Work of the Organization – SecGen report (excerpts)

Report of the

 Secretary-General on the work

 of the Organization

General Assembly

Official Records · Forty-third Session

Supplement No.1 (A/43/1)

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There are other regional problems that continue to cause international concern.  The situation in the Middle East, a critically important region of the globe, has repercussions on relationships in a far wider sphere.   The members of the Security Council have recently expressed their grave concern over the continued deterioration of the situation in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem.  The uprising since December 1987 has vividly demonstrated the dangers of stalemate resulting from inability to agree on a negotiating process.  Even the urgently required measures to enhance the safety and protection of the Palestinian people of the territories, through the application of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 will neither remove the causes of the events that prompted Security Council resolution 605 (1987) nor bring peace to the region.  As the underlying problems can only be resolved through a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and taking fully into account the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination, what is needed is an urgent effort by the international community, led by the Security Council, to promote an effective negotiating process towards a solution that will secure the interests of both the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples and enable them to live in peace with each other.  The next few months may provide opportunities to accelerate this endeavour.

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