Situation in the OPT / TIPH – Letter from Israel

LETTER DATED 16 AUGUST 1994 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF

ISRAEL TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

I wish to refer to the letter dated 11 August 1994 (A/48/982; S/1994/959), by the Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Office of the Permanent Observer for Palestine to the United Nations, concerning the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH).  I should like to draw your attention to the following.

1. Paragraph A.10 of the agreement signed between Israel and the PLO dated 31 March 1994 stipulates that:  "The TIPH may commence its operation immediately after the signing of this Agreement and continue to function for a period of three months.  With the consent of the two sides, the TIPH may extend the period or change the scope of its operation, as agreed."

2. In the preamble to the Memorandum of Understanding dated 2 May 1994, signed by the Governments of Denmark, Italy and Norway it is stipulated that:  "The participation of Denmark, Italy and Norway is limited to a period of three months.  Any prolongation could only be considered in accordance with paragraph A 10 of the Agreement [of 31 March 1994 between Israel and the PLO]."

3. TIPH has completed its mission in accordance with the above-mentioned agreements.  Israel has received no formal request to extend its mandate.  As indicated by its very name, TIPH was intended to be a temporary international presence.  There is no need to extend its mandate any further.

I should be grateful if you would have this letter circulated as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed)  Gad YAACOBI

Ambassador

Permanent Representative of Israel

to the United Nations

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94-32963 (E)   160894