Sixty-third General Assembly

Fourth Committee

24^th Meeting (PM)

CONCLUDING SESSION, FOURTH COMMITTEE APPROVES 23 DRAFT RESOLUTIONS, 4 DECISIONS,

INCLUDING 9 TODAY BY RECORDED VOTE ON MIDDLE EAST, UN REFUGEE RELIEF AGENCY

Aware of the fact that the Palestine refugees have suffered for six decades from the loss of their homes, lands and means of livelihood, the General Assembly would affirm the necessity of continuing the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), by one of nine draft resolutions approved by recorded votes today, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) concluded its work for the current session.

By a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), that text -- on assistance to Palestine refugees -- would also have the Assembly decide to commemorate UNRWA’s work on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of its establishment at a high-level meeting on 1 October 2009, during its sixty-fourth session.

By further terms, the Assembly would invite Finland and Ireland to become members of UNRWA’s Advisory Commission.  It would call on all donors to continue to make the most generous efforts possible to meet the Agency’s anticipated needs, particularly in light of the ongoing deterioration of the region’s socioeconomic and humanitarian situation.  (For details of the vote, see Annex I).

A related draft resolution on UNRWA’s operations -- approved by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 1 abstention (Cameroon) -- would have the Assembly reaffirm that the Agency’s functioning remains essential in all fields of operation.  It would urge Israel to speedily compensate the Agency for damage to its property and facilities resulting from Israeli actions, and to reimburse it for transit charges and other financial losses sustained as a result of Israeli restrictions on movement and access.  (See Annex III).

Two other UNRWA-related drafts –- on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities, and Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues –- were also approved by recorded votes.

By the first, the Assembly would reaffirm the right of all persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It was approved by a vote of 158 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 2 abstentions (Cameroon, Canada).  (See Annex II).

The second draft resolution would have the Assembly urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides to deal with the important issue of Palestine refugees’ properties and revenues within the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.  It was approved by a vote of 161 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 1 abstention (Cameroon).  (See Annex IV).

Expressing the hope that the Israeli occupation will be brought to an early and complete end, thereby ending the violation of the human rights of the Palestinian people, the Assembly would also request the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, to continue those investigations, especially violations of the Geneva Convention relative to civilian protection in wartime, according to one of five draft resolutions related to the Special Committee’s report.

By a recorded vote of 87 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 70 abstentions, the Committee would have the Assembly reiterate its demand that Israel, the occupying Power, cooperate, in accordance with its obligations as a Member State of the United Nations, with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate.

By further terms, the Assembly would also deplore those policies and practices of Israel that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, included in the Special Committee’s report.  It would also condemn all illegal Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the wall, as well as the excessive and indiscriminate use of force against the civilian population.  (See Annex V).

The Committee also approved, by recorded votes, four other draft texts relating to the report of the Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices, including on the Applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, Israeli settlements in all of the occupied territories, Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people, and the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan.  (See Annexes VI, VII, VIII, and IX, respectively).

Speaking in explanation of vote were the representatives of France (on behalf of the European Union), Australia, Iran and Canada.

Syria’s representative made a general statement.

The observer for Palestine to the United Nations also spoke.

The representatives of Iceland and Finland asked to be added as co-sponsors to the draft on assistance to Palestine refugees.

In concluding remarks, the Committee Chairman noted that the Fourth Committee had approved 23 draft resolutions and four draft decisions, and had held 24 formal meetings.

Background

The Committee met to take action on all pending drafts before it:  four draft resolutions relating to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and five draft resolutions on the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.  (For summaries of those draft resolutions, please see Press Release GA/SPD/417 of 6 November).

The Committee also had before it the Secretary-General’s report on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (document A/63/518), prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and covers the period from January to August 2008.  It focuses specifically on the policy of closures and severe restrictions, including its impact on the socioeconomic situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the wall and the destruction of property, and the conditions affecting Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

The report states that, during the period under review, the Israeli Government continued to impose, on Palestinian residents of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the comprehensive closure system, which it claims is necessary for its security.  The system consists of a complex array of physical and administrative obstacles that have a severe and detrimental impact on the rights of Palestinians, as guaranteed in article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and, more specifically, the individual’s right to freedom of movement, to choose a residence and to leave and re-enter the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  These restrictions also have had serious consequences for Palestinians, including in the economic sphere.  They also undermine the exercise of other rights guaranteed under international human rights law, by effectively impeding access to health care, education and employment.

The report finds that since June 2002, when the Israeli Government decided to erect a 723-kilometre-long barrier to separate Israel and the West Bank, with the stated purpose of preventing Palestinian suicide bombers from entering Israel, the West Bank had been fragmented into non-contiguous enclaves, bringing new restrictions on movement and access for Palestinians living near the wall, and widespread restrictions and measures associated with the closure regime of existing checkpoints and roadblocks.  The majority of the wall’s route, approximately 87 per cent, runs inside the West Bank and East Jerusalem, rather than along the 1949 Armistice Line (Green Line).

While the report says Israeli authorities declared on 28 and 29 July that they would demolish sections of the wall around the village of Bil’in, west of Ramallah, and near Qalqilia, in the northern West Bank, moving the wall’s location in those two areas by 2.4 kilometres and allowing Palestinian farmers to have access to 2,600 dunums of land, it notes that this came after years of deliberations.  In areas where the wall has already been built, extensive violations of human rights of Palestinians living nearby are frequently reported.

In terms of Palestinians in Israeli prisons, the report says that as of 31 August, there were 8,403 prisoners in Israeli jails and detention centres, 649 of whom were administrative detainees –- meaning they were detained without charge or trial, authorized by an administrative order, rather than by judicial decree.  As such, it represents a serious violation of fundamental rights to due process contained in articles 9 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is binding on Israel, both in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in the Israeli State proper.  It further states that serious concerns still exist regarding the conditions faced by Palestinians during detention.  Torture and other forms of ill treatment continue to be prevalent in the context of the arrest and interrogation of persons suspected of posing a security threat.

The report recommends that the United Nations reiterate its commitment to ensuring strong advocacy for the accommodation of the needs and the rights of civilians, and reminds the parties of the fact that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians rests with them.  The General Assembly and the international community should actively promote the implementation of the decisions, resolutions and recommendations of the Security Council, the International Court of Justice and the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders.  The Assembly should seek the assistance of the Security Council in implementing the 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

It also had before it the Secretary-General’s report on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/63/519), which describes the continuation of the construction of Israeli settlements in the occupied Arab territories, with its associated system and violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

In its resolution 62/108 of 17 December 2007, the General Assembly expressed concern about the dangerous situation resulting from violent actions taken by the armed Israeli settlers in the Occupied Territory.  In the light of recent reports of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/7/76 and A/HRC/8/17) addressing the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in 2008, the present report addresses progress made in the implementation of resolution 62/108 concerning, specifically, the continued construction of settlements in the Occupied Territory with its associated regime, as well as violence by Israeli settlers.

The report states that the most relevant international humanitarian law standards, concerning the responsibilities of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as the occupying Power, were set out in the Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.  The advisory opinion and a number of United Nations resolutions have all affirmed that Israel’s practice of constructing settlements -— in effect, the transfer by an occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies —- constitutes a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.  The report also states that the International Court of Justice concluded that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child were applicable within the Occupied Territory as well.

The report outlines recent settlement activities, including the findings of recent reports showing that, as of August, more than 1,000 new buildings were in the process of being constructed in the settlements, about 55 per cent of which were located to the east of the separation wall.  Furthermore, 125 new structures had been added to existing outposts, including 30 permanent houses.

The report recommends that, in view of the worsening human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the protection of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians required action by all parties and the international community.  As such, all parties to the conflict should cease all actions violating international human rights and humanitarian law.  The Government of Israel should abide by its commitments, as stated in the Road Map and reiterated in the Annapolis Joint Statement of November 2007, namely, to immediately dismantle settlement outposts erected since March 2001 and to freeze, consistent with the Mitchell Report, all settlement activity (including natural growth of settlements).

It further recommends that the Government of Israel should take action to halt attacks by Israeli settlers against the civilian population of the Occupied Territory, and ensure that a proper investigation is carried out in regard to incidents caused by such settlers and that redress be given to the victims of such violence.  The General Assembly and the international community should actively promote the implementation of its decisions, resolutions and recommendations, and those of the Security Council, the International Court of Justice and the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including treaty bodies and special procedure mandate holders.

Action on Draft Resolutions

Before the Committee proceeded to action, the representative of Indonesia said that operative paragraph 5 of the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/63/L.11), by which the Assembly would decide to hold a commemorative high-level session to mark the sixtieth anniversary of UNRWA’s establishment, should read “to be convened on 1 October 2009” rather than on “on 30 September 2009”.  The draft resolution had no programme budget implications.

The Committee Secretary said there were no programme budget implications associated with eight of the resolutions on the Middle East.  While operative paragraph 8 of 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.4/63/L.15) would have the Assembly request the Secretary-General to provide facilities, staff and periodic reports to the Special Committee, as well as ask him to circulate current and past reports, a provision of $283,300 had been included in the programme budget for the 2008-2009 biennium.  Hence the adoption of that resolution would not require any additional appropriations.

The Committee then proceeded to take recorded votes on the four draft resolutions relating to UNRWA.

The proposed text on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/63/L.11) was approved, as orally amended, by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States).  (For more details of the vote, please see Annex I).

The representative of Chile said that his country had meant to vote in favour of that text.

The text on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/63/L.12) was approved by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 2 abstentions (Cameroon, Canada) (Annex II).

Next, the draft resolution on operations of the UNRWA (document A/C.4/63/L.13) was approved by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 1 abstention (Cameroon) (Annex III).

The text on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/63/L.14) was approved by a vote of 161 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 1 abstention (Cameroon) (Annex IV).

Speaking after the vote, Iceland’s representative said that his delegation was co-sponsoring the draft text on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/63/L.11) and wished that to be reflected in the meeting’s records.

The representative of Finland said that, in Nordic solidarity, his delegation also wished to co-sponsor that draft.

The Committee then proceeded to take action on the five draft resolutions relating to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.

The draft 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.4/63/L.15) was approved by a recorded vote of 87 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 70 abstentions (Annex V).

The draft text 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.4/63/L.16) was approved by a vote of 161 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 2 abstentions (Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire) (Annex VI).

The draft text on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/63/L.17) was approved by a vote of 161 in favour to 6 against (Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 2 abstentions (Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire) (Annex VII).

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.4/63/L.18) was approved by a vote of 155 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 5 abstentions ( Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Honduras, Mongolia) (Annex VIII).

The Committee then turned to the draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/63/L.19), approving it by a recorded vote of 161 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 7 abstentions (Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, United States) (Annex IX).

Speaking in explanation of vote, on behalf of the European Union, the representative of France said his delegation had voted in favour of the draft text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (document A/C.4/63/L.18).  The European Union believed it was essential to deal with the issue discussed here in a balanced manner.  It was also necessary to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.  To allow for the culmination of the peace process, it was crucial to put an end to all acts of violence on both sides.  Towards that goal, the Union condemned violence against the Palestinian civilians, as well as the firing of Qassam rockets into Israel.  Indeed, calm was required, as was the movement of goods and people in the West Bank.  Following the Annapolis Conference in 2007, the peace process should move forward as soon as possible, to establish a viable Palestinian State living side by side with Israel and its neighbours.

Australia’s representative explained that her delegation’s vote in favour of the draft resolution on the Geneva Convention (document A/C.4/63/L.16)was due to its longstanding support for international human rights.  She pointed out, however, that Australia had not supported the referral of Israel to the International Court of Justice, and emphasized the non-binding character of the Court’s advisory opinion.  Thus, Australia’s support for the resolution was without prejudice.

She said her delegation had also voted in favour of the draft text on Israeli settlements (document A/C.4/63/L.17), because it strongly supported the establishment of a Palestinian State, which was a matter of negotiation between the parties.  It also strongly supported the Road Map, and felt that both parties should abide by their obligations therein and not engage any action that would jeopardize its provisions.  Towards that end, Israel should freeze the construction of all settlements and work to normalize Palestinian life.  In parallel, the unconditional cessation of all violence, on the part of Palestinians, was needed.

Turning to the draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (document A/C.4/63/L.18), she said that Australia was a strong supporter of human rights internationally and remained concerned about the situation in the occupied territories.  It recognized that the resolution contained some language critical of terrorism, as well as firing of rockets into Israel.  Despite that, however, it demonstrated a one-sided view and did not reflect Israel’s need to ensure its security.  Both sides should take all precautions to ensure the safety of civilians.  Because of the text’s one-sided nature, it would not further peace.

The representative of Iran said he would have liked to have voted in favour of the draft resolutions before the Committee today, but had been unable to.  It would have voted in favour of all of the resolutions -- particularly the texts on Israeli settlements, “L.17”, and Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, “L.18” -- to show solidarity and sympathy with the Palestinian people.  He wished to emphasize that Israel continued to violate international law and the human rights of the Palestinian people.

He said Iran had been unwavering in its support of the Palestinian people, and had duly supported the legal and democratic Government of Palestine.  Any resolution of inter-Palestinian differences was an entirely internal matter and should be resolved as such.  The interference of the international community would only further exacerbate those issues.  A national dialogue and a national process of reconciliation were needed, in that regard.   Iran believed that the settlement of the Palestinian crisis was achievable only if the rights of the Palestinian people were fully recognized, restored and maintained.  It believed that a lasting solution must include the return of all refugees and the establishment of a democratic Palestinian State, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Canada’s representative said that his delegation remained concerned about the number of resolutions before the General Assembly on the issue of the Palestine refugees, as well as their one-sided focus on one party, namely, Israel.  Those texts should seek balance.  Regarding the resolutions adopted today in the Committee, Canada had reiterated its support for those that touched on the issue of Israeli settlements.  It felt strongly that Israel was bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention and believed its settlements were a violation of that treaty.

He said his delegation had voted in favour of the draft resolutions on Israeli settlements, “L.17”, and the Geneva Convention, “L.16”, butremained concerned about their inclusion of divisive language, at a time when every effort should be made to bring the parties together.

Canada had abstained in the vote on the draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities, “L.12”, because it failed to mention the need to ensure that those refugees should be included in the final status negotiations.   Canada would remain committed to helping both parties resolve their conflict.

The representative of Yemen said that had his delegation been present during the voting on “L.11”, “L.12”, “L.13” and “L.14”, it would have voted in favour of all four, and he asked that that be recorded.

General Statements

The observer for Palestine thanked those voting in favour of the resolutions, and said they would help assure the rights of the Palestinian people, to which they were entitled, as peoples existing under foreign occupation.  All illegal settlement activities in the Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan should be examined in the context of the appropriate international human rights requirements.

Those “supporting the cause of peace” should demand Israel’s compliance with all relevant provisions of international law, she said, adding that such respect for international law would bring about a real change in the situation on the ground, towards the achievement of a final, just and lasting settlement leading to peace, stability and coexistence for the long-suffering peoples and the long-troubled region.

She drew attention to the reports issued today on Israeli settlements and practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinians, respectively documents A/63/519 and A/63/518, and said she regretted that the Secretariat had, for inexplicable reasons, delayed the release of those reports.  It was unacceptable that those reports were not only issued late, but issued on the very last day of the Committee’s consideration, thus precluding serious consideration and discussion of the reports.  The issue of Israeli settler violence was addressed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and she encouraged all delegations to review those important reports.

Syria’s representative expressed thanks for all those delegations voting in support of the texts before the Committee today, including the draft on the occupied Syrian Golan.  Through those draft resolutions, Member States had expressed their support for the Palestinian people.  Indeed, they had sent a clear and unambiguous message to Israel, the occupying Power, to put an end to its occupation and to its inhumane practices, and to join seriously in the peace process.  The voting had underscored that Israel’s attempts to annex and impose its legal and administrative mandate on Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as its expansion of settlements there, were null and void and had no legal effect before the international community.   Israel’s violation of international law in the case of the occupied Syrian Golan was a “double breach” because it had not attempted to occupy that area, but had imposed laws in order to move from an occupation phase to a phase of annexation.  That provocative action clearly echoed the history of the Second World War when certain States invaded and annexed others.

Noting that the Committee’s voting today had underscored the importance of the Special Committee, he called on all Member States to support that body.  Any attempt to weaken the Special Committee would only provide cover for Israel.   Syria, along with other Arab States, supported the Arab Peace Initiative to bring the conflict to an end.   Israel, meanwhile, had resisted all efforts towards that goal.  Pointing to the overwhelming majorities seen today, he called on other States to join the international unity on those drafts when they were presented to the General Assembly.  Any hesitation in condemning Israel’s occupation and annexation sent the wrong message to the “outlaws”.

Chairman’s Concluding Statement

In his concluding statement, Committee Chairman Jorge Argüello (Argentina) reminded the members of the Committee that they would be meeting next year to take up the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and would also meet in June 2009 to elect the Bureau of the Fourth Committee for the sixty-fourth session.

Wrapping up the current session, he noted that the Committee had approved 23 draft resolutions and four draft decisions.  It had held 24 formal meetings, during the course of which it had considered a wide variety of items.  The Committee’s work was mainly political, and as agreed by Committee members, that character should be retained and strengthened.  However, he said the Committee also covered other important issues that related to many other aspects of the work of the Secretariat, such as public information, outer space and atomic radiation.

In its consideration of the five decolonizing items, the Committee heard 42 speakers during its general debate on the various Non-Self-Governing Territories, as well as the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, and 62 individuals and organizations speaking as petitioners on the questions of Gibraltar, Guam, New Caledonia, United States Virgin Islands and Western Sahara.  The political, economic and social conditions in the Non-Self-Governing Territories were considered in a total of 10 draft resolutions and two decisions approved under those items.

On the question of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, the Committee made wide-ranging recommendations to the Assembly on the matter, by approving a draft resolution on the “International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space”.  Through that resolution, the Committee continued to, among other things, provide guidance and support to the Organization and work of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, as well as to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.  The Working Group of the Whole, established under that item, had played an important role in paving the way for the Committee to approve the draft without a vote. The panel on “Space Applications and Food Security” had provided Committee members with detailed information on the contributions of space science technology to the important issue of food security.

Regarding questions relating to the effects of atomic radiation, he said the Committee had once again seen a growing interest by Member States on the work of the Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation.  In light of that, six Member States had been invited to designate one scientist a piece to attend, as observers, the next session of the Scientific Committee.  The resolution had been approved without a vote, and the Committee was looking forward to receiving the report by the Scientific Committee on the implementation of the resolution at the Committee’s next session.  He thanked the delegate of Canada, as Chair of the Scientific Committee, for coordinating the informal consultations, which had led to the consensus on that text.

Turning to the topic of questions relating to information, he said that during the interactive dialogue, Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, had responded to various questions, and the interest of Committee members on the work of the Department of Public Information had been evident.

Regarding the Comprehensive Review of Peacekeeping Operations in all Their Aspects, many issues were put forward and would be considered in greater detail during the forthcoming session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.  Informal briefings would also be provided by the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support on various aspects of peacekeeping operations.  With respect to the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, the Committee had approved a draft decision on the draft programme of work for the next session, in accordance with resolution 58/316 of 1 July 2003.

Turning to the Middle East-related topic of UNRWA and Israeli practices, he said the Committee had recommended nine draft resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly.  On UNRWA, the Pledging Conference for the Agency was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 10 December at 11 a.m. in the Economic and Social Council Chamber.

Regarding the reports of the Committee to the plenary, he said the Committee Rapporteur had been working on all reports to be submitted to the plenary, but at

present, there was no definite date for action by the Assembly.  The Secretariat would prepare and distribute a checklist on the symbols of the reports of the Committee to the plenary, including the results of actions taken by the Committee on each draft text.

He extended his appreciation to all delegations for their cooperation, and paid tribute to his fellow members of the Bureau for their assistance.  He also thanked Rapporteur Paula Parviainen, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, Shaaban M. Shaaban, as well as the interpreters, translators, press officers, verbatim teams, conference officers, document officers, sound technicians and the Fourth Committee Secretariat team.

ANNEX I

Vote on Assistance to Palestine Refugees

The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/63/L.11) was approved by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 1 against, with 6 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  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, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  Israel.

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

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Yemen.

ANNEX II

Vote on Persons Displaced from June 1967 Hostilities

The draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/63/L.12) was approved by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 6 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  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, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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

Abstain:  Cameroon, Canada.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Yemen.

ANNEX III

Vote on UNRWA

The draft resolution on Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (document A/C.4/63/L.13) was approved by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 6 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  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, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, 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, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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

Abstain:  Cameroon.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Yemen.

ANNEX IV

Vote on Palestine Refugees’ Properties, Revenues

The draft resolution on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/63/L.14) was approved by a recorded vote of 161 in favour to 6 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  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, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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

Abstain:  Cameroon.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Kiribati, Liberia, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Yemen.

ANNEX V

Vote on Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices

The draft resolution on 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.4/63/L.15) was approved by a recorded vote of 87 in favour to 8 against, with 70 abstentions, as follows:

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

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

ANNEX VI

Vote on Applicability of Geneva Convention to Occupied Palestinian Territory

The draft resolution on 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.4/63/L.16) was approved by a recorded vote of 161 in favour to 6 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  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, 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, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, 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, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States.

Abstain:  Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

ANNEX VII

Vote on Israeli Settlements in Occupied Territories

The draft resolution on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/63/L.17) was approved by a recorded vote of 161 in favour to 6 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  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, 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, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, 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, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States.

Abstain:  Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

ANNEX VIII

Vote on Israeli Practices Affecting Human Rights of Palestinian People

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.4/63/L.18) was approved by a recorded vote of 155 in favour to 8 against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, 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, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, 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, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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:  Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States.

Abstain:  Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Honduras, Mongolia.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

ANNEX IX

Vote on Occupied Syrian Golan

The draft resolution on occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/63/L.19) was approved by a recorded vote of 161 in favour to 1 against, with 7 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  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, 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, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, 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, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, 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.

Abstain:  Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

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For information media • not an official record