Second Committee Approves Text Calling for Israel to End Exploitation of Natural Resources in Occupied Arab Territories
Members Also Pass Draft Resolutions on Oil Slick off Lebanon, Entrepreneurship for Development
The General Assembly would demand that Israel cease exploiting, damaging, depleting and endangering the natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the occupied Syrian Golan, according to the terms of one of seven draft resolutions approved today by the Second Committee (Economic and Financial).
By other terms of that text, titled “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources”, the Assembly would call for immediate and safe removal of all unexploded ordnance in the Gaza Strip, and for support for the efforts of the United Nations Mine Action Service in that regard.
Furthermore, the Assembly would call upon Israel to stop all actions harming the environment in the territories under its occupation, as well as its destruction of infrastructure, including water pipelines, and sewage and electricity networks. The Committee approved the text by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 5 against (Canada, Israel, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and United States), with 8 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Honduras, Panama, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay).
The representative of Israel said that the draft did not encourage dialogue and reconciliation between her country and the Palestinians, and there was no place for it in the Committee. She called for investment in “a constructive solution, rather than destructive resolutions”, and was surprised to hear a neighbouring country take the floor to criticize her country.
The Observer for the State of Palestine said that the adoption of the draft resolution by an overwhelming majority was a clear indication of the right of the Palestinian people to have control over their own natural resources. The time had come for the international community to ensure the implementation of international law, and compel Israel to cease its occupation.
Italy’s representative confirmed that the European Union would support the draft, but wished to record that the use of the term “Palestine” in the text could not be construed as recognition of Statehood. Syria’s representative noted that Israel showed no conscience over an issue that the Committee was seeking to resolve.
The Committee also approved — by a recorded vote of 155 in favour to 6 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, and United States), and 5 abstentions (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, and Papua New Guinea) — a draft resolution titled “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”.
By the terms of the text, the Assembly would request that Israel assume responsibility for prompt and adequate compensation to Lebanon and other directly affected countries for the costs of repairing the environmental damage caused by the oil slick. Further, it would encourage Member States and the international donor community to continue their financial and technical support to Lebanon towards achieving the completion of clean-up and rehabilitation operations.
Prior to the vote, Israel’s representative said the draft text was “counterproductive and deeply political”. She pointed to her country’s cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address the situation on Lebanese shores, and said the draft contributed to the institutionalization of an anti-Israel sentiment in the Organization.
Following the vote, Lebanon’s representative praised the bodies involved in clean-up and rehabilitation operations. The Committee’s support for the text reflected its commitment to sustainable development and the rule of law. Syria’s representative also welcomed adoption of the draft, but noted that, despite the text’s repeated approval each year, there had been no response from the aggressor.
In the afternoon, the Committee approved — by a recorded vote of 127 in favour to 28 against, with 10 abstentions (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Ecuador, Guinea, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka) — a draft resolution entitled “Entrepreneurship for development”. By the terms of that text, the Assembly would call upon the relevant United Nations entities to further recognize and integrate entrepreneurship in its various forms into their policies, programmes and reports, and to support national efforts in that regard.
By its other terms, the Assembly would encourage Governments to take a coordinated and inclusive approach to promoting entrepreneurship, and to develop policies that addressed the legal, social and regulatory barriers to equal and effective economic participation. Further, it would encourage the international community to support the efforts of countries in fostering the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as microenterprises, taking into account the challenges and opportunities of increased trade liberalization.
Prior to the vote, the representative of Morocco said that the Arab Group would vote against the draft on the basis of Israel contravening the rights of Palestinians to development. Following the vote, Israel’s representative noted that Arab nations had once again voted against that resolution, and in doing so, had cast a vote against opportunity, economic prosperity and their own people.
The Committee also approved, without a vote, four draft resolutions entitled “International cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan”, “Follow-up to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014): Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development”, “World Survey on the Role of Women in Development”, and “Building capacity for the evaluation of development activities at the country level”.
Earlier today, the Committee heard the introduction of nine draft resolutions by representatives of Bolivia (on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China), Turkmenistan, Bolivia (in her national capacity) and Morocco.
Also speaking today were representatives of Bolivia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Ireland, Fiji, Cameroon and Guatemala.
The Committee will meet again at a date and time to be announced.
Introduction of Draft Resolutions
The representative of Bolivia introduced, on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, a draft resolution titled “International financial system and development” (document A/C.2/69/L.42) and draft texts related to sustainable development titled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development” (document A/C.2/69/L.31) and “Harmony with Nature” (document A/C.2/69/L.34).
She also introduced a draft text on “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the least developed countries” (document A/C.2/69/L.26), and on “Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System” (document A/C.2/69/L.39) and “South-South Cooperation for Development” (document A/C.2/69/L.40).
Turkmenistan’s representative then introduced a draft text relating to sustainable development titled “Role of transport and transit corridors in ensuring international cooperation for sustainable development” (document A/C.2/69/L.13/Rev.1).
Resuming consideration of Globalization and interdependence and culture and sustainable development, the Committee heard again from the representative of Bolivia, speaking in her national capacity, who introduced a draft text titled “International Year of Camelids, 2016” (document A/C.2/69/L.41).
The representative of Morocco then introduced a resolution relating to eradication of poverty, titled “Promotion of sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, for poverty eradication and environment protection” (document A/C.2/69/L.37).
Action on Draft Resolutions
The Committee took up the text “Oil slick on Lebanese shores” (document A/C.2/69/L.21).
Speaking in explanation of position before the vote, Israel’s representative said the draft text was “counterproductive and deeply political”, cherry-picking information and offering an “alternative history” of the 2006 conflict, where Israel was the aggressor and Hizbullah went unpunished. She described the killing of eight Israeli soldiers by Hizbullah in a cross-border attack, which she said started the conflict, and the indiscriminate firing of rockets onto towns and communities in northern Israel. If the draft was really about development and environmental protection, it would point out the forest fires caused by rockets and the one million trees destroyed, as well as the ancient and historical sites damaged in attacks. Oil refineries and industrial infrastructure in Israel had also been damaged, but the cause of environmental protection was only important “to demean and defame” Israel. She pointed to her country’s cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address the situation on Lebanese shores, and said the draft contributed to the institutionalization of an anti-Israel sentiment in the Organization.
The Committee then proceeded to a recorded vote, approving the text with 155 in favour, 6 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, and United States), and 5 abstentions (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, and Papua New Guinea).
The representative of Lebanon spoke in explanation of vote, praising countries that had voted in favour of the text and the bodies involved in clean-up and rehabilitation operations. The draft applied principles of accountability and the rule of law, and it fit with international efforts to pursue a post-2015 development agenda. The journey had begun in 2006 when the worst disaster ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea was caused by an Israeli airstrike that released 15,000 tons of oil into the sea, and caused an oil slick along the entire Lebanese coastline. The slick continued to threaten life, economic growth and efforts to achieve sustainable development. Clean-up, waste management and rehabilitation efforts were ongoing, and Lebanon needed continued support in those efforts. The Assembly continued to reiterate its request for prompt, adequate compensation from Israel to Lebanon, and the damage was estimated at $856 million. The Committee’s overwhelming support for the text reflected their commitment to sustainable development and the rule of law, and underlined the need to end impunity for international wrongful acts.
Also speaking after the vote, the representative of Syria welcomed adoption of the draft, which called on the Organization to give further attention and new momentum to efforts to achieve sustainable development in the wake of damage to the Lebanese and Syrian coasts. In addition to assistance for combating the slick, he drew attention to the repeated approval of the text year after year, but with no response from the aggressor.
The Committee then took up the draft on the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian and other Arab populations in occupied lands over their natural resources (document A/C.2/69/L.33). The representative of Bolivia made a general statement, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, stressing that the wall and settlements being constructed by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory were depriving the Palestinian people of their natural resources. In that regard, he called for full compliance with the legal obligations affirmed in the 9 July 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and in relevant United Nations resolutions. Furthermore, he recognized the right of the Palestinian people to claim restitution as a result of any exploitation, damage, loss or depletion of their natural resources resulting from illegal measures taken by Israel. He also reaffirmed the urgency of “achieving without delay an end to the Israeli occupation”, and a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement”.
Making a general statement, the representative of Israel expressed disappointment that the Committee was taking a detour from its important work. The draft neglected the fact that the Palestinian leadership was consistently choosing warfare over people’s welfare, and did not encourage dialogue and reconciliation between Israel and the Palestinians. There was no place for the draft in the Committee, and its only purpose was to single out Israel. Noting her intent to vote against it, she said “let us invest in a constructive solution, rather than destructive resolutions”.
Also making a general statement, the representative of Egypt said year after year, international reports recorded the damage and exploitation by Israel, particularly in East Jerusalem, the territories occupied since 1967, and in the Golan. The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) always referred to the harm done to Palestinian and Arab populations because of the positions of Israeli occupiers. The occupation violated the Geneva Convention and he pointed to discriminatory policies on water, which caused major shortages and threatened inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza.
Speaking before the vote, the representative of Italy, on behalf of the European Union, confirmed that the Union would support the draft, but wished to record that the use of the term “Palestine” in the draft text could not be construed as recognition of statehood. The Union’s common position did not prejudice the individual positions of Member States.
The Committee then approved the text by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 5 against (Canada, Israel, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and United States), with 8 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Honduras, Panama, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay).
The observer for the State of Palestine said that the adoption of the draft resolution by the Committee by an overwhelming majority was a clear indication of the right of his people to have control over their own natural resources. It renewed the call to Israel to cease all violations of international treaties, and put an end to its exploitation of the Palestinian land and water. The draft resolution demonstrated the position of the international community once again. The time had come for practical and effective legal measures to ensure the implementation of international law and compel Israel to cease its occupation.
Explaining her position after the vote, the representative of Israel said that the favourite sport of the Palestinian Observer was taking “cheap shots” at her country. It was the only time when he was to be heard speaking in the Committee. Given the devastating terror attacks currently taking place against Israelis, it was time he focused on his own problems. She was also surprised to hear a neighbouring country take the floor to criticize Israel, and she said she wished to recall that Gaza had two entry points.
Also speaking in explanation of position, the representative of Syria endorsed the position of the Group of 77 and China, saying the draft recognized the rights of an occupied people and was nothing new, having been agreed upon several times before. Foreign occupation was the main obstacle to people living under its yoke in achieving sustainable development, and the draft reiterated a truth whereby the Israeli occupying authorities sought to starve and increase poverty among the Arab population living under occupation. He asked for the direct withdrawal of Israel from occupied territories and the ending of the destruction of natural resources. Israel showed no conscience over an issue that the Committee was seeking to resolve, and he hoped the draft would open their minds about their illegal practices, which were the reason for condemnations by Member States.
In the afternoon, the Committee took up the draft on the “International cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan” (document A/C.2/69/L.2).
The representative of Kazakhstan made a brief general statement.
The Committee then approved the text without a vote.
The Committee then took up the draft on entrepreneurship for development (A/C.2/69/L.14/Rev.1). The representative of Israel made a brief general statement.
A recorded vote was requested.
Speaking in explanation of position before the vote, the representative of Morocco, on behalf of the Arab Group, said he rejected the draft. The Group’s position was based on Israel contravening the rights of Palestinians to development. Their illegal practices continued and prevented development in Palestinian territories. The occupation was an obstacle to energy, agriculture, industry, and other activities, like local and foreign investment. It prevented employment and affected women and children in particular. Israel should therefore not be able to submit such a text and the Group would vote against it.
The Committee then proceeded to a recorded vote, approving the text with 127 in favour, 28 against, and 10 abstentions (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Ecuador, Guinea, Namibia, Mauritius, Mali, South Africa, and Sri Lanka).
Speaking in explanation of vote, the representative of Israel said that the overwhelming endorsement of the text reflected the growing understanding that “empowering entrepreneurs advances sustainable development”. He noted that Arab nations had once again voted against that resolution, and in doing so, had cast a vote against opportunity, economic prosperity and their own people. Today’s vote was yet another attempt by the Arab Group to delegitimize Israel. Few countries knew more about reaping wealth from entrepreneurship than his country, which had, in just six decades, transformed from an impoverished new born State into a “global leader in innovation”. The adoption of that resolution did not mean that their work was done; they must ensure that every person had the opportunity to contribute to his or her community.
The Committee then took up a draft text titled “Follow-up to the United Nations Decade for Sustainable Development (2005-2014): Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development” (document A/C.2/69/L.36).
The representative of Indonesia made a brief statement, and the Committee then adopted the draft without a vote.
The Committee then took up a draft titled “World Survey on the Role of Women in Development” (document A/C.2/69/L.36), and the representative of Ireland made a brief statement.
The Committee then adopted the text without a vote.
The Committee then took up a draft titled “Building Capacity for the evaluation of development activities at the country level” (document A/C.2/69/L.35), with the representative of Fiji making a brief statement and making an oral correction.
The representative of Cameroon made an observation on the French text.
The Committee then adopted the text as orally corrected.
The representative of Guatemala made a statement requesting that voting sessions not be scheduled during discussions on financing for development and when other Committees were holding voting, because small delegations found it hard to provide staff.