Sixty-first General Assembly

Fourth Committee

27^th Meeting (PM)

Fourth Committee approves NINE draft resolutions on Palestinian-Israeli

issues as it concludes main part of current session

 

Delegates Pass Four Texts on United Nations Relief Agency

For Near East Refugees, Five on Human Rights Abuses in Occupied Arab Lands

Concluding the main part of its work for the current session, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) took action on nine draft resolutions this afternoon, approving four 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 Arab Territories occupied since 1967.

As the representative of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine withdrew a tenth draft resolution, on Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip, the Committee approved -- by a recorded vote of 162 in favour to 2 against (Israel, Palau), with 7 abstentions (Cameroon, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States, Vanuatu) -- a text on assistance to Palestine refugees.  By that draft, the General Assembly would call on all donors to make the most generous efforts possible to meet UNRWA’s anticipated needs, including with regard to increased expenditures arising from the deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation in the region.  The Assembly would also note, with regret, that repatriation of, or compensation to, the refugees had not yet been affected.  (See annex I.)

The Committee then approved, as orally amended, a draft on UNRWA’s operations, by a recorded 159 votes in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States) with 5 abstentions (Cameroon, Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu).  By its terms, the Assembly would express its appreciation for the Agency’s tireless efforts, in light of increasingly difficult conditions.  The Assembly would also call on Israel to take effective measures to ensure the safety of UNRWA personnel and the protection of its institutions and facilities, as well as to stop obstructing the work of Agency personnel.  It would urge the Government of Israel, speedily, to provide compensation for damage to its property and immediately to reimburse it for port and related charges incurred by UNRWA.  (See annex III.)

Other UNRWA-related draft resolutions approved today included a text on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities, which the Committee passed by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 4 abstentions (Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu).  (See annex II.)

The Committee also approved a text on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues by a recorded 159 votes in favour to 6 against (Israel, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 5 abstentions (Cameroon, Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu).  (See annex IV.)

As the Committee took up the draft resolutions on Israeli practices, it approved -– by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States),with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Uganda, Tuvalu) –- a text on Israeli settlements, by which the Assembly would reiterate that settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, were illegal and an obstacle to peace and economic and social development.  It would also reiterate its demand for the complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and call for the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

In that regard, the Assembly would, by other terms of the text, call upon Israel to comply strictly with its obligations under international law with respect to the alteration of the character and status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.  It would emphasize the need for the parties to speedily resolve all remaining issues in the Gaza Strip.  In addition, the Assembly would demand that Israel comply with its legal obligations under international law, as mentioned in the 9 July 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.  (See annex VII.)

The Committee also passed a draft on the applicability of the Geneva Convention to the occupied Arab Territories, by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 8 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Haiti, Nauru, Uganda, Tuvalu).  By that text, the Assembly would demand that Israel cease, immediately, all practices and actions taken in violation and in grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 on the protection of civilians in wartime.  It would also condemn all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, especially the excessive use of force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, as well as express grave concern at the use of suicide bombing attacks against Israeli civilians.  It would note the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank as a step towards implementation of the Road Map.  (See annex VI.)

Taking up a draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, the Committee passed it, by a recorded vote of 150 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 11 abstentions.  (See Annex VIII.)

By a recorded vote of 81 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 79 abstentions, the Committee also approved a text 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.  (See annex V.)

Finally, it approved a draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 1 against ( Israel), with 11 abstentions.  (See annex IX.)

The representatives of Indonesia and Cuba introduced amendments to two of the draft resolutions.

Syria’s delegate made a general statement following the voting, as did the representative of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine.

Speaking in explanation of position were the representatives of Israel, the United States and Canada.

Committee Chairman Madu Raman Acharya ( Nepal) made concluding remarks.

Background

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon to take action on draft resolutions relating to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of Palestinians and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.

It was expected, first, to take up texts on:  assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/61/L.9); persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/61/L.10); operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/61/L.11); and Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/61/L.12).

The Committee was then expected to take up drafts 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.4/61/L.13/Rev.1); the applicability of the Geneva Convention to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab Territories (document A/C.4/61/L.14); Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.15/Rev.1); Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem (document A/C.4/61/L.16/Rev.1); the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.17); and Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip (document A/C.4/61/L.18).

By the draft resolution on Assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/61/L.9), would have the General Assembly note, with regret, that repatriation of, or compensation to, the refugees, as provided for in paragraph 11 of its resolution 194 (III) of December 1948, has not yet been affected, that the situation of the Palestine refugees continues to be a matter of grave concern, and that they continue to require assistance to meet basic health, education and living needs.  The Assembly would also note, with regret, that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been unable to find a means of achieving progress in implementing that resolution, and would request the Commission to exert continued efforts in that regard.

Also, by that text, the Assembly would affirm the need for the continuation of UNRWA’s work, and the importance of its unimpeded operations and provision of services for the well-being of the Palestine refugees and the stability of the region, pending the just resolution of the Palestine refugee question.  The Assembly would call upon all donors to continue to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the Agency’s anticipated needs, including with regard to increased expenditures arising from the deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation in the region and those mentioned in recent emergency appeals.

By the draft on Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/61/L.10), the Assembly would reaffirm the right of all those persons to return to their homes or former places of residence in the Territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  Expressing its deep concern over non-compliance with the mechanism agreed upon by the parties (in the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements) for the return of displaced persons, the Assembly would stress the necessity of an accelerated return.

In the meantime, the Assembly would, by further terms of the text, endorse the Commissioner-General’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance on an emergency basis and as a temporary measure to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continuing assistance.  It would strongly appeal to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and to other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

The draft on Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (document A/C.4/61/L.11/Rev.1) would have the Assembly express its appreciation to the Commissioner-General, as well as to all Agency staff, for their tireless efforts and valuable work, particularly in light of the difficult conditions throughout the past year.  The Assembly would also express its appreciation to the Agency’s Advisory Commission.

Also, by that text, the Assembly would take note, with appreciation, of the report of the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA for its efforts to assist in ensuring the Agency’s financial security.  It would commend the continuing efforts of the Commissioner-General to increase UNRWA’s budgetary transparency and efficiency, as well as the organizational reform measures taken by the Agency.  It would endorse the efforts of the Commissioner-General to continue to provide humanitarian assistance, on an emergency basis and as a temporary measure, to internally displaced persons in serious need of continued assistance as a result of recent incursions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and hostilities in Lebanon.

By other terms, the Assembly would call upon Israel to comply fully with the provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention on Protection of Civilians in Time of War, to abide by Articles 100, 104 and 105 of the United Nations Charter, and by the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, in order to ensure the safety of UNRWA personnel, the protection of its institutions and the security of its facilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

The Assembly would also urge the Government of Israel, speedily, to compensate the Agency for damage to its property, and immediately to reimburse UNRWA for port and related charges incurred by the Agency and other financial losses suffered, as a result of delays and restrictions on movement and access imposed by Israel.  It would call upon Israel to cease obstructing the movement of UNRWA personnel, vehicles and supplies and to cease the levying of extra fees and charges.

Further, by that text, the Assembly would request the UNRWA Commissioner-General to proceed with the issuance of identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  Affirming that the functioning of the Agency remains essential in all fields of operation, the Assembly would note the success of the Agency’s microfinance and microenterprise programmes, and call upon it, in close cooperation with the relevant agencies, to continue to contribute towards the development of the economic and social stability of Palestine refugees in all its fields of operation.

By further terms, the Assembly would reiterate its request to the Commissioner-General to proceed with the modernization of UNRWA’S archives, through the Palestine Refugee Records Project.  It would also reiterate its previous appeals to all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to continue to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships for higher education to Palestine refugees.

The draft resolution on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/61/L.12) would have the General Assembly reaffirm that the Palestine refugees are entitled to their property and to the income derived therefrom, in conformity with the principles of equity and justice.  It would 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, and call, once again, on Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in the implementation of the present resolution.

Further, by that text, the Assembly would call upon all parties concerned, to provide the Secretary-General with any pertinent information in their possession concerning Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel that would assist him in the implementation of the present resolution.  It would urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides 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.

By the draft 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.4/61/L.13/Rev.1), the Assembly would reiterate its demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee.

The Assembly would, by other terms, deplore those policies and practices of Israel that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied Territories, as reflected in the Special Committee’s report.  It would express grave concern about the critical situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, since 28 September 2000, as a result of unlawful Israeli practices and measures, and especially condemn all Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the wall, as well as the excessive and indiscriminate use of force against the civilian population, including extrajudicial executions.

Also, by that draft, the Assembly would request the Special Committee, pending complete termination of the Israeli occupation, to continue to investigate Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and other Arab Territories occupied by Israel since 1967, especially Israeli violations of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949.  The Special Committee would also be requested to consult with the International Committee of the Red Cross, in order to ensure that the welfare and human rights of the peoples of the occupied Territories are safeguarded.

By other terms, the Assembly would request the Special Committee to submit periodic reports to the Secretary-General on the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.  It would further request the Special Committee to continue to investigate the treatment of the thousands of prisoners and detainees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and other Arab Territories occupied by Israel since 1967.

The draft resolution on the Applicability of the Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/61/L.14) would have the Assembly reaffirm that the Geneva Convention is applicable to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and other Arab Territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It would demand that Israel comply scrupulously with the provisions of that Convention and call upon all high contracting Parties to the Convention to continue to exert all efforts to ensure respect for its provisions by Israel in the occupied Territories.  The Assembly would also reiterate the need for speedy implementation of the relevant recommendations contained in its resolutions of its tenth emergency session, including resolution ES-10/15.

By the draft on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.15/Rev.1), the Assembly would reaffirm that those settlements are illegal, and an obstacle to peace and economic and social development.  It would also 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, to those occupied Territories, and to abide scrupulously by the provision of the Convention, in particular, article 49.

Also, by that text, the Assembly would reiterate its demand for the complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and call for the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.  It would demand that Israel comply with its legal obligations under international law, as mentioned in the advisory opinion rendered on 9 July 2004, by the International Court of Justice.

By other terms, the Assembly would stress the need for full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 904 (1994), in which, among other things, the Council called upon Israel to continue to take and 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 Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Territory.  The Assembly would reiterate its calls for the prevention of all acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and property, particularly in light of recent developments.

The Committee draft resolution on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (document A/C.4/61/L.16/Rev.1) would have the Assembly reiterate that all measures and actions taken by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, in violation of the relevant provisions of the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War, and contrary to the relevant Security Council resolutions, are illegal and have no validity.  The Assembly would demand that Israel comply fully with the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention and cease, immediately, all measures and actions taken in violation and in grave breach of the Convention, including settlement activities, the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, as well as extrajudicial executions.

By other terms, the Assembly would note the Israeli withdrawal from within the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank and the dismantlement of the settlements therein as a step towards the implementation of the Road Map.  But it would call upon Israel, the occupying Power, to comply strictly with its obligations under international law, with respect to the alteration of the character and status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

Further, by that text, the Assembly would demand that Israel cease all practices and actions that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and that it scrupulously abide by its obligations under human rights law.  It would also demand that Israel comply with its legal obligations, as mentioned in the advisory opinion of 9 July 2004, rendered by the International Court of Justice and as demanded in resolution ES-10/15 of 20 July 2004, by, among other actions, dismantling the wall constructed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, and making reparation for all damage caused by its construction.

The Assembly would, by further terms, stress the need for respect of the unity and territorial integrity of all the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to guarantee the freedom of movement of persons and goods within that Territory, including the removal of restrictions on, movement into and from East Jerusalem, and the freedom of movement to and from the outside world.  It would also stress the need for full implementation of the Sharm el Sheikh understandings and the Agreement on Movement and Access and the Agreed Principles for the Rafah Crossing.

By the draft on the Occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.17), the Assembly would call upon Israel to comply with the 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, and demand that Israel rescind its decision.

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 to desist from the establishment of settlements.  It would determine that all legislative and administrative measures and actions 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 Geneva Convention, and have no legal effect.

Also, by that text, the Assembly would call upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and Israeli identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan and from its repressive measures against the population.  It would also deplore Israel’s violations of the Geneva Convention and call, once again, upon Member States not to recognize any of the legislative or administrative measures referred to in the present draft resolution.

The text on Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip (document A/C.4/61/L.18) would have the Assembly demand that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately cease its aggression against the Palestinian civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and immediately withdraw its forces from within the Gaza Strip to positions prior to 28 June 2006.

Emphasizing the need to preserve the institutions of the Palestinian National Authority, as well as Palestinian infrastructure and properties, the Assembly, by other provisions of the draft, call upon the international community, including the Quartet, to take immediate steps, including confidence-building measures between the parties, with the objective of resuming peace negotiations and restarting the peace process.

The representatives of Indonesia and Cuba introduced oral amendments to draft resolutions A/C.4/61/L.11/Rev.1 and A/C.4/61/L.16/Rev.1, respectively.

The representative of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine then requested that no action be taken on draft resolution A/C.4/61/L.18, as the General Assembly had adopted a resolution on that issue during its resumed Tenth Emergency Session.

Action on UNRWA Draft Resolutions

Taking up the draft resolutions on UNRWA, the Committee approved the text on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/60/L.9), by a recorded vote of162 in favour to 2 against (Israel, Palau), with 7 abstentions (Cameroon, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States, Vanuatu).  (For details of voting, see annex I.)

The Committee then took up the draft on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/60/L.10), approving it by a recorded vote of160 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 4 abstentions (Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu).  (See annex II.)

By a recorded vote of 159 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 5 abstentions (Cameroon, Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu), the Committee then approved, as orally amended, the draft resolution on operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/60/L.11/Rev.1).  (See annex III.)

The Committee then approved -- by a recorded vote of 159 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 5 abstentions (Cameroon, Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu) -– the text on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/60/L.12).  (See annex IV.)

Explanation of Vote

The representative of Cuba, speaking in explanation of position, informed the Committee that she had made a mistake in the voting on draft resolution L.9.

Drafts on Israeli Practices

Taking up the draft resolutions on Israeli practices, the Committee then approved the text 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.4/61/L.13/Rev.1), by a recorded vote of 81 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 79 abstentions.  (See annex V.)

The Committee then took up the draft resolution on the applicability of the Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/61/L.14), approving it by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 8 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Haiti, Nauru, Uganda, Tuvalu).  (See annex VI.)

It then took up a draft on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.15/Rev.1), approving that text by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States),with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Uganda, Tuvalu).  (See annex VII.)

Turning to the draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied Palestinian Territories (document A/C.4/61/L.16/Rev.1), the Committee approved that text, as orally amended, by recorded vote of 150 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 11 abstentions.  (See annex VIII.)

The Committee then approved the text on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.17), by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 1 against ( Israel), with 11 abstentions.  (See annex IX.)

Explanations of Vote

The representative of Israel, speaking in explanation of position, said none of the drafts even-handedly addressed the situation in Gaza, reflected reality on the ground, or addressed the situation in the region, and for those reasons Israel had voted against them.

While the Committee was meeting, Israel had been bombarded with rockets day after day, he said, noting that Israelis had been evacuated from their homes and nothing had been done to alleviate their humanitarian plight.  And yet, over the weekend, when the Palestinian side had decided to shoulder its responsibility to end the violence, a ceasefire had been reached.  It had found Israel still waiting on the other side.

Reality did indeed change when parties lived up to their responsibilities and negotiated, he said.  Confusing the pushing of paper with progress was “a waste” of the Committee’s time and resources.  Israel awaited a genuine Palestinian partner that would work for peace.  The past could not be changed, nor victims from either side returned.  What remained was the course that the two sides could chart together to build on the ceasefire and ensure a legacy of peace.

The representative of the United States said his delegation continued to abstain from voting on the draft on the occupied Syrian Golan, which addressed final status issues that were better left to negotiations between the parties.

He said his country was “unhappy” with Syria’s serious disregard for the United Nations, particularly Security Council resolution 1680 and 1701, as well as that nation’s refusal to treat Lebanon as a sovereign country.  Syria’s political and material support for Hizbollah had been made clear during the summer.  Even though Council resolutions called for disarmament by all militias, Syria did not abide by the arms embargo.

Moreover, Syria had discarded Council resolutions calling on Iraq’s neighbours to stop their cooperation with insurgents, and it also hosted organizations that conducted terrorist attacks against Israel, he said.  The United States called on Syria to halt its support for terrorism and to prevent the use of its Territory to support the insurgency in Iraq, among other things.

The representative of Canada, addressing the text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs, said his delegation remained seriously concerned with the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly that resulting from the escalation of violence in Gaza.  Canada urged all sides to act with restraint and to take all possible measures to protect civilian lives and avoid damage to civilian infrastructure.

Calling on the parties to refrain from actions that could prejudge final status negotiations, including the construction of settlements and access roads, he said the draft resolution focused solely on Israeli actions and did not represent a balanced picture of the situation on the ground.  It did not condemn Palestinian violence against Israeli civilians, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks.  Given those serious concerns, Canada had voted against the text.

General Statements

NADYA RASHEED, Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine, making a general statement, thanked the co-sponsors of the draft resolutions, as well as the Member States that had voted in favour of the important texts.  Their support reflected the international community’s support for the plight of the Palestine refugees and of the Palestinian population in the Occupied Territory.  The Palestinian Observer Mission would not respond to Israel’s explanation of vote, as the results spoke for themselves.  The international community had once again affirmed its solidarity with the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation and their just cause.

The situation of the Palestine refugees remained difficult and UNRWA’s assistance was still absolutely essential, she stressed.  The deteriorating socio-economic and security situation of the refugees continued to be of great concern and UNRWA continued to play a central role in alleviating their plight in all fields of operation.  The continued support of donors for its work was greatly appreciated.  The Palestinian people were gratified by the international community’s overwhelming reaffirmation of the right of refugees to return.  The just resolution of the refugee problem was a prerequisite for resolving the conflict.

She said the serious violations and breaches of human rights, by Israel, had caused great suffering to the Palestinian civilian population, especially recently in the Gaza Strip.  The draft resolutions approved today addressed serious issues and reaffirmed the relevant and applicable principles and rules of international law.  They confirmed the international community’s firm stance that the rule of law was applicable to the conflict, and Israel must comply with international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and United Nations resolutions.  Adherence to international law would bring about genuine change, leading towards a final, just and peaceful resolution.

MANAR TALEB ( Syria) thanked all delegations that had voted in favour of the draft resolutions, especially those relating to the occupied Syrian Golan.  The international community had confirmed its rejection of occupation by others and the flouting of peoples rights, which had sent a clear message to Israel that it must end its occupation and expansion into the occupied Syrian Golan.  Once again, it had been confirmed that Israeli attempts to annex the Golan, oppose its jurisdiction and expand its settlements were null and void, and without legal impact.  By approving the draft resolutions, the Committee had affirmed its role in the investigation of Israeli practices in the Occupied Arab Territories.

Noting that his country had repeatedly supported a just and permanent peace, while trying to resume peace negotiations, he said Israel had responded by ignoring the Syrian offer and continuing its practices in the Occupied Arab Territories.  Syria called on those delegations that did not support the drafts on the occupied Syrian Golan to join the international consensus, as any hesitation in condemning occupation sent the wrong message to outlaws.  In addition, the assertion, by the United States representative, that United Nations reports revealed smuggling and weapons shipments from Syria to Lebanon was inaccurate.

Chairman’s Concluding Remarks

Committee Chairman MADHU RAMAN ACHARYA ( Nepal) said, in his concluding remarks, that, although the Committee had concluded the main part of the sixty-first session, it would meet again next year to take up the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and to elect the Bureau for the sixty-second session.  Also, the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices would submit an annex to its report, after completion of its visit to the region.

He said the Fourth Committee had approved 25 draft resolutions and two draft decisions during 27 formal meetings, in the course of which a wide variety of agenda items had been considered.  The Committee’s work was mainly political and members had agreed it should remain that way.  The format of interactive dialogue/question-and-answer periods had proved to be productive and informative, and that practice should be continued and improved.  The Chair thanked delegates and members of the Secretariat for their support of the Committee’s work.

ANNEX I

Vote on Assistance to Refugees

The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/61/L.9) was approved by a recorded vote of 162 in favour to 2 against, with 7 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel, Palau.

Abstain:  Cameroon, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, United States, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Bhutan, Chad, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX II

Vote on Displaced Persons

The draft resolution on persons displaced by the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/61/L.10) was approved by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 6 against, with 4 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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

Abstain:  Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Bhutan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX III

Vote on UNRWA Operations

The draft resolution on operations of the UNRWA (document A/C.4/61/L.11/REV.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 159 in favour to 6 against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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

Abstain:  Cameroon, Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Angola, Bhutan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX IV

Vote on Refugees’ Properties

The draft resolution on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/61/L.12) was approved by a recorded vote of 159 in favour to 6 against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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

Abstain:  Cameroon, Fiji, Swaziland, Uganda, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Bhutan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX V

Vote on Special Committee’s Work

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.4/61/L.13/REV.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 81 in favour to 8 against, with 79 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Chile, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States.

Abstain:  Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Angola, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX VI

Vote on Geneva Convention

The draft resolution on the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the other Occupied Arab Territories (document A/C.4/61/L.14) was approved by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 6 against, with 8 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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

Abstain:  Angola, Australia, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Haiti, Uganda, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Bhutan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX VII

Vote on Israeli Settlements

The draft resolution on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.15/REV.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 7 against, with 6 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Australia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States.

Abstain:  Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Uganda, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Angola, Bhutan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX VIII

Vote on Israeli Practices

The draft resolution on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (document A/C.4/61/L.16/REV.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 150 in favour to 8 against, with 11 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States.

Abstain:  Burundi, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Fiji, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Solomon Islands, Uganda, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Angola, Bhutan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tonga, Tuvalu.

ANNEX IX

Vote on Syrian Golan

The draft resolution on the Occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/61/L.17) was approved by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 1 against, with 11 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel.

Abstain:  Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Haiti, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Uganda, United States, Vanuatu.

Absent:  Angola, Bhutan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tonga, Tuvalu.

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For information media • not an official record