Situation in the OPT/Schoolgirls – Letter from Iraq

LETTER DATED 31 MARCH 1983 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

OF IRAQ TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF

THE SECURITY COUNCIL

In my capacity as Chairman of the Arab Group for the month of March, I have the honour to bring to Your Excellency's attention and to the attention of the distinguished members of the Security Council the serious situation arising from the cases of mass poisoning which have affected more than 1,000 Palestinian schoolgirls and continue to affect Palestinian nationals in the occupied Arab territory of the West Bank.

These poisoning cases were not coincidental. They were caused by a yellow substance containing sulphur concentrates which emitted poisonous gases with dangerous physical and psychological consequences as well as other possible consequences.

These serious cases require that the Security Council discharge its responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations, in order to ensure Israel's compliance with the rules of international law relative to the protection of the civilian population in the occupied Arab and Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem.

In view of the afore-mentioned, I have the honour to request on behalf of the States members of the Arab Group that an urgent meeting of the Security Council be convened to discuss the serious situation arising from the cases of mass poisoning in the occupied Arab territory of the West Bank.

(Signed) Riyadh AL-QAYSI

Permanent Representative of Iraq

Chairman of the Arab Group

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