Aggravating situation in the OPT/Jerusalem – SecCo debate, action – Press release

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE REVERSAL OF ALL ACTS AGGRAVATING

SITUATION IN JERUSALEM, WEST BANK, GAZA

By 14-0-1 Vote, Council Adopts Resolution 1073 (1996),

Calling for Resumption of Peace Process on Agreed Basis

Deeply concerned about the tragic events in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and over clashes between the Israeli army and the Palestinian police, the Security Council this evening called for the immediate cessation and reversal of all acts which have aggravated the situation there and which have negative implications for the Middle East peace process.

Through its adoption of resolution 1073 (1996) by 14 votes in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (United States), the Council called for the immediate resumption of negotiations within the Middle East peace process on its agreed basis and for the timely implementation of the agreements reached. It also called for the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians to be ensured.

In adopting this resolution, the Council expressed concern about the high number of deaths and injuries among Palestinian civilians and over the casualties on both sides resulting from clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinian police. It also expressed concern over developments at the Holy Places of Jerusalem.

Fifty speakers addressed the Council when it met yesterday to consider this recent escalation of violence. That meeting was requested in a 26 September letter from the representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the League of Arab States (document S/1996/790). In it, he refers to Israel's action in opening an entrance to a tunnel in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its consequent results.

The full text of today's resolution reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Having considered the letter dated 26 September 1996 from the representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the State Members of the League of Arab States, contained in document S/1996/790, that referred to the action by the Government of Israel to open an entrance to a tunnel in the vicinity of Al Aqsa Mosque and its consequent results,

"Expressing its deep concern about the tragic events in Jerusalem and the areas of Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem and the Gaza Strip, which resulted in a high number of deaths and injuries among the Palestinian civilians, and concerned also about the clashes between the Israeli army and the Palestinian police and the casualties on both sides,

"Recalling its resolutions on Jerusalem and other relevant Security Council resolutions,

"Having discussed the situation at its formal meeting on 27 September 1996, with the participation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of a number of countries,

"Concerned about the difficulties facing the Middle East peace process and the deterioration of the situation, including inter alia its impact on the living conditions of the Palestinian people, and urging the parties to fulfil their obligations, including the agreements already reached,

"Concerned about developments at the Holy Places of Jerusalem,

"1. Calls for the immediate cessation and reversal of all acts which have resulted in the aggravation of the situation, and which have negative implications for the Middle East peace process;

"2. Calls for the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians to be ensured;

"3. Calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations with n the Middle East peace process on its agreed basis and the timely implementation of the agreements reached;

"4. Decides to follow closely the situation and to remain seized of the matter."

The meeting, which was called to order at 9:37 p.m., was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

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