Fifty-sixth General Assembly

Fourth Committee

17^th Meeting (AM)

FOURTH COMMITTEE APPROVES 12 DRAFT RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING

ISRAELI PRACTICES, UN PALESTINE RELIEF AGENCY

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) took action on 12 draft resolutions this morning, approving seven texts relating to the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and five on Israeli practices.

It took those actions today after concluding consideration this week of reports from the UNRWA Commissioner-General and the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.  Only one of today’s texts was approved without a vote.

By a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Marshall Islands), the Committee approved a draft by which the General Assembly would call upon Israel to cease obstructing the movement of UNRWA personnel, vehicles and supplies.  It would call on Israel to cease as well its policies of closures and restrictions on the movement of persons and goods, which have had a grave impact on the economic situation of the Palestinian population and would call once again upon the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from Israeli actions.  (See Annex IV.)

The Committee approved, by a recorded 116 votes in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, United States), a draft on assistance to Palestine refugees.  That text would have the General Assembly extend the mandate of UNWRA until 30 June 2005, without prejudice to provisions of its resolution 194 (III), on repatriation or compensation of those refugees (Annex I).

By other terms, the Assembly would reiterate its deep concern regarding UNRWA’s persisting critical financial situation as outlined in the Commissioner-General’s report.  It would note with profound concern that the continuing shortfall in the Agency's finances has a significant negative influence on the living conditions of the Palestine refugees most in need and that it has possible consequences for the Middle East peace process.

The Committee approved, by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, a draft on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities.  By that text, the General

Assembly would reaffirm the right of all those displaced persons to return to their homes in the territories (Annex II).

A draft on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues was approved by a recorded 118 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.  By its terms, the General Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestine refugees are entitled to their property and to income derived from it, in conformity with the principles of justice and equity (Annex V).

The Assembly would, by other terms, urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of the refugees' properties and their revenues in the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.

Acting without a vote, the Committee approved a text relating to the working group on the financing of UNRWA, by which the Assembly would request the working group to continue its efforts to find a solution to the Agency's financial situation.  It would welcome the new, unified budget structure for the 2002-2003 biennium, which can contribute significantly to improved budgetary transparency.

By another text, the General Assembly would strongly appeal to all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships to Palestine refugees, in addition to their contributions to UNRWA’s regular budget.  That text was approved by a recorded 119  votes in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel) (Annex III).

Taking up the final UNRWA-related draft, on the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees, the Committee approved it by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (Annex VI).

According to the text, the General Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 5 June 1967, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need for the establishment of the proposed university.

Taking up the draft resolutions on Israeli practices, the Committee approved a text by which the Assembly would demand that Israel cease all actions that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.  It also would demand that measures and actions taken in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 cease immediately, including the practice of extrajudicial killings.  That draft was approved by a recorded 117 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea) (Annex X).

The Committee also approved, by a recorded vote of 121 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, a text on the applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.  That text would have the General Assembly reaffirm that the Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967 (Annex VIII).

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By a recorded vote of 119 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Suriname), the Committee approved a text on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan.  By its terms, the Assembly would reaffirm that those settlements are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development (Annex IX).

The Committee also approved, by a recorded 120 votes in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States), a separate draft on the occupied Syrian Golan.  By that text, the Assembly would call upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan, and to desist from its repressive measures against the local population (Annex XI).

In another action this morning, the Committee approved a text on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices by a recorded 73 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 47 abstentions (Annex VII).  According to the text, the General Assembly would demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate.

The representatives of Belgium and the Netherlands introduced the drafts on assistance to Palestine refugees and the working group on the financing of UNRWA, respectively.  The representative of Indonesia introduced the remaining five texts relating to the Agency’s activities.  Cuba’s representative introduced all five texts on the report of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices.

Speaking in explanation of vote during this morning’s meeting were the representatives of Australia, Uruguay, Belgium (on behalf of the European Union), New Zealand, Canada, Yemen, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.

The representative of Syria made a general statement as the Committee concluded its consideration of the two agenda items.

When the Fourth Committee meets again at 3 p.m. on Monday, 19 November, it will begin its consideration of questions related to information.

Background

As the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization)

met this morning, it was expected to take action on seven draft resolutions relating to the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as five texts on Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.

Draft Resolutions on UNRWA

By a draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/56/L.7), the General Assembly would decide to extend the mandate of the UNWRA until 30 June 2005, without prejudice to provisions of its resolution 194 (III), on repatriation or compensation of those refugees.

By other terms of the draft, it would reiterate its deep concern regarding the Agency's persisting critical financial situation as outlined in the report of the Commissioner-General.  It would note with profound concern that the continuing shortfall in the Agency's finances, in particular at this time of acute crisis, has a significant negative influence on the living conditions of the Palestinian refugees most in need and that it, therefore, has possible consequences for the peace process.

By other terms, the Assembly would call upon all donors, as a matter of urgency, to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the UNRWA's anticipated needs, including the remaining costs of moving its headquarters to Gaza.  It would encourage contributing governments to contribute regularly and to consider increasing their contributions, and urge non-contributing Governments to contribute.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would urge all Member States to extend and expedite aid and assistance with a view to the economic and social development of the Palestinian people and the occupied territory.  It would welcome the consultative process between the Agency, host governments, the Palestinian Authority and donors on management reforms.  The Assembly would also welcome the increased cooperation between the Agency and international and regional organizations, States and relevant agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which is essential to enhancing UNRWA's contributions towards improved conditions for the refugees, and thereby, the social stability of the occupied territory.

By other terms of the draft, the Assembly would note with regret that repatriation or compensation of the refugees, as provided for in its resolution 194 (III), has not yet been effected, and that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been unable to find a means of achieving progress in that matter.  It would request the Commission to continue its efforts towards implementation.

The General Assembly would, by further terms, note the significant success of the Agency's Peace Implementation Programme since the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, and stress the importance that contributions to this Programme are not at the expense of the General Fund.

The draft's sponsors are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

By a draft on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/56/L.8), the Assembly would request the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General, to find a solution to the Agency's financial situation.  It would welcome the new, unified budget structure for the 2002-2003 biennium, which can contribute significantly to improved budgetary transparency.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to provide the necessary services and assistance to the Working Group for the conduct of its work.

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

A third text relates to persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/56/L.9).  By its terms, the Assembly would reaffirm the right of all persons displaced as a result of those hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It would express deep concern that the mechanism agreed upon by the parties in article XII of the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements on the return of displaced persons has not been effected, and expresses hope for an accelerated return of such people.

Further, the Assembly would endorse, in the meanwhile, the efforts of the Commissioner-General to continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, as a temporary measure, to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities.

The draft's sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Another draft relates to offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/56/L.10).  By its terms, the Assembly would strongly appeal to all States, specialized agencies and NGOs to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships to Palestinian refugees, in addition to their contributions to the regular budget of the UNRWA.  It would also request the Agency to act as the recipient and trustee for those special allocations and to award them to qualified Palestine refugee candidates.

Also by 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 Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including, in due course, the proposed University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees.  The Assembly would also appeal to those entities to contribute towards the establishment of vocational training centres for Palestine refugees.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine sponsor the text.

A draft on operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/56/L.11) would have the Assembly call upon Israel to accept the de jure applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to abide scrupulously by its provisions.

By other terms, it would call upon Israel to cease obstructing the movement of the personnel, vehicles and supplies of the Agency and to cease its policies of closures and restrictions on the movement of persons and goods, which have had a grave impact on the economic situation of the Palestinian population, in particular the refugees.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would call once again upon the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.  It would request the Commissioner-General to proceed with the issuance of identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Further, the Assembly would note that the new context created by the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and subsequent implementation agreements has had major consequences for the activities of the Agency.

The sponsors of that draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

       By the terms of a text on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/56/L.12), the General Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestinian refugees are entitled to their property and to income derived therefrom, in conformity with the principles of justice and equity.  The Assembly would urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of the refugees' properties and their revenues in the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.

The sponsors of that draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

A final draft on the UNRWA relates to the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/56/L.13).  By its terms, the Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 5 June 1967, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need for the establishment of the proposed university. 

The Assembly would call once more upon Israel to cooperate in the implementation of the present resolution and to remove the hindrances that it has put in the way of establishing the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds", by other terms of that text.

Its sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Draft Resolutions on Israeli Practices

The Committee also has before it a draft resolution on the work of theSpecial Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/C.4/56/L.14).  By the text, the General Assembly would demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate.  It would deplore those policies and practices of Israel which violated the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, as reflected in the reports of the Special Committee covering the reporting period.

By other terms, the Assembly would especially condemn the excessive use of force in the past year, which has resulted in more than 700 Palestinian deaths and tens of thousands of injuries.

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

By a draft on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war (document A/C.4/56/L.15), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  The Assembly would demand that Israel accept the Convention's de jure applicability in the occupied territories and that it comply scrupulously with its provisions.

Further, the Assembly would call upon all States parties to the Convention to exert all efforts to ensure respect for its provisions by Israel in the territories occupied by Israel.  It would reiterate the need for speedy implementation of the recommendations contained in resolutions ES-10/3 of 15 July 1997, ES-10/4 of 13 November 1997, ES-10/5 of 17 March 1998, ES-10/6 of 9 February 1999 and  ES-10/7 of 20 October 2000 with regard to ensuring respect by Israel for the Convention's provisions.

That draft's sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

A third draft relates to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/56/L.16).  By its terms, the Assembly would reaffirm that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem and in the occupied Syrian Golan, are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development.

By other terms, the Assembly would demand complete cessation of the construction of the new settlement in Jabal Abu-Ghneim and of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.  It would stress the need for full implementation of Security Council resolution 904 (1994), which called upon Israel to implement measures aimed at preventing illegal acts of violence by Israeli settlers, and called for measures to guarantee the safety of and protection of the Palestinian civilians.  It would reiterate its call for the prevention of those illegal acts of violence by the settlers, particularly in light of recent developments.

Sponsoring that draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

By a text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/C.4/56/L.17), the Assembly would demand that Israel cease all practices and actions which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.  It also demands that measures and actions taken in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 cease immediately, including the practice of extra-judicial killings.

By other terms, the Assembly would condemn acts of violence, especially the excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians, resulting in vast numbers of injuries and extensive loss of life and massive destruction.  It would call upon Israel to accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned, in line with agreements already reached, and call for complete respect by Israel of all fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people.

Also, the Assembly would stress the need to preserve the territorial integrity of all the occupied Palestinian territory and to guarantee the freedom of movement of persons and goods within the Palestinian territory, into and from East Jerusalem, and to and from the outside world.

That draft's sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

The final text relates to the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/56/L.18).  By its terms, the Assembly would call upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan, and to desist from its repressive measures against its population.  It would also deplore the violations by Israel of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilians in time of war.

It would call upon Israel to comply with Security Council resolution

497 (1981) in which the Council decided that the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan was null and void and without international legal effect.

The Assembly would also call upon Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and in particular to desist from the establishment of settlements. 

By other terms of the draft, the Assembly would determine that all legislative and administrative actions purporting to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan are null and void, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and of the Fourth Geneva Convention and have no legal effect.  The Assembly would once again call upon Member States not to recognize any of those legislative or administrative measures and actions.

Its sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

      Introduction of UNRWA Drafts

GERARD COCKX (Belgium), on behalf of the European Union, introduced the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/56/L.7), summarizing its provisions and asking for support from delegations.

PETER MOLLEMA (Netherlands) then introduced the draft on the Working Group on the Financing of the UNRWA (document A/C.4/56/L.8).  He said the resolution had changed slightly from last year.

T.M. HAMZAH THAYEB (Indonesia) then introduced the texts relating to persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/56/L.9); offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/56/L.10); operations of the UNRWA (document A/C.4/56/L.11); Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/56/L.12); and the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/56/L.13).

He said that the draft resolutions addressed several important issues and principles regarding the Palestine refugees and the work of UNWRA in providing them with the necessary service and assistance.  They were essentially the same texts as those of the resolutions adopted by the fifty-fifth session, with a few technical modifications or changes to reflect recent developments.  If consensus were not possible, he hoped they would be adopted with the largest possible support.

Action on UNRWA Drafts

Taking up the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (A/C.4/56/L.7), the Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 116 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, United States).  (For details of the vote see Annex I.)

The Committee then approved the text on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (A/C.4/56/L.8) without a vote.

It then approved a draft on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (A/C.4/56/L.9) by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions (See Annex II).

By a recorded vote of 119 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel), the Committee then approved a text on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (A/C.4/56/L.10) (See Annex III).

It then took up a draft on operations of the UNRWA (A/C.4/56/L.11), approving it by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 1 abstention (Marshall Islands) (Annex IV).

The Committee then took up a text on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (A/C.4/56/L.12), approving it by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions (Annex V).

Taking up the final UNRWA-related draft, University of Jerusalem “Al Quds” for Palestine refugees (A/C.4/56/L.13), the Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (See Annex VI).

Speaking after the vote, the representative of Australia expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories, noting that this year’s resolution on the UNRWA's operations correctly highlighted the social and economic costs of restrictions on movement in the West Bank and Gaza.  He called upon Israel and the Palestinian leadership to work to ensure the freest possible movement of goods, persons and humanitarian aid through a commitment to end the cycle of violence, which was the most serious threat to the normal functioning of society in the Middle East.

Introduction of Drafts on Israeli Practices

ORLANDO REQUEIJO (Cuba) then introduced the draft resolutions on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices (document A/C.4/56/L.14); applicability of the Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/56/L.15); Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/55/L.16); Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/C.4/56/L.17); and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/56/L.18).

He said that, while it was an honor to present the drafts, they unfortunately reflected a lack of positive progress.  It had been necessary to strengthen the language in a few instances due to the deteriorating circumstances in the region.  The resolutions were an expression of solidarity and also respect for international law.

Action on Texts

Referring to the draft on Israeli practices, as he explained his delegation’s position before the vote, the representative of Uruguay said violence on both sides should be condemned.

The Committee then took up the draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices (A/C.4/56/L.14) and approved it by a recorded vote of 73 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 47 abstentions (Annex VII).

Taking up a text on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other occupied Arab territories (A/C.4/56/L.15), the Committee approved it by 121 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions (Annex VIII).

By a recorded 119 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Suriname), the Committee then approved the draft on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (A/C.4/56/L.16) (Annex IX).

The Committee then took up a draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (A/C.4/56/L.17).  It approved that text by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea) (Annex X).

Finally, the Committee approved a draft resolution relating to the occupied Syrian Golan (A/C.4/56/L.18) by a recorded vote of 120 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States) (Annex XI).

Speaking in explanation after the vote the representative of Belgium, on behalf of the European Union, said the Union had abstained from voting on the resolution on the Special Committee’s Report because it believed the remit and duties of the Special Committee did not take sufficient account of the current situation and that the matters covered by the Special Committee would be better addressed in another forum.  He restated the European Union’s firm commitment to a fair, lasting and comprehensive solution in the Middle East based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and on the Madrid and Oslo agreements.  The Union called on the parties to implement the recommendations contained in the Mitchell report and the Tenet plan.

The representative of Australia said his delegation had abstained from voting on the resolution on the Special Committee’s Report because unbalanced criticism and the singling out of one party for blame was counterproductive.  Both parties had a responsibility to end the violence and to move toward peace based on United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The representative of New Zealand said he had voted in favor of the text on Israeli practices with some reservations, because he would have liked it to include a condemnation of all acts of violence, including suicide bombings.

The representative of Canada, referring to her abstention on the text on the Special Committee’s Report, deplored acts of violence on both sides and hoped for the resumption of peace talks.  In addition, Canada remained convinced that any foreign or third party monitoring required the agreement of both parties.

The representative of Norway, referring to the resolution on Israeli practices stressed the responsibility of both sides to renounce violence.  The

only possible solution to the conflict was a negotiated peace based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.

The representative of Yemen said that, had he been able to vote, he would have supported the resolutions on assistance to Palestinian refugees and displaced persons.

The representative of Senegal said he would have voted in favour of all the resolutions relating to Palestine.

The representative of Côte d’Ivoire said he would have voted in favour of the resolutions concerning the UNRWA.

Statement

FAYSSAL MEKDAD (Syria) said the vote on the occupied Syrian Golan had proved once again that the majority of the international community had made its position known in favour of international legitimacy and that the world would not accept one State’s occupation of another’s territory.

Referring to the Special Committee on Israeli Practices, he said it was the Fourth Committee’s eyes regarding the situation in the occupied territories, be they Palestinian or Syrian.  Syria appealed to all countries that had mentioned the Special Committee to continue supporting it in the future.  Syria was committed to the peace process, which it had helped initiate, he added.

(annexes follow)

ANNEX I

Vote on Assistance to Palestine Refugees

The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.1/56/L.7) was approved by a recorded vote of 116 in favour to 1 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel.

Abstaining:  Marshall Islands, United States.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX I)

ANNEX II

Vote on Persons Displaced

The draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.1/56/L.9) was approved by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX II)

ANNEX III

      Vote on Grants and Scholarships

The draft resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for Palestine refugees (document A/C.1/56/L.10) was approved by a recorded vote of 119 in favour to 0 against, with 1 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  None.

Abstaining:  Israel.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX III)

ANNEX IV

Vote on Operations of UNRWA

The draft resolution on the operation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (document A/C.1/56/L.11) was approved by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against, with 1 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstaining:  Marshall Islands.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX IV)

ANNEX V

Vote on Palestine Refugee Properties

The draft resolution on Palestine refugees properties and the revenues (document A/C.1/56/L.12) was approved by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 2 against, with 0 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstaining:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX V)

ANNEX VI

      Vote on University of Jerusalem

The draft resolution on the University of Jerusalem “Al-Quds” for Palestine refugees (document A/C.1/56/L.13) by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 2 against, with 0 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX VI)

ANNEX VII

Vote on Special Committee

The draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/C.1/56/L.14) was approved by a recorded vote of 73 in favour to 2 against, with 47 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstaining:  Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Yugoslavia.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX VII)

ANNEX VIII

Vote on Geneva Convention

The draft resolution on the applicability of the Geneva Convention of 1949 to the occupied Palestinian territory (document A/C.1/56/L.15) was approved by a recorded vote of 121 in favour to  2 against, with 0 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX VIII)

ANNEX IX

Vote on Israeli Settlements

The draft resolution on Israeli Settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syria Golan (document A/C.1/56/L.16) was adopted by a recorded vote of 119 in favour to 2 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstaining:  Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Suriname.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX IX)

ANNEX X

Vote on Israeli Practices

The draft resolution on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/C.1/56/L.17) was approved by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstaining:  Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX X)

ANNEX XI

      Vote on Syrian Golan

The draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.1/56/L.18) was approved by a recorded vote of 120 in favour to1 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia.

Against:  Israel.

Abstaining:  United States.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Austria, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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