GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEFERS ACTION ON PROPOSAL TO ENHANCE STATUS OF PALESTINE OBSERVER AT UNITED NATIONS
Press Release
GA/9378
GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEFERS ACTION ON PROPOSAL TO ENHANCE STATUS OF PALESTINE OBSERVER AT UNITED NATIONS
19971209 Text Withdrawn after Vote Fails to Nullify Amendment; Six Resolutions Adopted on Question of Palestine, Situation in Middle EastThe General Assembly did not act this afternoon on a draft resolution that would have conferred on Palestine, in its capacity of observer, similar rights and privileges of participation in the work of the United Nations as those enjoyed by Member States, except for voting and candidature.
The draft was withdrawn after the Assembly voted on the validity of an amendment introduced by Luxembourg, on behalf of the European Union. By the terms of the amendment, the Assembly would have reviewed whether the rights and privileges currently enjoyed by Palestine were adequate to ensure its proper participation. It would also have requested the Secretary-General to report on the issue as soon as possible and before the end of the current session.
By a recorded vote of 57 in favour to 65 against, with 32 abstentions, the Assembly rejected a motion by Yemen that the European Union text was not an amendment but a new proposal, and the complete antithesis of the draft. (Annex V). After a short recess, the representative of Egypt requested, on behalf of the co-sponsors, that the draft resolution not be put to a vote at the present time.
The representative of Indonesia who introduced the draft, as orally amended, said it did not seek full membership for Palestine, but additional rights and privileges, including participation in the general debate, normal inscriptions to speak in the plenary and main committees and right of reply.
In other action this afternoon, the Assembly adopted four resolutions on the question of Palestine and two on the situation in the Middle East.
By the terms of a resolution on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, the Assembly called on concerned parties, the co-sponsors of the Middle East peace process and the international community to exert efforts and initiatives to bring the peace process back on track and ensure its success. The voting was 155 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Bulgaria) (Annex IV).
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The Assembly voted 115 in favour to two against (Israel, United States), with 45 abstentions, to authorize the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to continue promoting the rights of the Palestinian people and to give special emphasis to mobilizing support and assistance for them (Annex I).
By a vote of 113 in favour to two against (Israel, United States), with 47 abstentions, the Assembly asked the Secretary-General to provide the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat with necessary resources, including for the further development of the United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine, and to ensure the cooperation of the Department of Public Information (DPI) and other Secretariat units in enabling the Division to perform its tasks (Annex II).
By a further draft, the Assembly asked DPI to continue its special information programme on the question of Palestine for the biennium 1998-1999, with particular emphasis on public opinion in Europe and North America. The draft, which also asked DPI to continue media development assistance to the Palestinian people, particularly for the training programme for Palestinian broadcasters and journalists initiated in 1995, was adopted 158 votes in favour to two against (Israel, United States), with four abstentions (Bulgaria, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Rwanda (Annex III).
In action on the situation in the Middle East, the Assembly determined that Israel's imposition of its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Holy City of Jerusalem was illegal and therefore null and void and without validity. The text, which was adopted by a vote of 148 in favour to one against (Israel), with 9 abstentions (Costa Rica, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Swaziland, United States, Zambia), deplored the transfer by some States of their diplomatic missions to Jerusalem (Annex VI).
A resolution on the Syrian Golan, was adopted by a vote of 92 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 65 abstentions. The Assembly demanded once more that Israel withdraw from all the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of 4 June 1967, calling the de facto annexation a stumbling block to peace. The Assembly also called on Israel to resume talks on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks and to respect the commitments and undertakings reached during the previous talks (Annex VII).
The Assembly decided to grant Namibia's and South Africa's request to become members of the Palestinian Rights Committee.
The representative of Malta introduced the resolutions on the Palestinian Rights Committee; the Division of Palestinian Rights and the Special Information Programme on the question of Palestine. Indonesia also introduced the resolution on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine. Egypt introduced two draft resolutions on the Middle East.
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A further draft on the situation in the Middle East, co-sponsored by Norway, Russian Federation and the United States, was withdrawn, the sponsors saying they took that action in view of current efforts to inject new momentum into the peace process.
The representatives of the United States, Iran, Luxembourg (on behalf of the European Union), Swaziland, Turkey, Syria, Mexico, Argentina, and Ecuador spoke in explanation of vote.
The Assembly meets again at 3 p.m. tomorrow, 10 December, to take up the reports of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization).
Assembly Work Programme
The General Assembly met this afternoon to resume consideration of the question of Palestine and the situation in the Middle East, and to act on several related draft resolutions.
Question of Palestine
On the question of Palestine, the Assembly had before it a report from the Secretary-General (document A/52/581) on developments during the last year of the Middle East peace process; the report of the Committee on the Rights of the Palestinian People (document A/52/35) and a letter from the Chairman of the Committee (document A/52/571).
The Assembly was expected to take action on the following draft texts: the programme of work of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (document A/52/L.49); the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat (document A/52/L.50); the special information programme on the question of Palestine (document A/52/L.51); the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine (A/52/L.52 and Corr.1); and full participati;on of Palestine in the work of the United Nations (document A/52/L.52/Rev.1).
It also had before it a letter from the Permanent Representative of Namibia. (For further information see Press Releases GA/9366 of 1 December and GA/9368 of 2 December.)
By the terms of a 20-Power draft on the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat (document A/52/L.50) the Secretary-General would be asked to provide the Division with the necessary resources, including for the further development of the United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine, and to ensure the cooperation of the Department of Public Information (DPI) and other Secretariat units in enabling the Division to perform its tasks.
All governments and organizations would be invited to cooperate with the Committee and the Division in the performance of their tasks. The Assembly would note with appreciation the action of Member States to observe on 29 November each year the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The sponsors of the text are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam and Yemen.
By the terms of a 20-Power draft on the special information programme on the question of Palestine (document A/52/L.51) the Assembly would note with
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appreciation the action taken by DPI in compliance with its resolution 51/25 last year. It would consider the special information programme on the question of Palestine of the office of Communications and Public Information useful in raising the international awareness of the complexities of the question, and the Middle East situation in general, and in contributing effectively to an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and supportive of the peace process.
The Assembly would request DPI, in cooperation with the Palestinian Rights Committee, to continue its special information programme on the question of Palestine for the biennium 1998-1999, with particular emphasis on public opinion in Europe and North America. The DPI would be asked to disseminate information about United Nations system activities on the question of Palestine; to issue and update publications on the various aspects of the question, including those concerning recent peace prospects; to maintain production of its audio-visual material on the question; and to organize fact- finding news missions for journalists to the area, including the territories under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority and the occupied territories.
The draft would further request that DPI organize international, regional and natinal seminars/encounters for journalists; and continue media development assistance to the Palestinian people, particularly to strengthen the training programme for Palestinian broadcasters and journalists initiated in 1995.
The sponsors of the text are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam and Yemen.
By the terms of a 23-Power text on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine (document A/52/L.52 and Corr.1) the Assembly would call on the concerned parties, the co-sponsors of the peace process, interested parties and the international community to exert all the necessary efforts and initiatives to bring the peace process back on track and ensure its success.
Member States would be urged to provide economic and technical assistance to the Palestinian people during this critical period. It would express its full support for the peace process, emphasizing the importance for the United Nations to play a more active, expanded role in the process and in the implementation of the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self- Government Arrangements.
The Assembly would stress the need for commitment to the "land for peace" principle and the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), which form the basis of the Middle East peace process, as well as the need for immediate, scrupulous implementation of the agreements
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reached between the parties, including the redeployment of Israeli forces from the West Bank and the start of negotiations on the final settlement.
The sponsors of the text are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam and Yemen.
By the terms of a 20-Power draft resolution (document A/52/L.53/Rev.1.) on the full participation of Palestine, the General Assembly would decide to confer on Palestine, in its capacity as observer, the same rights and privileges of participation in Assembly sessions and work, and United Nations international conferences, as those conferred on Member States, except for voting and candidature. The Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to implement the provisions of the draft as expeditiously as possible.
The sponsors of the draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam and Yemen.
Also before the Assembly was an amendment (A/52/L.59) to the draft resolution on the full participation of Palestine in the work of the United Nations, by which it would reaffirm the right of Palestine to participate as an observer in Assembly work and sessions and in United Nations international conferences. Further, the Assembly would decide to review whether Palestine's current rights were adequate to ensure its proper participation and would request the Secretary-General to report on the issue as soon as possible, and before the end of the current session.
The amendment is sponsored by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Pourtugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
By the terms of a 21-Power text on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (document A/52/L.49), the Assembly would endorse the Committee's recommendations contained in chapter VII of its report (document A/52/35).
The Assembly would authorize the Committee to continue to exert efforts to promote the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, and to mobilize support and assistance for the Palestinian people. The Assembly would ask the Committee to keep the question of Palestine under review and to report and make susggestions accordingly to the Assembly or the Security Council. It would also ask the Committee to extend its cooperation to non-governmental organizations for heightening international awareness of the facts relating to the question of Palestine and promoting support and assistance to meet the needs of the Palestinian people.
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The United Nations Reconciliation Commission for Palestine and other relevant United Nations bodies would be asked to co;operate fully with the Committee. The Secretary-General would be requested to circulate the Committee's report to all competent United Nations bodies, and to urge them to take appropriate, necessary action.
The sponsors of the draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam and Yemen.
Situation in the Middle East
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the Assembly had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East (A/52/467) and his report on the question of Palestine (A/52/581).
It was expected to take action on the following texts: Jerusalem (A/52/L.54); the Syrian Golan (A/52/L.55); Middle East peace process (A/52/L.62) and proposed amendments to that draft (A/52/L.63). (For further details see Press Release GA/9370 issued on 3 December.)
By the text on Jerusalem (document A/52/L.54), the Assembly would determine that the decision of Israel to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on on the Holy City of Jerusalem is illegal and, therefore, null and void and that it has no validity whatsoever. It would deplore the transfer by some States of their diplomatic missions to Jerusalem in violation of Security Council resolution 478 (1980), and their refusal to comply with its provisions. It would once more call on those States to abide by the relevant United Nations resolutions, and would ask the Secretary-General to report on implementation of the current text.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By the draft resolution on the Syrian Golan (document A/52/L.55), the Assembly would demand once more that Israel withdraw from all the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of 4 June 1967, in implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. It would declare that the Israeli decision of 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void and has no validity whatsoever, and would call upon Israel to rescind that decision.
The Assembly would call on Israel to resume the talks on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks and to respect the commitments and undertakings reached during the previous talks. It would call on all the parties concerned, the co- sponsors of the peace process and the entire international community to exert all the necessary efforts to ensure the resumption of the peace process and its success.
Further, the Assembly would determine once more that the continued
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occupation of the Syrian Golan and its de facto annexation constitute a stumbling block in the way of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region. It would reaffirm that the relevant provisions of the 1907 Hague Convention and the 1949 Geneva Convention continue to apply to the occupied Syrian territory and would call on the parties to those instruments to respect their obligations under them. The Secretary-General would be asked to report on implementation of the current text.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By the draft resolution on the Middle East peace process (document A/52/L.62), the Assembly would stress the need to surmount the difficulties facing the peace process and to achieve rapid progress on all tracks of the Arab-Israeli negotiations. It would urge all parties to fulfil their obligations in good faith and implement the agreements already reached without delay.
The Assembly would call on the parties concerned to refrain from any unilateral actions which would pre-empt the outcome of negotiations. It would call for increased efforts to bring the peace process back on track and for the acceleration of those negotiations on the agreed basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). It would also call on Member States to extend economic, financial and technical assistance to parties in the region and to support the peace process.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Norway, the Russian Federation and the United States.
Also before the Assembly is a set of proposed amendments (document A/52/L.63) to the draft resolution on the Middle East peace process (document A/52/L.62). In its third preambular paragraph, the Assembly would also recall Security Council resolution 425 (1978) -- in addition to resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) -- as a basis for the convening of the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference. In operative paragraph 4, which urges the parties to fulfil their obligations in good faith, the phrase "contractual obligations" would be used.
In operative paragraph 5, which calls on the parties to refrain from unilateral actions which might pre-empt the otcome of negotiations, it would specifically refer to actions "on the ground". In operative paragraph 6, the
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reference to the agreed basis for negotiatios embodied in resolutions 242 and 338, it would specify "including the principle of land for peace".
The proposed amendments are sponsored by Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Drafts on Palestine
When the Assembly met, its President, HENNADIY UDOVENKO (Ukraine), announced that since the parties needed more time for negotiations, the meeting would be suspended.
When the meeting resumed, GEORGE SALIBA (Malta), Rapporteur of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, introduced three of the draft resolutions -- on the work of the Committee; on the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat, and on the Special information programme on the question of Palestine. He announced that Bahrain and the Comoros had joined as co-sponsors of the three drafts.
He said those drafts renewed the mandates of the Committee, the Division for Palestinian Rights and the Department of Public Information (DPI) to continue their endeavours and programmes in their respective areas of activity. Their mandates had been consistently reconfirmed by the General Assembly with overwhelming votes. That was a clear testimony to the fact that the Assembly considered them vital to the overall efforts of the Organisation to bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine.
Once again, he added, many delegations in their statements in the plenary had reiterated the clear position of the entire international community that the United Nations should continue to have a permanent responsibility towards the question until all its aspects were resolved. He said the sponsors had submitted the drafts out of a strong desire to make a concrete and constructive contribution by the Organisation to the multiplicity of efforts -- bilateral, multilateral, or those undertaken by individuals or Governments -- aimed at bringing about a settlement.
The texts of the three drafts had been updated to reflect the changes in the work programmes of the Committee, the Division for Palestinian Rights and the DPI. The corresponding financial provision had been made in the programme budget for 1998-1999. He called on all Member States to express their support for and solidarity with the Palestinian people by voting in favour of the drafts.
Action on Drafts
On explanation of vote, PETER BURLEIGH (United States) said his country opposed all five resolutions on the question of Palestine. They were from an
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earlier time and had been overtaken by events in the Middle East. Three of them promoted institutions whose activities were unbalanced and did nothing to support the peace negotiations under way. The resolutions drained millions of dollars each year that could be used for economic development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The text on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine involved the Assembly in issues being directly negotiated between the parties and was unhelpful. The United States was strongly opposed to the Arab Group draft to upgrade the status of the Palestine Observer Mission. It would grant to the Mission all rights of Member States, except the right to vote, and the right to put forward candidates for election to United Nations bodies. He said the United States was opposed on three grounds: the Palestinians were not a State; the proposal could have negative consequences for sensitive diplomatic efforts under way; and thirdly, it would encourage other groups to attempt similar upgrades.
The Assembly then adopted, by a recorded vote of 115 in favour, to 2 against (Israel and United States), with 45 abstentions, the draft resolution on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (A/52/L.49). (See Annex I)
It next adopted, by a recorded vote of 113 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States) and 47 abstentions, the draft on the Division for Palestinian Rights (A/52/L.50). (Annex II)
The Assembly then adopted, by a recorded vote of 158 in favour, 2 against (Israel, United States) and 4 abstentions (Bulgaria, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Rwanda) the draft on the special information programme on the question of Palestine (A/52/L.51). (Annex III)
MOHAMMAD MEHDI YOUSEFI (Iran) said he voted in favour of the three drafts, but expressed his delegation's reservation on those parts of the texts which might be construed as any recognition of Israel.
JEAN-LOUIS WOLZFELD (Luxembourg, speaking for the European Union, explained his position on the resolutions on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and on the Division of Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat. He said that although much progress had been made, he regretted that the mandate of those departments did not take into account the spirit of the peace process.
MOSES DLAMINI (Swaziland) said he voted in favour of the resolution on the special information programme, because it would help Member States to know what was happening in the Middle East. He abstained on the other two drafts because he shared the United States view on negotiations between the parties.
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The representative of Indonesia introduced the draft resolution on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine (A/52/L.52/Corr.1) on behalf of the co-sponsors.
BABUR HIZLAN (Turkey), said his delegation supported the draft resolution, although it did not take account of the obstacles to peace. Terrorism was a fundamental threat which he wished to emphasize to countries which lent their support to terrorists; they should refrain from using it as a tool of foreign policy.
Mr. DLAMINI (Swaziland) said the draft embodied the principle of persuasive diplomacy, especially in its operative paragraph referring to the Madrid peace process. The parties should lay down their arms.
The Assembly then adopted the draft by a recorded vote of 155 in favour, to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 3 abstentions (Bulgaria, Marshall Islands, Micronesia) (Annex IV.)
MIKHAIL WEHBE (Syria) said that although he voted in favour of the draft on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, that did not mean that he took a view on the principles of the interim agreements signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from all occupied territories, according to the principles of the Madrid Conference, and the land for peace principle could ensure a lasting peace in the region.
PABLO MACEDO (Mexico) said he voted in favour of the peaceful settlement draft because a solution to the Palestine question was a necessary element for a settlement to the Middle East conflict. However, with regard to the operative paragraph relating to the 'land for peace' formula, while it had been useful for finding a solution to this conflict, it should not become a universal principle for all other conflicts. He said that while he recognized the political tenet of that principle, it should not be raised to the status of international law.
SUTJIPTOHARDJO DONOKUSUMO (Indonesia) introduced draft resolution A/52/L.53/Rev.1 on full participation of Palestine in the work of the United Nations. He announced an oral amendment to the draft. In operative paragraph 1 -- relating to "rights and privileges" -- the words "the same" were replaced by the word "similar".
He said the draft resolution did not seek full membership for Palestine, but additional rights and privileges as a practical way to ensure its participation in United Nations work. This should include participation in the general debate, normal inscriptions to speak in the plenary and main committees and right of reply. The resolution would contribute to the achievement of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and thus to peace in the Middle East.
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Speaking for the European Union, JEAN-LOUIS WOLZFELD (Luxembourg), introduced draft resolution A/52/L.59, which is an amendment to draft resolution A/52/L.53, Rev. 1, as orally revised by the representative of Indonesia. He said the European Union had always shown sympathy for the cause of the Palestinians and understood the desire of the Observer for Palestine to participate more fully in United Nations work. However, the draft introduced by Indonesia went beyond a practical improvement in the participation by the Observer in the work of the Assembly and other United Nations organs; it raised questions of principle dealing with the exact status of Palestine at the United Nations, and the relationship between the Member States and Observers.
He said the Union was willing to take part in a General Assembly discussion of those issues, but believed the debate should be appropriately prepared, so that a well-founded decision could be taken following a full exchange of views. There should be a decision of principle to review the rights and privileges currently enjoyed by the Observer for Palestine, and to ask the Secretary-General to present a report as soon as possible, before the end of the current session, on the questions involved in the draft.
ABDALLA SALEH AL-ASHTAL (Yemen), on a point of order on behalf of the sponsors of draft resolution A/52/L.53, referred to the amendment introduced in document A/52/L.59. He said he wished to make a motion pertaining to voting on that amendment, according to Rule 90 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly. He said the amendment was the complete antithesis of the draft, introduced by Indonesia, which sought to confer on Palestine new rights and privileges. The amendment referred to existing rights. It sought to perpetuate the status quo of the Palestinian delegation and delete the important body of the draft, and reinstate paragraphs with new meaning. That was a new proposal and not an amendment. He moved that the amendment be considered a new proposal under Rule 90 of the Rules of Procedure, which stated that when an amendment was moved to a proposal, the amendment should be voted on first.
Mr. WOLZFELD (Luxembourg) said document A/52/L.59 clearly was an amendment to the draft resolution A/52/L.53/Rev.1 introduced by Indonesia, for a number of reasons. It clearly spoke of an amendment and objectively its structure respected the draft resolution. The preambular paragraph maintained the language of the draft resolution in its entirety and related to the same subject, namely the full participation of Palestine. The amendment also had the same objective as the draft resolution, namely conferring on Palestine the rights that it required to participate properly in the work of the United Nations and its international conferences. The only difference regarding the draft and its amendment were the methods to achieve that objective.
The draft resolution was hasty on a decision of major importance to the Organization, whereas the amendment sought to deal with the matter in a transparent manner after the Secretary-General had reported on the
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implications of decisions the Assembly was being called on to take. The amendment was clearly established under the Assembly's Rules of Procedure, particularly Rule 90. It was not within the rules of "fair play" to prevent the Assembly from taking a decision on the substance of the amendment through a procedural motion.
The Assembly PRESIDENT said that it appeared from the motion by the representative of Yemen and the statement by the representative of Luxembourg that the views of Member States on the issue were divided. He therefore proposed that the Assembly take a decision on whether draft resolution A/52/L.59 constituted an amendment.
Mr. DLAMINI (Swaziland) said he did not wish to confuse the Presidency, but he would like to request that the President slowly enunciate at a dictation speed the issues again.
The Assembly PRESIDENT said the representative of Yemen had, in accordance with Rule 71 on points of order, made reference to rule 90 on the Assembly's Rules of Procedure. A point of order could be taken up at any time. He said a "yes" vote by Member States would mean that document A/52/L.59 did not constitute an amendment.
The Assembly then voted on the motion that A/52/L.59 did not constitute an amendment.
By a recorded vote of 57 in favour to 65 against, with 32 abstentions, the Assembly then decided document A/52/L.59 was an amendment and not a new proposal (Annex V).
NABIL ELARABY (Egypt) requested that the Assembly recess for 15 minutes to examine the matter further.
When the meeting resumed, Mr. ELARABY (Egypt) said that after consultations with the co-sponsors of the draft on full participation of Palestine in the work of the United Nations, it was appropriate to request that the draft not be put to a vote at this time.
The PRESIDENT announced that the Assembly would not proceed to vote on the draft (A/52/L.53/Rev.1) and the amendment contained in A/52/L.59. That concluded the current stage of consideration of the Assembly's agenda item 36, the question of Palestine.
Situation in Middle East
HANS BIORN LIAN (Norway), speaking also for the Russian Federation and the United States, as co-sponsors of draft resolution A/52/L.62, entitled Middle East peace process, said they wished to withdraw the draft. He said it had always been an expression of support to the peace process. In light of
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efforts now under way to inject new momentum in the process, the co-sponsors were ready to re-submit the draft resolution at a time when it would be appropriate and useful to seek that expression of support to the peace process from the international community.
The PRESIDENT announced that the Assembly would not proceed to vote on draft resolution A/52/L.62 and the amendments to it contained in A/52/L.63.
Mr. ELARABY (Egypt), introducing the drafts on Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan, said Bahrain and the Comoros had joined as co-sponsors of the text on Jerusalem; Viet Nam and the Comoros had joined as co-sponsors on the draft on the Syrian Golan.
Action on Drafts
In explanation of vote, Mr. HIZLAN (Turkey) said although he supported the draft on the Syrian Golan, he wanted to clarify his delegation's position on an aspect of the situation in the Middle East. There were several reasons for the current impasse in the peace process; it was not fair to assign all responsibility on one of the elements or one of the countries involved. One of the most important obstacles to the process was terrorism. The countries which regrettably lent support and encouragement to terrorism must immediately cease using that inhuman and destructive policy as a leverage to advance their foreign policy interests.
Mr. BURLEIGH (United States) said the co-sponsors of the peace process were working tirelessly to give it renewed momentum. Palestinians and Israelis were negotiating the next important steps in their mutual search for peace. To reinvigorate the possibility of a helpful United Nations role in the peace process, he continued to believe that, at the appropriate time, there should be a positive resolution to note the progress made by the parties to date, to encourage them to continue efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to the problems that divided them and to express the strong support of the international community for that process.
The resolution entitled "Syrian Golan", like others that dealt with the long-standing Arab-Israeli dispute, served only to complicate the achievement of a mutually acceptable outcome. Syria and Israel had committed themselves to a negotiating process to resolve their differences and achieve a lasting peace agreement. The General Assembly could only make that goal more elusive by injecting itself into issues that the parties had agreed would be decided in face-to-face negotiations. The United States was firmly committed to helping the parties resolve their differences, but he did not believe resolutions such as those before the Assembly were conducive to creating an atmosphere of trust and reconciliation.
As in the past, the United States would abstain on the resolution concerning Jerusalem, the future of which should be decided through permanent
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status negotiations, as agreed by the parties in their September 1993 Declaration of Principles. The Assembly should not interject itself into such a complex and emotional issue.
Draft resolution A/52/L.54 on Jerusalem was adopted by a recorded vote of 148 in favour to one against (Israel), with nine abstentions (Costa Rica, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Swaziland, United States, and Zambia) (Annex VI).
Draft resolution A/52/L.55 on the Syrian Golan was adopted by a recorded vote of 92 in favour to two against (Israel, United States), with 65 abstentions (Annex VII).
Mr. YOUSEFI (Iran) said he had voted in favour of the draft resolutions on Jerusalem and on the Syrian Golan. However, Iran had reservations on those parts of the resolutions which might be construed as any recognition of Israel.
Mr. WEHBE (Syria), expressed deep gratitude to Member States who had voted in favour of the text on the Golan. He said the text underscored justice and resolutions previously adopted.
OSUALDO MARSICO (Argentina) said he had voted in favour of the resolution on the Syrian Golan. Acquisition of land by force was against the fundamental principles of the United Nations and key international law. However, its vote did not prejudge the outcome of the operative paragraph regarding the Israeli withdrawal "to the line of 4 June 1967."
EMILIO IZQUIERDO (Ecuador) said it was imperative to endorse the peace process and strengthen the multilateral efforts. He had voted in favour of the drafts, in line with his country's foreign policy that the acquisition of territory by force was inadmissible in international law and according to United Nations principles. There must be strict respect for humanitarian law, rejection of terrorism and violence, as well respect for the commitments made during the peace process, for the formula of land for peace and for the importance of a just and lasting solution to the conflict, leading to the achievement of peace and mutual respect.
Mr. WOLZFELD (Luxembourg) said the European Union was deeply dedicated to the peace process as the sole path to lasting peace in the Middle East. It supported negotiations between Lebanon and Israel based on Security Council resolution 425 (1978) and also negotiations between Syria and Israel. In the last two years, the resolutions before the Assembly on the issue contained geographical references which prejudged the outcome of negotiations and his delegation had therefore abstained in the voting. A resolution which reflected a broad international consensus was more important than ever; it was important to respect the framework of the Madrid and Oslo processes.
General Assembly Plenary - 14 - Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
The Assembly PRESIDENT said he had received a letter from the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, who had received a letter from the permanent representative of Namibia. The two letters informed the President that South Africa and Namibia wanted to become members of the Committee. The President recalled that members of the Committee are appointed by the General Assembly. The Assembly then approved, without a vote, the admission of South Africa and Namibia to the Committee.
NASSER AL-KIDWA, Observer for Palestine, thanked the Member States who supported the resolution on Jerusalem, which was a central issue to the international community, as well as to the Arabs, Muslims and Palestinians. He said the overwhelming support of the resolution sent an appropriate message to all parties concerned. He also thanked countries which had supported the resolutions adopted under the agenda item entitled "Question of Palestine". He said the Committee on Palestinian Rights performed an extremely important task, and he welcomed South Africa and Namibia as new members. He also thanked all those who worked for the Division for Palestine and the Department of Public Information.
All the texts on the question of Palestine were positive resolutions, he said, that contributed to the peace process in the Middle East and the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. The resolution on full participation of Palestine in the work of the United Nations was extremely important, and he had favoured a vote today. He thanked the co-sponsors of the resolution, but understood why some Member States had a different view, in particular with regard to the need for more consideration of the issue. Through future consultations the difficulties would be overcome and there would be wide support for that draft, which hopefully would be presented again the future. He thanked all those who had supported the struggle and rights of the Palestinian people, the peace process and the need for all parties to be committed to implementing the agreements reached so far.
(annexes follow)
General Assembly Plenary - 15 - Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
ANNEX I
Vote on Palestinian Rights Committee
The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (document A/52/L.49) by a recorded vote of 115 in favour to 2 against, with 45 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstain: Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Repubalic of Macedonia, United Kingdom.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Latvia, Lesotho, Palau, Republic of the Congo, Seychelles, Turkmenistan,
(END OF ANNEX I)
General Assembly Plenary 16 Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
ANNEX II
Vote on Division for Palestinian Rights
The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat (document A/52/L.50) by a recorded vote of 113 in favour to 2 against, with 47 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bharain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstain: Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, United Kingdom.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Latvia, Lesotho, Palau, Republic of the Congo, Seychelles, Turkmenistan.
(END OF ANNEX II)
General Assembly Plenary 17 Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
ANNEX III
Vote on Information Programme on Question of Palestine
The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on the special information programme on the question of Palestine (document A/52/L.51) by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 2 against, with 4 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, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Crotia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Slavador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, 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, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, 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, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstain: Bulgaria, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Rwanda.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Lesotho, Palau, Republic of the Congo, Seychelles, Turkmenistan.
(END OF ANNEX III)
General Assembly Plenary 18 Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
ANNEX IV
Vote on Peaceful Settlement of Palestine Question
The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine (document A/52/L.52 Corr.1) by a recorded vote of 155 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, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, 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, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, 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, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstain: Bulgaria, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Haiti, Iran, Lesotho, Madagascar, Palau, Rwanda, Seychelles, Turkmenistan.
(END OF ANNEX IV)
General Assembly Plenary 19 Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
ANNEX V
Vote on Motion That A/52/L.59 Was Not an Amendment
The motion that the proposal in document A/52/L.59 did not constitute an amendment to draft resolution A/52/L.53/Rev.1, on full participation of Palestine in the work of the United Nations, was rejected in a recorded vote of 57 in favour to 65 against, with 32 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cape Verde, Colombia, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Tajikistan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela.
Abstain: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Brazil, Chile, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Solomon Islands, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu.
Absent: Albania, Armenia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Mali, Mongolia, Palau, Republic of the Congo, Seychelles, Turkmenistan, Zambia.
(END OF ANNEX V)
General Assembly Plenary 20 Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
ANNEX VI
Vote on Situation in the Middle East: Jerusalem
The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on Jerusalem (document A/52/L.54) by a recorded vote of 148 in favour to 1 against, with 9 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, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, 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, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel.
Abstain: Costa Rica, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Swaziland, United States, Zambia.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Lesotho, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Palau, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
(END OF ANNEX VI)
General Assembly Plenary 21 Press Release GA/9378 68th Meeting (PM) 9 December 1997
ANNEX VII
Vote on Situation in the Middle East: Syrian Golan
The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on the Syrian Golan (document A/52/L.55) by a recorded vote of 92 in favour to 2 against, with 65 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: Israel, United States.
Abstain: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia.
Absent: Albania, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Lesotho, Madagascar, Palau, Republic of the Congo, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
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