Mideast situation/Palestine question – Letter from South Africa

Letter dated 6 December 2000 from the Permanent Representative of South Africa

to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council

I have the honour, in my capacity as Chairman of the Coordinating Bureau of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, to report that the Movement discussed the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and expressed its serious concern at the escalating number of deaths and injuries and the continuing excessive use of force by Israel. This situation constitutes a threat to the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people, as well as to the security of the whole region.

The Movement believes that it has become crucial to provide protection to the Palestinian civilians under Israeli occupation. In this regard, the important steps taken by the Movement’s Security Council caucus to table a draft resolution pertaining to the deployment of a United Nations observer force is fully supported by the Movement.

I wish to appeal urgently to the Security Council to act in accordance with its mandate in the maintenance of international peace and security and to consider the expeditious adoption of the draft resolution.

I would be grateful if the present letter could be circulated as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Dumisani S. Kumalo

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Permanent Representative