UNRWA/Sp. Cttee on Israeli Practices - GA Fourth Cttee vote on draft resns/Closing session - Press release (excerpts)

ASSEMBLY ASKED TO DEAL WITH RANGE OF ISSUES ON PALESTINE

RELIEF AGENCY, ISRAELI PRACTICES IN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Fourth Committee, Ending Work for Session, Approves 12 Texts on Peace

Process, Settlements, Displaced Persons, UNRWA Operations, Geneva Convention

The General Assembly would address a broad range of issues concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, by the terms of 12 draft resolutions approved this afternoon by the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization).

The Committee took those actions as it concluded its work for the current session.

By one of five texts on the report of the Committee on Israeli Practices, the General Assembly would express concern about the deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, as a result of Israeli practices and measures, and the difficulties confronting the Middle East peace process. The resolution to investigate Israeli practices, as amended twice, was approved by a recorded vote of 72 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 55 abstentions. (For details of the voting see Annex XI.)

The representative of Austria, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the Union had abstained on the resolution because it felt that the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices had failed to take into consideration the realities on the ground. The Union hoped the Special Committee report would take into account such current changes in any future reports.

By another draft, the Assembly would reaffirm that the Geneva Convention on the treatment of civilians in wartime was applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967. The resolution was approved by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Swaziland). (See Annex VII.)

By the terms of another draft, approved by 127 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 1 abstention (Swaziland), the Assembly would demand the cessation of the construction of the new settlement in Jabal Abu Ghneim and of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. Israeli settlements were said to be illegal and an obstacle to peace and economic and social development. (See Annex VIII.)

Under another draft, the Assembly would call upon Israel, the occupying Power, to accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned, in line with agreements reached. It would call 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 territory. The draft was approved by 126 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Swaziland, Zambia). (See Annex IX.)

In another draft, approved by 127 votes in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 3 abstentions (Swaziland, United States, Zambia), the Assembly would also call 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. It would determine that all legislative and administrative measures and actions of Israel purporting to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan were a flagrant violation of international law and of the Geneva Convention. (See Annex X.)

By one of seven draft resolution on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Assembly would reiterate its deep concern regarding the persisting critical financial situation of UNRWA as outlined in the Commissioner-General's report. It would urge 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. The draft was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States). (See Annex I.)

A related resolution, approved by consensus, would have the Assembly ask the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA to continue its efforts.

Under the terms of another text, approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, the Assembly would express hope for an accelerated return of displaced people through the mechanism agreed upon by the parties in their 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements. (See Annex II.)

Another draft, approved by 126 votes in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel), would have the Assembly strongly appeal 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 UNRWA. (See Annex III.)

The Assembly would call upon Israel, as the occupying Power, to accept the de jure applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, and to abide scrupulously by its provisions, under a draft which would also call upon the Government of Israel to compensate UNRWA for damage to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side. That draft was approved in a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Zambia). (See Annex IV.)

By another draft, approved by 123 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, the Assembly would urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides to deal with the important issue of the properties of Palestinian refugees and their revenues, in the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process. (See Annex V.)

A draft resolution on a University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees was approved by 125 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstentions (Zambia). By its terms, the Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, including Jerusalem, and would call upon Israel to cooperate to remove the hindrances that it had placed in the way of establishing the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds". (See Annex VI.)

The draft resolutions were introduced by the representatives of Austria, on behalf of the European Union, Netherlands, Indonesia and Cuba.

As the Fourth Committee concluded its work for the session, the Chairman Pablo Macedo (Mexico) complimented members on their work, expressing the hope that its resolutions and decisions would have some impact in the real world.

The Fourth Committee will present its reports to the Assembly on a date to be announced in the Journal.

Committee Work Programme

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon to conclude its consideration of 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. It was also expected to take action on draft resolutions relating to that body's report, and to the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Draft Resolutions on UNRWA

Before the Committee was a draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/53/L.9), by which the General Assembly would note with profound concern that the structural deficit problem confronting UNRWA portended an almost certain decline in the living conditions of the Palestine refugees, with possible consequences, therefore, for the peace process. It would also call upon all governments, as a matter of urgency, to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the anticipated needs of UNRWA. The Assembly would urge non-contributing governments to contribute regularly and encourage contributing governments to consider increasing their regular contributions.

By other terms of the draft, the Assembly would reiterate its deep concern regarding the persisting critical financial situation of UNRWA as outlined in the report of the Commissioner-General of the Agency. Further, it would urge 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. The Assembly would decide to extend the mandate of the Agency until 30 June 2002.

The draft is sponsored by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

By a draft on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/53/L.10), the Assembly would request the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and the CommissionerGeneral, for the financing of the Agency for a further period of one year. It would also request the Secretary-General to provide the necessary services and assistance to the Working Group for the conduct of its work.

That draft is sponsored by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

By another draft (document A/C.4/53/L.11), the General Assembly would reaffirm 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. The Assembly would also express hope for an accelerated return of displaced people through the mechanism agreed upon by the parties in their 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements.

That draft is sponsored by Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Another text relates to offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/53/L.12). By its terms the Assembly would strongly appeal 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 UNRWA. It would also ask 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.

The draft is sponsored by Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

By a draft on operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/53/L.13), the Assembly would call upon Israel, as the occupying Power, to accept the de jure applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, and to abide scrupulously by its provisions. The Assembly would also call upon the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damage to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.

By further terms of that text, the Assembly would call upon Israel to abide by the United Nations Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations with regard to the safety of the personnel of the Agency, the protection of its institutions and the safeguarding of the security of the facilities of the Agency in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem. It would also urge all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to increase their contributions to the Agency so as to ease current financial constraints, and to support UNRWA in maintaining the provision of the most basic and effective assistance to the Palestinian refugees.

The draft is sponsored by Bahrain, Bangladesh, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Under the terms of a draft on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/53/L.14), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestinian refugees were entitled to their property and to income derived therefrom, in conformity with the principles of justice and equity. The Assembly would urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of the properties of refugees and their revenues in the framework of the final status negotiations of the

Middle East peace process.

The draft is sponsored by Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

By a draft resolution on a University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/53/L.15), the Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need for the establishment of the proposed university. The Assembly would also call upon Israel, as the occupying Power, to cooperate in the implementation of the present resolution and to remove the hindrances that it had placed in the way of establishing the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds".

Draft Resolutions on Israeli Practices

By a draft resolution on the work of the Israeli Practices Committee (document A/C.4/53/L.16), the Assembly would express concern about the recent deterioration in the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, as a result of Israeli practices and measures and the impasse facing the Middle East peace process. It would demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate. It would also deplore 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.

Further, by that text, the Assembly would also request the Special Committee to submit regularly to the Secretary-General periodic reports on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem. The Special Committee would be further requested to continue to investigate the treatment of prisoners in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.

The draft is sponsored by Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Under a draft on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war (document A/C.4/53/L.17), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Geneva Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967. The Assembly would demand that Israel accept the de jure applicability of the Convention in those areas and that it comply scrupulously with the provisions of the Convention.

By further terms of that text, the Assembly would reiterate the need for speedy implementation of the recommendations contained in its resolutions ES10/3, ES-10/4 and ES-10/5 with regard to convening a conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention on measures to enforce the Convention in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and to ensure its respect in accordance with common article 1. The Assembly would request the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session on the implementation of the resolution.

That draft is sponsored by Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

By a draft on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories (document A/C.4/53/L.18), the Assembly would demand the cessation of the construction of the new settlement in Jabal Abu Ghneim and of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. It would reaffirm that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan are illegal and an obstacle to peace and economic and social development.

Also by that text, the Assembly would stress the need for full implementation of 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.

That draft is sponsored by Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

By a text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/C.4/53/L.19), the Assembly would demand that Israel, the occupying Power, cease all practices and actions which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people. It would stress the need to preserve the territorial integrity of all the occupied Palestinian territory and to guarantee the freedom of movement of persons and goods within the Palestinian territory, including the removal of restrictions on movement into and from East Jerusalem, and the freedom of movement to and from the outside world.

Also by that draft, the Assembly would determine that all measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, in violation of the relevant provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and contrary to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, are illegal and have no validity and that such measures should cease immediately.

By further terms of that draft, the Assembly would call upon Israel, the occupying Power, to accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned,in line with agreements reached. It would call 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 territory.

That draft is sponsored by Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

By a draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/53/L.20), the Assembly would call upon Israel, as 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 decision.

Under further terms of that text, the Assembly would also call 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. It would determine 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.

The draft is sponsored by Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Introduction of UNRWA Drafts

The representative of Austria, speaking on behalf of the European Union, introduced the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/53/L.9).

The representative of the Netherlands introduced the draft resolution on the Working Group of the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (document A/C.4/53/L.10).

The representative of Indonesia introduced the five draft resolutions on displaced persons, offers of grants and scholarships, the operations of UNRWA, the properties of Palestine refugees, and the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" (documents A/C.4/53/L.11- L.12-L.13-L.14-L.15).

PABLO MACEDO (Mexico), Committee Chairman, said Australia wished to be added as a sponsor to the draft resolution on the Working Group of the Financing of UNRWA.

Actions on UNRWA

A draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States). (For details of vote see Annex I.)

The Committee approved, without a vote, a draft on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA.

A text relating to 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 was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions. (See Annex II.)

The representative of Congo said his vote had not registered. He added that he had voted in favour of the previous resolutions.

The Committee approved a draft on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees by a recorded vote of 126 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel). (See Annex III).

The representative of Congo again said that his vote had not registered, and that it was a vote in favour of the resolution.

The CHAIRMAN said he had just been informed that Congo was restricted from voting under Article 19.

In another action, a draft resolution on operations of UNRWA was approved by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Zambia). (See Annex IV.)

By a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, the Committee approved a text on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues. (See Annex V.)

A draft on a University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees was approved by a recorded vote of 125 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Zambia). (See Annex VI.)

Draft Resolutions on Israeli Practices

The representative of Cuba introduced the five draft resolutions relating to the report of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices. He said the draft on the applicability of the Geneva Convention had been amended by consensus to delete the word "recent" in operative paragraph 4, which now read: "Expresses concern about the deterioration of the situation".

On the draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan, he noted in operative paragraph 7, the "fifty-fourth" session was an error, and needed to be replaced by the words "fifty-third".

The representative of Pakistan asked if the resolution on Israeli settlements would be included on next year's agenda since it was not mentioned in the resolution.

The CHAIRMAN said the delegate should ask one of the co-sponsors for a better clarification.

The representative of Chile said that operative paragraph 4 of the draft resolution on the applicability of the Geneva Convention still did not reflect accurately the situation in the area. He requested that a separate vote be taken on that paragraph.

The CHAIRMAN took note of the request and said it would be considered.

The representative of Cuba, regarding the request from the representative of Pakistan, said an operative paragraph 5 would be added to the draft resolution on Israeli settlements that now read: "requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session on the implementation of the current resolution."

The CHAIRMAN said the voting would begin with the resolution on Israeli settlements, and the Committee would take up the disputed resolution at the end of the voting.

He also noted that Bahrain had been added as a sponsor to the five draft resolutions on Israeli Practices.

Actions on Israeli Practices

By a recorded vote of 127 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Swaziland), the Committee approved the draft, as amended, on the applicability of the Geneva Convention. (See Annex VII.)

As orally amended, the text on Israeli settlements was approved, by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Swaziland). (See Annex VIII.)

The draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people was approved by a recorded vote of 126 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Swaziland, Zambia). (See Annex IX.)

The Committee approved a text on the occupied Syrian Golan by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 3 abstentions (Swaziland, United States, Zambia). (See Annex X.)

The representative of Pakistan said his country asked to be considered as a co-sponsor to the draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan.

The representative of Moldova apologized for not voting on the UNRWA resolutions because he was not in the Committee room at the time. He said that his country would have voted in favour of those resolutions.

The representative of Cuba said another verbal amendment had been added to operative paragraph 4, which would replace the words "impasse facing" with "difficulties confronting".

He said the paragraph now read as: "Expresses concern about the deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, as a result of Israeli practices and measures and the difficulties confronting the Middle East peace process".

The representative of Chile then withdrew his call for a separate vote on that paragraph.

In the final action, the resolution on the work of the Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices, as amended twice, was approved by a recorded vote of 72 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 55 abstentions. (See Annex XI.)

Speaking after the vote, the representative of Austria, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the Union had the same difficulty with the draft resolution to investigate Israeli practices as it had in previous years, and that was the reason it must abstain. The Union recognized the real problems that the Israeli practices had caused in the occupied territories, but the Special Committee failed to take into consideration the realities on the ground. The Union hoped the Special Committee report

would take into account such current changes in any future reports.

The representative of Syria said that the international community's support for the peace process was extremely important and his country was grateful for it. The United Nations had an important, if not decisive, role to play and it was in that context that UNRWA and the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices were two bodies doing an important and delicate job in the area. It was hoped that those countries that had abstained or had not participated would reconsider their positions when the resolutions went before the General Assembly.

The representative of Italy said that after checking the recorded vote, its favourable vote for the draft resolution on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues had not appeared in the voting annex. He reaffirmed that his delegation had voted in favour of the resolution.

Concluding Statement

Mr. MACEDO (Mexico), Committee Chairman, said in his closing statement that the Committee had heard an impressive 225 speakers and approved 27 resolutions and decisions during the fifty-third session. They would be sent to the General Assembly. It was hoped those resolutions and decisions would have some impact in the real world.

ANNEX I

Vote on Assistance to Palestine Refugees

The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/53/L.9) was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 1 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia,

Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cape

Verde, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt,

El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait,

Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya,

Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,

Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia,

Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama,

Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,

Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates,

United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam,

Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against: Israel.

Abstain: United States.

Absent: Afhanistan, Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados,

Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad,

Chile, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States

of Micronesia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau,

Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Monaco, Nicaragua,

Nigeria, Palau, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint

Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,

Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmemistan,

Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

ANNEX II

Vote on Right of Displaced Persons to Return

The draft resolution on the right of persons displaced as a result of June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/53/L.11) was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia,

Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile,

China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic

People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,