Situation in the OPT/Hebron – Letter from Egypt

Letter dated 25 March 1980 from the Permanent Representative of

Egypt to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

Following my letter dated 14 March 1980 (A/35/133-S/13845), I have the honour to inform you that, following the decision of the Israeli Cabinet to establish two Israeli schools in the midst of the Arab city of Al-Khalil, the official spokesman of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued the following statement on 23 March 1980:

“The Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt received with great indignation the decision of the Israeli Government to establish two Israeli schools in the Arab city of Al-Khalil in the occupied West Bank.  The Egyptian Government reiterates its condemnation of this decision which is a new violation of the letter and spirit of the Camp David accords, the United Nations Charter and the Fourth Geneva Convention.  This decision casts more doubt on the intention and ability of the Israeli Government to face the coming important phase in the peace negotiations with a spirit conducive to achieving progress towards the realization of a comprehensive and durable peace in the Middle East.  It is more disquieting that this decision by the Israeli Government was adopted on the first anniversary of the signing of the Egyptian Israeli Peace Treaty and a few days before the new round of the negotiations for the full autonomy of the Palestinian people.  We call on the world community and all peace-loving countries to shoulder their responsibilities to confront this blatant Israeli defiance of international legitimacy and the spirit of peace.”

I kindly request that this letter be circulated as an official document of the General Assembly, under items 24 and 57 of the preliminary list, and of the Security Council.

(Signed) A. Esmat ABDEL MEGUID

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

—–