Situation in the OPT/Closing of schools – EU statement – Letter from Spain

Letter dated 1 June 1989 from the Permanent Representative

of Spain to the United Nations addressed to the

Secretary-General

I have the honour to transmit herewith, in English and French, the text of a statement issued by the 12 States members of the European Community on 31 May 1989 in connection with the closing of the schools in the West Bank, including the schools of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

I should be grateful if you would have the text of this letter and the annex hereto circulated as an official document of the General Assembly, under items 37, 39, 77 and 78 of the preliminary list, and of the Security Council.

(Signed)  Francisco VILLAR

ANNEX

Statement by the Twelve on the closing of the schools of the

the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine

Refugees in the Near East in the West Bank

(Madrid, 31 May 1989)

The Twelve express their serious concern about the persistent decision of the Israeli authorities of keeping the schools closed in the West Bank, including the schools of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

The Twelve consider that this measure, which is contrary to the basic right to education, threatens the future of a whole generation of young Palestinians and contributes to increasing the level of tension in the Occupied Territories, thus obstructing the task of building confidence which, in the view of the Twelve, is essential if the peace process is to prosper. The Twelve, therefore, call again upon the Israeli authorities to reconsider their policy urgently.

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* A/44/50/Rev.1.