Activities of the Security Council (16 June 1995-15 June 1996) – SecCo report (excerpts)

Report of the Security Council

to the General Assembly

(covering the period

from 16 June 1995 to 15 June 1996)

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…

Part I

Questions considered by the Security Council under its responsibility

for the maintenance of international peace and security

…

Chapter 7

Items related to the situation in the Middle East

A.The situation in the Middle East

1.United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and developments in the Israel-Lebanon sector

(a)Communications dated 10 July 1995 and report of the Secretary-General dated 19 July 1995

Letter dated 10 July 1995 (S/1995/554) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 10 July (S/1995/570) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lebanon, to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 19 July (S/1995/595), describing developments relating to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for the period from 21 January to 19 July 1995, and recommending that the mandate of UNIFIL be extended for a further period of six months, until 31 January 1996.

(b)Consideration at the 3558th meeting (28 July 1995), the adoption of resolution 1006 (1995) and presidential statement

At the 3558th meeting, held on 28 July 1995 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/1995/595)”

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1995/619) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3558th meeting, on 28 July 1995, draft resolution S/1995/619 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1006 (1995).

Resolution 1006 (1995) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, 501 (1982) of 25 February 1982, 508 (1982) of 5 June 1982, 509 (1982) of 6 June 1982 and 520 (1982) of 17 September 1982, as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,

“Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 19 July 1995 (S/1995/595) and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

“Taking note of the letter dated 10 July 1995 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/1995/554),

“Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon,

“1. Decides to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for a further period of six months, that is until 31 January 1996;

“2. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

“3. Re-emphasizes the terms of reference and general guidelines of the Force as stated in the report of the Secretary-General of 19 March 1978 (S/12611), approved by resolution 426 (1978), and calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Force for the full implementation of its mandate;

“4. Reiterates that the Force should fully implement its mandate as defined in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978) and all other relevant resolutions;

“5. Condemns the increase in acts of violence committed in particular against the Force and urges the parties to put an end to them;

“6. Concurs with the streamlining of the Force, described in paragraph 11 of the report of the Secretary-General, and stresses that its implementation will not affect the operational capacity of the Force;

“7. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned with the implementation of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council thereon.”

The President stated that, following consultations of the Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1995/35):

“The Security Council has noted with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/1995/595) submitted in conformity with resolution 974 (1995).

“The Council reaffirms its commitment to the full sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries. In this context, the Council asserts that any State shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

“As the Council extends the mandate of the Force for a further period on the basis of resolution 425 (1978), the Council again stresses the urgent need for the implementation of that resolution in all its aspects. It reiterates its full support for the Taif Agreement and for the continued efforts of the Lebanese Government to consolidate peace, national unity and security in the country, while successfully carrying out the reconstruction process. The Council commends the Lebanese Government for its successful efforts to extend its authority in the south of the country in full coordination with the Force.

“The Council expresses its concern over the continuing violence in southern Lebanon, regrets the loss of civilian life, and urges all parties to exercise restraint.

“The Council takes this opportunity to express its appreciation for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and his staff in this regard and commends the Force's troops and troop-contributing countries for their sacrifices and commitment to the cause of international peace and security under difficult circumstances.”

(c)Communications received between 24 August 1995 and 23 January 1996 and report of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 24 August 1995 (S/1995/737) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 31 August (S/1995/764) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 18 September (S/1995/805) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 2 October (S/1995/837) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 9 October (S/1995/851) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 9 October (S/1995/857) from the representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 5495, adopted on 21 September 1995 by the Council of the League of Arab States (LAS) at its one hundred and fourth session.

Letter dated 26 October (S/1995/887) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 8 November (S/1995/939) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 9 November (S/1995/1035) from the representative of Colombia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the documents of the Eleventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Cartagena, Colombia, from 18 to 20 October 1995.

Letter dated 1 December (S/1995/1006) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 11 December (S/1995/1026) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 27 December (S/1995/1065) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General, and annex.

Letter dated 17 January 1996 (S/1996/34) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 22 January (S/1996/45) submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1006 (1995), describing the activities of UNIFIL during the period from 20 July 1995 to 22 January 1996 and covering developments since his report of 19 July 1995 (S/1995/595).

Letter dated 23 January (S/1996/50) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General, and annex.

(d)Consideration at the 3622nd meeting (29 January 1996), the adoption of resolution 1039 (1996) and presidential statement

At the 3622nd meeting, held on 29 January 1996 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (S/1996/45)”

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1996/58) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3622nd meeting, on 29 January 1996, draft resolution S/1996/58 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1039 (1996).

Resolution 1039 (1996) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, 501 (1982) of 25 February 1982, 508 (1982) of 5 June 1982, 509 (1982) of 6 June 1982 and 520 (1982) of 17 September 1982, as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,

“Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 22 January 1996 (S/1996/45) and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

“Taking note of the letter dated 17 January 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/1996/34),

“Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon,

“1. Decides to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for a further period of six months, that is until 31 July 1996;

“2. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

“3. Re-emphasizes the terms of reference and general guidelines of the Force as stated in the report of the Secretary-General of 19 March 1978 (S/12611), approved by resolution 426 (1978), and calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Force for the full implementation of its mandate;

“4. Reiterates that the Force should fully implement its mandate as defined in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978) and all other relevant resolutions;

“5. Condemns all acts of violence committed in particular against the Force, and urges the parties to put an end to them;

“6. Welcomes the streamlining of the Force described in paragraph 16 of the report of the Secretary-General of 22 January 1996, to be completed by May 1996, and stresses the need to continue efforts to achieve further savings by rationalizing the administrative and support services of the Force, provided they do not affect its operational capacity;

“7. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned with the implementation of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council thereon.”

The President stated that, following consultations of the Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1996/5):

“The Security Council has noted with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 22 January 1996 (S/1996/45) submitted in conformity with resolution 1006 (1995) of 28 July 1995.

“The Council reaffirms its commitment to the full sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries. In this context, the Council asserts that any State shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

“As the Council extends the mandate of the Force for a further interim period on the basis of resolution 425 (1978), the Council again stresses the urgent need for the implementation of that resolution in all its aspects. It reiterates its full support for the Taif Agreement and for the continued efforts of the Lebanese Government to consolidate peace, national unity and security in the country, while successfully carrying out the reconstruction process. The Council commends the Lebanese Government for its successful effort to extend its authority in the south of the country in full coordination with the Force.

“The Council expresses its concern over the continuing violence in southern Lebanon, regrets the loss of civilian life, and urges all parties to exercise restraint.

“The Council takes this opportunity to express its appreciation for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and his staff in this regard and commends the Force's troops and troop-contributing countries for their sacrifices and commitment to the cause of international peace and security under difficult circumstances.”

(e)Communications received between 13 February and 13 April 1996 and requests for a meeting

Letter dated 13 February 1996 (S/1996/100) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 12 March (S/1996/185) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 3 April (S/1996/243) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 3 April (S/1996/305) from the representative of Oman addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council after its fifty-eighth session, held at Riyadh on 16 and 17 March 1996.

Letter dated 10 April (S/1996/272) from the representative of the United Arab Emirates addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 5543, adopted on 21 March 1996 by the Council of the LAS at its one hundred and fifth session.

Letter dated 10 April (S/1996/273) from the representative of the United Arab Emirates addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 5544, adopted on 21 March 1996 by the Council of the LAS at its one hundred and fifth session.

Letter dated 13 April (S/1996/280) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the President of the Security Council, requesting an urgent meeting of the Security Council to consider the situation resulting from the Israeli bombardment of towns and villages in Lebanon.

Letter dated 13 April (S/1996/281) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the President of the Security Council, requesting that an urgent meeting of the Council be convened on Sunday, 14 April 1996.

(f)Consideration at the 3653rd meeting (15 April 1996) in response to the request contained in the letter dated 13 April 1996 from the representative of Lebanon to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/280)

At the 3653rd meeting, held on 15 April 1996 the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Letter dated 13 April 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/280)”

The President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representatives of Afghanistan, Algeria, Colombia, Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, at their request, to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure.

The Council heard statements by the representatives of Lebanon and Israel.

The Council also heard statements by the representatives of France, Indonesia, Germany, China, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Korea, Botswana, Italy (on behalf of the States members of the European Union and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia), the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Poland, Egypt and Guinea-Bissau, and by the President, speaking in his capacity as the representative of Chile.

The Council also heard statements by the representatives of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Cuba, Kuwait, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Algeria, Afghanistan, Morocco, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tunisia, Malaysia, Jordan, Turkey, Colombia and Pakistan.

The President made a statement.

(g)Communications dated 17 April 1996

Letter dated 17 April 1996 (S/1996/295) from the representative of the United Arab Emirates addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 5573, adopted by the Council of the LAS at a special meeting, held on 17 April 1996.

Letter dated 17 April (S/1996/299) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a statement issued by the Presidency of the European Union.

Letter dated 17 April (S/1996/301) from the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Secretary-General.

(h)Consideration at the 3654th meeting (18 April 1996) and the adoption of resolution 1052 (1996)

At the 3654th meeting, held on 18 April 1996 the Security Council, in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Letter dated 13 April 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/280)”

The Council resumed its consideration of the item. In addition to the representatives previously invited, the President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representatives of Bahrain, Canada, the Comoros, Djibouti, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Mauritania, Norway, Oman, Qatar, the Sudan and Yemen, at their request, to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure.

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1996/292) submitted by Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, and to the text of a draft resolution (S/1996/304) submitted by France, Germany, Honduras, Italy, Poland, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.

Draft resolution S/1996/292 reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Taking note of the letters from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon dated 13 April 1996 (S/1996/280 and S/1996/281),

“Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon,

“Gravely concerned at the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and its consequences to the maintenance of international peace and security,

“Convinced that the present situation impedes the achievement of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East,

“Reaffirming the necessity to respect the Geneva conventions of 1949 in particular, the provisions related to the protection of civilians during armed conflict and the responsibility of the high contracting parties to ensure the full compliance with its provisions,

“Noting that the military actions by the Israeli armed forces against the electrical power stations and residential areas were premeditated and carefully planned,

“1. Calls upon Israel immediately to cease its military action against the Lebanese territorial integrity and withdraw forthwith its forces from all Lebanese territory;

“2. Calls for strict respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

“3. Calls also upon Israel to fully implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 425 (1978);

“4. Strongly condemns the Israeli aggression against Lebanon which has brought about high tolls of civilian casualties, led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and a massive destruction of Lebanon's infrastructure;

“5. Strongly condemns the bombardment of the archaeological and cultural sites and monuments in the city of Tyre which are internationally protected, in accordance with international law and The Hague Convention of 1954, and which are considered by UNESCO as heritage to all mankind;

“6. Requests the Secretary-General to launch a massive plan of action to assist the Government of Lebanon to overcome the hardships resulting from the Israeli aggression in order to allow the Lebanese Government to sustain its reconstruction efforts;

“7. Stresses the responsibilities of the United Nations and its agencies towards the humanitarian needs of the Lebanese civilian population, and requests the Secretary-General to make every effort to ensure the discharge of those responsibilities in coordination with the Government of Lebanon;

“8. Considers that Lebanon is entitled to appropriate redress for the destruction it has suffered and holds Israel responsible for adequate compensations for such destruction;

“9. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council informed on developments and in no later than twenty-four hours;

“10. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

Decision: At the 3654th meeting, on 18 April 1996, draft resolution S/1996/292 received 4 votes in favour (China, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau and Indonesia) to none against, with 11 abstentions (Botswana, Chile, France, Germany, Honduras, Italy, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America) and was not adopted, having failed to obtain the required number of votes.

Decision: At the 3654th meeting, on 18 April 1996, draft resolution S/1996/304 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1052 (1996).

Resolution 1052 (1996) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions regarding the situation in Lebanon, including resolution 425 (1978) of 19 March 1978 which established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon,

“Taking note of the letters dated 13 April 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/280 and S/1996/281),

“Bearing in mind the debate which took place at its 3653rd meeting on 15 April 1996 on the situation in the Middle East,

“Gravely concerned at the consequences which the ongoing fighting could have for the peace and security of the region and for the furthering of the peace process in the Middle East, and affirming its full support for that process,

“Gravely concerned also at all attacks on civilian targets, including residential areas, and at the loss of life and suffering among civilians,

“Stressing the need for all concerned to respect fully the rules of international humanitarian law with regard to the protection of civilians,

“Gravely concerned further at actions which seriously threaten the safety of the Force and impede the implementation of its mandate, and deploring in particular the incident on 18 April 1996 in which shelling resulted in heavy loss of life among civilians at a Force site,

“1. Calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties;

“2. Supports the ongoing diplomatic efforts to this end;

“3. Reaffirms its commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries and to the security of all States in the region, and calls upon all concerned fully to respect those principles;

“4. Calls upon all concerned to respect the safety and security of civilians;

“5. Calls upon all concerned to respect the safety, security and freedom of movement of the Force and to allow it to fulfil its mandate without any obstacle or interference;

“6. Calls upon Member States to offer humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the population and to assist the Government of Lebanon in the reconstruction of the country, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the United Nations and its agencies play their part in meeting the humanitarian needs of the civilian population;

“7. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council informed of developments on a continuing basis;

“8. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

Following the vote, statements were made by the representatives of Egypt, Indonesia, Honduras, China, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Botswana, France, Italy, the Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America, and by the President, speaking in his capacity as the representative of Chile.

The Council heard statements under rule 37 of its provisional rules of procedure by the representatives of Lebanon, Israel, Norway, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Cuba, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

(i)Communications received between 19 April and 28 May 1996

Letter dated 19 April 1996 (S/1996/308) from the representative of Kazakstan addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 18 April 1996 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakstan.

Letter dated 23 April (S/1996/314) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued by the Presidency of the European Union on the latest Israeli bombing in southern Lebanon.

Letter dated 27 April (S/1996/323) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued by the Presidency of the European Union on the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Letter dated 7 May (S/1996/337) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, transmitting a report submitted by his Military Adviser following his mission to Lebanon and Israel.

Letter dated 23 May (S/1996/380) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 28 May (S/1996/385) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

2.United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

(a)Communication dated 9 October 1995 and report of the Secretary-General dated 17 November 1995

Letter dated 9 October 1995 (S/1995/858) from the representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 5493 adopted on 21 September 1995 by the Council of the League of Arab States at its one hundred and fourth session.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 17 November (S/1995/952) submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 350 (1974), describing the activities of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) during the period from 17 May to 17 November 1995, and recommending the extension of the mandate of UNDOF for a further period of six months, until 31 May 1996.

(b)Consideration at the 3599th meeting (28 November 1995), the adoption of resolution 1024 (1995) and presidential statement

At the 3599th meeting, held on 28 November 1995 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) (S/1995/952)”

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1995/990) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3599th meeting, on 28 November 1995, draft resolution S/1995/990 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1024 (1995).

Resolution 1024 (1995) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 17 November 1995 on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1995/952),

“Decides:

“(a) To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

“(b) To renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for another period of six months, that is, until 31 May 1996;

“(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the development in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973).”

The President stated that, following consultations of the Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1995/59):

“In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:

‘As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1995/952) states, in paragraph 14: “Despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached.” That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.’”

(c)Communications received between 6 December 1995 and 10 April 1996 and report of the Secretary-General dated 23 May 1996

Letter dated 6 December 1995 (S/1995/1022) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, concerning an addition to the list of Member States providing troops to UNDOF.

Letter dated 8 December (S/1995/1023) from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General, informing him that his letter dated 6 December 1995 (S/1995/1022) had been brought to the attention of the members of the Council and that they agreed with the proposal contained therein.

Letter dated 10 April 1996 (S/1996/265) from the representative of the United Arab Emirates addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of resolution 5542 adopted on 21 March 1996 by the Council of LAS at its one hundred and fifth session.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 23 May (S/1996/368) submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 350 (1974), describing the activities of UNDOF during the period from 18 November 1995 to 17 May 1996 and recommending that the mandate of UNDOF be extended for a further period of six months, until 30 November 1996.

(d)Consideration at the 3669th meeting (30 May 1996), the adoption of resolution 1057 (1996) and presidential statement

At the 3669th meeting, held on 30 May 1996 in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the Middle East

“Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1996/368)

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/1996/393) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he put to the vote.

Decision: At the 3669th meeting, on 30 May 1996, draft resolution S/1996/393 was adopted unanimously as resolution 1057 (1996).

Resolution 1057 (1996) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 23 May 1996 (S/1996/368),

“Decides:

“(a) To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

“(b) To renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for another period of six months, that is, until 30 November 1996;

“(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the development in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973).”

The President stated that, following consultations of the Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1996/27):

“In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:

‘As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/1996/368) states, in paragraph 14: “Despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached." That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.’”

3.Other aspects of the situation in the Middle East

(a)Communications received between 19 June and 9 November 1995 and report of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 19 June 1995 (S/1995/501) from the representative of Canada addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the final documents of the G-7 Summit, held at Halifax, Canada, from 15 to 17 June 1995.

Letter dated 21 June (S/1995/504) from the representative of Bahrain addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, after its fifty-fifth session, held at Riyadh on 10 and 11 June 1995.

Letter dated 24 July (S/1995/608) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 3 August (S/1995/652) from the representative of Brunei Darussalam addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the joint communiqué of the twenty-eighth ministerial meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, held in Brunei Darussalam on 29 and 30 July 1995.

Letter dated 21 August (S/1995/718) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 23 August (S/1995/729) from the representative of Spain addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 22 August 1995 by the Presidency of the European Union on the terrorist attack perpetrated on 21 August 1995 in Jerusalem.

Letter dated 1 September (S/1995/772) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, informing the Council of his intention to appoint Major-General Rufus Modupe Kupolati of Nigeria as Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, effective the beginning of October 1995.

Letter dated 7 September (S/1995/773) from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General, informing him that his letter dated 1 September 1995 (S/1995/772) had been brought to the attention of the members of the Council and that they agreed with the proposal contained therein.

Letter dated 21 September (S/1995/817) from the representative of Bahrain addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council after its fifty-sixth session, held at Riyadh on 18 and 19 September 1995.

Letter dated 27 September (S/1995/827) from the representatives of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on the same date by their Ministers for Foreign Affairs after a meeting with the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 9 October (S/1995/873) from the observer of the League of Arab States addressed to the President of the Security Council, transmitting a letter dated 27 September 1995 from the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States to the President of the Security Council on the question of the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

Letter dated 16 October (S/1995/927) from the representative of Morocco addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the final communiqué and reports adopted at the annual coordination meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, held in New York on 2 October 1995.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 7 November (S/1995/930) submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 49/62 D on the question of Palestine.

Letter dated 9 November (S/1995/1035) from the representative of Colombia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the documents of the Eleventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Cartagena, Colombia, from 18 to 20 October 1995.

(b)Statement by the President of the Security Council (22 January 1996)

Following consultations of the Council held on 22 January 1996, the President issued the following statement to the media on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1996/3):

“The members of the Security Council warmly welcome the successful holding of the Palestinian elections on 20 January 1996, which constitutes a major step forward in the Middle East peace process. The members of the Council congratulate the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people on this achievement, which reflects credit on all concerned. The members of the Council note with satisfaction the conclusion of the international observers that the elections were an accurate reflection of the wishes of the Palestinian electorate.

“The members of the Security Council consider that the holding of the elections marks a significant step towards the fulfilment of the Declaration of Principles, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in Washington on 13 September 1993. The members of the Council reiterate their full support for the Middle East peace process.”

(c)Communications received between 26 February and 4 March 1996

Letter dated 26 February 1996 (S/1996/135) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 27 February (S/1996/347) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued by the Presidency of the European Union on the bomb attacks perpetrated on 25 February 1996 in Jerusalem and Ashqelon.

Letter dated 4 March (S/1996/163) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 4 March (S/1996/164) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 3 March 1996 by the Presidency of the European Union on the terrorist attack perpetrated on the same day in Jerusalem.

(d)Statement by the President of the Security Council (4 March 1996)

Following consultations of the Council held on 4 March 1996, the President issued the following statement to the media on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1996/10):

“The members of the Security Council condemn the terrorist attacks in Jerusalem on 3 March and in Tel Aviv on 4 March. They extend their sympathy and deepest condolences to the Government and people of Israel and to the families of the victims. They wish a speedy recovery of the wounded.

“These vile acts had the clear purpose of trying to undermine Middle East peace efforts through such terror. The members of the Security Council reiterate their support for the peace process and call on the parties to consolidate it and to increase their cooperation in curbing violence and combating such terrorism.”

(e)Communications received between 1 April and 3 June 1996

Letter dated 1 April 1996 (S/1996/238) from the representatives of Egypt and the United States of America addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the Co-Chairmen's statement of the Summit of Peacemakers adopted on 13 March 1996 at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Letter dated 26 April (S/1996/322) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 26 April 1996 by the Presidency of the European Union on the decision adopted by the Palestinian National Council on the Palestinian Charter.

Letter dated 3 June (S/1996/408) from the representative of Italy addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued by the Presidency of the European Union on the results of the Israeli elections.

B.The situation in the occupied Arab territories

1.Communications received between 21 June 1995 and 12 April 1996 and request for a meeting

Letter dated 21 June 1995 (S/1995/504) from the representative of Bahrain addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council after its fifty-fifth session, held at Riyadh on 10 and 11 June 1995.

Letter dated 21 September (S/1995/817) from the representative of Bahrain addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a press release issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council after its fifty-sixth session, held at Riyadh on 18 and 19 September 1995.

Letter dated 16 October (S/1995/927) from the representative of Morocco addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the final communiqué and reports adopted at the annual coordination meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, held in New York on 2 October 1995.

Letter dated 9 November (S/1995/1035) from the representative of Colombia addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the documents of the Eleventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Cartagena, Colombia, from 18 to 20 October 1995.

Identical letters dated 1 April (S/1996/233) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of a letter dated 29 March 1996 from the President of the Palestinian Authority and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 2 April (S/1996/235) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 10 April (S/1996/257) from the representative of the United Arab Emirates addressed to the President of the Security Council, requesting an urgent meeting of the Security Council to consider the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem.

Letter dated 12 April (S/1996/274) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the President of the Security Council.

Letter dated 12 April (S/1996/277) from the representative of Guinea addressed to the President of the Security Council.

2.Consideration at the 3652nd meeting (15 April 1996)

At the 3652nd meeting, held on 15 April 1996 in response to the request contained in the letter dated 10 April 1996 from the representative of the United Arab Emirates addressed to the President of the Security Council, the Security Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

“The situation in the occupied Arab territories

“Letter dated 10 April 1996 from the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/257)”

The President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representatives of Algeria, Colombia, Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, at their request, to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure.

The President drew attention to a letter dated 12 April 1996 from the observer of Palestine (S/1996/274), requesting an invitation to participate in the discussion in accordance with the Council's previous practice. In accordance with the Council's provisional rules of procedure and previous practice in this regard, the President, with the consent of the Council, invited the representative of Palestine to participate in the discussion.

The President, with the consent of the Council, extended an invitation, under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, to the Acting Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

In accordance with the request contained in a letter dated 12 April 1996 from the representative of Guinea (S/1996/277), the President, with the consent of the Council, extended an invitation under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Engin Ansay, Permanent Observer of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to the United Nations.

The Council heard a statement by the representative of Palestine.

The representative of Israel made a statement.

The Council also heard statements by the representatives of Egypt, Botswana, the Republic of Korea, China, the United States of America, the Russian Federation, France, Germany, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Honduras, Italy (on behalf of the States members of the European Union and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia), Poland, Guinea-Bissau and Indonesia, and by the President, speaking in his capacity as the representative of Chile.

The representatives of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon and Norway made statements.

The meeting was suspended.

Upon the resumption of the meeting, the Council continued its consideration of the item on its agenda and heard statements by the representatives of Malaysia and the Syrian Arab Republic.

In accordance with the decision taken earlier in the meeting, the Council heard a statement under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure by the Acting Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

In accordance with the decision taken earlier in the meeting, the Council heard a statement under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure by the Permanent Observer of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

The Council also heard statements by the representatives of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tunisia, Colombia, Cuba, Pakistan, Japan, Algeria, Yemen, Morocco and Senegal.

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