DPR Monthly Bulletin – Vol. XVIII, No. 10 – CEIRPP, DPR bulletin (December 1995) – DPR publication

 

---

December 1995

Volume XVIII, Bulletin No. 10

Contents

I.  GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS FOUR RESOLUTIONS

ON THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE

The General Assembly considered item 42, entitled "Question of Palestine", at three plenary meetings held on 29 and 30 November and 15 December 1995.  For excerpts from the two reports under the item, contained in documents A/50/35 and A/50/725-S/1995/930, as well as the text of the two statements introducing the debate on the item, see the November 1995 issue of this bulletin; for the verbatim records of the plenary consideration of the item, see A/50/PV.74, 75 and 93.  

The statement by Ambassador Ravan Farhadi, Acting Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People introducing draft resolutions A/50/L.47 to 50 is reproduced below, based on the translated verbatim record contained in document A/50/PV.93.

The four resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on 15 December 1995 under the item are also reproduced below, with an indication of the vote.  Voting details will be given in a document to be issued by the Division for Palestinian Rights with the symbol A/AC.183/L.2/Add.16.

"(interpretation from French): On behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, I have the honour to introduce the four draft resolutions A/50/L.47, A/50/L.48, A/50/L.49 and A/50/L.50 on the question of Palestine. These draft resolutions have been drawn up in the light of recent progress in the peace process, which the Committee has welcomed with satisfaction and has supported. At the outset, allow me to announce that Guyana has joined as a sponsor of the four draft resolutions.

"The first three draft resolutions A/50/L.47, A/50/L.48 and A/50/L.49 renew the mandates of the Committee, the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat and the Secretariat's Department of Public Information to continue their endeavours and programmes in their respective spheres of competence while taking current developments into consideration. The corresponding financial provision has been made in the programme budget for 1996-1997.

"In draft resolution A/50/L.47, the Assembly welcomes the signing of the Declaration of Principles and the subsequent implementation agreements, including the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip of 28 September 1995, and reaffirms 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.

"As members can see in the text, the General Assembly believes that the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People can continue to make a valuable and positive contribution to international efforts to promote the effective implementation of the Declaration of Principles and to mobilize international support and assistance to the Palestinian people during the transitional period. The Assembly endorses the recommendations of the Committee contained in its report and 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 to the Security Council as appropriate. It also authorizes the Committee to continue to make every effort to promote the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to make the adjustments in its programme of work it may consider appropriate and necessary in the 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 fifty-first session and thereafter. The Assembly also requests the Committee to continue to assist non-governmental organizations and to take the necessary steps to involve additional non-governmental organizations in its work.

"In draft resolution A/50/L.48, which deals with the work of the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat, the General Assembly confirms that the Division continues to make a useful and constructive contribution through the organization of seminars and meetings of non-governmental organizations, as well as through its various informational activities, and requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide the Division for Palestinian Rights with the necessary resources in accordance with existing mandates.

"In draft resolution A/50/L.49, which deals with the work of the Department of Public Information, the General Assembly considers that the special information programme on the question of Palestine is very useful in raising the international community's awareness of the question of Palestine and the situation in the Middle East in general and requests the Department, acting in full cooperation and coordination with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, to continue that programme with the necessary flexibility as may be required by developments, with particular emphasis on public opinion in Europe and North America.

"Draft resolution A/50/L.50 is entitled Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine. In the draft resolution, the General Assembly reaffirms the need to find a peaceful settlement of all aspects of the question of Palestine, which is at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Assembly expresses its full support for the peace process that began in Madrid and the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, as well as the subsequent implementation agreements; expresses the hope that the process will lead to the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East; and, finally, calls for the timely and scrupulous implementation of the agreements towards the negotiation of the final settlement.

"The General Assembly stresses the need for the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to self-determination, and for the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. It also stresses the need for resolving the problem of the Palestine refugees in conformity with General Assembly resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948; urges Member States to expedite the provision of economic and technical assistance to the Palestinian people during this critical period; emphasizes the importance 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, including the monitoring of the forthcoming Palestinian elections; and 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.

"The four draft resolutions I have just introduced were formulated with a firm resolve to contribute to the current peace process and to make real progress towards a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. A number of delegations, representing the view of the majority of the members of the international community on the question of Palestine, have been consulted in the drafting of these texts.

"Convinced that it is now necessary not only to maintain but also to reinforce our solidarity with the Palestinian people, on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people, I invite all delegations present here to reaffirm their support for this objective and to adopt a constructive approach by voting in favour of the draft resolutions before the Assembly."

 "50/84.  Question of Palestine

"A

"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, 47/64 A of 11 December 1992, 48/158 A of 20 December 1993 and 49/62 A of 14 December 1994,

"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 in Washington on 13 September 1993, 2/ as well as the subsequent implementation agreements, in particular the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, signed at Cairo on 4 May 1994, 3/ and the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, signed in Washington on 28 September 1995,

"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 continue to 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 chapter VII of its report;

"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 the 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 fifty-first 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 non-governmental organizations in its work;

"7. Requests the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, established under resolution 194 (III), and other United Nations bodiits 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 15 December 1995

by a vote of 95 in favour to

2 against, with 52 abstentions

   "B

"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 chapter V.B 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, 47/64 B of 11 December 1992, 48/158 B of 20 December 1993 and 49/62 B of 14 December 1994,

"1. Notes with appreciation the action taken by the Secretary-General in compliance with its resolution 49/62 B;

"2. Considers that the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat continues to make a useful and constructive contribution through the organization of seminars and meetings of non-governmental organizations, as well as through its research and monitoring activities, the preparation of studies and publications and the collection and dissemination of information in printed and electronic form on all issues pertaining to the question of Palestine;

"3. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide the Division with the necessary resources, including for the further development of the United Nations information system on the question of Palestine, 4/ 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 36/120 B, paragraph 3 of resolution 38/58 B, paragraph 3 of resolution 40/96 B, paragraph 2 of resolution 42/66 B, paragraph 2 of resolution 44/41 B, paragraph 2 of resolution 46/74 B and paragraph 2 of resolution 48/158 B, in consultation with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and under its guidance;

"4. 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;

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

"6. 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 Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations."

Adopted on 15 December 1995

by a vote of 96 in favour to

2 against, with 53 abstentions

"C

"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 chapter VI of that report,

"Recalling its resolution 49/62 C of 14 December 1994,

"Convinced that the worldwide 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 by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in Washington on 13 September 1993, 2/ and of the subsequent implementation agreements, in particular the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip signed in Washington on 28 September 1995, and their positive implications,

"1. Notes with appreciation the action taken by the Department of Public Information of the Secretariat in compliance with resolution 49/62 C;

"2. Considers that the special information programme on the question of Palestine of the Department of Public Information is very useful in raising the awareness of the international community concerning the complexities of the question and the situation in the Middle East in general, including the achievements of the peace process, and that the programme is contributing effectively to an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and supportive of the peace process;

"3. Requests the Department, 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 1996-1997, 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 on 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 materials concerning the recent developments in that regard and, in particular, the achievements of the peace process;

"(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 territories under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority and 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 15 December 1995

by a vote of 142 in favour to

2 against, with 7 abstentions

"D

"Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its relevant resolutions,

"Recalling also the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 7 November 1995, submitted pursuant to the request made in its resolution 49/62 D of 14 December 1994, 5/

"Convinced that achieving a final and peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, is imperative for the attainment of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East,

"Aware that the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples is among the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

"Affirming the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war,

"Affirming also the illegality of the Israeli settlements in the territory occupied since 1967 and of Israeli actions aimed at changing the status of Jerusalem,

"Affirming once again the right of all States in the region to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders,

"Aware of the mutual recognition between the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative of the Palestinian people, and the signing by the two parties of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements 2/ in Washington on 13 September 1993, as well as the subsequent implementation agreements, including the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip signed in Washington on 28 September 1995,

"Noting with satisfaction the withdrawal of the Israeli army, which took place in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area in accordance with the agreements reached by the parties, and the initiation of the Palestinian Authority in those areas, as well as the beginning of the redeployment of the Israeli army in the rest of the West Bank,

"Aware also that the United Nations has participated as a full, extraregional participant in the work of the multilateral working groups of the Middle East peace process,

"Noting the appointment of the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories by the Secretary-General, and the positive contribution in this regard,

"Welcoming the convening of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace in Washington on 1 October 1993 and all follow-up meetings,

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

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

"3. Calls for the timely and scrupulous implementation of the agreements reached between the parties towards the negotiation of the final settlement;

"4. Stresses the need for:

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

"(b) The withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967;

"5. Stresses also the need for resolving the problem of the Palestine refugees in conformity with its resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948;

"6. Urges Member States to expedite the provision of economic and technical assistance to the Palestinian people during this critical period;

"7. Emphasizes the importance 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, including the monitoring of the forthcoming Palestinian elections;

"8. 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 15 December 1995

by a vote of 143 in favour to

3 against, with 3 abstentions

   "Notes

"1/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 35 (A/50/35).

  "2/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.

"3/ A/49/180-S/1994/727, annex.

"4/ See Official Records of the General Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 35 (A/50/35), para. 99.

"5/ A/50/725-S/1995/930.

II.  GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS THREE RESOLUTIONS

ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The General Assembly considered agenda item 44, entitled "The situation in the Middle East", at three plenary meetings held on 1 and 4 December 1995.  Under the item, the Secretary-General issued two brief reports on the implementation of the previous session's resolutions on Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan (A/50/574), containing information received from Member States, and on the peace effort (A/50/725-S/1995/930), containing replies from the Security Council and parties concerned as well as his observations.  For excerpts from the latter document, see the November 1995 issue of this bulletin; for the verbatim record of the meetings, see documents A/50/PV.76, 77 and 79.

On 4 December 1995, the General Assembly adopted three resolutions, reproduced below with an indication of the vote.  Voting details will be given in a document to be issued by the Division for Palestinian Rights with the symbol A/AC.183/L.2/Add.16.

         "50/21.  Middle East peace process

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 49/88 of 16 December 1994 and Economic and Social Council resolution 1995/52 of 28 July 1995,

"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 Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative of the Palestinian people, in Washington on 13 September 1993, 1/ and the subsequent Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, signed by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization at Cairo on 4 May 1994, 2/ their 29 August 1994 Agreement on the Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities, the Protocol on Further Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities signed by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization at Cairo on 27 August 1995, and the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, signed by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in Washington on 28 September 1995,

"Also bearing in mind the Agreement between Israel and Jordan on the Common Agenda, signed in Washington on 14 September 1993, the Washington Declaration, signed by Jordan and Israel on 25 July 1994, 3/ and the Treaty of Peace between the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of 26 October 1994, 4/

"Welcoming the Declaration of the Middle East/North Africa Economic Summit held at Casablanca from 30 October to 1 November 1994, 5/ as well as the Declaration of the Middle East/North Africa Economic Summit held at Amman from 29 to 31 October 1995,

"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 Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative of the Palestinian People, the subsequent Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, signed by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, their 29 August 1994 Agreement on the Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities, the Protocol on Further Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities signed by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization at Cairo on 27 August 1995, the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, signed by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in Washington on 28 September 1995, the Agreement between Israel and Jordan on the Common Agenda, the Washington Declaration, signed by Jordan and Israel on 25 July 1994, and the Treaty of Peace between the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of 26 October 1994, which constitute important steps in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and urges all parties to implement the agreements reached;

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

  "5. Welcomes the results of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, convened in Washington on 1 October 1993, including the establishment of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, and the subsequent work of the World Bank Consultative Group, welcomes also the appointment by the Secretary-General of the `United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories', and urges Member States to expedite economic, financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian people during the interim period;

"6. Calls upon all Member States to extend economic, financial and technical assistance to parties 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 areas where work has begun within the framework of the Madrid Conference."

Adopted on 4 December 1995

by a vote of 148 in favour to

4 against, with 1 abstention

"Notes

   "1/ A/48/486-S-26560, annex.

   "2/ A/49/180-S/1994/727, annex.

   "3/ A/49/300-S/1994/939, annex.

   "4/ A/50/73-S/1995/83, enclosure.

   "5/ A/49/645, annex."

    "50/22.  The situation in the Middle East

      "A

      "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, 47/63 B of 11 December 1992, 48/59 A of 14 December 1993 and 49/87 A of 16 December 1994, 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 24 October 1995, 1/

  "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 fifty-first session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 4 December 1995

by a vote of 133 in favour to

1 against, with 13 abstentions

    "B

     "The 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 24 October 1995, 1/

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

"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,

"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,

"Noting with satisfaction 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, with the hope that substantial and concrete progress will be achieved on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks for the realization of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region,

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

"2. Declares also that the Knesset decision of 11 November 1991 annexing the occupied Syrian Golan constitutes a grave violation of resolution 497 (1981) and therefore is null and void and has no validity whatsoever, and calls upon Israel to rescind it;

"3. Reaffirms its determination that all relevant provisions of the Regulations annexed to the Hague Convention 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;

"4. Determines once more that the continued occupation of the Syrian Golan and its de facto annexation constitute a stumbling-block in the way of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region;

"5. Demands once more that Israel withdraw from all the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of 4 June 1967 in implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions;

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

Adopted on 4 December 1995

by a vote of 66 in favour to

2 against, with 79 abstentions

"Notes

   "1/ A/50/574.

   "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 SEVEN RESOLUTIONS

ON THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY

FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA)

On 6 December 1995, the General Assembly considered the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 84, entitled "United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East" (A/50/605).  For the verbatim record of the plenary consideration of the item, see document A/50/PV.82; for a description of the reports submitted under the item, see the September/October 1995 issue of this bulletin.

The seven resolutions adopted by the General Assembly under the item, on the recommendation of the Fourth Committee, are reproduced below with an indication of the vote, where appropriate.  Voting details will be given in a document to be issued by the Division for Palestinian Rights with the symbol A/AC.183/L.2/Add.16.

"50/28. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

    "A

       "Assistance to Palestine refugees

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 49/35 A of 9 December 1994 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 1994 to 30 June 1995, 1/

"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 in Washington on 13 September 1993, 2/

"Welcoming also the signature by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization of the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in Washington on 28 September 1995,

"Commending the work of the Multilateral Working Group on Refugees of the Middle East peace process,

"1. Notes with regret that repatriation or compensation of the refugees, as provided for in paragraph 11 of its 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 refugees;

"3. 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 resolution 194 (III), 3/ and requests the Commission to exert continued efforts towards the implementation of that paragraph and to report to the General Assembly as appropriate, but not later than 1 September 1996;

"4. Notes the significant success of the peace implementation programme of the Agency since the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements;

"5. Urges all Member States to extend and expedite aid and assistance with a view to the economic and social development of the Palestinian people and the occupied territories;

"6. Notes the progress achieved to date in the transfer of the Agency's headquarters to its area of operations, and requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Commissioner-General, to present to the Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East an updated plan for the transfer;

"7. Reiterates its concern about 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 the structural deficit problem confronting the Agency portends an almost certain decline in the living conditions of Palestine refugees and therefore has possible consequences for the peace process;

"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, including the costs of moving the headquarters to Gaza, and urges non-contributing Governments to contribute regularly and contributing Governments to consider increasing their regular contributions;

"10. Decides to extend the mandate of the Agency until 30 June 1999, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 11 of resolution 194 (III)."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 145 in favour to

1 against, with 1 abstention

     "B

"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, 49/35 B of 9 December 1994 and the previous resolutions on this question,

"Recalling also its decision 36/462 of 16 March 1982, by which 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 1994 to 30 June 1995, 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 current 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 6 December 1995

without a vote

"C

"Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967

and subsequent hostilities

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 2252 (ES-V) of 4 July 1967, 2341 B (XXI) of 19 December 1967 and all subsequent related resolutions,

"Recalling also Security Council resolutions 237 (1967) of 14 June 1967 and 259 (1968) of 27 September 1968,

"Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General submitted in pursuance of its resolution 49/35 C of 9 December 1994, 6/

"Taking note also 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 1994 to 30 June 1995, 1/

"Concerned about the continuing human suffering resulting from the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities,

"Taking note of the relevant provisions of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, signed in Washington on 13 September 1993 by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, 2/ with regard to the modalities for the admission of persons displaced in 1967,

"1. Reaffirms the right of all persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967;

"2. Expresses the hope for an accelerated return of displaced persons through the mechanism agreed upon by the parties in article XII of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements;

"3. Endorses, in the meanwhile, 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 persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities;

"4. Strongly appeals to all Governments and to organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and to the other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned for the above purposes;

"5. Requests the Secretary-General, after consulting with the Commissioner-General, to report to the General Assembly before its fifty-first session on the progress made with regard to the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 147 in favour to

2 against, with no abstention

"D

   "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, 47/69 D of 14 December 1992, 48/40 D of 10 December 1993 and 49/35 D of 9 December 1994,

"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, 7/

"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 1994 to 30 June 1995, 1/

"1. Urges all States to respond to the appeal 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, 47/69 D, 48/40 D and 49/35 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. Appeals also 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 fifty-first session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 150 in favour to

none against, with 1 abstention

"E

"Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency

for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 194 (III) of 11 December 1948, 212 (III) of 19 November 1948, 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 and all subsequent related resolutions,

"Recalling also the relevant Security Council resolutions,

"Having 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 1994 to 30 June 1995, 1/

"Taking note of the letter dated 4 October 1995 from the Chairman of the Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East addressed to the Commissioner-General, contained in the report of the Commissioner-General,

"Having considered the reports of the Secretary-General submitted in pursuance of its resolutions 48/40 E, 8/ 48/40 H 9/ and 48/40 J 10/ of 10 December 1993 and 49/35 C of 9 December 1994, 6/

"Recalling Articles 100, 104 and 105 of the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, 11/

"Affirming the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, 12/ to the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem,

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

"Also aware of the continuing needs of Palestine refugees throughout the occupied Palestinian territory and in the other fields of operation, namely in Lebanon, Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic,

"Expressing its appreciation for the role which has been played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East over the years in the service of the Palestine refugees, and aware of the importance of its presence and the increase in its work in the new circumstances,

"Further aware of the valuable work done by the refugee affairs officers of the Agency in providing protection to the Palestinian people, in particular Palestine refugees,

"Deeply concerned about the critical financial situation of the Agency and its effect on the continuity of provision of necessary Agency services to the Palestine refugees, including the emergency-related programmes,

"Aware of the initiation of the new peace implementation programme of the Agency,

"Convinced of the necessity of the transfer of the headquarters of the Agency to the occupied Palestinian territory as part of the area of operation of the Agency,

"Welcoming the signing in Washington on 13 September 1993 of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, 2/ and the subsequent implementation agreements, including the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area signed at Cairo on 4 May 1994 13/ and the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip signed in Washington on 28 September 1995,

"Taking note of the agreement reached on 24 June 1994, embodied in an exchange of letters between the Agency and the Palestine Liberation Organization, 14/

"Recalling its decision 48/417 of 10 December 1993 on the establishment of a working relationship between the Advisory Commission of the Agency and the Palestine Liberation Organization,

"1. Expresses its appreciation to the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, as well as to all the staff of the Agency, for their tireless efforts and valuable work;

"2. Expresses its appreciation also to the Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and requests it to continue its efforts and to keep the General Assembly informed on its activities, including the full implementation of decision 48/417;

"3. Acknowledges the support of the host Governments and the Palestine Liberation Organization for the Agency in the discharge of its duties;

"4. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to accept the de jure applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, 12/ and to abide scrupulously by its provisions;

"5. Also calls upon Israel to abide by Articles 100, 104 and 105 of the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations 11/ with regard to the safety of the personnel of the Agency and the protection of its institutions and the safeguarding of the security of the facilities of the Agency in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem;

"6. Calls once again upon the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side;

"7. Requests the Commissioner-General to proceed with the issuance of identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory;

"8. Notes that the new context created by the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and subsequent implementation agreements has had major consequences for the activities of the Agency, which is henceforth called upon, in close cooperation with the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories, the specialized agencies and the World Bank, to continue to contribute towards the development of economic and social stability in the occupied territory;

"9. Notes also that the functioning of the Agency remains essential in all fields of operation;

"10. Notes further the significant success of the peace implementation programme of the Agency during the first year following the signing of the Declaration of Principles;

"11. Urges all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to continue and to increase their contributions to the Agency so as to ease current financial constraints and to support the Agency in maintaining the provision of the most basic and effective assistance to the Palestine refugees."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 146 in favour to

2 against, with 3 abstentions

   "F

    "Revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolutions 194 (III) of 11 December 1948, 36/146 C of 16 December 1981 and all its subsequent resolutions on the question,

"Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General in pursuance of resolution 49/35 F of 9 December 1994, 15/

"Taking note also of the report of the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine covering the period from 1 September 1994 to 31 August 1995, 3/

"Recalling that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 16/ 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 Conciliation Commission, 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 Conciliation Commission in its twenty-second progress report, 17/ 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 fifty-first session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 98 in favour to

2 against, with 48 abstentions

    "G

"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, 47/69 J of 14 December 1992, 48/40 I of 10 December 1993 and 49/35 G of 9 December 1994,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General, 18/

"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 1994 to 30 June 1995, 1/

"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 fifty-first session on the progress made in the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 148 in favour to

2 against, with 2 abstentions

"Notes

"1/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 13 and addendum and corrigendum (A/50/13 and Add.1 and Add.1/Corr.1).

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

"3/ A/50/500, annex.

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

"5/ A/50/491.

"6/ A/50/451.

"7/ A/50/450.

"8/ A/49/440.

"9/ A/40/442.

"10/ A/49/443.

"11/ Resolution 22 A (I).

"12/ United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973.

"13/ A/49/180-S/1994/727, annex.

"14/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-ninth Session, Supplement No. 13 (A/49/13), annex I.

"15/ A/50/428.

"16/ Resolution 217 A (III).

"17/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Nineteenth Session, Annexes, Annex No. 11, document A/5700.

"18/ A/50/531.

IV. 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

On 6 December 1995, the General Assembly considered the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 85, 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" (A/50/606). For the verbatim record of the plenary consideration of the item, see document A/50/PV.82; for a description of the reports submitted under the item, see the November 1995 issue of this bulletin.

The four resolutions adopted by the General Assembly under the item, on the recommendation of the Fourth Committee, are reproduced below with an indication of the vote.  Voting details will be given in a document to be issued by the Division for Palestinian Rights with the symbol A/AC.183/L.2/Add.16.

"50/29.  Report of the Special Committee to Investigate

Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian

People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories

"A

"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 in Washington on 13 September 1993, 6/ as well as the subsequent implementation agreements, including the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area signed at Cairo on 4 May 1994 7/ and the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip signed in Washington on 28 September 1995,

"Expressing the hope that, with the progress of the peace process, the Israeli occupation will be brought to an end and therefore violation of the human rights of the Palestinian people will cease,

"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 those policies and practices of Israel which violate 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 to Member States the periodic reports mentioned in paragraph 6 above;

"(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 fifty-first session on the tasks entrusted to him in the present resolution;

"9. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-first 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 6 December 1995

by a vote of 69 in favour to

2 against, with 80 abstentions

   "B

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its relevant resolutions,

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

"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/

"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 comply strictly 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 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 Convention, in accordance with article 1 common to the four Geneva Conventions, 8/ 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 fifty-first session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 147 in favour to

2 against, with 4 abstentions

   "C

"The General Assembly,

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

"Bearing in mind the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, the most recent of which is resolution 904 (1994) of 18 March 1994,

"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 reports of the Secretary-General, 5/

"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,

"Reaffirming also 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,

"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 in Washington on 13 September 1993, 6/ as well as the subsequent implementation agreements, including the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area signed at Cairo on 4 May 1994 7/ and the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip signed in Washington on 28 September 1995,

"Noting the withdrawal of the Israeli army, which took place in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area in accordance with the agreements reached between the parties, and the initiation of the Palestinian Authority in those areas,

"Concerned about the continuing violation of the human rights of the Palestinian people by Israel, the occupying Power, especially in the use of collective punishment, closure of areas, annexation and establishment of settlements, and the continuing actions by it designed to change the legal status, geographical nature and demographic composition of the occupied Palestinian territory,

"Concerned in particular about the dangerous situation resulting from actions taken by the illegal, armed Israeli settlers in the occupied territory, as illustrated by the massacre of Palestinian worshippers by an illegal Israeli settler in Al-Khalil on 25 February 1994,

"Convinced of the positive impact of a temporary international or foreign presence in the occupied Palestinian territory for the safety and protection of the Palestinian people,

"Expressing its appreciation to the countries that participated in the Temporary International Presence in Hebron for their positive contribution,

"Convinced of the need for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 904 (1994),

"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, 1/ 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. Reaffirms in particular 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 achieving comprehensive peace;

"3. Notes with satisfaction the return of a number of deportees to the occupied Palestinian territory and calls upon Israel to facilitate the return of the remainder;

"4. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned, in line with agreements reached;

"5. Calls for complete respect by Israel, the occupying Power, of all fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people, pending the extension of the self-government arrangements to the rest of the West Bank;

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

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 144 in favour to

2 against, with 7 abstentions

    "D

"The General Assembly,

"Deeply concerned that the Syrian Golan occupied since 1967 has been under continued Israeli military occupation,

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

"Recalling also its previous relevant resolutions, the last of which was 49/36 D of 9 December 1994,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 20 October 1995, 9/

"Recalling further its previous relevant resolutions 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 the decision of 14 December 1981 taken by Israel 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,

"Reaffirming also 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 Syrian Golan,

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

"Welcoming 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 aimed at the realization of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, and stressing the need for rapid progress in all bilateral negotiations,

"1. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to comply with the relevant resolutions on the occupied Syrian Golan, 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 Golan was null and void and without international legal effect, and demanded that Israel, the occupying Power, should rescind forthwith its decisions;

"2. Also calls upon Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and in particular to desist from 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. Further calls upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and Israeli identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan, and 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 fifty-first session on the implementation of the present resolution."

Adopted on 6 December 1995

by a vote of 139 in favour to

1 against, with 13 abstentions

"Notes

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

"2/ Resolution 217 A (III).

"3/ Resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.

"4/ See A/50/170, A/50/282 and A/50/463.

"5/ A/60/657 to A/50/660.

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

"7/ A/49/180-S/1994/727, annex.

"8/ United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, Nos. 970-973.

"9/ A/50/660."

V. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON ASSISTANCE

TO THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

The General Assembly considered the question of assistance to the Palestinian People under agenda item 20 (b), entitled "Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance: special economic assistance to individual countries or regions" on 27 November and 20 December 1995.  For the verbatim records of the plenary consideration of the item see documents A/50/PV.70 and 96.

The Secretary-General issued under the item a report each on assistance to the Palestinian People (A/50/286-E/1995/113) and financing the Palestinian police force (A/50/763), the latter pursuant to General Assembly resolution 49/21 O of 13 April 1995.  The final report of the United Nations Seminar on Palestinian Administrative, Managerial and Financial Needs and Challenges, held in Paris from 28 to 30 June 1995 under the auspices of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People was also circulated under this item (A/50/278-E/1995/114, and Corr.1).

For information on the Secretary-General's report on assistance, see the July/August 1995 issue and for details on the United Nations Seminar, the June 1995 issue of this bulletin.  The above-mentioned report on the financing of the Palestinian police force gives a brief account of donors, disbursements as well as of an independent financial review carried out on behalf of the European Commission.

On 20 December 1995, the General Assembly adopted under the item a resolution entitled "Assistance to the Palestinian People", without a vote.  The resolution is reproduced below.

"50/58 H.  Assistance to the Palestinian people

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling its resolution 49/21 N of 20 December 1994,

"Recalling also previous resolutions on the question,

"Welcoming the signing at Cairo on 4 May 1994 by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative of the Palestinian people, of the first implementation agreement of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements,1/ namely the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area,2/ and the Agreement on the Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities of 29 August 1994, and the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip of 28 September 1995,

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

"Conscious of the urgent need for improvement in the economic and social infrastructure of the Occupied Territory and 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 in the peace process, the great economic and social challenges and needs 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 Palestinian Administrative, Managerial and Financial Needs and Challenges in the light of the new developments, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization from 28 to 30 June 1995,

"Welcoming the signing of the agreements between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the International Labour Organization,

"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, including assistance in the fields of elections, police training and public administration,

"Noting the appointment by the Secretary-General in June 1994 of the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories,

"Welcoming the results of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, convened in Washington on 1 October 1993, and the establishment of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee and the work being done by the World Bank as its secretariat, as well as the establishment of the consultative group and the convening of an international conference on economic assistance to the Palestinian people to be held in Paris,

"Welcoming also the results of the meetings of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on 29 and 30 November 1994 at Brussels, and on 27 April 1995 in Paris,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 13 July 1995, 3/

"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. Also 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. Stresses the importance of the appointment of the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories and of the steps taken under the auspices of the Secretary-General to ensure the achievement of a coordinated mechanism for United Nations activities throughout the Occupied Territories;

"5. Urges Member States, international financial institutions of the United Nations system, 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. 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 in accordance with the Palestinian priorities set forth by the Palestinian Authority, with emphasis on national execution and capacity-building;

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

"8. Calls upon the international donor community to expedite the delivery of pledged assistance to the Palestinian people to meet their urgent needs;

"9. Suggests the convening in 1996 of a United Nations-sponsored seminar on building the Palestinian economy;

"10. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General Assembly at its fifty-first 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;

"11. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-first session, under the item entitled `Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance', the sub-item entitled `Assistance to the Palestinian people'."

Adopted 20 December 1995

without a vote

Notes

   "1/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.

   "2/ A/49/180-S/1994/727, annex.

   "3/ A/50/286-E/1995/113.

VI.   GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON THE ECONOMI

AND SOCIAL REPERCUSSIONS OF ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS

On 20 December 1995, upon the recommendation of the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) (A/50/615/Add.1), the General Assembly adopted a resolution on the economic and social repercussions of the Israeli settlements under agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council. Under the item, the Secretary-General transmitted the report prepared by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia on 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 (A/50/262-E/1995/59).  For the verbatim record of the plenary consideration, see document A/50/PV.96.  The resolution is reproduced below.

"50/129. 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 occupied Syrian Golan

"The General Assembly,

"Recalling Economic and Social Council resolution 1995/49 of 28 July 1995,

"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 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,

"Recalling also Security Council resolution 904 (1994) of 18 March 1994, in which, among other things, the Council called upon Israel, the occupying Power, to continue to take and implement measures, including, inter alia, confiscation of arms, with the aim of preventing illegal acts of violence by Israeli settlers, and called for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians in the occupied territory,

"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 occupied Syrian Golan,

"Welcoming the ongoing Middle East peace process started at Madrid, in particular the two implementation agreements embodied in the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and Jericho Area, 2/ of 4 May 1994, and the interim agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip of 28 September 1995,

"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 occupied Syrian Golan;

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

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

Adopted on 20 December 1995

by a vote of 126 in favour to

2 against, with 28 abstentions

"Notes

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

   "2/ A/49/180-S/1994/727, annex.

   "3/ See A/50/262-E/1995/59."

VII.  GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE

PALESTINIAN PEOPLE TO SELF-DETERMINATION

On 21 December 1995, the General Assembly considered the report of the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (Third Committee) contained in document A/50/627 on agenda item 104, entitled "Right of peoples to self-determination", and adopted the resolution reproduced below.  For the verbatim record of the Assembly's consideration, see document A/50/PV.97.

"50/140. The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination

"The General Assembly,

"Aware that the development of friendly relations among nations, based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, is among the purposes and principles of the United Nations, as defined in its Charter,

"Recalling the International Covenants on Human Rights,1/ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,2/ the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,3/ and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights on 25 June 1993,4/

"Noting the progress made in the Middle East peace process, in particular the mutual recognition and the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements in Washington on 13 September 1993 by the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Government of Israel,5/ as well as the ensuing implementation agreements, the last of which was the interim agreement of 28 September 1995,

"Affirming the right of all States in the region to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders,

"1. Reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination;

"2. Expresses the hope that the Palestinian people could soon be exercising their right to self-determination in the current peace process;

"3. Urges all States, specialized agencies and organizations of the United Nations system to continue to support the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination."

Adopted on 21 December 1995

by a vote of 145 in favour to

2 against, with 9 abstentions

"Notes

   "1/ Resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.

   "2/ Resolution 217 A (III).

   "3/ Resolution 1514 (XV).

   "4/ A/CONF.157/24 (Part I), chap. III.

   "5/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex."

VIII. EXCERPTS FROM THE FINAL DOCUMENT OF THE

ELEVENTH CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF STATE OR

GOVERNMENT OF THE MOVEMENT OF NON-ALIGNED

COUNTRIES, HELD AT CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA,

FROM 18 TO 20 OCTOBER 1995

The following are excerpts from the final document of the Eleventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Cartagena, Colombia, from 18 to 20 October 1995 (A/50/752-S/1995/1035, annex III).

…

"MIDDLE EAST

Palestine

"131. They reaffirmed their unflinching support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to secure their inalienable rights to self-determination and independence and reiterated their demand for the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Palestinian and other Arab lands including Jerusalem.

"132. They pointed out that the responsibility of the United Nations in this matter should continue until the Palestinian people exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, until an independent and sovereign State is established within its national territory, and until the problem of refugees is settled in conformity with human rights instruments and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.  They therefore insisted on the need for the General Assembly to reaffirm, at its fiftieth regular session, its position on the major aspects of a definitive peace settlement, including the status of Jerusalem, the illegal settlements and refugees.  They regretted the decision by Israel to confiscate Palestinian land and property in Jerusalem as well as its attempts to alter the religious and historic character of the Holy City.  In this respect, they reaffirmed all Security Council and General Assembly resolutions related to Jerusalem and considered the Israeli actions contrary to these resolutions as null and void.  They voiced serious concern at the obstacles faced to implement the Agreement.  They called for the full and scrupulous implementation of the Agreements, and in particular the provisions of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 465 (1980) and 478 (1980).  They underlined the need for a mechanism dealing with the issue of Palestine set up by the General Assembly to continue operating in an effective way.  The Heads of State or Government expressed their support to the call made by the Jerusalem Committee, held in Ifrane, Morocco, 16-17 January 1995, to the United Nations Security Council, in particular the two co-sponsors of the Peace Conference to take the necessary measures to compel Israel to desist from carrying out any settlements and judaisation of the Holy City of Jerusalem and any geographic or demographic changes therein, and to comply with the agreements and conventions providing for the preservation of the Palestinian institutions and the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the Holy City of Jerusalem in implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions.

"133. They expressed that the Declaration of Principles signed in Washington on 13 September 1993, the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip of 20 September 1995 and the establishment of the Palestinian Self-Government Authority constitutes a new step in efforts taken by Palestine and Israel.

"134. They considered that the arrangements relating to a Palestinian interim self-government should be widened quickly so that the Declaration of Principles is applied as rapidly as possible to the totality of occupied territories, with a view to giving effect to the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to the establishment of a Palestinian State.

"135. In this context, they welcomed the conclusion of the Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip concluded in Taba-Egypt and signed in Washington by President Arafat and the Israeli Prime Minister as an important and substantial step towards the fulfillment of the national rights of the Palestinian people.  They expressed the hope that further vigorous steps shall be taken for the complete Israeli withdrawal from all the Arab territories occupied in 1967 in order that comprehensive peace and common prosperity should prevail on the area.

"136. They concurred with the Secretary-General of the United Nations that in order to sustain support for the Declaration of Principles and the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, it will be essential to promote economic and social development in the occupied Palestinian territories.  In this context, they called upon the participants of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, which took place in Washington on 1 October 1993, to deliver the pledged assistance which is vital for the establishment of peace.

"137. They also stressed the need for the full participation of Palestine in the Special Commemorative Meeting of the United Nations in New York under conditions and facilities applicable to Observer States of the United Nations at the meeting.

"The Peace Process

"138. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their support for the peace process initiated at the Madrid Peace Conference of October 1991 which aims at achieving a comprehensive,  just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 425 (1980) and the principle of land for peace which ensure the full Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian and other Arab occupied territories.

"139. The Heads of State or Government noted with appreciation the commendable efforts exerted by the Syrian and Lebanese Government in order to open up possibilities for achieving progress in their full commitment to peace in the Middle East, and demanded that Israel totally withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanese territories, in implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and in accordance with international law, and the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force.

"140. They took note of the Washington declaration of 25 July 1994, signed by Jordan and Israel, which put an end to the state of belligerency between them and opened the way for the return of occupied Jordanian territories and the restitution of the right to the water resources, thereby contributing to the normalization of relations.  They also welcomed the conclusion of the Jordan-Israel Treaty of Peace of 26 October 1994, which in their view constitutes a transcendental step toward the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

"141. They considered that all the measures and actions adopted by Israel, the occupying Power, such as its illegal decision of 14 December 1981 that purport to alter the status of the occupied Syrian Golan, are null and void, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and have no legal effect.  They called upon Israel to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) and to withdraw fully from the occupied Syrian Golan, to the lines of 4 June 1967, in implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and

338 (1973).

"142. They reiterated the principle that the acquisition or control of land or maritime areas by force in inadmissible, contradicts the principles of international law, and does not generate any rights.

…

The delegations of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the Syrian Arab Republic expressed in writing reservations on some aspects of the aforementioned paragraphs of the final document.

IX.  EXCERPTS FROM THE FINAL COMMUNIQUE 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

The annual coordination meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), held in New York on 2 October 1995, adopted a final communiqué and reports.  The meeting endorsed the recommendations contained in the report of the OIC Committee of Six on Palestine.  For a press release on the Committee's meeting held on 27 September 1995, see the September/October 1995 issue of the bulletin.  The following are excerpts from the final communiqué and a report of the Secretary-General of OIC (A/50/723-S/1995/927, annexes I and II).

Final communiqué of the annual coordination

meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs

of States members of OIC held in New

York on 2 October 1995

"…

"4. The Meeting endorsed the recommend-ations contained in the report of the six-member Committee on Palestine.

"Cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif

"5. The Meeting reaffirmed the OIC support to the peace process in the Middle East.  It welcomed the signature in Washington on 28 September 1995 of the Agreement on the extension of the autonomy and called for the respect of the timeframe for the implementation of the agreements.

"6. The Meeting called for the continuation of support to the PLO and its National Authority in the ongoing negotiations in order to affirm the transfer of all powers and responsibilities, in all fields in the occupied Palestinian territories, to the Palestinian National Authority to establish its authority over all the occupied Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.  It also reaffirmed support for the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return, to self-determination, to establish their independent State on their national soil, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital; as well as support for the international programme for economic, social and cultural development in the occupied territories.

"7. The Meeting called for supporting the efforts aimed at implementing United Nations resolutions, particularly Security Council resolution 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1980) which stipulate Israel's withdrawal from all the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the occupied Syrian Golan, and the occupied Lebanese territories.

"8. The Meeting reaffirmed its support to the Middle East peace process aimed at finding a just and comprehensive solution to the issue of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict based on resolutions of the international legality, in particular the formula of land for peace.

"9. The Meeting also reaffirmed the necessity of the restoration of Al-Quds Al-Sharif to Palestinian sovereignty as the capital of the State of Palestine.  It also reaffirmed that Al-Quds Al-Sharif is an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, and that whatever applies to other occupied territories shall also be applicable to it in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly.

"10. The Meeting called on the international community, particularly the co-chairmen of the Peace Conference, to persuade Israel not to carry out any geographic or demographic change in Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the interim phase which may jeopardize the outcome of negotiations on the final status of the city.  Israel must also be forced to stop Jewish settlement in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the occupied Syrian Golan, as this is illegal according to international resolutions, including United Nations Security Council resolution no. 465 (1980), and the necessity of providing international guarantees to ensure it, and to request the Security Council to constitute an international committee for supervision and control so as to prevent settlement in the occupied Arab Palestinian territories.

"11. The Meeting emphasized the need to exert efforts at all international fora in order to compel Israel to release the detainees and bring back the deportees and halt mass punishments, and to oblige it to desist from any action that may endanger life and environment in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.

"12. The Meeting requested the international community and the Security Council to persuade Israel to comply with United Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolution 487 (1981), join the Nuclear Arms Non-Proliferation Treaty, implement the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which call for subjecting all Israeli nuclear facilities to the IAEA system of comprehensive guarantees.  Israel must also declare its renunciation of nuclear armament, submit a complete inventory of its nuclear arms and material to the Security Council and the IAEA.  These may be deemed necessary steps for establishing an area free of weapons of mass destruction, namely nuclear arms in the Middle East, which is an essential requirement for establishing a comprehensive and just peace in the region.

"13. The Meeting reaffirmed the necessity of continuing the UNRWA mission for the Palestinian people wherever it may be and submit a request from the Member States to the United Nations Secretary-General so that the Reconciliation Committee, in cooperation with UNRWA and the States concerned, may prepare a comprehensive census of Palestinian refugees and their properties, as well as formulate a comprehensive conception for solving their problem in accordance with Security Council resolution 194.

Report of the Secretary-General of OIC on Al-Quds Al-Sharif

and Palestine submitted to the annual coordination meeting

of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of States members of OIC,

held in New York on 2 October 1995

"1. Two years after the signing of the historic transitional self-rule agreement in the occupied Palestinian territories between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel, the peace process in the Middle East and particularly the negotiations on the Israeli-Palestinian track have made good strides ahead involving the establishment of a national Palestinian authority on the soil of Palestine in the Gaza Strip and Jericho, and the initiation of the transfer of power in the occupied Palestinian territories to the National Palestinian Authority.  The Palestinian people have managed over this period to achieve several constructive steps on the way to the construction of their independent State.  They have likewise set in motion the process of development and reconstruction of their infrastructure and national institutions. similarly, the Palestinian National Authority has started exercising its duties in the Palestinian self-rule areas.

"2. The Palestinian and Israeli sides have made important steps to implement the second phase of the Declaration of Principles and the extension of the autonomy to include Palestinian territories and cities in the West Bank.  This phase has been marked by the recent signature of the agreements between the two parties on the extension of internal autonomy.  The Secretary-General lauds this agreement which constitutes another positive step towards the road to global peace.

"3. The path of the peace process remains long and requires tremendous efforts to solve all other fundamental issues.

"4. The Israeli occupation authorities continue to implement its plans to expand its colonies in the city of Al-Quds.  Likewise, the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif is still being blockaded and sealed off, the Palestinian citizens being denied access to it, with continued desecration of the Islamic sanctities there, with the purpose of creating a new fait accompli.  Moreover, the Israeli occupation authorities are impeding the functioning of the national Palestinian institutions in the city thus dishonouring the agreement reached between the Palestinian and Israeli parties.

"5. It is also imperative to exert efforts in order to release the Palestinian detainees and to discontinue the policy of establishing settlements and expanding ones already in existence in the occupied Palestinian territories and in particular around the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

"6. It is unfortunate that there has been no significant progress regarding the other aspects of the peace process since the signing of the peace agreement between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Israel.  On the Israeli-Syrian track, and despite the intensive diplomatic moves made with the objective of promoting the negotiations, no tangible progress has thus far been achieved, due to Israel's obstinacy and its refusal to fully withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan.  On the Israeli-Lebanese track, Israel continues to refuse to withdraw from the territories it occupies in Lebanon, as called upon by Security Council resolution 425 (1980).

"7. Over the period from 13 to 15 December 1994 the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference was held in the city of Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco, under the chairmanship of His Majesty King Hassan II, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Morocco and Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.  The Conference discussed the issue of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Palestine and issue resolutions in which it expressed its solidarity with the PLO in its just struggle for the removal of the Israeli occupation forces and the construction of the Palestinian national institutions.  It called upon the Member States to support the PLO in its negotiations for the transfer of all authorities and responsibilities to the Palestinian National Authority.  The Conference also stressed that a comprehensive and just peace cannot be achieved without full unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all the Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the occupied Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories.  The Conference expressed its support for the peace process and welcomed the agreements reached within its framework.  It noted that the success of the peace process hinges on its resting on the international legitimate resolutions, including Security Council resolution 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1980), and enabling the Palestinian people to achieve their national and political rights.  The Conference reiterated that Al-Quds Al-Sharif forms an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, and the need for it to return to the Palestinian Authority as the capital of the State of Palestine.  The Conference called for the discontinuation of the establishment of Jewish settlers in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories and the dismantling of the existing settlements as they are illegal.

"8. Over the period, the Secretary-General continued to do his utmost in support of the cause of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Palestine.  In this connection, he undertook several moves and held a number of meetings at the Islamic and international levels.  He also met with H.E. President Yasser Arafat, Head of the Palestinian State, and underlined that the issue of Al-Quds and Palestine continues to be the foremost cause of the Islamic Ummah and that any just and comprehensive solution to the conflict in the area needs to include the return of the Holy City of Al-Quds to the Arab-Islamic sovereignty, as the capital for the State of Palestine.  The Secretary-General also called for the extension of assistance in all fields to the Palestinian people under the leadership of their sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization, so that may remove the sequels of occupation and build up Palestinian national institutions on the Palestinian soil, and for its support in the undergoing negotiations for ensuring the transfer of all authorities and responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to the Palestinian National Authority.

"9. Against this background, the Islamic community is called upon to step up its efforts at the level of the United Nations, the Security Council and the other organs and specialized agencies for the benefit of:

"(a) Continuing to extend support to the Palestine Liberation Organization and to its national authority and bolstering its stand in the current negotiations for the concretization of the transfer of all authorities and responsibilities in all fields in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif to the Palestinian National Authority, and to effect its authority on all occupied Palestinian territories, to remove the sequels of Israeli occupation, build up the Palestinian national institutions, achieve the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return, to self-determination and to establish their independent State on their national soil with Al-Quds as its capital, as well as for the promotion of the special international programme for economic, social and cultural development in the occupied territories.

"(b) Extending support to the peace process in the Middle East and the efforts made for the implementation of the United Nations resolutions and particularly Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1980) which call for Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the occupied Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories, and for the achievement of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people.

"(c) Reiterating that Al-Quds Al-Sharif forms an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, subject to whatever is applicable to the rest of the occupied territories pursuant to the Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and reaffirming its imperative return to the Palestinian Authority as capital of the State of Palestine, if peace and security are to be ensured in the region.

"(d) Inviting the international community and particularly the peace process co-sponsors to compel Israel to desist from effecting any demographic or administrative change in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the transition period, such as might affect the outcome of the negotiations concerning the final decision regarding the city, and to force it to discontinue the establishment of Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the occupied Syrian Golan, such settlements being illegitimate according to international resolutions including Security Council resolution 465 (1980), in addition to the need to ensure international guarantees for the above and requesting the Security Council to set up an international monitoring and supervising committee to prevent settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.

"(e) Acting at the level of international institutions and fora to force Israel to release the detainees, reintegrate the deportees, renounce mass sanctions and desist from any actions that may pose a threat to life and the environment in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.

"(f) Calling upon the international community and the Security Council to compel Israel to comply with the United Nations resolutions, particularly Security Council resolution 487(1981), calling upon it to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to implement the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to declare its renouncement of nuclear armament and to submit a full report on its nuclear armament and ammunition stocks to the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency.  These being necessary steps towards the establishment in the Middle East of a zone free from massive destruction weapons foremost of which are nuclear weapons, which is a vital requisite for the establishment of a comprehensive and just peace in the region.

"(g) Requesting the United Nations Secretary-General to see to it that the reconciliation committee should, in collaboration with the Relief Agency and the concerned States prepare a comprehensive count of Palestinian refugees and their property, and come out with a general conception for settling their problems on the basis of Security Council resolution 194 (1964).

"(h) Calling for a more active United Nations participation in ensuring the success of the peace process in the Middle East, and reiterating the need for the maintenance of the full United Nations responsibility vis-à-vis the Palestinian issue until a just and comprehensive peace is achieved in all its aspects in such a manner as to put an end to the occupation and enable the Palestinian people to exercise their national inalienable rights.

"(i) Coordinating the Member States' positions so as to uphold the PLO's principled stand regarding all the resolutions pertaining to the issue of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict tabled for discussions at the fiftieth session of the United Nations General Assembly.

"10. The Secretary-General submits the present report to the Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister Coordinating Meeting for appropriate decision."

X.   EXCERPTS FROM THE FINAL COMMUNIQUÉ AND

MUSCAT DECLARATION ADOPTED BY THE SIXTEENTH

SUMMIT OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE GULF

COOPERATION COUNCIL, HELD AT MUSCAT,

SULTANATE OF OMAN, FROM 4 TO 6 DECEMBER 1995

The sixteenth summit of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council was held from 4 to 6 December 1995 at Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.  An excerpt from the final communiqué of that summit, contained in the annex to document A/51/56-S/1995/1070, is reproduced below.

 …

"The Middle East peace process

"The Council States, proceeding from their positive positions in support of the Middle East peace process, reaffirmed that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace was the basis of security, stability and prosperity in the region and reciprocity of interests among its States, with eradication of the factors of violence, elimination of the causes of extremism and inculcation of the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and cultural cooperation among the peoples.

"To this end, with the reaffirmation of the firm positions of Council States on this matter, it was essential that the just and legitimate demands of all parties should be met, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the principle of land for peace, including:

"-  Full Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Jerusalem;

"- Enabling the Palestinian people to exercise its full legitimate national rights, including its right to establish its independent State on its national soil;

"- Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Arab Golan to the boundary line that existed on 4 June 1967;

 "- Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the restoration of all

occupied territory to Lebanese sovereignty in accordance with

Security Council resolution 425 (1978).

"The Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated its welcome of the peace agreement between Jordan and Israel and welcomed the signature of the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as a further step on the way to the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace.

"The Council States, commending the constructive and effective efforts undertaken by the co-sponsors of the Peace Conference and, in particular, the personal role being played by United States President Mr. William Clinton, affirmed their readiness to support any possible effort to accelerate the achievement of a final settlement between the parties to the Middle East peace process in accordance with United Nations resolutions and on the basis of the Madrid Conference.

"The Supreme Council also took cognizance of an evaluation of the conclusions of the Middle East and North Africa Economic Summit Conference, held recently in Amman, and expressed its hope that those conferences would help to support and consolidate the Middle East peace process.

 …

XI. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS:  ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION

1. The Other Front, which is published by the Alternative Information Center (AIC), is available from AIC, P.O. Box 31417, Jerusalem (fax No. (972-2) 253 151).  Issue No. 348 of 20 December 1995 has articles on the renewed offensive of the right; the vision of Peres; and settlements.

2. Article 74, published in Jerusalem, P.O. Box 31417, (tel. No. (972-2) 241 159, fax No. (972-2) 253 151), has articles on the Taba (Oslo II) Agreement; memorandum on the Palestinian population registry in the framework of the elections to the Palestinian Council; and the 1967 displaced persons.

3. Washington Report on the Middle East, available from the American Educational Trust, P.O. Box 53062, Washington, D.C., 20009 (fax No. (202) 232 6754).  Issue No. 5 of December 1995 includes views on Rabin assassination sharpens choice facing his country, right-wing extremists endanger Israel and the Jews; three years after mountain exile, Palestinian expellees home again; Palestinian trade delegation tours United States cities; and what will Likud do when it comes to power in Israel?

__________