DPR Monthly Bulletin - Vol. XVI, No. 12 - CEIRPP, DPR bulletin (December 1993) - DPR publication

December 1993

Volume XVI, Bulletin No. 12

Contents

		Page

I.	General Assembly adopts four resolutions on the question of Palestine	1
II.	General Assembly adopts three resolutions on the situation in the Middle East	5
III.	General Assembly adopts four resolutions on the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories	8
IV.	General Assembly adopts ten resolutions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)	12
V.	General Assembly adopts two resolutions on Israeli settlements and on assistance to the Palestinian people	21
VI.	International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) plans assistance to small farmers in Gaza and Jericho	24
VII.	Japan announces $16.5 million contribution to UNRWA peace implementation programme; European Community and UNRWA sign 1993-1995 assistance convention	24
VIII.	Chairman of PLO seeks United Nations assistance in establishing Palestinian police academy	25
IX.	Excerpt from the final communiqué adopted by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its fourteenth session, 20-22 December 1993	26
X.	Non-governmental organizations: activities and information	26

I. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS FOUR RESOLUTIONS

ON THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE

The General Assembly considered item 35 on its agenda, entitled "Question of Palestine" at three meetings held on 29 and 30 November, and 20 December 1993. (For the verbatim records of the meetings, see A/48/PV.65, 66 and 85). On 20 December 1993, four resolutions were adopted relating to the mandates of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the Division for Palestinian Rights and the Department of Public Information, as well as the peace process. A fifth draft resolution, concerning the intifadah, was not put to the vote at the request of the sponsors. (The texts of the five draft resolutions, including an indication of the sponsors, are contained in A/48/L.41, L.42, L.43, L.44, and L.45. For the statements introducing the debate on the item, see the November issue of this bulletin.)

The text of the resolutions, with an indication of the vote, is given below. Full details on the voting on these and other resolutions will be contained in a document to be issued by the Division for Palestinian Rights under the symbol A/AC.183/L.2/Add.14.

48/158. Question of Palestine

Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable

Rights of the Palestinian People

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 181 (II) of 29 November 1947, 194 (III) of 11 December 1948, 3236 (XXIX) of 22 November 1974, 3375 (XXX) and 3376 (XXX) of 10 November 1975, 31/20 of 24 November 1976, 32/40 A of 2 December 1977, 33/28 A and B of 7 December 1978, 34/65 A of 29 November 1979 and 34/65 C of 12 December 1979, ES-7/2 of 29 July 1980, 35/169 A and C of 15 December 1980, 36/120 A and C of 10 December 1981, ES-7/4 of 28 April 1982, 37/86 A of 10 December 1982, 38/58 A of 13 December 1983, 39/49 A of 11 December 1984, 40/96 A of 12 December 1985, 41/43 A of 2 December 1986, 42/66 A of 2 December 1987, 43/175 A of 15 December 1988, 44/41 A of 6 December 1989, 45/67 A of 6 December 1990, 46/74 A of 11 December 1991 and 47/64 A of 11 December 1992,

"Having considered the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,1/

"Welcoming the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, including its Annexes and Agreed Minutes by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization on 13 September 1993 in Washington, D.C.,2/

"Reaffirming that the United Nations has a permanent responsibility with respect to the question of Palestine until the question is resolved in all its aspects in a satisfactory manner in accordance with international legitimacy,

"1. Expresses its appreciation to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its efforts in performing the tasks assigned to it by the General Assembly;

"2. Considers that the Committee can make a valuable and positive contribution to international efforts to promote the effective implementation of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements and to mobilize international support for and assistance to the Palestinian people during the transitional period;

"3. Endorses the recommendations of the Committee contained in paragraphs 85 to 96 of its report;1/

"4. Requests the Committee to continue to keep under review the situation relating to the question of Palestine and to report and make suggestions to the General Assembly or the Security Council, as appropriate;

"5. Authorizes the Committee to continue to exert all efforts to promote the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, to make such adjustments in its approved programme of work as it may consider appropriate and necessary in light of developments, to give special emphasis to the need to mobilize support and assistance for the Palestinian people and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session and thereafter;

"6. Also requests the Committee to continue to extend its cooperation to non-governmental organizations in their contribution towards heightening international awareness of the facts relating to the question of Palestine and promoting support and assistance to meet the needs of the Palestinian people, and to take the necessary steps to involve additional NGOs in its work;

"7. Requests the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, established under General Assembly resolution 194 (III), as well as other United Nations bodies associated with the question of Palestine, to continue to cooperate fully with the Committee and to make available to it, at its request, the relevant information and documentation which they have at their disposal;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General to circulate the report of the Committee to all the competent bodies of the United Nations, and urges them to take the necessary action, as appropriate;

"9. Also requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide the Committee with all the necessary facilities for the performance of its tasks."

Adopted on 20 December 1993

by a vote of 106 in favour,

3 against, 40 abstentions

Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat

"The General Assembly,

"Having considered the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,1/

"Taking note, in particular, of the relevant information contained in paragraphs 46 to 68 of that report,

"Recalling its resolutions 32/40 B of 2 December 1977, 33/28 C of 7 December 1978, 34/65 D of 12 December 1979, 35/169 D of 15 December 1980, 36/120 B of 10 December 1981, 37/86 B of 10 December 1982, 38/58 B of 13 December 1983, 39/49 B of 11 December 1984, 40/96 B of 12 December 1985, 41/43 B of 2 December 1986, 42/66 B of 2 December 1987, 43/175 B of 15 December 1988, 44/41 B of 6 December 1989, 45/67 B of 6 December 1990, 46/74 B of 11 December 1991 and 47/64 B of 11 December 1992,

"1. Notes with appreciation the action taken by the Secretary-General in compliance with its resolution 47/64 B;

"2. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat with the resources it requires, including the continuing development of the computer-based information system on the question of Palestine, and to ensure that it continues to discharge the tasks detailed in paragraph 1 of resolution 32/40 B, paragraph 2 (b) of resolution 34/65 D, paragraph 3 of resolution 40/96 B, paragraph 2 of resolution 42/66 B, paragraph 2 of resolution 44/41 B and paragraph 2 of resolution 46/74 B, in consultation with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and under its guidance;

"3. Also requests the Secretary-General to ensure the continued cooperation of the Department of Public Information and other units of the Secretariat in enabling the Division to perform its tasks and in covering adequately the various aspects of the question of Palestine;

"4. Invites all Governments and organizations to lend their cooperation to the Committee and the Division in the performance of their tasks;

"5. Notes with appreciation the action taken by Member States to observe annually on 29 November the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and requests them to continue to give the widest possible publicity to the observance, and requests the Committee to continue to organize, as part of the observance of the Day of Solidarity, an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights in cooperation with the Office of the Permanent Observer for Palestine to the United Nations."

Adopted on 20 December 1993

by a vote of 107 in favour,

2 against, 41 abstentions

Department of Public Information of the Secretariat

"The General Assembly,

"Having considered the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,1/

"Taking note, in particular, of the information contained in paragraphs 71 to 84 of that report,

"Recalling its resolution 47/64 C of 11 December 1992,

"Convinced that the world-wide dissemination of accurate and comprehensive information and the role of non-governmental organizations and institutions remain of vital importance in heightening awareness of and support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,

"Aware of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, signed in Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993, by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization²^/ and of its positive implications,

"1. Notes with appreciation the action taken by the Department of Public Information of the Secretariat in compliance with General Assembly resolution 47/64 C;

"2. Requests the Department of Public Information, in full cooperation and coordination with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, to continue, with the necessary flexibility as may be required by developments affecting the question of Palestine, its special information programme on the question of Palestine for the biennium 1994-1995, with particular emphasis on public opinion in Europe and North America, and in particular:

"(a) To disseminate information on all the activities of the United Nations system relating to the question of Palestine, including reports of the work carried out by the relevant United Nations organizations;

"(b) To continue to issue and update publications on the various aspects of the question of Palestine in all fields, including all information relating to the recent events concerning this question;

"(c) To expand its audiovisual material on the question of Palestine, including the production of such material;

"(d) To organize and promote fact-finding news missions for journalists to the area, including the occupied territories;

"(e) To organize international, regional and national encounters for journalists;

"(f) To provide, in cooperation with specialized agencies of the United Nations system, particularly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, assistance to the Palestinian people in the field of media development."

Adopted on 20 December 1993

by a vote of 147 in favour

2 against, 2 abstentions

Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its relevant resolutions, the most recent of which was resolution 47/64 D of 11 December 1992,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 19 November 1993,3/

"Stressing that achieving a comprehensive settlement of the Middle East conflict, the core of which is the question of Palestine, will constitute a significant contribution to international peace and security,

"Noting the convening at Madrid, on 30 October 1991, of the Peace Conference on the Middle East and the subsequent bilateral negotiations, as well as meetings of the multilateral working groups,

"Noting also that the United Nations has participated as a full, extraregional participant in the work of the multilateral working groups,

"Aware of the mutual recognition between the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, as the representative of the Palestinian people, and the signing between the two parties of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements 2/ in Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993, as well as their subsequent negotiations,

"Welcoming the convening of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace in Washington, D.C., on 1 October 1993,

"1. Reaffirms the need to achieve a peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, in all its aspects;

"2. Expresses its support for the ongoing peace process, which began in Madrid, and the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, and expresses the hope that the process will lead to the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East;

"3. Stresses the need for the United Nations to play a more active and expanded role in the current peace process and in the implementation of the Declaration of Principles;

"4. Urges Member States to provide economic and technical assistance to the Palestinian people;

"5. Also stresses the upcoming negotiations on the final settlement and reaffirms the following principles for the achievement of a final settlement and comprehensive peace:

"(a) The realization of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to self-determination;

"(b) The withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and from the other occupied Arab territories;

"(c) Guaranteeing arrangements for peace and security of all States in the region, including those named in resolution 181 (II) of 29 November 1947, within secure and internationally recognized boundaries;

"(d) Resolving the problem of the Palestine refugees in conformity with General Assembly resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948, and subsequent relevant resolutions;

"(e) Resolving the problem of the Israeli settlements, which are illegal and an obstacle to peace, in conformity with relevant United Nations resolutions;

"(f) Guaranteeing freedom of access to Holy Places and religious buildings and sites;

"6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his efforts with the parties concerned, and in consultation with the Security Council, for the promotion of peace in the region and to submit progress reports on developments in this matter."

Adopted on 20 December 1993

by a vote of 92 in favour,

5 against, 51 abstentions

Notes

1/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-eighth Session, Supplement No. 35 (A/48/35).

2/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.

3/ A/48/607-S/26769.

II. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS THREE RESOLUTIONS

ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The General Assembly considered agenda item 34, entitled "The situation in the Middle East", at three plenary meetings held on 1, 2 and 14 December 1993. (For the verbatim records of the meetings, see A/48/PV.67, A/48/PV.68 and A/48/PV.79) For the report submitted by the Secretary-General under this item, see the November 1993 issue of this bulletin).

On 14 December 1993, the General Assembly adopted three resolutions under this item. The texts are given below.

48/58. Middle East peace process

"The General Assembly,

"Stressing that the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict will constitute a significant contribution to strengthening international peace and security,

"Recalling the convening of the Peace Conference on the Middle East at Madrid on 30 October 1991, on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973, and the subsequent bilateral negotiations, as well as the meetings of the multilateral working groups, and noting with satisfaction the broad international support for the peace process,

"Noting the continuing positive participation of the United Nations as a full extraregional participant in the work of the multilateral working groups,

"Bearing in mind the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, signed by the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993,1/

"Also bearing in mind the Agreement between Israel and Jordan on the Common Agenda, signed in Washington, D.C., on 14 September 1993,

"1. Welcomes the peace process started at Madrid, and supports the subsequent bilateral negotiations;

"2. Stresses the importance of, and need for, achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East;

"3. Expresses its full support for the achievements of the peace process thus far, in particular the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements signed by the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the Agreement between Israel and Jordan on the Common Agenda, which constitute an important initial step in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and urges all parties to implement agreements reached;

"4. Stresses the need for achieving rapid progress on the other tracks of the Arab-Israeli negotiations within the peace process;

"5. Welcomes the results of the international donors Conference to Support Middle East Peace, convened in Washington, D.C., on 1 October 1993, and the establishment of the high-level United Nations task force to support the economic and social development of the Palestinian people, and urges Member States to provide economic, financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian people during the interim period;

"6. Calls upon all Member States also to extend economic, financial and technical assistance to States in the region and to render support for the peace process;

"7. Considers that an active United Nations role in the Middle East peace process and in assisting in the implementation of the Declaration of Principles can make a positive contribution;

"8. Encourages regional development and cooperation in the areas where work has already begun within the framework of the Madrid Conference."

Adopted on 14 December 1993

by a vote of 155 in favour,

3 against, 1 abstention

Note

1/ /48/486-S/26560, annex.

48/59. The situation in the Middle East

Jerusalem

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 36/120 E of 10 December 1981, 37/123 C of 16 December 1982, 38/180 C of 19 December 1983, 39/146 C of 14 December 1984, 40/168 C of 16 December 1985, 41/162 C of 4 December 1986, 42/209 D of 11 December 1987, 43/54 C of 6 December 1988, 44/40 C of 4 December 1989, 45/83 C of 13 December 1990, 46/82 B of 16 December 1991 and 47/63 B of 11 December 1992, in which it determined that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, which had altered or purported to alter the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, in particular the so-called "Basic Law" on Jerusalem and the proclamation of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, were null and void and must be rescinded forthwith,

"Recalling also Security Council resolution 478 (1980) of 20 August 1980, in which the Council, inter alia, decided not to recognize the "Basic Law" and called upon those States that had established diplomatic missions at Jerusalem to withdraw such missions from the Holy City,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 25 October 1993,

"1. Determines that the decision of Israel to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Holy City of Jerusalem is illegal and therefore null and void and has no validity whatsoever;

"2. Deplores the transfer by some States of their diplomatic missions to Jerusalem in violation of Security Council resolution 478 (1980), and their refusal to comply with the provisions of that resolution;

"3. Calls once more upon those States to abide by the provisions of the relevant United Nations resolutions, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations;

"4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 14 December 1993

by a vote of 141 in favour,

1 against, 11 abstentions

Syrian Golan

"The General Assembly,

"Having considered the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East",

"Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 25 October 1993,1/

"Recalling Security Council resolution 497 (1981) of 17 December 1981,

"Recalling also its resolution 3314 (XXIX) of 14 December 1974, in the annex to which it defined an act of aggression, inter alia, as "the invasion or attack by the armed forces of a State of the territory of another State, or any military occupation, however temporary, resulting from such invasion or attack, or any annexation by the use of force of the territory of another State or part thereof" and provided that "no consideration of whatever nature, whether political, economic, military or otherwise, may serve as a justification for aggression",

"Reaffirming the fundamental principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,

"Reaffirming once more the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,2/ to the occupied Syrian Golan,

"Noting that Israel has refused, in violation of Article 25 of the Charter of the United Nations, to accept and carry out Security Council resolution 497 (1981),

"Deeply concerned that Israel has not withdrawn from the Syrian Golan, which has been under occupation since 1967, contrary to the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions,

"Taking note with satisfaction of the convening at Madrid of the Peace Conference on the Middle East on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973, but regretting that a just and comprehensive peace has not yet been achieved after two years of negotiation in Washington, D.C.,

"1. Declares that Israel has failed so far to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981);

"2. Declares once more that Israel's decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan is illegal and therefore null and void and has no validity whatsoever;

"3. Declares also that the Knesset decision of 11 November 1991 annexing the occupied Syrian Golan constitutes a grave violation of Security Council resolution 497 (1981) and therefore is null and void and has no validity whatsoever;

"4. Declares further all Israeli policies and practices of, or aimed at, annexation of the occupied Arab territories since 1967, including the occupied Syrian Golan, to be illegal and in violation of international law and of the relevant United Nations resolutions;

"5. Determines once more that all actions taken by Israel to give effect to its decisions relating to the occupied Syrian Golan are illegal and invalid and shall not be recognized;

"6. Reaffirms its determination that all relevant provisions of the Regulations annexed to the Hague Convention IV of 1907,3/ and the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, continue to apply to the Syrian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, and calls upon the parties thereto to respect and ensure respect for their obligations under those instruments in all circumstances;

"7. Determines once more that the continued occupation of the Syrian Golan since 1967 and its de facto annexation by Israel on 14 December 1981, following Israel's decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on that territory, constitute a continuing threat to peace and security in the region;

"8. Firmly emphasizes once more its demand that Israel, the occupying Power, rescind forthwith its illegal decision of 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Syrian Golan, and its decision of 11 November 1991, which resulted in the effective annexation of that territory;

"9. Demands once more that Israel withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan in implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions;

"10. Calls upon the international community to urge Israel to withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan and other occupied Arab territories for the establishment of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region;

"11. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 14 December 1993

by a vote of 65 in favour,

2 against, 83 abstentions

Notes

1/ A/48/522.

2/ United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973.

3/ See Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, The Hague Conventions and Declarations of 1899 and 1907 (New York, Oxford University Press, 1915).

III. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS FOUR RESOLUTIONS ON THE REPORT OF THE

SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE ISRAELI PRACTICES

AFFECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

AND OTHER ARABS OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) of the General Assembly reported to the plenary on 8 December 1993 on its consideration of agenda item 86 entitled "Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories". (The Fourth Committee report is contained in A/48/647; the verbatim record of the plenary consideration of the item is in A/48/PV.75; for a description of the reports submitted under this item, see the October issue of this bulletin).

The Assembly adopted the following four resolutions recommended by the Fourth Committee:

48/41 A. Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices

Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and

Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories

"The General Assembly,

"Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

"Guided also by the principles of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,1/ as well as international standards of human rights, in particular the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 2/ and the International Covenants on Human Rights,3/

"Recalling its relevant resolutions, including resolution 2443 (XXIII) of 19 December 1968, and relevant resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights,

"Recalling also relevant resolutions of the Security Council,

"Aware of the uprising (intifadah) of the Palestinian people,

"Convinced that occupation itself represents a primary violation of human rights,

"Having considered the reports of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories 4/ and the relevant reports of the Secretary-General,5/

"Noting the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, including its Annexes and its Agreed Minutes, by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization at Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993,6/

"1. Commends the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories for its efforts in performing the tasks assigned to it by the General Assembly and for its impartiality;

"2. Demands that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate;

"3. Deplores the policies and practices of Israel violating the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, as reflected in the reports of the Special Committee covering the reporting period;4/

"4. Expresses the hope that, in the light of the recent positive political developments, those policies and practices will be brought to an end immediately;

"5. Requests the Special Committee, pending complete termination of the Israeli occupation, to continue to investigate Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, to consult, as appropriate, with the International Committee of the Red Cross according to its regulations in order to ensure that the welfare and human rights of the peoples of the occupied territories are safeguarded and to report to the Secretary-General as soon as possible and whenever the need arises thereafter;

"6. Also requests the Special Committee to submit regularly to the Secretary-General periodic reports on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory;

"7. Further requests the Special Committee to continue to investigate the treatment of prisoners in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General:

"(a) To provide all necessary facilities to the Special Committee, including those required for its visits to the occupied territories, so that it may investigate the Israeli policies and practices referred to in the present resolution;

"(b) To continue to make available such additional staff as may be necessary to assist the Special Committee in the performance of its tasks;

"(c) To circulate regularly and periodically the reports mentioned in paragraph 6 above to Member States;

"(d) To ensure the widest circulation of the reports of the Special Committee and of information regarding its activities and findings, by all means available, through the Department of Public Information of the Secretariat and, where necessary, to reprint those reports of the Special Committee that are no longer available;

"(e) To report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the tasks entrusted to him in the present resolution;

"9. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its forty-ninth session the item entitled "Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories"."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 93 in favour,

2 against, 65 abstentions

"The General Assembly,

"Bearing in mind the relevant resolutions of the Security Council,

"Recalling its relevant resolutions,

"Considering that the promotion of respect for the obligations arising from the Charter of the United Nations and other instruments and rules of international law is among the basic purposes and principles of the United Nations,

"Stressing that Israel, the occupying Power, should strictly comply with its obligations under international law,

"1. Reaffirms that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,1/ is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967;

"2. Demands that Israel accept the de jure applicability of the said Convention in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, and that it comply scrupulously with the provisions of the Convention;

"3. Calls upon all States parties to the said Convention, in accordance with article 1 common to the four Geneva Conventions,7/ to exert all efforts in order to ensure respect for its provisions by Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967;

"4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 152 in favour,

1 against, 6 abstentions

"The General Assembly,

"Bearing in mind the relevant resolutions of the Security Council,

"Recalling its relevant resolutions and the resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights,

"Aware of the responsibility of the international community to promote human rights and ensure respect for international law,

"Reaffirming the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,

"Gravely concerned about the violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people, as contained in the reports of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories,4/ especially in the fields of collective punishment, closure of areas, annexation, establishment of settlements and mass deportation,

"Gravely concerned also about the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, resulting from the measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, designed to change the legal status, geographical nature and demographic composition of those territories,

"Concerned about the dangerous situation resulting from actions taken by the illegal, armed settlers in the occupied territory,

"Convinced of the positive impact of international presence in the occupied Palestinian territory to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,1/

"Reaffirming the applicability of the said Geneva Convention to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967,

"Welcoming the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, including its Annexes, and its Agreed Minutes, by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, at Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993,6/

"1. Determines that all measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, in violation of the relevant provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and contrary to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, are illegal and have no validity, and demands that Israel desist forthwith from taking any such measures or actions;

"2. Demands that Israel, the occupying Power, facilitate the return of all Palestinians deported from the occupied Palestinian territory since 1967;

"3. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to accelerate the release of all Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned;

"4. Calls for complete respect by the occupying Power of all fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people, such as the freedom of education, including the free operation of schools, universities and other educational institutions;

"5. Reaffirms that the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967 are illegal and an obstacle to peace;

"6. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 106 in favour,

2 against, 48 abstentions

"The General Assembly,

"Deeply concerned that the Arab territories occupied since 1967 have been under continued Israeli military occupation,

"Recalling Security Council resolution 497 (1981) of 17 December 1981,

"Recalling also its resolutions 36/226 B of 17 December 1981, ES-9/1 of 5 February 1982, 37/88 E of 10 December 1982, 38/79 F of 15 December 1983, 39/95 F of 14 December 1984, 40/161 F of 16 December 1985, 41/63 F of 3 December 1986, 42/160 F of 8 December 1987, 43/21 of 3 November 1988, 43/58 F of 6 December 1988, 44/2 of 6 October 1989, 44/48 F of 8 December 1989, 45/74 F of 11 December 1990, 46/47 F of 9 December 1991 and 47/70 F of 14 December 1992,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 29 October 1993,8/

"Recalling its previous resolutions, in particular resolutions 3414 (XXX) of 5 December 1975, 31/61 of 9 December 1976, 32/20 of 25 November 1977, 33/28 and 33/29 of 7 December 1978, 34/70 of 6 December 1979 and 35/122 E of 11 December 1980, in which, inter alia, it called upon Israel to put an end to its occupation of the Arab territories,

"Reaffirming once more the illegality of Israel's decision of 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan, which has resulted in the effective annexation of that territory,

"Reaffirming that the acquisition of territory by force is inadmissible under the Charter of the United Nations,

"Recalling the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,1/

"Reaffirming the applicability of the said Convention to the occupied Syrian Golan,

"Bearing in mind Security Council resolution 237 (1967) of 14 June 1967,

"1. Condemns Israel, the occupying Power, for its refusal to comply with the relevant resolutions on the occupied Syrian Golan, and in particular Security Council resolution 497 (1981), in which the Council, inter alia, decided that the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Arab Golan was null and void and without international legal effect and demanded that Israel, the occupying Power, should rescind forthwith its decisions;

"2. Also condemns the persistence of Israel in changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and in particular the establishment of settlements;

"3. Determines that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken or to be taken by Israel, the occupying Power, that purport to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan are null and void, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and have no legal effect;

"4. Denounces attempts by Israel forcibly to impose Israeli citizenship and Israeli identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan, and calls upon it to desist from its repressive measures against the population of the occupied Syrian Golan;

"5. Deplores the violations by Israel of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949;

"6. Calls once again upon Member States not to recognize any of the legislative or administrative measures and actions referred to above;

"7. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 85 in favour,

1 against, 68 abstentions

Notes

1/ United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973.

2/ Resolution 217 A (III).

3/ Resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.

4/ A/48/96, A/48/278 and A/48/557.

5/ A/48/537, A/48/538, A/48/539, A/48/540, A/48/541, A/48/542

and A/48/543.

6/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.

7/ Ibid., Nos. 970-973.

8/ A/48/542.

IV. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS TEN RESOLUTIONS ON THE

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR

PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA)

The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) reported to the plenary on 10 December 1993 on its consideration of agenda item 85 entitled "United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East". (The Fourth Committee report is contained in A/48/646; the plenary consideration of the item is in A/48/PV.75; for a description of the reports submitted under this item, see the October 1993 issue of this bulletin.)

The Assembly adopted the following 10 resolutions recommended by the Fourth Committee:

48/40. United Nations Relief and Works Agency

for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Assistance to Palestine refugees

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 47/69 of 14 December 1992 and all its previous resolutions on the question, including resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948,

"Taking note of the report of the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, covering the period from 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993,1/ and, in particular, the hope expressed by the Commissioner-General "that this report covers an era which is gone forever",

"Welcoming the signature by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, including its Annexes, and its Agreed Minutes, at Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993,2/

"1. Notes with regret that repatriation or compensation of the refugees, as provided for in paragraph 11 of General Assembly resolution 194 (III), has not yet been effected and that, therefore, the situation of the refugees continues to be a matter of concern;

"2. Expresses its thanks to the Commissioner-General and to all the staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, recognizing that the Agency is doing all it can within the limits of available resources, and also expresses its thanks to the specialized agencies and to private organizations for their valuable work in assisting the refugees;

"3. Requests that the headquarters of the Agency should be transferred as soon as practicable to its area of operations;

"4. Notes with regret that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been unable to find a means of achieving progress in the implementation of paragraph 11 of General Assembly resolution 194 (III),3/ and requests the Commission to exert continued efforts towards the implementation of that paragraph and to report to the Assembly as appropriate, but no later than 1 September 1994;

"5. Notes that the new context created by the Israeli-Palestinian accord of 13 September 1993 will have major consequences for the activities of the Agency, which is henceforth called upon, within the framework of strengthened cooperation with the specialized agencies and the World Bank, to make a decisive contribution towards giving a fresh impetus to the economic and social stability of the occupied territories, and notes also that the functioning of the Agency remains essential throughout its area of operations;

"6. Welcomes the results of the International Donors Conference to Support Middle East Peace, held on 1 October 1993, concerning urgent financial and economic assistance in support of the Israeli-Palestinian accord, and urges all Member States to extend aid and assistance with a view to the economic development of the occupied territories;

"7. Directs attention to the continuing seriousness of the financial position of the Agency, as outlined in the report of the Commissioner-General;

"8. Notes with profound concern that, despite the commendable and successful efforts of the Commissioner-General to collect additional contributions, the increased level of income to the Agency is still insufficient to cover essential budget requirements in the current year and that, at the currently foreseen levels of contributions, deficits will recur each year;

"9. Calls upon all Governments, as a matter of urgency, to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the anticipated needs of the Agency, and therefore urges non-contributing Governments to contribute regularly and contributing Governments to consider increasing their regular contributions."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 159 in favour,

none against, 2 abstentions

Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations

Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 2656 (XXV) of 7 December 1970, 2728 (XXV) of 15 December 1970, 2791 (XXVI) of 6 December 1971, 47/69 B of 14 December 1992 and the previous resolutions on this question,

"Recalling also its decision 36/462 of 16 March 1982, whereby it took note of the special report of the Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East,4/

"Having considered the report of the Working Group,5/

"Taking into account the report of the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, covering the period from 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993,1/

"Deeply concerned about the critical financial situation of the Agency, which has affected and affects the continuation of the provision of the necessary Agency services to the Palestine refugees, including the emergency-related programmes,

"Emphasizing the continuing need for extraordinary efforts in order to maintain, at least at the present minimum level, the activities of the Agency, as well as to enable the Agency to carry out essential construction,

"1. Commends the Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for its efforts to assist in ensuring the financial security of the Agency;

"2. Takes note with approval of the report of the Working Group;

"3. Requests the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General, for the financing of the Agency for a further period of one year;

"4. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the necessary services and assistance to the Working Group for the conduct of its work."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

without a vote

Assistance to persons displaced as a result

of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 47/69 C of 14 December 1992 and all its previous resolutions on the question,

"Concerned about the continued human suffering resulting from the hostilities in the Middle East,

"1. Reaffirms its resolution 47/69 C and all its previous resolutions on the question;

"2. Endorses, bearing in mind the objectives of those resolutions, the efforts of the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to continue to provide humanitarian assistance as far as practicable, on an emergency basis and as a temporary measure, to other persons in the area who are at present displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities;

"3. Strongly appeals to all Governments and to organizations and individuals to contribute generously for the above purposes to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and to the other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

without a vote

Offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher

education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 212 (III) of 19 November 1948 on assistance to Palestine refugees,

"Recalling also its resolutions 35/13 B of 3 November 1980, 36/146 H of 16 December 1981, 37/120 D of 16 December 1982, 38/83 D of 15 December 1983, 39/99 D of 14 December 1984, 40/165 D of 16 December 1985, 41/69 D of 3 December 1986, 42/69 D of 2 December 1987, 43/57 D of 6 December 1988, 44/47 D of 8 December 1989, 45/73 D of 11 December 1990, 46/46 D of 9 December 1991 and 47/69 D of 14 December 1992,

"Cognizant of the fact that the Palestine refugees have, for the last four decades, lost their homes, lands and means of livelihood,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,6/

"Having also considered the report of the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, covering the period from 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993,1/

"1. Urges all States to respond to the appeal contained in its resolution 32/90 F of 13 December 1977 and reiterated in subsequent relevant resolutions in a manner commensurate with the needs of Palestine refugees for higher education, including vocational training;

"2. Strongly appeals to all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships to Palestine refugees, in addition to their contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East;

"3. Expresses its appreciation to all Governments, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations that responded favourably to its resolutions 41/69 D, 42/69 D, 43/57 D, 44/47 D, 45/73 D, 46/46 D and 47/69 D;

"4. Invites the relevant specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system to continue, within their respective spheres of competence, to extend assistance for higher education to Palestine refugee students;

"5. Appeals to all States, specialized agencies and the United Nations University to contribute generously to the Palestinian universities in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including, in due course, the proposed University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees;

"6. Also appeals to all States, specialized agencies and other international bodies to contribute towards the establishment of vocational training centres for Palestine refugees;

"7. Requests the Agency to act as the recipient and trustee for the special allocations for grants and scholarships and to award them to qualified Palestine refugee candidates;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 161 in favour,

none against, 1 abstention

Palestine refugees in the Palestinian territory

occupied by Israel since 1967

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling Security Council resolution 237 (1967) of 14 June 1967,

"Recalling also its resolutions 2792 C (XXVI) of 6 December 1971, 2963 C (XXVII) of 13 December 1972, 3089 C (XXVIII) of 7 December 1973, 3331 D (XXIX) of 17 December 1974, 3419 C (XXX) of 8 December 1975, 31/15 E of 23 November 1976, 32/90 C of 13 December 1977, 33/112 E of 18 December 1978, 34/52 F of 23 November 1979, 35/13 F of 3 November 1980, 36/146 A of 16 December 1981, 37/120 E and I of 16 December 1982, 38/83 E and J of 15 December 1983, 39/99 E and J of 14 December 1984, 40/165 E and J of 16 December 1985, 41/69 E and J of 3 December 1986, 42/69 E and J of 2 December 1987, 43/57 E of 6 December 1988, 44/47 E of 8 December 1989, 45/73 E of 11 December 1990, 46/46 E of 9 December 1991 and 47/69 E of 14 December 1992,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,7/

"Recalling the provisions of paragraph 11 of its resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948, and considering that measures to resettle Palestine refugees in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 away from their homes and property from which they were displaced constitute a violation of their inalienable right of return,

"Alarmed by the reports received from the Commissioner-General that the Israeli occupying authorities, in contravention of the obligation of Israel under international law, persist in their policy of demolishing shelters occupied by refugee families,

"1. Demands once again that Israel desist from the removal and resettlement of Palestine refugees in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and from the destruction of their shelters;

"2. Requests the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to address the acute situation of the Palestine refugees in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and accordingly to extend all the services of the Agency to those refugees;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General, in cooperation with the Commissioner-General, to resume issuing identification cards to all Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory, irrespective of whether or not they are recipients of rations and services of the Agency;

"4. Also requests the Secretary-General, after consulting with the Commissioner-General, to report to the General Assembly, before the opening of its forty-ninth session, on the implementation of the present resolution and, in particular, on the compliance of Israel with paragraph 1 above."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 157 in favour,

2 against, no abstentions

Return of population and refugees displaced since 1967

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling Security Council resolution 273 (1967) of 14 June 1967,

"Recalling also its resolutions 2252 (ES-V) of 4 July 1967, 2452 A (XXIII) of 19 December 1968, 2535 B (XXIV) of 10 December 1969, 2672 D (XXV) of 8 December 1970, 2792 E (XXVI) of 6 December 1971, 2963 C and D (XXVII) of 13 December 1972, 3089 C (XXVIII) of 7 December 1973, 3331 D (XXIX) of 17 December 1974, 3419 C (XXX) of 8 December 1975, 31/15 D of 23 November 1976, 32/90 E of 13 December 1977, 33/112 F of 18 December 1978, 34/52 E of 23 November 1979, ES-7/2 of 29 July 1980, 35/13 E of 3 November 1980, 36/146 B of 16 December 1981, 37/120 G of 16 December 1982, 38/83 G of 15 December 1983, 39/99 G of 14 December 1984, 40/165 G of 16 December 1985, 41/69 G of 3 December 1986, 42/69 G of 2 December 1987, 43/57 G of 6 December 1988, 44/47 G of 8 December 1989, 45/73 G of 11 December 1990, 46/46 G of 9 December 1991 and 47/69 G of 14 December 1992,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,8/

"Noting the relevant provisions of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, including its Annexes, and its Agreed Minutes, signed at Washington, D.C. on 13 September 1993 by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization,2/

"1. Reaffirms the inalienable right of all displaced inhabitants to return to their homes or former places of residence in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967;

"2. Calls upon Israel to accelerate the necessary steps for the unimpeded return of all displaced inhabitants;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General, after consulting with the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, to report to the General Assembly, before the opening of its forty-ninth session, on the compliance of Israel with paragraph 2 above."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 152 in favour,

2 against, 5 abstentions

Revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 35/13 A to F of 3 November 1980, 36/146 C of 16 December 1981, 37/120 H of 16 December 1982, 38/83 H of 15 December 1983, 39/99 H of 14 December 1984, 40/165 H of 16 December 1985, 41/69 H of 3 December 1986, 42/69 H of 2 December 1987, 43/57 H of 6 December 1988, 44/47 H of 8 December 1989, 45/73 H of 11 December 1990, 46/46 H of 9 December 1991, 47/69 H of 14 December 1992 and all its previous resolutions on the question, including resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948,

"Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General,9/

"Taking note also of the report of the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, covering the period from 1 September 1992 to 31 August 1993,10/

"Recalling that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 11/ and the principles of international law uphold the principle that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her private property,

"Considering that the Palestine Arab refugees are entitled to their property and to the income derived therefrom, in conformity with the principles of justice and equity,

"Recalling in particular its resolution 394 (V) of 14 December 1950, in which it directed the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, in consultation with the parties concerned, to prescribe measures for the protection of the rights, property and interests of the Palestine Arab refugees,

"Taking note of the completion of the programme of identification and evaluation of Arab property, as announced by the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine in its twenty-second progress report,12/ and of the fact that the Land Office had a schedule of Arab owners and file of documents defining the location, area and other particulars of Arab property,

"1. Requests the Secretary-General to take all appropriate steps, in consultation with the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, for the protection of Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel and to establish a fund for the receipt of income derived therefrom, on behalf of the rightful owners;

"2. Calls once more upon Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in the implementation of the present resolution;

"3. Calls upon the Governments of all the other Member States concerned to provide the Secretary-General with any pertinent information in their possession concerning Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel, which would assist the Secretary-General in the implementation of the present resolution;

"4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 114 in favour,

2 against, 44 abstentions

Protection of Palestine refugees

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling in particular recent Security Council resolutions 605 (1987) of 22 December 1987, 607 (1988) of 5 January 1988, 608 (1988) of 14 January 1988, 636 (1989) of 6 July 1989, 641 (1989) of 30 August 1989, 672 (1990) of 12 October 1990, 673 (1990) of 24 October 1990, 681 (1990) of 20 December 1990, 694 (1991) of 24 May 1991 and 726 (1992) of 6 January 1992,

"Also recalling its resolutions ES-7/5 of 26 June 1982, ES-7/6 and ES-7/8 of 19 August 1982, ES-7/9 of 24 September 1982, 37/120 J of 16 December 1982, 38/83 I of 15 December 1983, 39/99 I of 14 December 1984, 40/165 I of 16 December 1985, 41/69 I of 3 December 1986, 42/69 I of 2 December 1987, 43/21 of 3 November 1988, 43/57 I of 6 December 1988, 44/47 I of 8 December 1989, 45/73 I of 11 December 1990, 46/46 I of 9 December 1991 and 47/69 I of 14 December 1992,

"Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General dated 21 January 1988, submitted in accordance with Security Council resolution 605 (1987),13/ the report dated 31 October 1990, submitted in accordance with Council resolution 672 (1990),14/ and the report dated 9 April 1991, submitted in accordance with Council resolution 681 (1990),15/

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,16/

"Concerned about the situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

"Taking into account the need to consider measures for the impartial protection of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation,

"Referring to the humanitarian principles of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949 17/ and to the obligations arising from the regulations annexed to The Hague Convention IV of 1907,18/

"Deeply distressed that, notwithstanding the improved security situation owing to the deployment of the Lebanese army, the Palestinian and Lebanese population are still suffering from continuing Israeli acts of aggression against Lebanon and from other hostile acts,

"1. Holds Israel responsible for the security of the Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and calls upon it to fulfil its obligations as the occupying Power in this regard, in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949;17/

"2. Calls upon all the High Contracting Parties to the Convention to take appropriate measures to ensure respect by Israel, the occupying Power, for the Convention in all circumstances, in conformity with their obligation under article 1 thereof;

"3. Urges the Security Council to remain seized of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory;

"4. Urges the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to continue their efforts in support of the upholding of the safety and security and the legal and human rights of the Palestine refugees in all the territories under Israeli occupation since 1967;

"5. Calls once again upon Israel to desist forthwith from acts of aggression against the Lebanese and Palestinian population in Lebanon, in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law;

"6. Demands that Israel, the occupying Power, release forthwith all arbitrarily detained Palestine refugees, including the employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East;

"7. Calls once again upon Israel to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from the invasion of Lebanon by Israel in 1982, without prejudice to the responsibility of the latter for all damages resulting from that invasion, as well as for other damages resulting from the policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied Palestinian territory;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Commissioner-General, to report to the General Assembly, before the opening of its forty-ninth session, on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 153 in favour,

2 against, 6 abstentions

University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 36/146 G of 16 December 1981, 37/120 C of 16 December 1982, 38/83 K of 15 December 1983, 39/99 K of 14 December 1984, 40/165 D and K of 16 December 1985, 41/69 K of 3 December 1986, 42/69 K of 2 December 1987, 43/57 J of 6 December 1988, 44/47 J of 8 December 1989, 45/73 J of 11 December 1990, 46/46 J of 9 December 1991 and 47/69 J of 14 December 1992,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,19/

"1. Emphasizes the need for strengthening the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 5 June 1967, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need for the establishment of the proposed university;

"2. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary measures for establishing the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds", in accordance with General Assembly resolution 35/13 B of 3 November 1980, giving due consideration to the recommendations consistent with the provisions of that resolution;

"3. Calls once more upon Israel, the occupying Power, to cooperate in the implementation of the present resolution and to remove the hindrances that it has put in the way of establishing the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds";

"4. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the progress made in the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 156 in favour,

2 against, 2 abstentions

Protection of Palestinian students and educational institutions and

safeguarding of the security of the facilities of the

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees

in the Near East in the occupied Palestinian territories

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling Security Council resolution 605 (1987) of 22 December 1987,

"Recalling also its resolutions 43/21 of 3 November 1988, 43/57 I of 6 December 1988, 44/2 of 6 October 1989, 44/47 K of 8 December 1989, 45/73 K of 11 December 1990, 46/46 K of 9 December 1991 and 47/69 K of 14 December 1992,

"Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General dated 21 January 1988, submitted in accordance with Security Council resolution 605 (1987),13/the report dated 31 October 1990, submitted in accordance with Council resolution 672 (1990) of 12 October 1990,14/ and the report dated 9 April 1991, submitted in accordance with Council resolution 681 (1990) of 20 December 1990,15/

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,20/

"Taking note, in particular, of section 4 of that report, in particular paragraphs 88 and 89,

"Concerned about the situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

"1. Condemns the repeated Israeli raids on the premises and installations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to refrain from such raids;

"2. Deplores the policy and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, which have led to the prolonged closure of educational and vocational institutions, a large number of which are operated by the Agency, and the repeated disruption of medical services;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 10 December 1993

by a vote of 159 in favour,

2 against, no abstentions

Notes

1/ A/48/13 and Add.1 and Add.1/Corr.1.

2/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.

3/ See A/48/474, annex.

4/ A/36/866 and Corr.1; see also A/37/591.

5/ A/48/554.

6/ A/48/372.

7/ A/48/373.

8/ A/48/375.

9/ A/48/275.

10/ A/48/474.

11/ Resolution 217 A (III).

12/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Nineteenth Session,Annexes, annex No. 11, document A/5700.

13 S/19443; see Official Records of the Security Council, Forty-third Year, Supplement for January, February and March 1988, document S/19443.

14/ S/21919 and Corr.1; see Official Records of the Security Council,Forty-fifth Year, Supplement for October, November and, December 1990, document S/21919.

15/ S/22472; see Official Records of the Security Council, Forty-sixth Year, Supplement for April, May and June 1991, document S/22472.

16/ A/48/376.

17/ United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973.

18/ Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, The Hague Conventions and Declarations of 1899 and 1907 (New York, Oxford University Press, 1915), p. 100.

19/ A/48/431.

20/ A/48/377.

V. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS TWO RESOLUTIONS ON ISRAELI

SETTLEMENTS AND ON ASSISTANCE TO THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

At its session held from 28 June to 30 July 1993, the Economic and Social Council adopted three resolutions and one decision on the question of Palestine. The texts of these resolutions are contained in the July 1993 issue of this bulletin.

On 21 December 1993, the General Assembly considered the report of the Secretary-General on Assistance to the Palestinian People (A/48/183 and Add.1) and the report of the Economic and Social Council (A/48/3), and adopted two resolutions on this issue. The text of resolutions, with the indication of the vote, is given below.

48/212. Economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements

on the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territory,

including Jerusalem, occupied since 1967, and on the

Arab population of the Syrian Golan

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 47/172 of 22 December 1992,

"Taking note of Economic and Social Council resolution 1993/52 of 29 July 1993,

"Reaffirming the principle of the permanent sovereignty of people under foreign occupation over their national resources,

"Guided by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, affirming the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force and recalling Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 497 (1981) of 17 December 1981,

"Recalling also Security Council resolution 465 (1980) of 1 March 1980 and other resolutions affirming the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949 1/ to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967,

"Aware of the negative and grave economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements on the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and on the Arab population of the Syrian Golan,

"Welcoming the ongoing Middle East peace process started at Madrid, and in particular the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, including its Annexes, and its Agreed Minutes, by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, in Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993,2/

"1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;3/

"2. Reaffirms that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, are illegal and an obstacle to economic and social development;

"3. Recognizes the economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements on the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and on the Arab population of the Syrian Golan;

"4. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and the population of the Syrian Golan to their natural and all other economic resources, and regards any infringement thereof as being illegal;

"5. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session, through the Economic and Social Council, a report on the progress made in the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 21 December 1993

by a vote of 143 in favour,

3 against, 13 abstentions

Notes

1/ United Nations Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973.

2/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.

3/ A/48/188-E/1993/78.

48/213. Assistance to the Palestinian People

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 47/170, of 22 December 1992,

"Gravely concerned over the difficult economic and employment conditions facing the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Territory,

"Conscious of the need for improvement in the economic and social infrastructure of the Occupied Territory and in the living conditions of the Palestinian people,

"Aware that development is difficult under occupation and best promoted in circumstances of peace and stability,

"Noting, in the light of the recent developments, the great economic and social challenges facing the Palestinian people and their leadership,

"Conscious of the urgent necessity for international assistance to the Palestinian people, taking into account the Palestinian priorities,

"Noting the convening of the United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization from 26 to 29 April 1993,

"Stressing the need for the full engagement of the United Nations in the process of building Palestinian institutions and in providing broad assistance to the Palestinian people,

"Welcoming the convening of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, held in Washington, D.C., on 1 October 1993, and the establishment of the high-level United Nations task force to support the economic and social development of the Palestinian people,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,2/

"1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;

"2. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his rapid response and efforts regarding assistance to the Palestinian people;

"3. Expresses its appreciation to the Member States, United Nations bodies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that have provided and continue to provide assistance to the Palestinian people;

"4. Welcomes the results of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, convened in Washington, D.C., on 1 October 1993;

"5. Urges Member States, international financial institutions of the United Nations system, international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and regional and interregional organizations to extend, as rapidly and as generously as possible, economic and social assistance to the Palestinian people in order to assist in the development of the West Bank and Gaza, and to do so in close cooperation with the Palestine Liberation Organization and through official Palestinian institutions;

"6. Considers that an active United Nations role in assisting in the implementation of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, including its Annexes, and its Agreed Minutes, can make a positive contribution;

"7. Calls upon relevant organizations and agencies of the United Nations system to intensify their assistance in response to the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, and to improve coordination through an appropriate mechanism under the auspices of the Secretary-General;

"8. Urges Member States to open their markets to exports from the West Bank and Gaza on the most favourable terms, consistent with appropriate trading rules;

"9. Suggests the convening in 1993/94, under the appropriate United Nations auspices, of a seminar on Palestinian trade and investment needs in light of the new developments;

"10. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the coordinated work of the United Nations system for an adequate response to the needs of the Palestinian people and to mobilize financial, technical, economic and other assistance;

"11. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session, through the Economic and Social Council, on the implementation of the present resolution, containing:

"(a) An assessment of the assistance actually received by the Palestinian people;

"(b) An assessment of the needs still unmet and specific proposals for responding effectively to them;

"12. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its forty-ninth session an item entitled `Assistance to the Palestinian people'."

Adopted on 21 December 1993

without a vote

Notes

1/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.

2/ A/48/183-E/1993/74 and Add.1.

VI. INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS

ASSISTANCE TO SMALL FARMERS IN GAZA AND JERICHO

The following press release was issued by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on 20 September 1993 (See IFAD/6835):

"The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) announced its intention to extend development aid to assist poor and disadvantaged farmers in the occupied territories, particularly in Gaza and Jericho. The announcement was made at the end of the forty-ninth session of the Fund's Executive Board held in Rome on 15 and 16 September 1993.

"The Board endorsed the proposal made by Mr. Fawzi Hamad Al-Sultan, President of IFAD, to begin research for the identification of small farmers' requirements, needs and means to improve agricultural production in Gaza and Jericho. The Executive Board authorized President Al-Sultan to submit specific proposals to extend grants of up to $ 3 million for development programmes in the near future."

VII. JAPAN ANNOUNCES $16.5 MILLION CONTRIBUTION TO UNRWA

PEACE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

AND UNRWA SIGN 1993-1995 ASSISTANCE CONVENTION

The following press release was issued by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on 14 December 1993 (See PAL/1809):

"Japan has announced a contribution of $16.5 million for projects in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Peace Implementation Programme 'to improve living conditions for the Palestinian people, particularly housing in the occupied territory'. Ambassador Kunisada Kume, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations Office in Vienna, informed UNRWA Commissioner-General Ilter Türkmen of the contribution at UNRWA headquarters in Vienna today.

"`This contribution is the first step in implementing Japan's $200 million programme of assistance to Palestinians over the next two years pledged by Prime Minister Hosokawa at the United Nations General Assembly in September', Ambassador Kume said. The Commissioner-General thanked Japan `for the largest contribution to the Agency's Peace Implementation Programme to date'.

"UNRWA launched its Peace Implementation Programme on 6 October and has already identified nearly 100 short-term projects worth some $100 million in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that can be implemented during the initial phase of the transition period. The Programme aims to enhance services, improve basic physical and social services infrastructure and create new employment opportunities for the estimated 40 per cent of the work force in Gaza and the West Bank which has been idle since the closure of the occupied territory in late March. The scope of the Programme also includes projects for Palestine refugees living in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria."

On 20 December 1993, UNRWA issued the following press release (See PAL/1810):

"The eighth Convention between the European Community and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for assistance to Palestine refugees for 1993-1995 was signed in Brussels on 17 December, providing for approximately $106 million in cash assistance to the Agency's education, health and food assistance programmes. The assistance was an increase of 16 per cent over the previous three-year Convention. The European Community and its member States provide about 54 per cent of UNRWA's budget.

"The European Community has also undertaken to contribute a substantial amount of in-kind assistance, as in previous years. The exact amount of such assistance would be established on an annual basis. During 1993, the Community's in-kind contribution was approximately $35 million.

"The UNRWA Commissioner-General, Ilter Türkmen, represented the Agency at the signing ceremony. The Commission of the European Community was represented by the Director of the Mediterranean, Near East and Middle East Directorate, Eberhard Rhein. The Permanent Representative of Belgium, Jan De Bock, signed the Convention on behalf of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

"On 18 October, UNRWA and the European Community broke ground for the new 232-bed Gaza General Hospital, the first new hospital to be constructed there in more than 25 years. The construction costs of the hospital, estimated at more than $20 million, are being met by a special contribution from the European Community.

"Following the signing of the Declaration of Principles by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel on 13 September in Washington, D.C., the European Community pledged approximately $2.05 million to rehabilitate refugee shelters in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, as well as $195,000 for the implementation of a food storage programme in the West Bank."

VIII. CHAIRMAN OF PLO SEEKS UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE

IN ESTABLISHING PALESTINIAN POLICE ACADEMY

The following statement was issued on 14 December 1993 by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General (See SG/SM/5179):

"Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali received yesterday evening the Permanent Observer for Palestine, Dr. Nasser Al-Kidwa, who delivered to the Secretary-General a hand-written letter from Mr. Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, requesting the assistance of the United Nations in the establishment of a Palestinian Police Academy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

"The Secretary-General informed Dr. Al-Kidwa that this request would be considered within the context of the aid programme which the United Nations system is providing, to contribute to the implementation of the Palestinian-Israeli Declaration of Principles. He added that efforts would soon begin to raise the funding needed for these activities."

IX. EXCERPT FROM THE FINAL COMMUNIQUE ADOPTED BY THE

SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL

AT ITS FOURTEENTH SESSION, 20-22 DECEMBER 1993

"The current Arab situation

"The Supreme Council has followed developments in the Middle East peace process with keen interest. It welcomes the signing of the Declaration of Principles by the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel as a first step towards the attainment of a just, comprehensive and lasting solution of the question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), the principle of land for peace, a complete Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, especially the Holy City of Jerusalem, and the establishment of firm foundations for security and stability in the Middle East. Accordingly, the Council expresses the hope that the current negotiations will lead to substantial progress in all spheres.

"It urges the international community to persuade Israel to end its occupation of the Syrian Golan and to implement Security Council resolution 425 (1978), which calls for Israel's withdrawal from all Lebanese territory." (See A/49/56-S/26926)

X. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION

1. Middle East Dialogue (December 1993), is available from 20 Forth Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3LH, UK. Fax: +44 (0) 31 557 9996. The publication contains views of its readers and other contributors to provide an ongoing and balanced debate on Middle East issues. The issue includes an article on the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

2. Pacific Institute Report (Winter 1993), which includes an article entitled "The Politics and Science of Water in the Middle East", is published by the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security, 1204 Preservation Park Way, Oakland, California 94612.

3. The Other Front, weekly bulletin on developments in Israeli society, available from: The Alternative Information Centre, P.O. Box 24278, Jerusalem. (Issues on hand: Nov. 10, December 1 and 8, 22 and 29).

4. News from Within, newsletter of the Alternative Information Centre, P.O. Box 31417, Jerusalem. Volume IX, No. 10 includes articles analyzing the Palestinian-Israeli Agreement and statements and articles on human rights and economic concerns raised by the Agreement. Volume IX, No. 12 includes articles on IDF-Settler violence; an opinion on the Agreement; municipal elections; and an agenda for NGO support for Palestinian economic independence.

5. Development and Socio-Economic Progress, is published quarterly by the Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Organization (AAPSO), 89 Abdel Aziz Al-Saoud Street, 11559-61 Manial El-Roda, Cairo, Egypt. Fax (202) 363 7361. The publication includes articles on women's rights in the Arab world; report on an Arab conference on human rights; and Arab-Israeli Balance of Military Power in the Context of Development.

6. Middle East International, No. 464, 3 December 1993 and No. 465, 17 December 1993. A biweekly publication, available from P.O. Box 53365, Temple Heights Station, Washington, D.C. 20009, United States of America. The publication includes comprehensive news analysis on negotiations, feature articles on leading personalities in the peace talks as well as news from Middle Eastern countries and the rest of the international community.

7. April 17, No. 4/5, December 1993. A quarterly publication by the Alternative Information Centre, P.O. Box 31417, Jerusalem. The publication provides information about Palestinian political prisoners as well as the work of Palestinian organizations and Israeli human rights groups in support of political prisoners.

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DPR Monthly Bulletin – Vol. XVI, No. 12 – CEIRPP, DPR bulletin (December 1993) – DPR publication

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DPR Monthly Bulletin – Vol. XVI, No. 12 – CEIRPP, DPR bulletin (December 1993) – DPR publication

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