Situation in the OPT/Expulsion of Palestinian mayors – Message from the League of Arab States – Letter from Tunisia

LETTER DATED 24 DECEMBER 1980 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

OF TUNISIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF

THE SECURITY COUNCIL

I have the honour to transmit herewith the text of a message dated 24 December 1980 addressed to you by His Excellency Mr. Chedli Klibi, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.

“Without a doubt, you share our deep concern for the fate of the two Mayors of Al-Khalil and Halhoul, Messrs. Fahad Qawasmeh and Mohammed Milhelm, who have resorted to a hunger strike as a means of publicizing their desire to return to their homes and families and to resume their duties in Palestine.

“The Israeli authorities’ refusal to abide by the international will as expressed in the unanimous resolution adopted by the Security Council – the highest authority in the United Nations – which demands the return of the two Mayors, reaffirms once again Israel’s disregard for international law, the international organization, and all principles of human rights.

“This dangerous situation, which affects the lives of Messrs. Qawasmeh and Milhelm, should move the international conscience.  It is incumbent upon all of us, individuals and States, to take immediate initiative to undertake all measures that will ensure the safe return of the two Palestinian officials.

“We request that Your Excellency work immediately through the Security Council, which is responsible for the maintenance of peace and security, to take all necessary measures that would lead to the implementation of its resolutions and the return of the two Palestinian nationalists, not only to ensure their safety but also to ensure the dignity, the authority and credibility of Security Council resolutions.

(Signed) Chedli KLIBI

   Secretary-General

  League of Arab States”

Kindly have it distributed as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Taieb SLIM

        Ambassador

  Permanent Representative