FOURTH COMMITTEE APPROVES 11 DRAFTS ON UNRWA, REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ISR"LI PRACTICES; CONCLUDES WORK OF SESSION
Press Release
GA/SPD/81
FOURTH COMMITTEE APPROVES 11 DRAFTS ON UNRWA, REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ISRAELI PRACTICES; CONCLUDES WORK OF SESSION
19951130 The General Assembly would address a wide range of issues concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the report of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices, by the terms of 11 draft resolutions approved this afternoon by the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) as it concluded its work for the current session.By one of four resolutions on the report of the Special Committee, approved by a vote of 63 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 65 abstentions, the General Assembly would deplore Israeli policies and practices which violate the human rights of the Palestinians and other Arabs in the occupied territories. The hope would be expressed that, in light of recent positive political developments, those policies and practices would end immediately. The Assembly would commend the Special Committee for its impartiality and demand that Israel cooperate with it.
Pending the complete termination of Israeli occupation, the Special Committee would be asked to continue investigating Israeli policies and practices and to ensure that the welfare and human rights of people in the occupied territories were safeguarded. (For details of voting, see Annex I.)
Acting by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 4 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Russian Federation) the Committee would have the Assembly demand that Israel accept the de jure applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention to the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, and other territories occupied by Israel since 1967, and comply scrupulously with its provisions. The Assembly would also call on all States parties to the Convention to exert all efforts to ensure Israel's respect for its provisions (see Annex II).
By the terms of another text, the Assembly would reaffirm that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories were illegal and an obstacle to peace. Noting with satisfaction the return of a number of deportees to the occupied
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Palestinian territory, the Assembly would call on Israel to facilitate the return of remaining deportees and accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned. Pending the extension of self-government arrangements to the rest of the West Bank, the Assembly would also call for Israel to completely respect the fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people.
It would demand that Israel "desist forthwith" from taking any measures in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, in violation of the 1949 Geneva Convention and determine that all such actions had no validity. The text was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 8 abstentions (Argentina, Barbados, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Panama, Russian Federation, Uruguay (see Annex III).
By another draft, the Assembly would call on Israel to "rescind forthwith" its decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan, declaring them "null and void" and without international legal effect. Approved by a recorded vote of 121 in favour to 1 against (Israel) with 11 abstentions, the text would have the Assembly 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, from establishing settlements. (See Annex IV).
By other terms of the text, the Assembly would determine that all legislative and administrative measures and actions by Israel purporting to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Golan are null and void, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and of the 1949 Geneva Convention and have no legal effect. It would also call on Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Golan, and to desist from its repressive measures against the population there.
The Committee also approved seven drafts on UNRWA including one by which the Assembly would extend the Agency's mandate until 30 June 1999 and note with "profound concern" that UNRWA's structural deficit problem "portends an almost certain decline in the living conditions of Palestine refugees, possibly with consequences for the peace process. It took that action by a vote of 140 in favour to 1 against (Israel) with 1 abstention (United States) (see Annex V).
All governments would be called on urgently to make generous efforts to meet the Agency's anticipated needs, including the costs of moving its headquarters to Gaza. Governments which had not contributed would be urged to do so, and those that had, would be asked to consider increasing their regular contributions.
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Noting the significant success of UNRWA's peace implementation programme since the signing of the Declaration of Principles, the Assembly would urge all Member States to extend and expedite assistance for the economic and social development of the Palestine people and the occupied territories.
By a draft approved without a vote, the Assembly would express its deep concern about UNRWA's critical financial situation and emphasize the continued need for extraordinary efforts to maintain the Agency's activities -- at least at current levels -- and carry out essential construction. The Assembly would commend the working group for its efforts to help ensure the Agency's financial security and ask it to continue them for another year.
The 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 under a draft approved by a vote of 140 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions. It would express hope for an accelerated return of displaced persons through the mechanism agreed upon in article XII of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self- Government Arrangements.
The Assembly would endorse UNRWA's efforts to continue temporary emergency humanitarian assistance to displaced persons in serious need. It would strongly appeal to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and to other concerned intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (see Annex VI).
Under the terms of a draft resolution approved by a recorded vote of 142 in favour to none against with 1 abstention (Israel), the Assembly would urge all States to provide grants and scholarships for Palestine refugees, in a manner commensurate with their needs for higher education, including vocational training. It would strongly appeal to all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to augment their special allocations for grants and scholarships, in addition to their contributions to UNRWA's regular budget.
By other terms of the text, the Assembly would appeal to all States, specialized agencies and the United Nations University to contribute generously to the Palestinian universities in the occupied territory, including, in due course, the proposed University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees. It would also appeal to all States, specialized agencies and other international bodies to contribute towards the establishment of vocational training centres for Palestine refugees. It would ask the UNRWA to be the recipient and trustee for the special grants and scholarship allocations and to award them to qualified Palestine refugee candidates (see Annex VII).
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By a draft text on UNRWA's operations, which was approved by a vote of 138 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Russian Federation), the Assembly would acknowledge the support of the host Governments and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the Agency.
The Assembly would also call on Israel to respect the safety of the Agency's personnel and the security its institutions and facilities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem. It would once again call on Israel to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.
In addition, the Assembly would request UNRWA's Commissioner-General to issue identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory and would call on UNRWA to continue contributing towards the development of economic and social stability there. It would note that UNRWA's functioning remains essential in all its fields of operation, and would further note the "significant success" of its Peace Implementation Programme during the first year following the signing of the Declaration of Principles.
All States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations would be urged to increase their UNRWA contributions to ease current financial constraints and support its most basic and effective assistance to the Palestine refugees (see Annex VIII).
By another draft, the Assembly would ask the Secretary-General to take appropriate steps, in consultation with the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, to protect Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel, and to establish a fund for the receipt of income derived therefrom, on behalf of its rightful owners. The text was approved by a recorded vote of 91 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 48 abstentions. It would call once more on Israel to give the Secretary-General the facilities and assistance to implement the text. It would also call on the all other concerned Member States to provide him with any pertinent information concerning Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel (see Annex IX).
By a draft text on the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees, the Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and to establish the proposed university. The Secretary-General would be asked to continue taking all necessary measures to establish the University. The
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Assembly would call once more on Israel to cooperate in implementing the text and to remove the hindrances it had put in the way of that process. The text was approved by 138 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 1 abstention (Russian Federation). (See Annex X.)
The representative of Cuba introduced the draft resolutions on the report of the Israeli Practices Committee. Statements in explanation of vote were made by the representatives of the Russian Federation, Spain, Australia, Republic of Korea, Uruguay, Iran, Libya, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Afghanistan, Andorra and Senegal.
The representative of Netherlands introduced the text on UNRWA's financing, the representative of Indonesia introduced the remaining UNRWA texts. Statements in explanation of vote were made by the representatives of the Russian Federation, Japan, Spain, Iran, Libya, Canada, the United States, Philippines and Israel.
Prior to taking action this afternoon, the Committee concluded its consideration of the report of the Special Committee on Israeli practices. The representatives of Iran and the United States addressed the Committee.
The Committee also decided to postpone its consideration of the situation in the occupied territories of Croatia until its fifty-first session.
The report of the Fourth Committee is expected to be presented to the General Assembly for action.
Committee Work Programme
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon to complete 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 and take action on related draft resolutions. The Committee was also expected to act on drafts concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The draft resolutions on UNRWA concern assistance to Palestine refugees; the working group on the financing of the Agency; persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities; offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for Palestine refugees; UNRWA's operations; revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties; and a University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees.
The drafts on the Special Committee on Israeli Practices concern its work; the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War; Israeli practices in the occupied territories; and the occupied Syrian Golan.
In addition, the Committee had before it the Secretary-General's report on the situation in the occupied territories of Croatia (document A/50/648) and a letter from the Permanent Representative of Croatia (document A/C.4/50/6) in which he requests that consideration of the item be deferred until the fifty-first General Assembly.
The Secretary-General's report states that Croatia's reintegration of the former Sectors West, North and South by military force had eliminated most of what was referred to as the "occupied territories" in General Assembly resolution 49/43. It has also eliminated the need for a substantial United Nations presence in those areas.
In its letter, Croatia requests the Committee to defer debate on the situation in the occupied territories of Croatia until the fifty-first session of the Assembly. Croatia said debate at this time "may not contribute" to the peace process, which Croatia was confident was aimed at the unconditional protection of its sovereignty and would soon restore the Government's authority over its entire territory inside its internationally recognized borders. (For details see Press Release GA/SPD/69 issued 31 October.)
Draft Resolutions on UNRWA
By a draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/50/L.11), the General Assembly would decide to extend UNRWA's mandate until 30 June 1999. It would note with regret that the repatriation or
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compensation of the refugees, as provided for in paragraph 11 of its resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948, has not yet been effected and that, the problem continued to be a matter of concern. It would also note with regret that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been unable to achieve progress in implementing paragraph 11 and would ask it to exert continued efforts towards that end.
The Assembly would note the significant success of UNRWA's peace implementation programme since the signing in Washington, D.C. of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on 13 September 1993. It would urge all Member States to extend and expedite aid and assistance for the economic and social development of the Palestine people and the occupied territories. It would further note progress on the transfer of UNRWA's headquarters to its area of operations in Gaza and request the Secretary- General, in consultation with the Agency's Commissioner-General, to present to the working group on the financing of UNRWA an updated plan on the transfer.
The Assembly would reiterate its profound concern about the seriousness of UNRWA's financial situation and note 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. It would call on all governments, as a matter of urgency, to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the Agency's anticipated needs, including the costs of moving its headquarters to Gaza.
The draft is sponsored by Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Qatar, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By a draft text on the working group on the Financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/50/L.12), the Assembly would express its deep concern with the Agency's critical financial situation and the affect on its ability to continue providing needed services, including emergency services to the Palestine refugees. It would emphasize the continued need for extraordinary efforts to maintain UNRWA's activities -- at least at current minimum levels -- and to enable it to carry out essential construction.
The Assembly would commend the working group for its efforts to help ensure the Agency's financial security and would ask it to continue them, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and UNRWA's Commissioner-General, for a another year.
The text is sponsored by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
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By a draft on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/50/L.13), the Assembly would reaffirm the right of all those persons to return to their homes or former places of residence. It would express the hope for an accelerated return of displaced persons through the mechanism agreed upon by Israel and the PLO in article XII of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Assembly would endorse the Commissioner-General's efforts to continue emergency humanitarian assistance, as far as practicable, to displaced persons in serious need. It would strongly appeal to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and to the other concerned intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
The text is sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
A draft resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/50/L.14), would have the Assembly urge all States to respond to its appeal for such offers in a manner commensurate with the needs of Palestine refugees for higher education. It would strongly appeal to all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships in addition to their contributions to UNRWA's regular budget.
By other terms of the text, the Assembly would invite the relevant specialized agencies and other United Nations organizations to continue assisting higher education for Palestine refugee students. It would appeal to all States, specialized agencies and the United Nations University to contribute generously to Palestinian universities in the occupied territory, including, in due course, the proposed University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees.
The Assembly would also appeal to all States, specialized agencies and other international bodies to contribute towards the establishment of vocational training centres for Palestine refugees. The Agency would be asked 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 Brunei Darussalam, Djibouti, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By a draft resolution on UNRWA's operations (document A/C.4/50/L.15), the Assembly would call on Israel, the occupying Power, to accept the de jure applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, and to abide scrupulously by its provisions. It would call once again on Israel to
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compensate UNRWA for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.
By other terms of the text, the Assembly would also call on Israel to abide by Articles 100, 104 and 105 of the Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations with regard to the safety of the Agency's personnel, the protection of its institutions and the safeguarding of its facilities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem.
[Paragraph 2 of Article 100 of the Charter states: "Each Member of the United Nations undertakes to respect the exclusively international character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the staff and not to seek to influence them in the discharge of their responsibilities."]
[Article 104 of the Charter states: "The Organization shall enjoy in the territory of each of its Members such legal capacity as may be necessary for the exercise of its functions and the fulfilment of its purposes."]
[Paragraph 1 of Article 105 of the Charter states: "The Organization shall enjoy in the territory of each of its Members such privileges and immunities as are necessary for the fulfilment of its purposes."]
In addition, the Assembly would request UNRWA's Commissioner-General to issue identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory. It would note that the new context created by the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements by Israel and the PLO and subsequent agreements has had major consequences for the Agency's activities. Henceforth, in close cooperation with the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories, the specialized agencies and the World Bank, UNRWA would be called on to continue contributing towards the development of economic and social stability in the occupied territory.
The Assembly would also note that UNRWA's functioning remains essential in all fields of operation, and would further note the "significant success" of its peace implementation programme during the first year following the signing of the Declaration of Principles. It would urge all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to continue and to increase their contributions to UNRWA in order to ease current financial constraints and to support its maintenance of the most basic and effective assistance to the Palestine refugees.
The draft is sponsored by Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
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By a draft resolution on revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties (document A/C.4/50/L.16), the Assembly would ask the Secretary- General to take all appropriate steps, in consultation with the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, to protect 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. It would once more call on Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General to implement the present text. It would also call on all other concerned Member States to provide him with any pertinent information concerning Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel.
The text is sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By a draft text on University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/50/L.17), the Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian occupied territory, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need to establish the proposed university. It would ask the Secretary-General to continue taking all necessary measures to establish the University. It would once more call on Israel, the occupying Power, to cooperate in implementing the present text and to remove the hindrances it has put in the way of the University.
The text is sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Draft Resolutions on Israeli Practices
By the terms of a draft on the work of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices (document A/C.4/50/L.18), the Assembly would commend that body for its impartial work and demand that Israel cooperate with it. The Assembly would deplore Israeli policies and practices which violate the human rights of the Palestinians and other Arabs of the occupied territories, and express the hope that, in the light of the recent positive political developments, those policies and practices would be ended immediately.
Pending complete termination of the Israeli occupation, the Special Committee would be asked to continue investigating Israeli policies and practices and to consult with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure that the welfare and human rights of people in the occupied territories were safeguarded. The Special Committee would also be asked to submit regular, periodic reports to the Secretary-General on the current situation in the occupied territory and to continue investigating the treatment of prisoners there.
The Secretary-General would be asked to provide the Special Committee with all necessary facilities, including those required for its visits to the
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occupied territories to investigate Israeli practices, and to continue making additional staff available as needed. He would also be asked to circulate regularly the Special Committee's periodic reports to Member States, ensure the widest circulation of its reports and information on its activities and findings through the Department of Public Information (DPI) and, where necessary, to reprint reports that were no longer available.
The text is sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
A draft resolution on the 1949 Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/50/L.19) would have the Assembly reaffirm the Convention's applicability to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967. It would demand that Israel accept the de jure applicability of the Convention in those territories and comply scrupulously with its provisions. The Assembly would also call on all States parties to the Convention, to exert all efforts to ensure Israel's respect for its provisions.
The text is sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By the terms of a draft resolution on Israeli practices in the occupied Territories (document A/C.4/50/L.20), the Assembly would demand that Israel, the occupying power, "desist forthwith" from any measures or actions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, which violated the 1949 Geneva Convention. It would determine that all such actions in violation of the Convention and relevant Security Council resolutions had no validity and reaffirm that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal and an obstacle to peace.
The Assembly would note with satisfaction the return of a number of deportees to the occupied Palestinian territory, and would call on Israel to facilitate the return of the rest. It would also call on Israel to accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned, in line with agreements reached. Pending the extension of self-government arrangements to the rest of the West Bank, the Assembly would call for Israel's complete respect of the fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people.
The draft is sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By the terms of a draft on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/50/L.21), the Assembly would call on Israel, the occupying Power, to comply with the relevant resolutions, particularly Security Council resolution 497 (1981), in which it decided that the Israeli decision to impose its laws,
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jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan was null and void and without international legal effect. It would demand that Israel, "rescind forthwith" those decisions. It 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 establishing settlements.
By other terms of the text, the Assembly would determine that all legislative and administrative measures and actions by Israel purporting to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Golan are null and void, were a flagrant violation of international law and the 1949 Geneva Convention and have no legal effect. It would further call on Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on Syrian citizens in the occupied Golan, and to desist from its repressive measures against the population there.
The text is sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Statements on Israeli Practices
JALAL SAMADI (Iran) said the reports of the Special Committee showed that the general situation of human rights of the Palestinian occupied territories remained very serious and a matter of grave concern. According to witnesses who appeared before the Committee, the situation had actually deteriorated in many respects. The repeated sealing off or closing of the territories resulted in considerable economic and social hardships. According to the report, since the Oslo Agreement, the standard of living in Gaza had fallen by 25 per cent.
He said the expansion of settlements and land confiscation continued. The situation was particularly serious in Jerusalem. Another problem was the violent acts committed by settlers who were consistently protected by the Israeli army. The number of killings, detentions, and mistreatment of detainees was horrifying. The comprehensive and just solution to the question of Palestine lay in the restoration of all rights of the Palestinian people, including the return of all Palestinian refugees and displaced persons to their homeland, the full and free exercise of their right to self- determination, and the liberation of all occupied territories.
DOUGLAS KEENE (United States) said the draft resolutions on Israeli practices contained outdated language and offered nothing constructive to the ongoing peace process. The Special Committee's resources should be used instead to support Palestinian self-government and economic development in the West Bank and Gaza. The resolutions did not reflect the progress that had occurred in the region, including the transfer of power in the West Bank city
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of Jenin. The Special Committee should shift its resources to other avenues which could bring direct benefits to Palestinians. Three hundred thousand dollars could be put to good use in either Gaza or the West Bank.
He called on Member States to delete the standard request for the Committee to continue its work and report next year. The Committee's existence was inconsistent with the current reality and its resources should be directing toward bolstering progress in the peace process. The United States would continue to oppose references such as "occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem". These references had no effect on issues of sovereignty or on final decisions which could only be made by the parties concerned.
Action on Israeli Practices Texts
YAMIRA CUETO (Cuba) introduced the draft resolution on the Special Committee on Israeli practices on behalf of the co-sponsors. She said negotiations on the draft texts had been pragmatic and reflected the current peace process in the Middle East. However, the language of the drafts unequivocally condemned Israeli practices and policies which violated the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs.
Bangladesh became a co-sponsor of the draft resolutions on Israeli practices.
The draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices (L.18) was approved by a recorded vote of 63 in favour to 2 against (Israel and the United States) with 65 abstentions. (For details see Annex I).
The draft resolution on the 1949 Geneva Convention was approved by a vote of 127 in favour to 2 against (Israel and the United States) with 4 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Russian Federation). (Annex II).
The draft resolution on Israeli practices in the occupied territories was approved by a vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel and the United States) with 8 abstentions (Argentina, Barbados, Marshall Islands, Federated State of Micronesia, Nicaragua, Panama, Russian Federation and Uruguay). (Annex III).
A draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan was approved by a vote of 121 in favour to 1 against (Israel) with 11 abstentions (Annex IV).
Statements in Explanation of Vote
The representative of the Russian Federation said that it was inadmissible to violate human rights in the occupied territories and condemned
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such violations as well as the terrorism practised by certain extremist groups. Since certain measures had been taken by Israel, the humanitarian situation in the territories had seen positive changes but still needed improvement, assistance and attention by the international community. As a co-sponsor of the peace process, the Russian Federation believed that a constructive atmosphere should be established to facilitate the implementation of present agreements and to further the peace process. The draft resolutions had not changed since last year and continued to contain a number of one-sided assessments with regard to the causes of violence and instability in the occupied territories. There was no mention of matters of substance with regard to Arab-Israeli negotiations. Therefore, Russia abstained from voting on the draft resolutions on Israeli practices.
The representative of Spain, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that he had voted in favour of three of the draft resolutions but had abstained on the draft regarding the Special Committee's report and mandate, which no longer reflected realities on the ground. The Union had submitted a number of amendments ultimately aimed at reconsidering the Committee's mandate in view of advancements in the field. Although the last paragraph of the preamble partially incorporated that idea, it was not enough and the Union hoped the idea would be recognized next year when Israeli forces withdrew from the occupied territories.
The representative of Australia said that increasing numbers of Palestinians were accepting full responsibility for their lives in the occupied territories. Her Government fully supported the Middle East peace agreements and hoped the work of the Special Committee would become unnecessary next year.
The representative of the Republic of Korea said that the Special Committee's work would make a lasting contribution to the peace process. However, he had abstained from voting on the texts regarding the Special Committee because its language could have reflected a more realistic assessment on the latest peace developments.
The representative of Uruguay said he had abstained on all four draft resolutions since they did not take into account the effects of the peace process and the latest peace agreements. The path of dialogue and understanding was the only one which could replace war. The peace negotiations would help achieve a peaceful solution which would allow for the co-existence of the peoples in the Middle East in peace. He hoped that by the next session the Committee would have text which would give a better representation of the realities in the Middle East.
The representative of Iran said he had voted in favour of the four drafts but that should not be construed as any recognition of Israel.
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The representative of Libya said that he had voted for all the drafts but had reservations on anything which might be a recognition of the so-called Israel or the current peace process, because of the continued Israeli occupation and its practices against the Palestinian people.
The representative of Canada said she had abstained on the drafts. Her Government welcomed the Declaration of Principles and the interim peace agreements and regretted that the mandate of the Special Committee had not been altered to reflect the realities of the peace agreements.
The representative of Colombia said he had voted in favour of the draft on Israeli practices (18). The parties concerned should work along the lines of peace and avoid the use of violence. He hoped it would be pointless to have such drafts before the Committee next year.
The representative of Chile voted in favour of the drafts. Nevertheless their language did not always reflect the political situation in the region and the peace process, but his Government wanted to express its support for the Palestinian people.
The representative of Afghanistan said that he had not been present during the vote, but would have been in favour of the texts.
The representative of Andorra said he had been absent during the vote, but would have voted in favour of draft resolutions L.19, 20 and 21.
The representative of Senegal said he was not present during the vote, but would have been in favour of all the drafts if he had been present.
Action on UNRWA Resolutions
The representative of the Netherlands introduced the draft resolution on UNRWA's financing, on behalf of its co-sponsors.
The representative of Indonesia introduced the remaining draft resolutions, on behalf of their co-sponsors.
Mr. MUTHAURA (Kenya), Committee Chairman, said Senegal had been added as a co-sponsor of the draft resolutions on assistance to Palestine refugees, offers by Member States of grants and scholarships, UNRWA's operations, revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties, and University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees.
The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees was approved by a recorded vote of 140 in favour to 1 against (Israel) with 1 abstention (United States). (See Annex V.)
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A draft text on the working group on the financing of UNRWA was approved without a vote.
A draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities was approved by a vote of 140 in favour to 2 against (Israel and United States) with 0 abstentions. (See Annex VI.)
A draft resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships was approved by a vote of 142 in favour to none against with 1 abstention (Israel). (See Annex VII.)
A draft on UNRWA's operations was approved by a vote of 138 in favour to 2 against (Israel and United States) with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Russian Federation). (See Annex VIII.)
A draft resolution on revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties was approved by a vote of 91 in favour to 2 against (Israel and United States) with 48 abstentions. (See Annex IX.)
A draft text on University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees was approved by a vote of 138 in favour to 2 against (Israel and United States) with 1 abstention (Russian Federation). (See Annex X.)
Statements in Explanation of Vote
The representative of the Russian Federation said that despite continuing difficulties, peace was being formed between Palestinians and Israel. The basis had been laid for a new political and psychological climate in the Middle East, and was opening the way for the achievement of specific results in the negotiating process. The work of the General Assembly should ensure the necessary international support for the implementation of agreements already reached. The Russian Federation supported the humanitarian activities of UNRWA, which could do a great deal to swiftly implement the peace agreements. A number of drafts had not changed compared to last year and continued to contain provisions which went beyond the humanitarian work of UNRWA, in particular the drafts on UNRWA's operations, revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties, and on a University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees, on which Russia abstained.
The representative of Japan said his delegation had voted in favour of the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees with the understanding that the refugee problem would be discussed by the parties concerned in the course of negotiations as provided for in the Declaration of Principles.
The representative of Spain, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said he had voted in favour of the draft on assistance to Palestinian
Fourth Committee - 17 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
refugees. The UNRWA was in a prominent position to complement and consolidate the peace process in the Middle East. As the main contributors to UNRWA, the European Union would have preferred a solution which enabled the renewal of the Agency's mandate to be supported by all Member States. This was why the Union had not been able to table the resolution as in the past two years. The UNRWA's importance was beyond doubt. Therefore, the European Union called upon all States to provide the Agency with the necessary resources.
The representative of Iran said he had voted in favour of all resolutions on UNRWA and Palestinian refugees. However his delegation had reservations to those parts of resolutions which might be construed as any recognition of Israel.
The representative of Libya said his delegation approved all the draft resolutions but had reservations concerning anything that might be construed as a recognition of Israel or might support the ongoing peace process. Any solution to the Palestinian problem must take into account the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and their right to build their country on the entire Palestinian territory.
The representative of Canada said she had abstained on the draft resolution on revenues derived from Palestine refugees' properties since no compromise had been achieved and the text remained unchanged. Canada could not support a resolution that might prejudice the outcome of negotiations.
The representative of the United States said his delegation would continue to support the work of UNRWA. He expressed disappointment that efforts to reach a consensus on UNRWA's renewal were not forthcoming, a fact which had forced the United States to abstain from voting on the resolution. He would have preferred a consensus draft resolution. There was no need to tie UNRWA's mission to a political agenda when progress was being made on the ground. The United States placed importance on the successful resolution of the status and future of Palestinian refugees as part of the Arab-Israeli negotiations. It had supported the transfer of UNRWA Headquarters from Vienna. Any attempt to misuse resolutions was counter-productive to the peace process.
The United States had voted in favour of the draft resolution on higher education, he said. However, that support was contingent upon continued reservations about contributions to a proposed Jerusalem University "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees. The United States also continued to oppose the phrase "Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967", since the language was not indicative of sovereignty or the final political arrangements for the territories, which would be decided by the parties in direct negotiations.
Fourth Committee - 18 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
The representative of the Philippines said if he had been present, he would have voted in favour of the draft resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships.
The representative of Israel said his delegation could not support resolutions which referred to political issues that went beyond the scope of UNRWA's work. It was important for UNRWA to continue to provide humanitarian aid, and his Government supported renewal of the Agency's mandate until June 1999.
Situation in the occupied territories of Croatia
VLADIMIR DROBNJAK (Croatia) said the newest developments in the region, namely the recent agreement between the parties in Dayton, Ohio, and the Basic Agreement precluded the need to debate the item and proposed that it be deferred and included in the work of the fifty-first assembly.
YURIY FETODOV (Russian Federation) said it was possible not to object to the item's deferment until the General Assembly's next session. However, an assessment of the facts included in the Secretary-General's report had not lost its up-to-date aspect especially regarding the situation in Sectors West, North and South which had been described as a humanitarian disaster in the Secretary-General's report. There had been serious human rights violations after the hostilities had ended. The report also described administrative actions by the Croatian authorities which limited the civilian, political and economic rights of the Serbian population in Croatia and the right of refugees to return. Especially alarming were reports by witnesses which confirmed extra-judicial executions, disappearances and the systematic and widespread destruction of houses by both the Croatian army and internal security forces.
He said there had been a spark of hope with the Basic Agreement which made a political solution possible in the part of Croatia occupied by Serbs and which could avoid a situation such as the recent tragedy in the Krajina. Italy opened the way for full political relations between Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). A rapid implementation of the Basic Agreement would be in the interest of all people living in the region.
JAVIER PEREZ-GRILLO (Spain), on behalf of the European Union, said its members were satisfied the Basic Agreement was based on two important principles -- the sovereignty of Croatia and full guarantees for the rights of Serbs in the region. The Union was fully committed to Croatia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within international recognized borders. The recent agreement reached in Dayton, Ohio was a step forward and the Croatian authorities had opted, under difficult circumstances, for peaceful reintegration of its territory. Allowing for the peaceful return of refugees could make eastern Slovonia an example for all. He called on all parties to
Fourth Committee - 19 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
negotiate in good faith. Now, the main task was to restore hope and offer decent living conditions to those who had suffered the consequences of the conflict in the region.
The Union had repeatedly condemned the perpetrators of crimes against humanity who, he said, should be held personally responsible for their actions. The international community must cooperate with the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The Union was deeply concerned with human rights violations described in the Secretary-General's report, especially the chapter by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights on events in Croatia last summer. Croatia must condemn members of its armed forces who could be found responsible for human rights violations and take concrete measures to allow the voluntary return of all refugees. Respect for human rights must be given strong backing by the Croatian authorities, otherwise there would not be a solid basis for the peace agreements. It must ensure close compliance with the findings of the International Tribunal.
ALEJANDRO GUILLERMO VERDIER (Argentina) said the tension in eastern Slovonia had lessened as a result of the Basic Agreement which should ensure respect for Croatia's sovereignty and for human rights and law throughout the territory. The Croatian Government must ensure that respect for human rights spelled out in the Agreement be granted to all minorities, as well as to those who wished to stay.
RALPH JANSEN (Canada) said that the Basic Agreement and the recent agreement reached in Dayton, Ohio had brought the best chance to bring an end to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and he called on all the parties to work together to ensure peace and respect human rights. His Government condemned serious human rights violations and called for full support by all the parties for the work of the International Tribunal in its efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
The Committee decided to defer consideration of the situation in the occupied territories until the next session of the General Assembly.
Statements in Right of Reply
The representative of Croatia said he was not opposed to debate on human rights including the rights of minorities but a more appropriate forum was the Third Committee. He expressed his gratitude to delegates who expressed their support for Croatia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The representative of Cameroon said there had been a misunderstanding that his Government was a co-sponsor for the draft resolutions on UNRWA and asked the Chairman to withdraw its name from the list of co-sponsors.
(Annexes follow)
Fourth Committee - 20 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX I
Vote on the Draft on Work of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices
The draft on the work of the Special Committee on Israeli practices (document A/C.4/50/L.18) was approved by a recorded vote of 63 in favour to 2 against, with 65 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstaining: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Azerbaijan, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX I)
Fourth Committee - 21 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX II
Vote on the Draft on the 1949 Geneva Convention
The draft on the 1949 Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/50/L.19) was approved by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to 2 against, with 4 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstaining: Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nicaragua, Russian Federation.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX II)
Fourth Committee - 22 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX III
Vote on the Draft on Israeli Practices in the Occupied Territories
The draft on Israeli practices in the occupied territories (document A/C.4/50/L.20) was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against, with 8 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstaining: Argentina, Barbados, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nicaragua, Panama, Russian Federation, Uruguay.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX III)
Fourth Committee - 23 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX IV
Vote on the Draft on the Syrian Golan
The draft on the Syrian Golan (Document A/C.4/50/L.21) was approved by a recorded vote of 121 in favour to 1 against, with 11 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel.
Abstaining: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Federated States of Micronesia, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, United States, Uruguay.
Absent: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Belize, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX IV)
Fourth Committee - 24 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX V
Vote on the Draft on Assistance to Palestine Refugees
The draft on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/50/L.11) was approved by a recorded vote of 140 in favour to 1 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel.
Abstaining: United States.
Absent: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX V)
Fourth Committee - 25 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX VI
Vote on the Draft on Persons Displaced by June 1967 and Subsequent Hostilities
The draft on persons displaced by June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/50/L.13) was approved by a recorded vote of 140 in favour to 2 against, with 0 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstaining: None.
Absent: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX VI)
Fourth Committee - 26 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX VII
Vote on the Draft on Offers by Member States of Grants and Scholarships
The draft on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships (document A/C.4/50/L.14) was approved by a recorded vote of 142 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: None
Abstaining: Israel.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX VII)
Fourth Committee - 27 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX VIII
Vote on the Draft on UNRWA'S Operations
The draft on UNRWA's operations (document A/C.4/50/L.15) was approved by a recorded vote of 138 in favour to 2 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darrusalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstaining: Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Russian Federation.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX VIII)
Fourth Committee - 28 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX IX
Vote on the Draft on Revenues from Palestine Refugees' Properties
The draft on revenues from Palestine refugees' properties (document A/C.4/50/L.16) was approved by a recorded vote of 91 in favour to 2 against, with 48 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstaining: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Absent: Albania, Angola, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX IX)
Fourth Committee - 29 - Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
Fourth Committee Press Release GA/SPD/81 25th Meeting (PM) 30 November 1995
ANNEX X
Vote on the Draft on the University of Jerusalem, "Al-Quds"
The draft on the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" (document A/C.4/50/L.17) was approved by a recorded vote of 138 in favour to 2 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstaining: Russian Federation.
Absent: Albania, Azerbaijan, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Monaco, Namibia, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
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