Palestine question/PNC Declaration of Independence – Letter from Tunisia

Letter dated 18 November 1988 from the Permanent Representative of Tunisia

to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I have the honour to transmit herewith the text of the statement made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia on 15 November 1988 concerning the recognition by the Tunisian Government of the independent Palestinian State.

I should be grateful if you would arrange for the text of this letter and its annex to be circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda items 37 and 40, and of the Security Council.

(Signed) Ahmed GHEZAL

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

ANNEX

Statement made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the

Republic of Tunisia on 15 November 1988

The Government of Tunisia has noted with joy and optimism the decision by the Palestine National Council to proclaim the establishment of a Palestinian State. In welcoming this historic event, which reflects the determination of the fighting Palestinian people and its courageous leadership to pursue the struggle to regain its inalienable legitimate rights, the Government of Tunisia expresses its endorsement and support for this initiative, which is in keeping with the rule of law promoted by the United Nations and makes a positive contribution to the peace process in the region of the Middle East.

The Government of the Republic of Tunisia, in announcing its legal recognition of the Palestinian State and expressing its great satisfaction at this decisive step, once again declares its continuing support for the right of the Palestinians to an identity as a people, to a homeland and to a State. It takes this opportunity to salute the heroes of the "Intifadah" and to express to them its great admiration for their glorious struggle, unswerving commitment to principles and heroic resistance.

Tunisia, which believes in and unfailingly supports the just Palestinian cause, conveys on this happy occasion its sincere congratulations to the courageous people of the Intifadah and its enlightened leadership, as embodied in the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole legitimate representative.