Activities of the Security Council (16 June 1996-15 June 1997) – SecCo report (excerpts)

Report of the Security Council

16 June 1996-15 June 1997

Part I

Questions considered by the Security Council under its responsibility

for the maintenance of international peace and security

…

Chapter 8

Items relating to the situation in the Middle East

A.The situation in the Middle East

1.United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and developments in the Israel-Lebanon sector

(a)Communications received between 18 June and 22 July 1996 and report of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 18 June 1996 (S/1996/445) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Note verbale dated 1 July (S/1996/474) from the Permanent Mission of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a letter dated 23 June 1996 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt to the Secretary-General, forwarding the text of the final communiqué of the Arab Summit Conference, held at Cairo, from 21 to 23 June 1996.

Letter dated 5 July (S/1996/526) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 16 July (S/1996/563) from the representative of Oman addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Damascus Declaration States at the conclusion of their thirteenth meeting, held at Muscat on 13 and 14 July 1996.

Letter dated 18 July (S/1996/566) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 18 July (S/1996/567) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 20 July on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (S/1996/575) submitted pursuant to resolution 1039 (1996), describing developments relating to UNIFIL for the period from 22 January to 20 July 1996, and recommending that the mandate of UNIFIL be extended for a further period of six months, until 31 January 1997.

Letter dated 22 July (S/1996/587) from the representatives of Egypt and the Russian Federation addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a joint Russian-Egyptian statement on the Middle East, adopted in Moscow on 16 July 1996.

(b)Consideration at the 3685th meeting (30 July 1996), adoption of resolution 1068 (1996) and presidential statement

At the 3685th meeting, held on 30 July 1996 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/1996/575)”

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1996/599) that had been prepared in the course of the Council’s prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3685th meeting, on 30 July 1996, draft resolution S/1996/599 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1068 (1996).

Resolution 1068 (1996) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, 501 (1982) of 25 February 1982, 508 (1982) of 5 June 1982, 509 (1982) of 6 June 1982 and 520 (1982) of 17 September 1982, as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,

“Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 20 July 1996 (S/1996/575) and taking note of the observations expressed and the commitments mentioned therein,

“Taking note of the letter dated 18 July 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/1996/566),

“Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon,

“1. Decides to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for a further period of six months, that is until 31 January 1997;

“2. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

“3. Re-emphasizes the terms of reference and general guidelines of the Force as stated in the report of the Secretary-General of 19 March 1978 (S/12611), approved by resolution 426 (1978), and calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Force for the full implementation of its mandate;

“4. Reiterates that the Force should fully implement its mandate as defined in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978) and all other relevant resolutions;

“5. Condemns all acts of violence committed in particular against the Force, and urges the parties to put an end to them;

“6. Welcomes the completion of the streamlining of the Force described in paragraph 33 of the report, and encourages further efficiency and savings provided they do not affect the operational capacity of the Force;

“7. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned with the implementation of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council thereon.”

The President stated that, following consultations of the Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1996/33):

“The Security Council has noted with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 20 July 1996 (S/1996/575) submitted in conformity with resolution 1039 (1996) of 29 January 1996.

“The Council reaffirms its commitment to the full sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries. In this context, the Council asserts that all States shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

“As the Council extends the mandate of the Force for a further interim period on the basis of resolution 425 (1978), the Council again stresses the urgent need for the implementation of that resolution in all its aspects. It reiterates its full support for the Taif Agreement and for the continued efforts of the Lebanese Government to consolidate peace, national unity and security in the country, while successfully carrying out the reconstruction process. The Council commends the Lebanese Government for its successful effort to extend its authority in the south of the country in full coordination with the Force.

“The Council expresses its concern over the continuing violence in southern Lebanon, regrets the loss of civilian life, and urges all parties to exercise restraint.”

(c)Communications received between 6 August 1996 and 23 January 1997 and report of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 6 August 1996 (S/1996/629) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 26 August (S/1996/725) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, proposing that Estonia be added to the list of Member States providing troops to UNIFIL for a period of six months beginning in November 1996.

Letter dated 6 September (S/1996/726) from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General, informing him that his letter dated 26 August 1996 (S/1996/725) had been brought to the attention of the members of the Council and that they agreed with the proposal mentioned therein.

Letter dated 11 September (S/1996/743) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 17 September (S/1996/767) from the representative of Oman addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its sixtieth session, held at Riyadh on 7 and 8 September 1996.

Letter dated 30 September (S/1996/839) from the representative of Colombia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the communiqué of the meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs and heads of delegation of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries to the fifty-first session of the General Assembly, held in New York on 25 September 1996.

Letter dated 11 November (S/1996/923) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 15 November (S/1996/954) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 18 December (S/1996/1058) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 31 December (S/1997/4) from the representative of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Damascus Declaration States, at the conclusion of their fourteenth meeting, held at Cairo on 28 and 29 December 1996.

Letter dated 2 January 1997 (S/1997/6) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 10 January (S/1997/30) from the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 13 January (S/1997/43) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué of the annual coordination meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), held in New York on 2 October 1996.

Letter dated 13 January (S/1997/45) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the texts of the final communiqué and resolutions adopted by the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of OIC at its twenty-fourth session, held at Jakarta from 9 to 13 December 1996.

Letter dated 17 January (S/1997/41) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General, requesting the Security Council to extend the mandate of UNIFIL.

Letter dated 17 January (S/1997/46) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 20 January on UNIFIL (S/1997/42) submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1068 (1996) describing the activities of UNIFIL and developments in the area since his last report (S/1996/575) and recommending that the mandate of UNIFIL be extended for a further period of six months, until 31 July 1997.

Letter dated 23 January (S/1997/70) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

(d)Consideration at the 3733rd meeting (28 January 1997), adoption of resolution 1095 (1997) and presidential statement

At the 3733rd meeting, held on 28 January 1997 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/1997/42)”

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1997/79) that had been prepared in the course of the Council’s prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3733rd meeting, on 28 January 1997, draft resolution S/1997/79 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1095 (1997).

Resolution 1095 (1997) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, 501 (1982) of 25 February 1982, 508 (1982) of 5 June 1982, 509 (1982) of 6 June 1982 and 520 (1982) of 17 September 1982, as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,

“Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 20 January 1997 (S/1997/42) and taking note of the observations expressed and the commitments mentioned therein,

“Taking note of the letter dated 17 January 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/1997/41),

“Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon,

“1. Decides to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for a further period of six months, that is until 31 July 1997;

“2. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

“3. Re-emphasizes the terms of reference and general guidelines of the Force as stated in the report of the Secretary-General of 19 March 1978 (S/12611), approved by resolution 426 (1978), and calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Force for the full implementation of its mandate;

“4. Condemns all acts of violence committed in particular against the Force, and urges the parties to put an end to them;

“5. Reiterates that the Force should fully implement its mandate as defined in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978) and all other relevant resolutions;

“6. Encourages further efficiency and savings provided they do not affect the operational capacity of the Force;

“7. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned with the implementation of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council thereon.”

The President stated that, following consultations of the Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1997/1):

“The Security Council has noted with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 20 January 1997 (S/1997/42) submitted in conformity with resolution 1068 (1996) of 30 July 1996.

“The Council reaffirms its commitment to the full sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries. In this context, the Council asserts that all States shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

“As the Council extends the mandate of the Force for a further interim period on the basis of resolution 425 (1978), the Council again stresses the urgent need for the implementation of that resolution in all its aspects. It reiterates its full support for the Taif Agreement and for the continued efforts of the Lebanese Government to consolidate peace, national unity and security in the country, while successfully carrying out the reconstruction process. The Council commends the Lebanese Government for its successful effort to extend its authority in the south of the country in full coordination with the Force.

“The Council expresses its concern over the continuing violence in southern Lebanon, regrets the loss of civilian life, and urges all parties to exercise restraint.

“The Council takes this opportunity to express its appreciation for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and his staff in this regard and commends the Force’s troops and troop-contributing countries for their sacrifices and commitment to the cause of international peace and security under difficult circumstances.”

(e)Communications received between 3 February and 9 June 1997

Letter dated 3 February 1997 (S/1997/108) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 18 February (S/1997/142) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 3 March (S/1997/187) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 7 March (S/1997/203) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 8 April (S/1997/295) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Identical letters dated 16 April (S/1997/327) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of resolution 5634, adopted by the Council of the League of Arab States (LAS) at its one hundred and seventh regular session, on 31 March 1997.

Identical letters dated 16 April (S/1997/328) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of resolution 5635, adopted by the Council of LAS at its one hundred and seventh regular session, on 31 March 1997.

Letter dated 9 May (S/1997/368) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 9 June (S/1997/447) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

2.United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

(a)Report of the Secretary-General dated 18 November 1996

Report of the Secretary-General dated 18 November 1996 on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) (S/1996/959 and Corr.1), describing the activities of UNDOF during the period from 18 May to 18 November 1996, and recommending that the mandate of UNDOF be extended for a further period of six months, until 31 May 1997.

(b)Consideration at the 3715th meeting (27 November 1996), adoption of resolution 1081 (1996) and presidential statement

At the 3715th meeting, held on 27 November 1996 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1996/959 and Corr.1)”

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1996/975) that had been prepared in the course of the Council’s prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3715th meeting, on 27 November 1996, draft resolution S/1996/975 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1081 (1996).

Resolution 1081 (1996) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 18 November 1996 on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1996/959 and Corr.1),

“Decides:

“(a) To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

“(b) To renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for another period of six months, that is, until 31 May 1997;

“(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the development in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973).”

The President stated that, following consultations of the Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1996/45):

“In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:

“‘As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1996/959 and Corr.1) states, in paragraph 13: “Despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached.” That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.’”

(c)Communications received between 31 December 1996 and 22 May 1997 and report of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 31 December 1996 (S/1997/4) from the representative of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Damascus Declaration States at the conclusion of their fourteenth meeting, held at Cairo on 28 and 29 December 1996.

Letter dated 13 January 1997 (S/1997/45) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the texts of the final communiqué and resolutions adopted by the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of OIC at its twenty-fourth session, held at Jakarta from 9 to 13 December 1996.

Identical letters dated 16 April (S/1997/330) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of resolution 5633, adopted by the Council of LAS at its one hundred and seventh regular session, on 31 March 1997.

Letter dated 9 May (S/1997/388) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, informing him that, following the usual consultations, he intended to appoint Major-General David Stapleton of Ireland to the post of Force Commander of UNDOF with effect from 1 June 1997.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 16 May on UNDOF (S/1997/372), describing the activities of UNDOF during the period from 19 November 1996 to 16 May 1997, and recommending that the mandate of UNDOF be extended for a further period of six months, until 30 November 1997.

Letter dated 22 May (S/1997/389) from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General, informing him that his letter dated 9 May 1997 (S/1997/388) had been brought to the attention of the members of the Council and that they agreed with the proposal contained therein.

(d)Consideration at the 3782nd meeting (28 May 1997), adoption of resolution 1109 (1997) and presidential statement

At the 3782nd meeting, held on 28 May 1997 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1997/372)”

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1997/396) that had been prepared in the course of the Council’s prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3782nd meeting, on 28 May 1997, draft resolution S/1997/396 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1109 (1997).

Resolution 1109 (1997) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 16 May 1997 on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1997/372),

“Decides:

“(a) To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

“(b) To renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for another period of six months, that is, until 30 November 1997;

“(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the development in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973).”

The President stated that, in connection with the above resolution, he had been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1997/30):

“In accordance with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:

“‘As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1997/372) states, in paragraph 13: “Despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached.” That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.’”

3.Other aspects of the situation in the Middle East

Communications received between 27 June 1996 and 12 June 1997 and report of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 27 June 1996 (S/1996/506) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement on the bomb attack in Saudi Arabia, issued on 26 June 1996 by the European Union.

Note verbale dated 1 July (S/1996/474) from the Permanent Mission of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a letter dated 23 June 1996 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt to the Secretary-General, conveying the text of the final communiqué of the Arab Summit Conference, held at Cairo from 21 to 23 June 1996.

Letter dated 5 July (S/1996/543) from the representative of France addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the final documents of the summit meeting of the group of seven major industrialized countries, held at Lyon, France, from 27 to 29 June 1996.

Letter dated 16 July (S/1996/563) from the representative of Oman addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Damascus Declaration States at the conclusion of their thirteenth meeting, held at Muscat on 13 and 14 July 1996.

Letter dated 18 July (S/1996/566) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 22 July (S/1996/587) from the representatives of Egypt and the Russian Federation addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a joint Russian-Egyptian statement on the Middle East, adopted in Moscow on 16 July 1996.

Letter dated 22 July (S/1996/589) from the representative of the Russian Federation and the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a joint Russian-Palestinian communiqué, adopted in Moscow on 19 July 1996.

Letter dated 27 August (S/1996/699) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 17 September (S/1996/767) from the representative of Oman addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its sixtieth session, held at Riyadh on 7 and 8 September 1996.

Note verbale dated 30 September (S/1996/811) from the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 28 September 1996 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

Letter dated 30 September (S/1996/839) from the representative of Colombia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the communiqué of the meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs and heads of delegation of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries to the fifty-first session of the General Assembly, held in New York on 25 September 1996.

Letter dated 2 October (S/1996/825) from the representative of Ireland addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 1 October 1996 by the Council of Ministers of the European Union.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 18 November (S/1996/953), submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 50/84 D of 15 December 1995 on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine.

Letter dated 27 November (S/1996/991) from the observer of LAS transmitting the text of a statement issued on 24 November 1996 by the General Secretariat of LAS.

Letter dated 11 December (S/1996/1030) from the representative of Qatar addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its seventeenth session, held at Doha from 7 to 9 December 1996.

Letter dated 31 December (S/1997/4) from the representative of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Damascus Declaration States, at the conclusion of their fourteenth meeting, held at Cairo on 28 and 29 December 1996.

Letter dated 2 January 1997 (S/1997/21) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, proposing that Estonia be added to the list of Member States providing military observers to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.

Letter dated 10 January (S/1997/22) from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General, informing him that his letter dated 2 January 1997 (S/1997/21) had been brought to the attention of the members of the Council and that they agreed with the proposal contained therein.

Letter dated 13 January (S/1997/43) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué of the annual coordination meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of OIC, held in New York on 2 October 1996.

Letter dated 13 January (S/1997/45) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the texts of the final communiqué and resolutions adopted by the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of OIC at its twenty-fourth session, held at Jakarta from 9 to 13 December 1996.

Letter dated 21 January (S/1997/61) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a letter dated 19 January 1997 from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel to his counterparts.

Letter dated 21 January (S/1997/65) from the representative of Kazakhstan addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 18 January 1997 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan regarding the signing, on 15 January 1997, of an agreement between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian authorities, on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Hebron.

Letter dated 24 January (S/1997/88) from the representative of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 22 January 1997 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, regarding the signing, on 15 January 1997, of an agreement between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian authorities on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Hebron.

Letter dated 31 January (S/1997/100) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a communiqué issued by the Palestinian leadership at its meeting held at Gaza City on 31 January 1997.

Note by the Secretary-General dated 26 February (S/1997/160), drawing attention to General Assembly resolution 51/41 of 10 December 1996 on the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East.

Letter dated 21 March (S/1997/243) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 4 April (S/1997/277) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 4 April (S/1997/281) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 107/5629, adopted by the Council of LAS at its one hundred and seventh regular session, on 31 March 1997.

Identical letters dated 8 April (S/1997/289) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 25 April (S/1997/406) from the representative of India addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the final document of the Twelfth Ministerial Conference of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi on 7 and 8 April 1997.

Letter dated 2 June (S/1997/429) from the representative of Qatar addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its sixty-third session, held at Riyadh on 31 May 1997.

Identical letters dated 12 June (S/1997/453) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

B.The situation in the occupied Arab territories

1.Communications received between 1 July and 27 September 1996 and requests for a meeting

Note verbale dated 1 July 1996 (S/1996/474) from the Permanent Mission of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a letter dated 23 June 1996 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt to the Secretary-General, conveying the text of the final communiqué of the Arab Summit Conference, held at Cairo from 21 to 23 June 1996.

Letter dated 16 July (S/1996/563) from the representative of Oman addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Damascus Declaration States at the conclusion of their thirteenth meeting, held at Muscat on 13 and 14 July 1996.

Letter dated 22 July (S/1996/589) from the representative of the Russian Federation and the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a joint Russian-Palestinian communiqué, adopted in Moscow on 19 July 1996.

Letter dated 27 August (S/1996/699) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 17 September (S/1996/767) from the representative of Oman addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its sixtieth session, held at Riyadh on 7 and 8 September 1996.

Letter dated 23 September (S/1996/772) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 24 September (S/1996/779) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 25 September (S/1996/786) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 26 September (S/1996/790) from the representative of Saudi Arabia addressed to the President of the Security Council, conveying the position of the group of Arab States with regard to the action taken by the Government of Israel in opening an entrance to the tunnel extending under the Western Wall of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem and requesting an immediate meeting of the Security Council.

Letter dated 26 September (S/1996/791) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General, requesting an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

Letter dated 26 September (S/1996/792) from the representative of Egypt addressed to the President of the Security Council, supporting the request forwarded on the same date by the representative of Saudi Arabia (S/1996/790) and calling for the immediate convening of the Security Council.

Letter dated 26 September (S/1996/793) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 26 September (S/1996/795) from the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People addressed to the Secretary-General, expressing the Committee’s anxiety at the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory following Israel’s decision to open a new entrance to the archaeological tunnel in East Jerusalem and associating itself with the call for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

Letter dated 26 September (S/1996/798) from the representative of Morocco addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a letter of the same date from His Majesty King Hassan II of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 26 September (S/1996/802) from the representatives of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on the same date by their Ministers for Foreign Affairs, following their meeting with the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 27 September (S/1996/797) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 27 September (S/1996/799) from the representative of Guinea addressed to the President of the Security Council.

2.Consideration at the 3698th meeting (27 and 28 September 1996) and adoption of resolution 1073 (1996)

At the 3698th meeting, held on 27 September 1996 in response to the request contained in the letters dated 26 September 1996 from the representatives of Saudi Arabia (S/1996/790) and Egypt (S/1996/792) to the President of the Security Council, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the occupied Arab territories

“Letter dated 26 September 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/790)

“Letter dated 26 September 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/792)”

The President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representatives of Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, India, Ireland, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, at their request, to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.

The President drew attention to a letter dated 27 September 1996 from the observer of Palestine (S/1996/797) requesting that an invitation be extended to the head of the observer delegation of Palestine to the fifty-first session of the General Assembly and head of the Political Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), to participate in the discussion in accordance with the Council’s previous practice. In accordance with the Council’s provisional rules of procedure and the previous practice in this regard, the President, with the consent of the Council, invited the head of the observer delegation of Palestine to the fifty-first session of the General Assembly and head of the Political Department of PLO to participate in the discussion.

In response to the request contained in a letter dated 27 September 1996 from the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the President, with the consent of the Council, extended an invitation under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure to the Chairman of the Committee.

In response to the request contained in a letter dated 27 September 1996 from the representative of Guinea (S/1996/799), the President, with the consent of the Council, extended an invitation under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Engin A. Ansay, Permanent Observer of OIC to the United Nations.

The Council heard a statement by the head of the observer delegation of Palestine to the fifty-first session of the General Assembly and head of the Political Department of PLO.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel made a statement.

The Council also heard statements by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, France, Indonesia and Chile, the Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Poland and Honduras.

The meeting was suspended.

Upon the resumption of the meeting, the Council heard statements by the representatives of Italy, China, the United States of America, the Republic of Korea and Botswana, and by the President, speaking in his capacity as the representative of Guinea-Bissau.

Statements were also made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria, speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of LAS, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Senegal, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia and Canada, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Jordan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Morocco, the Secretary-General of the People’s Committee for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Sudan, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Oman, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Commerce and Worship of Argentina and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Mauritania.

Statements were also made by the representatives of Turkey, Norway, Japan, Pakistan and Ireland (on behalf of the States members of the European Union and Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as well as Iceland and Liechtenstein, which aligned themselves with the statement).

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia made a statement.

Statements were made by the representatives of Djibouti and Lebanon.

In accordance with the decision taken earlier in the meeting, the Council heard a statement under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure by the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

In accordance with the decision taken earlier in the meeting, the Council heard a statement under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure by the Permanent Observer of OIC.

The Council then heard statements by the representatives of Cuba, India, Costa Rica and Brazil.

The meeting was suspended.

Upon the resumption of the meeting, on 28 September 1996, the President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1996/803) that had been prepared in the course of the Council’s prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3698th meeting, on 28 September 1996, draft resolution S/1996/803 received 14 votes in favour (Botswana, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Indonesia, Italy, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) to none against, with 1 abstention (United States of America) and was adopted as resolution 1073 (1996).

Resolution 1073 (1996) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the letter dated 26 September 1996 from the representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the States members of the League of Arab States, contained in document S/1996/790, that referred to the action by the Government of Israel to open an entrance to a tunnel in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its consequent results,

“Expressing its deep concern about the tragic events in Jerusalem and the areas of Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem and the Gaza Strip, which resulted in a high number of deaths and injuries among the Palestinian civilians, and concerned also about the clashes between the Israeli army and the Palestinian police and the casualties on both sides,

“Recalling its resolutions on Jerusalem and other relevant Security Council resolutions,

“Having discussed the situation at its formal meeting on 27 September 1996, with the participation of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of a number of countries,

“Concerned about the difficulties facing the Middle East peace process and the deterioration of the situation, including, inter alia, its impact on the living conditions of the Palestinian people, and urging the parties to fulfil their obligations, including the agreements already reached,

“Concerned about developments at the Holy Places of Jerusalem,

“1. Calls for the immediate cessation and reversal of all acts which have resulted in the aggravation of the situation, and which have negative implications for the Middle East peace process;

“2. Calls for the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians to be ensured;

“3. Calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations within the Middle East peace process on its agreed basis and the timely implementation of the agreements reached;

“4. Decides to follow closely the situation and to remain seized of the matter.”

3.Communications received between 28 September 1996 and 3 March 1997, report of the Secretary-General and request for a meeting

Letter dated 28 September 1996 (S/1996/804) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Note verbale dated 30 September (S/1996/811) from the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 28 September 1996 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

Letter dated 30 September (S/1996/839) from the representative of Colombia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the communiqué of the meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs and heads of delegation of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries to the fifty-first session of the General Assembly, held in New York on 25 September 1996.

Letter dated 2 October (S/1996/825) from the representative of Ireland addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 1 October 1996 by the Council of Ministers of the European Union.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 18 November (S/1996/953), submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 50/84 D of 15 December 1995 on the question of Palestine.

Letter dated 27 November (S/1996/991) from the observer of LAS, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 24 November 1996 by the secretariat of LAS.

Letter dated 11 December (S/1996/1030) from the representative of Qatar addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its seventeenth session, held at Doha, from 7 to 9 December 1996.

Identical letters dated 13 December (S/1996/1044) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 16 December (S/1996/1047) from the representative of Iraq addressed to the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 31 December (S/1997/4) from the representative of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Damascus Declaration States at the conclusion of their fourteenth meeting, held at Cairo on 28 and 29 December 1996.

Letter dated 13 January 1997 (S/1997/43) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final communiqué of the annual coordination meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of OIC, held in New York on 2 October 1996.

Letter dated 13 January (S/1997/45) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the texts of the final communiqué and resolutions adopted by the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of OIC at its twenty-fourth session, held at Jakarta from 9 to 13 December 1996.

Letter dated 21 January (S/1997/61) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a letter dated 19 January 1997 from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel to his counterparts.

Letter dated 21 January (S/1997/65) from the representative of Kazakhstan addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 18 January 1997 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan regarding the signing, on 15 January 1997, of an agreement between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian authorities on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Hebron.

Letter dated 24 January (S/1997/88) from the representative of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 22 January 1997 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia regarding the signing, on 15 January 1997, of an agreement between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian authorities on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Hebron.

Letter dated 31 January (S/1997/100) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a communiqué issued by the Palestinian leadership at its meeting held at Gaza City on 31 January 1997.

Identical letters dated 21 February (S/1997/149) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

Identical letters dated 25 February (S/1997/157) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of a communiqué issued on 23 February 1997 by the General Secretariat of LAS.

Letter dated 27 February (S/1997/165) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the President of the Security Council, requesting, on behalf of the group of Arab States and the members of LAS, that an immediate meeting of the Security Council be held to consider the Israeli settlement activity, particularly in East Jerusalem.

Identical letters dated 28 February (S/1997/172) from the Acting Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, supporting the request made by the group of Arab States for an immediate meeting of the Security Council to consider the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Letter dated 28 February (S/1997/181) from the representative of the Netherlands addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 27 February 1997 by the Presidency of the European Union on the decision of the Government of Israel to approve construction plans for Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghneim.

Identical letters dated 3 March (S/1997/175) from the representative of Qatar addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 1 March 1997 by the Council of LAS at its resumed extraordinary session.

Letter dated 3 March (S/1997/177) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Identical letters dated 3 March (S/1997/182) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 3 March 1997 by the Islamic Group of OIC.

Letter dated 3 March (S/1997/194) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 3 March (S/1997/196) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the President of the Council.

4.Consideration at the 3745th (5 and 6 March 1997) and 3747th meetings (7 March 1997)

At the 3745th meeting, held on 5 March 1997 in accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the occupied Arab territories”

The President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representatives of Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, at their request, to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.

The President drew attention to a letter dated 3 March 1997 from the observer of Palestine (S/1997/194), requesting an invitation to participate in the discussion in accordance with the Council’s previous practice. In accordance with the Council’s provisional rules of procedure and the previous practice in this regard, the President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representative of Palestine to participate in the discussion.

In response to the request contained in a letter dated 3 March 1997 from the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the President, with the consent of the Council, extended an invitation under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, to the Chairman of the Committee.

In response to the request contained in a letter dated 3 March 1997 from the representative of Indonesia (S/1997/196), the President, with the consent of the Council, extended an invitation under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Engin A. Ansay, Permanent Observer of OIC to the United Nations.

The Council heard a statement by the representative of Palestine.

The representative of Israel made a statement.

The Council heard statements by the representatives of Egypt, France, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Portugal, China, the Russian Federation, Sweden, the Republic of Korea, Chile, Japan, Kenya, Costa Rica, Guinea-Bissau and the United States of America, and by the President, speaking in his capacity as the representative of Poland.

Statements were made by the representatives of Norway, Turkey, Lebanon and Yemen.

In accordance with the decision taken earlier in the meeting, the Council heard a statement under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure by the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

The meeting was suspended.

Upon the resumption of the meeting, on 6 March 1997, the President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representative of Malta, at his request, to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.

The Council continued its consideration of the item and heard statements by the representatives of Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Kuwait, Indonesia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bangladesh, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Bahrain, Pakistan and the Netherlands (on behalf of the States members of the European Union and Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as well as Liechtenstein, which aligned themselves with the statement).

The representatives of Oman and Canada also made statements.

The meeting was suspended.

Upon the resumption of the meeting, the representatives of Morocco, Cuba, the Sudan, Qatar, Argentina and Brazil made statements.

In accordance with the decision taken earlier in the meeting, the Council heard a statement under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure by the Permanent Observer of OIC.

The Council also heard statements by the representatives of Colombia, the Philippines and Malta.

The Security Council continued its consideration of the item at the 3747th meeting, held on 7 March 1997.

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1997/199) submitted by France, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Draft resolution S/1997/199 read as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the letter dated 27 February 1997 from the Permanent Observer of Palestine on behalf of the States members of the League of Arab States (S/1997/165),

“Expressing deep concern at the decision of the Government of Israel to initiate new settlement activities in the Jabal Abu Ghneim area in East Jerusalem,

“Expressing concern about other recent measures that encourage or facilitate new settlement activities,

“Stressing that such settlements are illegal and a major obstacle to peace,

“Recalling its resolutions on Jerusalem and other relevant Security Council resolutions,

“Confirming that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel which purport to alter the status of Jerusalem, including expropriation of land and properties thereon, are invalid and cannot change that status,

“Reaffirming its support for the Middle East peace process and all its achievements, including the recent Agreement on Hebron,

“Concerned about the difficulties facing the Middle East peace process, including the impact these have on the living conditions of the Palestinian people, and urging the parties to fulfil their obligations, including under the agreements already reached,

“Having discussed the situation at its 3745th meeting, on 5 and 6 March 1997,

“1. Calls upon the Israeli authorities to refrain from all actions or measures, including settlement activities, which alter the facts on the ground, pre-empting the final status negotiations, and have negative implications for the Middle East Peace Process;

“2. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, which is applicable to all the territories occupied by Israel since 1967;

“3. Calls upon all parties to continue, in the interests of peace and security, their negotiations within the Middle East peace process on its agreed basis and the timely implementation of the agreements reached;

“4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

The Council commenced the voting procedure.

Before the vote, statements were made by the representatives of Costa Rica and Egypt.

Decision: At the 3747th meeting, on 7 March 1997, draft resolution S/1997/199 received 14 votes in favour (Chile, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, Guinea-Bissau, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) to 1 against (United States of America), and was not adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council.

Following the vote, a statement was made by the representative of the United States of America.

The representative of Palestine made a statement.

A statement was made by the representative of Israel.

5.Communications received between 10 and 21 March 1997 and requests for a meeting

Letter dated 10 March 1997 (S/1997/212) from the representative of Guyana addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 7 March 1997 by the Government of Guyana, in response to the announcement by the Government of Israel on 26 February 1997 on the establishment of a settlement in East Jerusalem.

Identical letters dated 17 March (S/1997/228) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 18 March (S/1997/233) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General, requesting that an immediate meeting of the Security Council be convened to consider the situation in the occupied Arab territories.

Letter dated 19 March (S/1997/235) from the representative of Qatar addressed to the President of the Security Council, requesting, on behalf of LAS, that an immediate meeting of the Security Council be convened to consider the commencement by Israel of the construction of a new settlement in the Jabal Abu Ghneim area to the south of East Jerusalem as well as Israeli settlement activities in general in the rest of the occupied territories.

Letter dated 21 March (S/1997/242) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the President of the Security Council.

6.Consideration at the 3756th meeting (21 March 1997)

At the 3756th meeting, held on 21 March 1997 in response to the request contained in the letter dated 19 March 1997 from the representative of Qatar to the President of the Security Council (S/1997/235), the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

 “The situation in the occupied Arab territories

“Letter dated 19 March 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/1997/235)”

The President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representatives of Israel and Qatar, at their request, to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.

The President drew attention to a letter dated 21 March 1997 from the observer of Palestine (S/1997/242) requesting an invitation to participate in the discussion in accordance with the Council’s previous practice. In accordance with the Council’s provisional rules of procedure and the previous practice in this regard, the President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representative of Palestine to participate in the discussion.

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1997/241) submitted by Egypt and Qatar.

Draft resolution S/1997/241 read as follows:

   “The Security Council,

“Recalling its relevant resolutions, in particular those concerning Jerusalem and Israeli settlements,

“Aware of General Assembly resolution 51/223 of 13 March 1997,

“Stressing its support for the Middle East peace process and the need for the implementation of the agreements and commitments reached,

“1. Demands that Israel immediately cease construction of the Jabal Abu Ghneim settlement in East Jerusalem, as well as all other Israeli settlement activities in the occupied territories;

“2. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the developments in this regard.”

The Council commenced the voting procedure.

Before the vote, statements were made by the representatives of Egypt, Costa Rica, Japan, China and the United States of America.

Decision: At the 3756th meeting, on 21 March 1997, draft resolution S/1997/241 received 13 votes in favour (Chile, China, Egypt, France, Guinea-Bissau, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) to 1 against (United States of America), with 1 abstention (Costa Rica), and was not adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council.

Following the vote, statements were made by the representatives of France, the Russian Federation, Portugal and Sweden.

Following the completion of the voting procedure, the representative of Palestine made a statement.

A statement was made by the representative of Israel.

The representative of Egypt made a statement.

7.Communications received between 24 March and 12 June 1997

Identical letters dated 24 March 1997 (S/1997/249) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 2 April (S/1997/272) from the representative of Indonesia addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 4 April (S/1997/275) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 4 April (S/1997/280) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 107/5628, adopted by the Council of LAS at its one hundred and seventh regular session, on 31 March 1997.

Letter dated 4 April (S/1997/282) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 107/5630,

adopted by the Council of LAS at its one hundred and seventh regular session, on 31 March 1997.

Identical letters dated 8 April (S/1997/289) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

Identical letters dated 16 April (S/1997/330) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General and to the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of resolution 5633, adopted by the Council of LAS at its one hundred and seventh regular session, on 31 March 1997.

Letter dated 25 April (S/1997/406) from the representative of India addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the final document of the Twelfth Ministerial Conference of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi, on 7 and 8 April 1997.

Letter dated 5 May (S/1997/355) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 27 December 1995 (S/1997/357) (issued on 5 May 1997) from the representatives of the Russian Federation and the United States of America addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting, in their capacities as co-sponsors of the peace process launched at Madrid in October 1991, and as witnesses to the signing at Washington, D.C., on 28 September 1995, by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) of the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the text of that agreement.

Letter dated 6 May (S/1997/360) from the President of the General Assembly addressed to the President of the Security Council, drawing attention to paragraphs 9 and 13 of General Assembly resolution A/ES-10/2 of 25 April 1997, entitled “Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.

Letter dated 7 May (S/1997/433) from the representative of Pakistan addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the final declarations adopted by the Heads of State and Government of OIC at the extraordinary session held at Islamabad on 23 March 1997.

Identical letters dated 12 June (S/1997/453) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

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