Fifty-seventh General Assembly

Fourth Committee

23^rd Meeting (AM)

12 TEXTS ON PALESTINE RELIEF AGENCY, ISRAELI PRACTICES IN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

APPROVED BY FOURTH COMMITTEE, AS IT CONCLUDES WORK FOR CURRENT SESSION

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 in territories occupied since 1967, as it concluded its work for the current session.

Action on the drafts today followed the Committee’s in-depth consideration of the report of UNRWA’s Commissioner-General on the Agency’s operations, as well as the report of the Special Commission to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.  Only one of the drafts was approved without a vote.

By a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 5 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and United States), with 1 abstention (Papua New Guinea), the Committee approved a draft by which the General Assembly would call upon Israel to cease obstructing the movement of UNRWA’s personnel, vehicles and supplies as well as the levying of extra fees and charges, which have had a detrimental impact on the Agency's operations.  The Assembly would also urge the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damage to its property and facilities resulting from Israeli actions, particularly during the reporting period.  (See Annex IV.)

The Committee also approved, by a recorded vote of 148 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Micronesia and United States), a draft on assistance to Palestine refugees.  By the terms of that text, 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 situation of the Palestine refugees continues to be a matter of concern.  The Assembly would also affirm the necessity for continuing UNRWA's work and the importance of its operation and services for the well-being of the Palestine refugees and for the stability of the region.  It would call upon all donors to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the anticipated needs of the Agency, including recent emergency appeals (Annex I).

A text on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities was also approved this morning by a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 4 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United States), with

3 abstentions (Honduras, Nauru, Papua New Guinea) (Annex II).  That text would have the Assembly 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 also endorse the Commissioner-General's efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance.

Other UNRWA-related drafts approved this morning by recorded vote included texts on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (Annex III); Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (Annex V); and the University of Jerusalem “Al-Quds” for Palestine refugees (Annex VI).  A draft on the Working Group on the financing of UNRWA was approved without a vote.

Taking up draft resolutions on Israeli practices, the Committee approved a text by which the Assembly would reaffirm that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development.  It would reiterate its demand for the complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, including the construction of the settlement in Jabal Abu Ghneim.  The text was approved by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to

6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Tuvalu, United States), with 1 abstention (Papua New Guinea) (Annex IX).

The Committee also approved a text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, by a recorded vote of 141 in favour to 5 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 2 abstentions (Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu) (Annex X).  By the text, the Assembly would demand that Israel cease all practices and actions that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.  It would also demand that Israel comply fully with the provisions of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention and cease immediately all measures and actions taken in violation of the Convention, including extrajudiciary executions.

By further terms of the draft resolution, the Assembly would condemn all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, especially the excessive use of force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, resulting in extensive loss of life, vast numbers of injuries and massive destruction.   It would also condemn the recent events that have taken place in the Jenin refugee camp, including the loss of life, injury, destruction and displacement inflicted on many of its civilian inhabitants. 

Several other drafts on Israeli practices were approved this morning by recorded vote.  They include the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli practices (Annex VII); the applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories (Annex VIII); and the occupied Syrian Golan (Annex XI).

The representatives of Egypt and the Netherlands introduced the draft resolutions on assistance to Palestine refugees and the Working Group on UNRWA’s

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financing, respectively.  Indonesia’s representative introduced the remaining five texts relating to the Agency’s activities.  Cuba’s representative introduced all five texts on Israeli practices.

Explaining their position on the texts this morning were the representatives of Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Denmark (on behalf of the European Union), Syria and Israel.  The observer of Palestine also made a statement following the vote.

Speaking in exercise of the right of reply were the representatives of Syria and Israel.

Committee Chairman, GRAHAM MAITLAND (South Africa) made a concluding statement.

With today's meeting, the Fourth Committee completed its work for the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly.

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 on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.9), 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 situation of the Palestine refugees continues to be a matter of concern.  It would also note with regret that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been unable to find a means of achieving progress in the implementation of that resolution.  The Assembly would also request the Commission to exert continued efforts towards its implementation and to report to the Assembly no later than 1 September 2003.

By further terms, the Assembly would affirm the necessity for the continuation of UNRWA's work and the importance of its operation and services for the well-being of the Palestine refugees and for the stability of the region pending resolution of the question of Palestine refugees.  It would call upon all donors to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the anticipated needs of the Agency, including recent emergency appeals.

According to the terms of a draft on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/57/L.10), 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 also request the Secretary-General to provide the necessary services and assistance to the Working Group for the conduct of its work.

By the draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/57/L.11), 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 stress the necessity for an accelerated return of displaced persons.

Further, the Assembly would endorse, in the meanwhile, the efforts of the Commissioner-General to continue to provide humanitarian assistance, as far as practicable, on an emergency basis, and 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.  It would also strongly appeal to governments, organizations and individuals to generously contribute to the Agency and to other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Another draft relates to offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.12).  By its terms, the Assembly would reiterate its previous appeals to all States, specialized agencies and NGOs to continue and to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships to Palestine refugees, in addition to their contributions to UNRWA's regular budget.  It would appeal to those entities to extend assistance for higher education to Palestine refugee students and to contribute towards the establishment of vocational training centres for Palestine refugees.  The Agency would be requested to act as recipient and trustee for the special allocations for grants and scholarships.

Also by the text, the Assembly would appeal to all States, specialized agencies and the United Nations University to generously contribute 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. 

A draft on operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/57/L.13) would have the Assembly call upon Israel to comply fully with the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of

12 August 1949.  It would also call upon Israel to abide by Articles 100, 104 and 105 of the United Nations Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations regarding the safety of the Agency's personnel, the protection of its institutions and the safeguarding of the security of its facilities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

By other terms of the text, the Assembly would urge the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damage to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side, particularly during the reporting period (1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002).

The Assembly would also call upon Israel to cease obstructing the movement of the Agency's personnel, vehicles and supplies and to cease the levying of extra fees and charges, which have a detrimental impact on the Agency's operations.  It would also request the Commissioner-General to proceed with the issuance of identification cards for Palestinian refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Also by the draft, the Assembly would urge all States, specialized agencies and NGOs to increase their contribution to the Agency so as to ease the ongoing financial constraints, which have been exacerbated by the current humanitarian situation on the ground, and to support the Agency's work in providing assistance to the Palestine refugees.

According to the terms of a draft resolution on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/57/L.14), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestinian refugees are entitled to their property and to income derived therefrom, in conformity with the principles of equity and justice.  It would also request the Secretary-General to take all appropriate steps, in consultation with the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, for the protection of Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel. 

By further terms, the Assembly would call once again upon Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in the implementation of the present resolution.  The Assembly would also urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues in the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.

A draft on the University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.15) would have the Assembly emphasize the need for strengthening 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 again 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.

Draft resolutions on Israeli Practices

The Committee also had before it a 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.4/57/L.16).  By the text, the Assembly would reiterate its demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate.  It would deplore those policies and practices which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, as reflected in the reports of the Special Committee covering the reporting period.

By other terms, the Assembly would express grave concern about the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as a result of Israeli practices and measures.  It would especially condemn the excessive and indiscriminate use of force since 28 September 2000, which has resulted in almost 2,000 Palestinian deaths and tens of thousands of injuries.

Also by the text, the Assembly would request the Special Committee, pending complete termination of the Israeli occupation, to investigate Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, especially Israeli violations of the 1949 Geneva Convention.  It would also consult, as appropriate, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure that the welfare and human rights of the peoples of the occupied territories are safeguarded. 

The Assembly would further request the Special Committee to continue to investigate the treatment of prisoners and detainees in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.

By a draft on the applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war (document A/C.4/57/L.17), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  The Assembly would demand that Israel accept the de jure applicability of the Convention in the occupied territories and that it comply scrupulously with its provisions.

By other terms, 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 relevant recommendations contained in the tenth General Assembly emergency special session with regard to ensuring respect by Israel for the Convention's provisions.

Also before the Committee was a draft on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/57/L.18).  By its terms, the Assembly would reaffirm that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development.  It would also call upon Israel to accept the de jure applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention to the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and to the occupied Syrian Golan, and to scrupulously abide by its provisions.

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

By the terms of a draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/C.4/57/L.19/Rev.1), the Assembly would demand that Israel cease all practices and actions that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.  It would also demand that Israel comply fully with the provisions of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention and cease immediately all measures and actions taken in violation of the Convention, including extrajudiciary executions.

The Assembly would, by further terms of the text, condemn all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, especially the excessive use of force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, resulting in extensive loss of life, vast numbers of injuries and massive destruction. 

By other terms, the Assembly would also condemn the recent events that have taken place in the Jenin refugee camp, including the loss of life, injury, destruction and displacement inflicted on many of its civilian inhabitants.  It would demand that Israel cease all practices and actions that violate the human rights 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, including the removal of restrictions on movement into and from East Jerusalem, and to and from the outside world.

The final text relates to the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/57/L.20).  By its terms, the Assembly would call upon Israel to comply with relevant resolutions on the occupied Syrian Golan, in particular 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.  It would also call upon Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and in particular to desist from the establishment of settlements. 

By further terms, the Assembly would determine that all legislative and administrative measures taken by Israel that purport to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan are null and void, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilians in time of war.  It would also call upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and Israeli identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan and from taking repressive measures against the population.

Statements

GRAHAM MAITLAND (South Africa), Chairman of the Committee, told delegates that France should have been represented as one of the original co-sponsors of draft resolution A/C.4/57/L.9.  Similarly, Denmark should have been included as one of the original co-sponsors of draft resolution A/C.4/57/L.10.

Introduction of UNRWA Drafts

BENGT VAN LOOSDRECHT (Netherlands) then introduced the draft on the Working Group on UNRWA’s financing (document A/C.4/57/L.10), saying that the draft commended the methods of the Working Group and requested that Group to continue its important task.

FERRY ADAMHAR (Indonesia) introduced the texts relating to persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/57/L.11); offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.12); operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/57/L.13); Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4.57/L.14); and the University of Jerusalem “Al Quds” for Palestine refugees (documents A/C.4/57/L.15).

He said the drafts reflected the importance of UNRWA in providing the necessary services to Palestine refugees.  For more than 50 years, the Agency had provided essential services under financial constraints and difficult circumstances.  In the past year, UNRWA had encountered even greater difficulties in carrying out its work.

Regarding the draft resolution on UNRWA’s operations, he said that text contained new paragraphs reflecting the current difficulties facing the Agency and Palestine refugees.  The preamble to the text expressed grave concern about recent events in the Jenin refugee camp.  The safety of staff, damage to the Agency’s facilities and restrictions on freedom of movement of the staff, including the harassment of personnel, was also highlighted in the draft.  He hoped that members would adopt the drafts with the largest possible support, reflecting the support of the international community for the important work of the Agency and Palestine refugees.

AHMED ABU ZEID (Egypt) introduced the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.9), saying that the draft was particularly important because it reaffirmed relevant United Nations resolutions, especially General Assembly 194 of 1948.  It also referred to Assembly resolution 302 on the establishment of UNRWA.  It emphasized that Palestine refugees had lost their homes, lands and means of livelihood and expressed grave concern at the difficult situation facing them.  He asked that the Committee overwhelming support the draft.

      Action on Text

The representative of Israel, making a general statement before action on the drafts, said that Israel fully supported UNRWA’s humanitarian mission and would continue to do its utmost to fulfill that mandate.  Israel would support the resolution on UNRWA’s financing.  Israel opposed, however, those resolutions on items that were rife with politically charged language, that ignored the terms of reference of the Madrid Peace Conference and that sought to prejudge the final outcome of negotiations, which must be determined through discussions between the parties themselves.  Since the resolutions deliberately misrepresented the reality on the ground, the texts would do nothing to return the parties to a peace process.

He said one of the most flagrant examples was the reference to events at the Jenin refugee camp in draft resolution A/C.4.57/L.13.  It was well known that what had really transpired in Jenin bore no resemblance to the accounts of Palestinian officials.  In reality, what had taken place was a battle in which 56 Palestinians had lost their lives -– the majority of them gunmen -- along with 23 Israeli soldiers.  On the Palestinian side, the battle was carried out by an extensive terrorist network that had been established in the refugee camp in Jenin, in clear violation of international law and Security Council resolutions.

While numerous reports and independent observers, including the report of the Secretary-General, had confirmed that, he said, it had not been reflected in the draft resolution, which appeared in line with the totally discredited exaggerations of the Palestinians, rather than the findings of several objective third-party observers.  The text accorded neither with the established facts, nor the legitimate objective of assistance to Palestine refugees.  He strongly urged Member States not to support resolutions that perpetrated baseless myths, rather than promoting dialogue between the parties.

He was pleased that the letter dated 4 November 2002 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Secretary-General (document A/C.4/57/4) had been presented today.  That letter contained the text of Israel’s response to the report of the UNRWA Commissioner-General.  It was the first time that Israel had presented a written response to that report.  Every year, Israel had extensive meetings in Israel in which it expressed its reaction to the UNRWA report.  That was not included in the UNRWA report, however.  The letter was the only document to present a balanced and accurate account of what had happened this year in reference to UNRWA’s operations.

Mr. MAITLAND, Committee Chairman, then informed delegates of several additional co-sponsors to draft resolution A/C.4/57/L.9 on assistance to Palestine refugees, including Poland, Czech Republic, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Slovenia, Malta, Slovakia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Iceland, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

He said that Poland, Norway, Mauritania, Senegal, Morocco, Turkey, Cyprus, Mali, Japan, Iceland, Slovenia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia also wished to co-sponsor the draft on the Working Group on the financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/57/L.10).

Regarding the remaining UNRWA draft resolutions, he said that Senegal, Brunei Darussalam, Guinea, Mauritania, Bangladesh and Mali had indicated their desire to co-sponsor those texts.  Afghanistan wished to withdraw its name from the list of co-sponsors of draft resolutions A/C.4/57/L.11, A/C.4/57/L.14 and A/C.4/57/L.15.

The Committee first took up the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.9), approving that text by a recorded vote of 148 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 3 abstentions (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United States).  (For details of the vote see Annex I.)

Acting without a vote, the Committee then approved the text on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/57/L.10).

It then approved the draft on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/57/L.11) by a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 4 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United States), with 3 abstentions (Honduras, Nauru, Papua New Guinea) (See Annex II).

Turning to the draft on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine Refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.12), the Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel) (See Annex III).

The Committee next took up a draft on the operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/57/L.13), approving it by a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 5 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 1 abstention (Papua New Guinea) (See Annex IV).

It then approved a draft on the Palestine refugees' properties and revenues (document A/C.4/57/L.14), by a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 4 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United States), with 3 abstentions (Honduras, Nauru, Papua New Guinea) (See Annex V).

Taking up the final UNRWA-related draft, University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.15), the Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 148 in favour to 4 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United States), with 2 abstentions (Nauru, Papua New Guinea) (See Annex VI).

Speaking in explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of Canada said she had voted in favour of the draft resolution A/C.4/56/L.13 because of Canada’s strong support for the Agency.  She saluted UNRWA for its commitment and dedication to the cause for which it was created.  As an organization charged with overseeing education in the refugee camps, she welcomed UNRWA’s recognition that it had a role to play in fostering a culture of peace.  She welcomed further efforts to limit incitement in the Agency’s education programmes.

The representative of Australia said that he had voted in favour of the draft on UNRWA’s operations, because Australia supported the Agency’s work.  Australia had concerns, however, about a lack of balance in the resolution, in particular the reference to events at the Jenin refugee camp.  It also failed to note concern for attacks of Israeli civilians from the refugee camps.  All sides must eschew violence and return to negotiations at the earliest opportunity.

Texts on Israeli Practices

M ORLANDO REQUEIJO GUAL (Cuba) began by mentioning several editorial corrections made to the drafts on applicability of the Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/57/L.17), Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/57/L.18), and Israeli practices (document A/C.4/57/L.19/Rev.1).  Specifically, references to Jerusalem in the first two titles had been changed to “East Jerusalem.” Similarly, references to East Jerusalem were added to the third text’s title and first operative paragraph.

He found it surprising that two delegations called upon others to vote against the drafts even before they had been tabled before the Secretariat. That proved that what was important was not the actual language of the drafts, which had been thoroughly negotiated, but rather the general ideas they promoted. He urged all delegations to vote in favour of the drafts in order to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and other Arabs living in the occupied territories. He also reiterated the importance of the relevant Security Council resolutions.  Adherence to them was not optional, as some parties seemed to think.

Action on Texts

Israel's representative said he would vote against all of the drafts, as he had in previous years.  He said the Special Committee did little more than promote hostile propaganda against Israel, which in turn did little to promote peace and help the Palestinians.  The bias of the Committee was reflected in its mandate, which criticized only Israel and ignored the actions of other parties.  He suggested that the Committee be disbanded.  The resulting savings of several hundred thousand dollars could be used to truly help people, including Israelis and Palestinians.  He strongly urged all States that supported peace and reconciliation in the Middle East to join him in voting against all of the drafts.    

Before action, the Chairman announced that Senegal, Brunei Darussalam, Guinea, Mauritania, Bangladesh, and Mali had been added to and Afghanistan had removed itself from the list of the drafts’ co-sponsors.

The Committee took up the draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee (document A/C.4/57/L.16), approving it by a recorded vote of 82 in favour to 5 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 62 abstentions (See Annex VII).

Taking up a text on applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/57/L.17), the Committee approved it by 145 votes in favour to 5 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 2 abstentions (Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu) (See Annex VIII).

It then took up the draft on Israeli settlements (document A/C.4/57/L.18), approving the text by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Tuvalu, United States), with 1 abstention (Papua New Guinea) (See Annex IX).

By a recorded vote of 141 in favour to 5 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 2 abstentions (Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu), the Committee then approved a text on Israeli practices (document A/C.4/57/L.19/Rev.1) (See Annex X).

Finally, the Committee approved a draft resolution relating to the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/57/L.20) by a recorded vote of 144 in favour to

1 against (Israel), with 7 abstentions (Honduras, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, United States) (See Annex XI).

Speaking in explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of Canada said that she had abstained on the draft on the work of the Special Committee.  She reiterated her condemnation of violence on both sides and said inflammatory references to acts of only one side were not conducive to restoring the dialogue that was sorely required.  She had voted in favour of the text on applicability of the Geneva Convention, because she believed that the Convention applied to those territories and it was important for all parties to protect civilians and respect international law.  As for the draft on Israeli practices, she had maintained her support because of her longstanding opposition to the practices in question, but peace would not be achieved with negative references to only one side.  Deploring the attacks conducted by both sides, she specifically condemned acts of terrorism, such as suicide attacks that targeted Israeli civilians.

Also speaking after the vote, the representative of Switzerland said that he had voted in favour of the draft concerning the Geneva Convention.  He did, however, express regret that some of his proposed amendments had not been used.  He noted that the draft adopted today only mentioned Israel’s obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, without reflecting commitments that should also be made by the Palestinian side, whether it was represented by the Palestinian Authority or other groups.  He reiterated his appeal to all parties to comply with the Convention and said that international law would lead to trust, which would in turn lead to peace.

The representative of Australia said he had abstained on the draft concerning the work of the Special Committee because of unbalanced criticism and the singling out of only one side.  He condemned suicide attacks and the targeting of civilians, both of which were not mentioned in the draft.  He supported the draft concerning the Geneva Convention, although he did not appreciate the references to the contracting parties, since Australia had not attended the conference.  With respect to the draft on Israeli settlements, he condemned all illegal acts of violence, no matter who the perpetrators were.  In that regard, he found operative paragraph 5 to be unbalanced.  He supported the text on Israeli practices.  He condemned the use of force by individual Israeli units against Palestinian civilians, as well as Palestinian suicide bombings against Israeli civilians.  He again cautioned against unbalanced criticism, saying it was unhelpful in the quest for peace.

Also speaking after the vote, the representative of Denmark, on behalf of the European Union and associated countries, said she had abstained on the draft on the work of the Special Committee, because of reasons that had also been true last year.  The Special Committee did not take sufficient account of the current situation and its issues would be better addressed in another forum.  She had voted in favour of the draft on Israeli practices, but wished to remind delegates of the European Union’s stance on certain points.  For example, the Union had already stated its position on operative paragraph 4, which condemns events that took place in Jenin earlier this year.  Noting that the Secretary-General reported that combatants on both sides, at times, put civilians in harm’s way, she emphasized her condemnation of all such action and demanded that the practice cease immediately.  She reiterated her commitment to Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002), as well as the principle of land for peace.

The observer of Palestine then thanked delegates for their votes in favour of the drafts.  The overwhelming support of the draft on UNRWA proved the international community’s appreciation of the valuable work of that agency.  She hoped that political support would be backed by financial support for UNRWA, which had served Palestinian refugees for over 50 years.  She also emphasized that the events in Jenin deserved serious attention.

With regard to the drafts on Israeli practices, she again expressed her appreciation to all delegations who had supported them.  Taking into account the continued deterioration of conditions suffered by Palestinians in the occupied territories, she regretted the comments made by the Israeli representative in that regard.  Additionally, she found it disappointing that some of the votes on the drafts had not changed, despite the worsening of the situation in the occupied territories.

The representative of Syria said the vote reaffirmed that the international community stood by the right of Syria to recover the occupied land.  The vote, in particular, clarified the world’s rejection of the occupation of the land of others and the butchering and destruction that accompanied it.  The sweeping support for the resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan meant that Israel stood isolated as it persisted in its occupation of the territories.  The world had sent the message that Israel’s occupation and annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan was unacceptable and totally rejected.

Regarding the countries that had abstained during the vote, he appealed to those countries to join the ranks of global unanimity.  He called on the countries that had abstained to change that pattern of voting when the General Assembly took up the resolutions.

Right of reply

The representative of Israel, speaking in the exercise of the right of reply, thanked those delegations that did not support the one-sided resolutions before the Committee today.  He also thanked those delegations that had explained how one-sided they were.  Regarding the statement of Syria’s representative, Israel’s position had been that it wanted a peace agreement with Syria and that it was interested in direct negotiations with all its neighbours.  Unfortunately, Syria was not interested in peace, but would rather serve as hosts to terrorist organizations, which fact had placed them on the list of terrorist-supporting States. 

Regarding the statement that Israel was isolated, he said that Israel was not isolated.  To the right, it had truth and to the left, justice.  He did not call that isolation.

Speaking in the exercise of the right of reply, the representative of Syria said that Syria had opened the door to peace.  It had negotiated directly for

10 years with Israel.  Israel, however, had worked on various tracts.  It had been keen on retaining land, without changing its decision to annex territories.  Israel’s allegations were merely for propaganda purposes, and to lead astray the Committee members.  There had been sweeping acceptance of the resolutions.  If truth was on its side, where was the truth?  There had only been falsification, lies and distortions of the truth on the part of Israel.  The Arab side was committed to realizing a just and comprehensive peace.

Concluding Statement by Committee Chairman

Concluding the Committee’s work, Mr. MAITLAND (South Africa) said that during the session the Committee had adopted 24 draft resolutions and three decisions.  It had held 23 meetings and had discussed a wide variety of agenda items.  Regarding decolonization, the Committee had heard from three representatives and sixteen petitioners from various non-self-governing territories, including the Chief Minister of Gibraltar and the representatives of the Governors of Guam and the United States Virgin Islands.  The Committee had heard as petitioners the leader of the opposition in Gibraltar, as well as

15 individuals/organizations speaking on the question of Western Sahara.  The Committee had also considered the political and socio-economic conditions in the Non-Self-Governing Territories, including the report of the recent visiting mission to Tokelau. 

Regarding the peaceful uses of outer space, he said the Committee had made wide-ranging recommendations to the Assembly on that matter.  It had urged States to become parties to international treaties governing the uses of outer space.  On atomic radiation, the Committee had recommended that the Assembly invite Member States to provide the Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation with relevant information on the effects of ionizing radiation in affected areas.  It had also recommended that the United Nations Environment Programme should strengthen the Scientific Committee’s present funding.

On the question of peacekeeping, he said the Committee had held an interactive dialogue with the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and had heard from some 60 delegations on many issues.  Moreover, a draft resolution designating 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers had been recommended.

On questions relating to information, the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information had briefed the Committee on how he envisaged changes to the Department of Public Information (DPI) in the context of the reorientation process.  The Committee had concurred with the need to enhance DPI’s technological infrastructure in order to widen its outreach.  Delegates had also emphasized the importance of equitable treatment of all official United Nations languages in all of the Department’s activities.  The concept of “regional hubs” had also been noted.

Finally, regarding UNRWA and Israeli practices, he said the Committee had adopted 12 resolutions on those very serious matters.  It had recommended, among other things, that the Assembly call upon all donors to continue to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the anticipated need of UNRWA.  A pledging conference for UNRWA, presided over by the President of the General Assembly, would take place on Wednesday, 4 December.

He expressed appreciation to all delegations for the cooperation and assistance they had extended to him in carrying out his duties.  He also paid tribute to Bureau members and Secretariat staff for their assistance in facilitating the Committee’s work. 

(annexes follow)

ANNEX I

Vote On Assistance to Palestine Refugees

The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.9) was approved by a recorded vote of 148 in favour to 1 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel.

Abstaining:  Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX I)

ANNEX II

Vote On Persons Displaced in June 1967

The draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/57/L.11) was approved by a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 4 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States.

Abstaining:  Honduras, Nauru, Papua New Guinea.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX II)

ANNEX III

Vote On Scholarships

The draft resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.12) was approved by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 0 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  None.

Abstaining:  Israel.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX III)

ANNEX IV

Vote On UNRWA Operations

The draft resolution on the operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/57/L.13) was approved by a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 5 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States.

Abstaining:  Papua New Guinea.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX IV)

ANNEX V

Vote on Refugee Properties

The draft resolution on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/57/L.14) was approved by a recorded vote of 147 in favour to 4 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States.

Abstaining:  Honduras, Nauru, Papua New Guinea.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX V)

ANNEX VI

Vote on “Al-QUDS”

The draft resolution on the University of Jerusalem “Al-Quds” for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/57/L.15) was approved by a recorded vote of 148 in favour to 4 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States.

Abstaining:  Nauru, Papua New Guinea.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(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.4/57/L.16) was approved by a recorded vote of 82 in favour to 5 against, with 62 abstentions, as follows:

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

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States.

Abstaining:  Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX VII)

ANNEX VIII

Vote on 1949 General Convention

The draft resolution on the applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention to the occupied Palestinian territories (document A/C.4/57/L.17) was approved by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 5 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States.

Abstaining:  Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX VIII)

ANNEX IX

Vote on Israeli Settlements

The draft resolution on Israeli Settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/57/L.18) was approved by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 6 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Tuvalu, United States.

Abstaining:  Papua New Guinea.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(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.4/57/L.19/Rev.1) was adopted by a recorded vote of 141 in favour to 5 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, 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, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States.

Abstaining:  Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Niger, Palau, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

(END OF ANNEX X)

ANNEX XI

Vote On Syrian Golan

The draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/57/L.20) was approved by a recorded vote of 144 in favour to 1 against, with 7 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, 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, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel.

Abstaining:  Honduras, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, United States.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Niger, Palau, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

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