Palestine question/PNC Declaration of Independence – European Community members statement – Letter from Greece

Letter dated 22 November 1988 from the Permanent Representative of

Greece to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I have the honour to transmit herewith the text of a statement on the decisions of the Palestinian National Council, made by the Twelve Member States of the European Community (see annex).

I should be grateful if you would arrange to have the present letter and its annex circulated as an official document of the General Assembly, under agenda items 37, 40 and 77, and of the Security Council.

ANNEX

Declaration made on 21 November 1988 by the Twelve States members of the European Community on the decisions of the Palestinian National Council

The Twelve attach particular importance to the decisions adopted by the Palestinian National Council in Algiers, which reflect the will of the Palestinian people to assert their national identity and which include positive steps towards the peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

They welcome in this respect the acceptance by the PNC of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) as a basis for an International Conference, which implies acceptance of the right of existence and of security for all States of the region, including Israel. Respect for this principle goes together with that of justice for the peoples of the region, in particular, the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people with all that this implies. For the Twelve it constitutes a necessary condition for the establishment of just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Near East, as they have repeatedly asserted since the Declaration of Venice. The Twelve also express their satisfaction that the PNC has explicitly condemned terrorism.

The Twelve appeal to all parties concerned, while abstaining from any act of violence and any action which could further aggravate the tense situation in the Near East, to take this opportunity and contribute to the peace process in a positive way with a view to a just, global and lasting solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. This solution can only be achieved through an International Peace Conference, under the auspices of the United Nations, which represents the suitable framework for the necessary negotiations between the parties directly concerned.

The Twelve are deeply concerned by the deterioration of the situation in the occupied territories and the increasing feeling of disappointment and desperation among the population of these territories which might become worse if there is no prospect of a negotiated solution. They reiterate their commitment to participate actively in all efforts contributing to a negotiated solution.