Situation in the OPT/Jenin mayor, deaths – Letter from CEIRPP Chairman

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SECURITY COUNCIL

Thirty-seventh session Thirty-seventh year

Item 31 of the preliminary list*

QUESTION OF PALESTINE

Letter dated 9 July 1982 from the Chairman of the Committee

on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian

People addressed to the Secretary-General

As Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, I regret that I must again emphasize the Committee's profound anxiety at the latest reports on the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank.

At a time when Israel is threatening further reprisals against Palestinian and Lebanese civilians, the Committee notes with concern that the Israeli authorities have again repressed the legitimate protests of the civilian populations living in the occupied West Bank.

Recent articles in the press confirm that young Palestinian demonstrators were brutally repressed by Israeli soldiers: two young people were killed and several others wounded. There are also press reports that Mr. Shawki Mahmoud, lawfully elected Mayor of Djenin, has been removed from office for refusing to meet the Israeli civilian governor of the occupied Palestinian territories. There are also reports that the Israeli Government has again ordered the closure of Bir Zeit University, for three months, this time because of students' protests against the Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

In my capacity as Chairman of the Committee, I have been authorized to once again emphasize the deep concern aroused by Israel's continuing repressive policy, which can only aggravate the tense and explosive situation which everyone knows to exist at present in the occupied Palestinian territories.

On behalf of the Committee, I reiterate that appropriate, decisive steps must be taken without delay to protect the rights of the Palestinians living in the occupied territories.

I should be most grateful if you would have this letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under item 31 of the preliminary list, and of the Security Council.

(Signed) Massamba SARRE

Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise

of the Inalienable Rights of the

Palestinian People

______________

*A/37/50/Rev.1.