Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination – Third Cttee debate – Summary record (excerpts)

THIRD COMMITTEE

28th meeting

held on

Thursday, 7 November 1996

at 3 p.m.

New York

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE 28TH MEETING

Chairman:  Mrs. ESPINOSA   (Mexico)

CONTENTS

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AGENDA ITEM 109:  RIGHT OF PEOPLES TO SELF-DETERMINATION (continued)

The meeting was called to order at 3.10 p.m.

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AGENDA ITEM 109:  RIGHT OF PEOPLES TO SELF-DETERMINATION (continued) (A/51/392, A/51/414, A/51/532-S/1996/864)

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26. Mr. MEDKAD (Syrian Arab Republic) …

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30. With regard to the situation of the Palestinian people, the expansionist policy of Israel was a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and of human rights and international law.  Over the previous 50 years, Palestinian refugees in different parts of the world had cherished the hope of returning to the homeland from which they had been expelled by force of arms and, unable to do anything, they observed how Israel was inviting Jewish settlers from all countries to occupy their land.  It was difficult to understand the international community's inability to force Israel to respect the principles of international law.  Nevertheless, sooner or later, Israel would have to put an end to its anti-peace policy, withdraw from the occupied Arab territories and recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

31. Syria had reaffirmed on numerous occasions and wished to do so once again its commitment to securing a just and comprehensive peace in the region based on the principles agreed upon at the Madrid conference, which were embodied in various Security Council resolutions, and of the principle of "land for peace".

32. Mr. BORDA (Colombia) …

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36. In a brief reference to the right of peoples to self-determination, he reiterated Colombia's support for the right of Palestinian people to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent and sovereign State in their homeland and expressed his concern over the difficulties which the peace process in the Middle East was encountering and his confidence that the parties would fully honour their agreement.  He also urged them to settle their differences through dialogue and a peaceful solution to their disputes.

37. Mr. KAMAL (Pakistan) …

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38. He hoped that the situation in the Middle East would culminate in a lasting peace, and that peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina would be consolidated, that the country's territorial integrity would be preserved and that the aggressors would be punished in accordance with international law.

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The meeting rose at 5.15 p.m.

This record is subject to correction.  Corrections should be sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned within one week of the date of the publication to the Chief of the Official Records Editing Section, room DC2-794, 2 United Nations Plaza, and incorporated in a copy of the record.

Corrections will be issued after the end of the session, in a separate corrigendum for each Committee.