified in order to realize the two state solution. the two states, israel and palestine should be able to live side-by-side in peace and security, each with their own internationally recognized in accordance with all the relevant resolutions of the united nations and the efforts ." the quartet and as chair of the united

nations committee, for the rights of the palestinian people, continuous dialogue in order to reach a two state solution. thank you. >> i think the representative of senegal and shall make a statement in my capacity. sponsorsk all of the to the efforts and all the delegations that worked so hard to achieve this result. we are convinced that it will contribute to the two state solution. which we believe is the only solution that can lead to a just comprehensive and lasting peace for palestinians and israelis. this piece can never be imposed from outside that will need to be negotiated on by the two parties. the international community has

an obligation to do everything it can to promote an agreement. this security council did what it had to do. past two years as a nonpermanent member of the spain hasouncil, repeated that we are in favor of the council expressing its position on the palestinian question when the time was right and of course it is possible to have a consensus that can truly help move toward peace. that day is come today. this fulfills as we see the necessary requirements to balance tax that only strives to act in favor of peace. we have repeated many times in this same chamber, what is the position of spain on the palestinian question? we have always said settlements

main- and one of the obstacles to make the two state solution a reality so that israel and palestine can live in security and mutually recognized borders. we have also stated the incitement to hatred and the acts of terrorism are not only morally and legally reprehensible, but also they undermine efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. and they should be strongly condemned, the resolution we have adopted. is fully compatible with that position. over the past few years the security council has taken a position twice on the weestinian question and welcome the fact that our and we has been broken

see this as a result carried out by the security council must after month. has contributed to this, motivated by the wish to contribute towards peace. based on the same at ovation to a just and lasting peace, which would be the outcome of a negotiated -- negotiated agreement between the two parties. i would like to give the floor to the ambassador of israel. grexit a is a bad day for this council. -- >>solution you just today is a bad day for this council. council wasted valuable time and efforts condemning the democratic state of israel for building homes in the historic

homeland of the jewish people. presenting the truth time and again to this council and employer not to believe the lies presented in this resolution. by voting yes in favor of this resolution, you have in fact loaded no -- fact voted no. for a chanced no for better life between israelis and palestinians. and you voted no to the possibility of peace. ki-moony-general ban addressing this a very council one week ago said that the u.n. [indiscernible] will beolution today added to the long and shameful

list of anti-israel u.n. resolutions. you are sending a message to the that they should continue on the path incitement. that they should continue to hold people hostage. that they should continue to seek meaningless statements from the international community. the sad truth is that today's vote will be a victory for terror. it will be a victory for hatred and violence. by continuing to provide excuses for the palestinians, to avoid recognizing our right to exist, you are only maintaining the status quo. the world is under growing -- undergoing change. i call on this counsel to take this opportunity to turn a new

page, put an end to the bias and obsession with israel. stop this endless attempt to blame all the problems of the middle east on the one true democracy in the region, and make clear to the palestinians that the only way -- the only way forward is to end incitement and terror, and to enter into direct and meaningful negotiations with israel. ago, unescoths approved an absurd resolution, denying the connection between the jewish people and jerusalem. today, this counsel, including many of the world's leading democracy -- the beacons of liberty -- voted to condemn the state of israel. he voted to condemn the jewish people for building homes in the land of israel.

from buildingan in our historical capital of jerusalem -- the heart and soul of the jewish people. with the resolution, tomorrow night, israel and the entire jewish community around the world will celebrate the holy day of hanukkah. jewish00 years ago -- people were banished from our temple in jerusalem, and we were issued decrees, trying to sever us from religion and our heritage, but we prevailed. the jewish people fought back. we gained our dependence, and we light the menorah time -- candles in the temple. i ask each and every member of this counsel who voted for this resolution, who gave you the right to issue such a decree,

denying our eternal rights in journalism -- jerusalem. with this counsel have had the nerve to condemn your country from building homes in your capital? would you ban the french from building in paris? when you ban the russians from building in moscow? would you ban the chinese for building in beijing? would you ban the americans from building in washington? decrees duringse the time of mcabee, and we will overcome this evil decree today. we have full confidence in the justice of our cause in the righteousness of our path. we will continue to be a democratic state-based on the rule of law -- state based on

, and we willaw continue to be a jewish state, probably reclaiming the land of our forefathers, with a maccabees fought our oppressors, and king david ruled from jerusalem. --s holy book -- the bible contains 3000 years of the history of the jewish people in the land of israel. no one -- no one can change this history. >> i think the representative of israel for his statement and now observer floor to the state of palestine. >> thank you very much, mr. president. i thank you for convening this meeting.

this important meeting, and express the state of palestine's sincere appreciation for the principal efforts you have exerted in both your national capacity, as well as in spain's capacity as president of the security council for this month. while long's action, overdue, is timely, necessary, and important. the resolution adopted reaffirms the council's decades-long position that israeli settlements in the palestinian occupied territory, including in jerusalem, the eternal capital of the state of palestine, one, have no legal validity, two constitute breaches under international law, namely the fourth geneva convention, and

three, constitute a major gravely to peace, diminishing the viability of the two-state solution based on the fourth of june, 1967 borders, and the possibility of realizing it. we express our appreciation to all council members supporting this resolution. they have adopted this resolution on behalf of the international community, reflecting the long-standing global consensus on the matter. here, we must express our gratitude to the four cosponsors -- malaysia, new zealand, senegal, and venezuela. they have acted in line with their constant calls for action to address this unjust situation. firm in the responsibilities as councilmembers.

angola -- among the nine non-caucus members for their undying support -- and we also thank our brothers in egypt, the arab representative on the college, for all efforts exerted throughout this process -- on the council, for all efforts exerted throughout the process. let me all think those who have applauded the adoption of resolution 2384 in this chamber, and the millions who have applauded in all corners of the globe, including, especially, in the state of palestine. over the years, we have made constant appeals to the council , unitsld is duties central goals and the premise of international law, insisting on the need for conservative action to confront israeli oppression

of the palestinian people and relentless colonization of our land under its half-century occupation. sought tos have -- -- oppression of our people. but, our appeals have also been calls for the council to contribute to the long -- the cause of peace for the long-term. peaceful palestine. peace for-- palestine, israel, the middle east, and the rest of the world. we have not been alone. our appeals have been aqaba security council members themselves, and by the state, international civil servants, and civil society that have come before the council, all

imploring the council to act, including in specific to address the illegality of israeli settlement activities in occupied palestine, including east jerusalem, and the origin of the two state solution based on the 1967 borders, and the process for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. finallyouncil has chosen to act is significant. let me repeat -- that the council has finally chosen to act is significant. , this resolution has been adopted with majority support -- overwhelming majority support. but this step requires vigilant follow-up if it is to be meaningful, to stem further interior asian -- deterioration into history's archives.

urgent efforts are needed to reverse the dangerous negative trends on the ground, and to advance our collective efforts to end israeli occupation that began in 1967, and achieved freedom, rice, and justice, for the palestinian people, including the palestinian refugees, leading to israeli-palestinian peace and security, as well as the goal of -- peace. mr. president, there is no bashing, as repeatedly claimed by the israeli government. not by palestine, not by the council, nor by an evil have time and again urged the council to act in the interest of peace and security. -- nor by the council who have time and again urged to act

in the interest of peace and security. resolution may rightly be seen as a last attempt to preserve the two state solution and revive the path for peace, to keep the hope alive. for many, this seems virtually impossible in this point, as israel's occupying power has been permitted to entrench its occupation and a one state reality with absolute impunity, at times even being rewarded for .ts violations against this backdrop, one merely --solution in nearly eight years is not disproportionate. vote shameful, but today's rectifies this track record, and

sets us on a new course. the facts are that the only bashing being done by israel. of this council, you heard what he said, and the entire u.s.'s -- u.n. system, you heard also what he said, of the charter and international law. 45 decades -- despite the resolution of 1967: from israeli withdrawal from the territories it occupied in 1967, and all the resolutions thereafter, israel has persisted, full force, with its occupation, it's illegal war havet, and the fragmented our land, undermined integrity, and isolated jewish -- jerusalem, that the -- the heart and effect of capital of our state -- de facto capital of our state.

it has destroyed convictions in the rationality, feasibility, and fairness of the two state solution, as reflected in the growing negative sentiments among palestinians. those besieged and inhumanely blockaded for nearly a decade in the gaza strip. all of those and during the daily seller -- settlor terror. or those, including in our refugee camps across the region, whose patience in awaiting justice and a peaceful solution is now so frail. too audacious claims of bias, we say the only biased taking place is that against the law, against reason, and against the vision of two states as the most viable solution to this prolonged

illegal occupation and disasters conflicts. -- disastrous conflict. we have heard a loud and clear in the gleeful boast from some israeli officials that, and i quote "the two state solution is no twoand "there will be state solution." we witness it in the attempting to prevent the law, to a coveted the unlawful, and the pretext land andolonnade our deepen occupation. israel'ss that in blatant contempt of the global demand to comply with regulations under the law, as is expected of every single other state in the international community, and to finally commit to the path of peace. but today, this council has said enough, and we thank you for

that. mr. president, this resolution represents a necessary step for addressing one of the most of the u.n.ects agenda -- a 70-year open wound, precluding peace in our region with far-reaching consequences, not the least of which is fueling the anger and despair that injustice breeds, especially among youth that seeing no present and future, and undeniably fueling much of the radicalism and extremism plaguing our region and the world. the security council must stand firm by this decision, stand by the law, and stand by the right side of history. thought that by negative threats or spin.

the council is doing the right thing. --hope this global call for will serve to compel compliance with the law, deescalate to thens, bring an end violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, and excitement, and reverse the negative trend on the ground. the is vital to salvaging prospect of peace. led by responsible action by the council, including follow-up of the reports requested by the center -- secretary-general. we hope the coming will be --period will be one of serious effort to set the course, and help the parties advance toward peaceful solution. here, we recognize fully the arab states' efforts in the

context of the arab peace initiative, which remains a cornerstone for peace, as well as the efforts of france, and the quartet -- egypt, and the russian federation -- and hope that these collective efforts, with international support, will come to fulfillment. we will remain firm in our belief that peace -- the central purpose of this organization, is more than were in the of both international legislation and action. we encourage intense efforts to achieve, without delay, an end to the israeli occupation that began in 1967, and a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the relevant u.n. resolutions, including the principle of land for peace,

arab peace initiative, and roadmap, whereby the palestinian people will realize their rights and justice, including a just solution for the palestine refugees on the basis of finallyon 194 and can live in freedom and dignity, exercising their inevitable right, andnevitable a sovereign palestine with east your resume as its capital, living side by side with israel in peace with secure and recognized borders. happy holidays to all. i thank you very much, mr. president. >> thank you for your statement. before the meeting closes, i would like to express the sincere appreciation to the thegation of spain to

members have counsel, especially my colleagues, the permanent representative, the respective staffs and teams, and also the secretary of the council for all the support they have given us. it has been a very busy month, and it would not have been possible to have these results without the contribution of the delegations, the secretariat, soundterpreters, engineers, as well as security officers that kept the council safe day after day. as this could be the last public meeting for december, 2016, i would like on behalf of the council to express the sincere appreciation of the council to the five outgoing members -- angola, spain, following the spanish in alphabetical order, , newially, malaysia ofland, and the republic

venezuela. i wish to commend their hard work and contributions during their term on the security 2016.il from 2015 to thank you very much. there are no further speakers on my list. the meeting is adjourned. [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2016] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. visit ncicap.org] >> with the united states abstaining, the u.n. security council approved a resolution condemning settlement in the west break -- west bank and east jerusalem. zero posts, and they had states road.ning from the swift and strong disapproval from capitol hill, including from lindsey graham, saying this provocation action by the united nations is an outrage and must beat up with sternly and forcefully. also the speaker of the house,

paul ryan, who put out a statement earlier today saying this is absolutely shameful -- peace, vote is a blow to and sets a dangerous precedent for further diplomatic efforts to isolate and demonize israel. trumptweet from donald same as to the u.n., things will be different after january 20. >> this holiday weekend, here are some of our featured programs. saturday, farewell speeches introduce for outgoing members of congress and the white house, starting at 12:30 p.m. eastern with senator barbara mikulski of maryland. at 2:00 p.m., tribute and speeches for vice president joe biden. at 8:00 p.m., christmas at the white house -- join first lady michelle obama as she receives the official white house christmas tree. see this year's decorations. make crafting projects with children of military families visiting the white house, and finally, the tree lighting ceremony on the national mall.

at 8:40 p.m., hear from former house speaker john boehner on the trump presidency, and his time in the congress. at 9:40 p.m., attend the portrait unveiling of outgoing senate minority leader harry reid -- and speakers include hillary clinton, and charles schumer. member hear from retired of covers come represented charles rangel of new york to the net 2:2 and -- 2:10 p.m., we kicked to the romeo and juliet wrongful death mock trial, where supreme court justice samuel alito serves as deciding judge. and then a look at a career at -- a look at the career of vice president-elect mike pence and his new role as vice president. c-span and listen on the c-span radio app. putin criticized the

obama administration the democratic party for blending the russians for interfering in u.s. elections. he also weighed in on syria, nuclear weapons, and the russian economy. this is a nearly three-hour portion of his four hour press conference today. >> we are the oldest publication in the country -- 92 years old, and we have seen a lot over time. , and itery concerned seems, sometimes, that we are more concerned than some officials. , someter the two reports officials were fired, or, let's say transferred. after all these decisions and measures, can we say that

the situation is improving, or is it not enough yet, and another question about why the -- do you think it can be reformed, or will some other organization substitute it? it is not just a question of support. we see a political action here. do you think there is one? president putin: first of all, we have never had a doping program in russia -- this is unthinkable. we would never do anything like that. there is no government support program for doping in russia. that is number one. number two, like any other country, we have problems and we should do our best to fight it. we should work very closely with

the international olympic committee, work together with wada and other international bodies. we will definitely do that. i hope that the changes that are currently taking place -- and it is not just some personnel decisions you mentioned. there are structural changes as well. i hope those changes will help us address the situation and the committee, the prosecution service, are investigating everything related to doping, and this investigation will be carried out to the end. you mentioned some informers that fled to some other report.s, and they i do not even remember the name of this person who fled -- the guy that was chief of our anti-doping agency. what was his previous work? he used to work in canada, and

what he did later, he came to russia, and he was appointed to a high position. to bring all sorts of bad things into russia. i think when he crossed the border, he brought all those band substances into russia. you know there is very strict control of the border, but somehow he was able to bring all anned substances into russia. i do not believe the authorities there were unaware of this, and he forced our athletes to take those substances, and when some refused to take them, he punished them. found a way to penalize them. then he fled to other countries, he has a nice life there, and he now complains about russia, hoping they will provide nice conditions for him there, and definitely for some time he will have a nice life there, but then

they will just forget him and kick him out. patronsink he had some there, they waited for the right time to come, and then they attacked russia. we have problems with doping -- we should fight them, and take care of our athletes, their health. wada.so asked about it is not up to me to comment on its performance. it is up to the ioc to do that, but i strongly believe that any anti-doping agency, including wada should be transparent, clear, should be verifiable, and we should know about the results of their work. what i mean is that the international athletic community should know was tested, what the results were, and what action

was taken in order to punish those guilty -- what has been done to prevent this from happening in the future? on these security issues, why are they so secretive? why do they keep those things under wraps? we all want transparency, right, so it is absolutely necessary to be transparent in these matters. worldy agree with the known athletes that commented on the recent decisions to move international competitions. do they really mean they did not know about this before? of course there is a political aspect to it. froms should be separated politics -- from geopolitics, because sports should bring people together instead of dividing them.

>> so, our colleagues -- [indiscernible] >> mr. putin, i want to ask you how the problem of original loan debt is solved, and my second question is will there be -- whether the provinces are going to be granted more power over finances? in debt.rovince is it is 6%. to support theng provinces that have good financial quality and do not take loans?

president putin: the government supports all different promises with donor regions. donor regions. of course, we help them to stay this way like moscow and moscow province. we do want to. lot in theted a lot in the infrastructure in moscow and the moscow area. in we do the same with other places like st. petersburg. launched a newwe road there that will be very helpful for the entire northwestern part of russia. you asked about public that -- debt. this is a very serious issue.