Mideast situation/Palestine question – Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Council (1 Aug. 2005-31 July 2006) (excerpts)

Resolution and Decision

of the Security Council

1 August 2005 – 31 July 2006

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NOTE

 The present volume of Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Council contains the resolutions adopted and the decisions taken by the Council on substantive questions during the period from 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2006, as well as decisions on some of the more important procedural matters. The resolutions and decisions are set out in parts I and II, under general headings indicating the questions under consideration. In each part, the questions are arranged according to the date on which they were first taken up by the Council, and under each question the resolutions and decisions appear in chronological order.

  The resolutions are numbered in the order of their adoption. Each resolution is followed by the result of the vote. Decisions are usually taken without a vote.

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Resolutions adopted and decisions taken by the Security Council from 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2006 

Part I. Questions considered by the Security Council under its responsibility for the maintenance

of international peace and security

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ITEMS RELATING TO THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

 

A.   The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question¹

 Decisions

At its 5250th meeting, on 24 August 2005, the Security Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5270th meeting, on 23 September 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Alvaro de Soto, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General.

At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:²

“The Security Council supports the Statement issued in New York on 20 September 2005 by the Quartet, which is annexed to the present statement.

“The Council urges the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to cooperate, along with other parties concerned, with the efforts to achieve the goals set out in the Quartet Statement.

“The Council calls for renewed action in parallel by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on their obligations in accordance with the Road Map,³ to ensure continued progress towards the creation of an independent, sovereign, democratic and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

“The Council stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference⁴ and the principle of land for peace.

“Annex

“Quartet Statement

“New York, 20 September 2005

“Representatives of the Quartet – the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Ms. Condoleezza Rice, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr. Jack Straw, the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, Mr. Javier Solana, and the European Commissioner for External Relations, Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner – met today in New York to discuss the Gaza disengagement and the prospects for movement towards peace in the Middle East.

“The Quartet recognizes and welcomes the successful conclusion of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank and the moment of opportunity that it brings to renew efforts on the Road Map.³  The Quartet reiterates its belief that this brave and historic decision should open a new chapter on the path to peace in the region.  It paid tribute to the political courage of Prime Minister Sharon and commends the Government of Israel, its armed forces and its police for the smooth and professional execution of the operation. It also expresses its appreciation for the responsible behaviour of the Palestinian Authority and people for helping to maintain a peaceful environment during the evacuation. The Quartet applauds the close coordination between the Israeli and Palestinian security services during the process. These significant developments create new opportunities and call for renewed focus on the responsibilities of all parties. The conclusion of disengagement represents an important step toward achieving the vision of two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

“The Quartet commends continued cooperation between both parties and the United States Security Coordinator, General William Ward, on security issues related to the disengagement. The Quartet calls for an end to all violence and terror. While the leadership of the Palestinian Authority has condemned violence and has sought to encourage Palestinian groups who have engaged in terrorism to abandon this course and engage in the democratic process, the Quartet further urges the Palestinian Authority to maintain law and order and dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. The Quartet reaffirms the continued importance of comprehensive reform of the Palestinian security services. The rule of law through authorized security institutions is fundamental to democratic practice. The Quartet expresses appreciation to those parties which have made contributions to the security reform effort, particularly Egypt, the European Union and the United States. Finally, the Quartet welcomes the agreement between the Governments of Israel and Egypt on security arrangements along the Gaza-Egypt border.

“At today’s meeting, Quartet Special Envoy Wolfensohn’s report on his current efforts and initiatives was discussed. The Quartet encourages his further work to facilitate continued discussion between the parties to build on the success of disengagement. The Palestinian Authority should demonstrate its ability to govern, and all members of the international community should look for ways to support these efforts. The Quartet will continue to lead international efforts to support sustainable growth of the Palestinian economy and to strengthen the overall capacity of the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities through an aggressive pursuit of state-building and democratic reform efforts. Given the critical importance of free movement in the West Bank to the viability of the Palestinian economy, the Quartet urges an easing of the system of movement restrictions, consistent with Israel’s security needs. The Quartet reaffirms that coordinated action by the international donor community is crucial for the success of the Quartet Special Envoy’s Quick-Impact Economic Program, as well as for the longer-term three-year plan for Palestinian development. In this regard, it notes the importance of the $750 million in assistance which will be disbursed to the Palestinian Authority during the remainder of this year. The Quartet urges Arab States to implement existing commitments and to engage fully and positively in response to the Special Envoy’s initiatives. To ensure the success of this effort, the Quartet views continued progress on institutional reform of the Palestinian Authority, as well as progress in combating corruption, as essential. The Quartet also welcomes the announcement of Palestinian Legislative Council elections and upcoming municipal elections.

“Looking beyond disengagement, the Quartet reviewed progress on implementation of the Road Map. The Quartet calls for renewed action in parallel by both parties on their obligations in accordance with the sequence of the Road Map. As part of the confidencebuilding process the Quartet urged both sides to return to the cooperative agenda reached at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Contacts between the parties should be intensified at all levels. The Quartet charges the Envoys to keep progress under review.

“Both parties are reminded of their obligations under the Road Map to avoid unilateral actions which prejudice final status issues. The Quartet reaffirms that any final agreement must be reached through negotiation between the parties and that a new Palestinian State must be truly viable with contiguity in the West Bank and connectivity to Gaza. On settlements, the Quartet welcomed the fact that, in areas covered by disengagement, Israel has gone beyond its obligations under the first phase of the Road Map. The Quartet expresses its concern that settlement expansion elsewhere must stop, and Israel must remove unauthorized outposts. The Quartet continues to note with concern the route of the Israeli separation barrier, particularly as it results in the confiscation of Palestinian land, cuts off the movement of people and goods, and undermines Palestinians’ trust in the Road Map process as it appears to prejudge the final borders of a Palestinian State.

“The Quartet members exchanged views on the Russian proposal to hold an international meeting of experts in Moscow. Contacts on this matter will continue, taking into consideration the need to give attention to the various aspects of the Middle East situation, including multilateral matters.

“The Quartet reiterates its commitment to the principles outlined in previous statements, including those of 4 May 2004, and 9 May and 23 June 2005, and reaffirms its commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict based upon Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).”

At its 5287th meeting, on 20 October 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5312th meeting, on 30 November 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

 

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5313th meeting, on 30 November 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:⁵

“The Security Council welcomes the Agreement on Movement and Access and the Agreed Principles for the Rafah Crossing reached between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on 15 November 2005. The successful opening of the Rafah crossing on 25 November 2005 represents an important step forward.

“The Council commends the efforts of the Quartet, the Quartet Special Envoy and his team, as well as the positive contributions of the Government of Egypt, and expresses its strong appreciation to the European Union for assuming the role of third-party monitor.

“The Council calls upon the parties to take immediate action to implement the terms of both agreements according to the timelines established therein.

“The Council calls for renewed action in parallel by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on their obligations in accordance with the Road Map,³ to ensure continued progress towards the creation of a viable, democratic, sovereign and contiguous Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. The Council stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference⁴ and the principle of land for peace.”

On 16 December 2005, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:⁶

“I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 13 December 2005 concerning the activities of the Quartet, including the extension of the mandate of its Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement, Mr. James Wolfensohn, and the continued support for his office in Jerusalem,⁷ has been brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council. They welcome the proposed arrangements set out in your letter.”

At its 5337th meeting, on 20 December 2005, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5361st meeting, on 31 January 2006, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Ms. Angela Kane, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5365th meeting, on 3 February 2006, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, following consultations among members of the Security Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:⁸

“The Security Council congratulates the Palestinian people on an electoral process that was free, fair and secure. It commends all the parties for the preparation and conduct of the elections, particularly the Central Elections Commission and the Palestinian Authority security forces, for their professionalism.

“The Council expresses its expectation that a new government remain committed to realizing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for peace and statehood. The Council welcomes President Abbas’ affirmation that the Palestinian Authority remains committed to the Road Map,³ previous agreements and obligations between the parties, and a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Council expresses its view that all members of a future Palestinian government must be committed to the aforementioned instruments and principles.

“Cognizant of the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, the Council reaffirms its continuing interest in the fiscal stability of the caretaker government, consistent with clear reform and austerity benchmarks. The Council notes that major donors have indicated they will review future assistance to a new Palestinian Authority government against the commitment of that government to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Road Map.

“The Council reminds both parties of their obligation under the Road Map and on existing agreements, including on movement and access. It calls upon both parties to avoid unilateral actions which prejudice final status issues. The Council underlines the need for the Palestinian Authority to prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle the infrastructure of terror. It reiterates its view that settlement expansion must stop and its concern regarding the route of the barrier.

“The Council reaffirms its profound attachment to the vision of two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. The Council reiterates the importance of, and the need to achieve, a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference⁴ and the principle of land for peace.”

At its 5381st meeting, on 28 February 2006, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Alvaro de Soto, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General.

At its 5404th meeting, on 30 March 2006, the Council decided to invite the representatives of Austria, Israel, Lebanon, Malaysia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council also decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Tuliameni Kalomoh, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At the same meeting, the Council further decided to extend an invitation to the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, in response to his request dated 20 March 2006 to the President of the Security Council,⁹ in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure of the Council and its previous practice in that regard.

At the same meeting, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

On 11 April 2006, the President of the Security Council addressed the following letter to the Secretary-General:¹⁰

“I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 6 April 2006 concerning the activities of the Quartet, including the extension of the mandate of its Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement, Mr. James Wolfensohn, and the continuing support for his office in Jerusalem¹¹ has been brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council. They welcome the proposed arrangements set out in your letter.”

At its 5411th meeting, on 17 April 2006, the Council decided to invite the representatives of Algeria, Austria, Bahrain, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Yemen to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled:

“The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

“Letter dated 10 April 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2006/227)

“Letter dated 11 April 2006 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Yemen to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2006/239)

“Letter dated 12 April 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2006/240)”.

At the same meeting, the Council also decided to extend an invitation to the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, in response to his request dated 17 April 2006 to the President of the Council,¹²  in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure of the Council and its previous practice in that regard.

 

At the same meeting, the Council further decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in response to his request dated 17 April 2006.¹³

At the same meeting, in response to the request dated 17 April 2006 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council,¹⁴ the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Yahya A. Mahmassani, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations.

At its 5419th meeting, on 24 April 2006, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Alvaro de Soto, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General.

At its 5443rd meeting, on 24 May 2006, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5472nd meeting, on 21 June 2006, the Council considered the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5481st meeting, on 30 June 2006, the Council decided to invite the representatives of Algeria, Austria, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen and Zimbabwe¹⁵ to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled:

“The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

“Letter dated 29 June 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2006/458)

“Letter dated 29 June 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2006/462)”.

At the same meeting, the Council also decided to extend an invitation to the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, in response to his request dated 30 June 2006 to the President of the Council^,16 in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure of the Council and its previous practice in that regard.

At the same meeting, the Council further decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in response to his request dated 30 June 2006.¹⁷

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Ms. Angela Kane, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

At its 5488th meeting, on 13 July 2006, the Council decided to invite the representative of Israel to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled:

“The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

“Letter dated 29 June 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2006/458)

“Letter dated 29 June 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2006/462)”.

At the same meeting, the Council also decided to extend an invitation to the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, in response to his request dated 13 July 2006 to the President of the Council,¹⁸  in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure of the Council and its previous practice in that regard.

At its 5493rd meeting, on 21 July 2006, the Council decided to invite the representatives of Algeria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Finland, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the Sudan, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Viet Nam to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.

At the same meeting, the Council also decided to extend an invitation to the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, in response to the request dated 19 July 2006 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine addressed to the President of the Council,¹⁹  in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure of the Council and its previous practice in that regard.

At the same meeting, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Council further decided to extend invitations, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Vijay Nambiar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, and Mr. Jan Egeland Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

At the same meeting, in response to the request dated 20 July 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, the Council decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to Mr. Yahya A. Mahmassani, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations.

At the same meeting, the Council also decided to extend an invitation, under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in response to his request dated 21 July 2006.

Notes

¹ Resolutions or decisions on this question have been adopted by the Security Council every year since 2000.

² S/PRST/2005/44.

³ Performance-based road map to a permanent two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (S/2003/529, annex).

⁴ See Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, signed at Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993 (S/26560, annex).

⁵ S/PRST/2005/57.

⁶ S/2005/798.

⁷ S/2005/797.

⁸ S/PRST/2006/6.

⁹ Document S/2006/197, incorporated in the record of the 5404th meeting.

¹⁰ S/2006/234.

¹¹ S/2006/233.

¹² Document S/2006/241, incorporated in the record of the 5411th meeting.

¹³ See S/PV.5411.

¹⁴ Document S/2006/244, incorporated in the record of the 5411th meeting.

¹⁵ India submitted a request to be invited to participate, which it subsequently withdrew.

¹⁶ Document S/2006/465, incorporated in the record of the 5481st meeting.

¹⁷ The Chairman of the Committee was subsequently unable to attend.

¹⁸ Document S/2006/520, incorporated in the record of the 5488th meeting.

¹⁹ Document S/2006/553, incorporated in the record of the 5493rd meeting.

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