There are two sections below: The first is a basic list of the vetoes by date, including the document cites including a list of the states proposing the draft resolution and a breif statement of the issue involved. The longer section, also arranged by date, repeats the document cites and a list of the states proposing the draft resolution, adds cites that are relevant, developes more fully the background to the issue, presents a short report on the US reason for the veto then concludes with the actual text of the vetoed draft resolution.
The vetoed draft resolutions are numbered for the convenience of the reader.
BACKGROUND TO & TEXT OF RESOLUTIONS VETOED BY THE US
# 1
Date Document # Session #
1972-- 10 September S/10784 1662
Proposed by: Guinea, Somalia & Yugoslavia.
Background: Late in the afternoon of 8 September Israel attacked both Lebanon and Syria. They bombed non-military targets killing civilians-- many women and children. Israel rationalized the attack as retaliation for the killing of 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic games on 5 September without offering any evidence but only stating generally: "The Arab States, and in particular Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Libya, have initiated the establishment of the terror organizations and remain responsible . . ."
Two draft resolutions were introduced in the Security Council (S/10784 & S/10785). The US supported Israel by vetoing S/10784 because it did not accept Israel's claim of an equality between the two acts and denounce terrorism, not Israel. Draft resolution S/10785, introduced by the US made this tie for its emphasis was on ending "terrorism." The US, seeing that it stood alone on the issue, did not bring to a vote its draft resolution.
Notes: 1. Towns bombed in Lebanon-- Rachayya el-Wadi, al-Rafid and Mukhayyam Nahr-el-Bared.
2. Towns bombed in Syria-- El-Hama, El-Kafr, Sahn El-Golan and Mzerib.
3. George Bush spoke for the US.
Supporting documents: Letters-- S/10782 (Syria), S/10783 (Lebanon), S/10779 (Israel), S/10780 (Syria) & S/10781 (Lebanon).
TEXT:
Proposed by: Guinea, Somalia & Yugoslavia.
The Security Council,
Deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in the Middle East,
Calls on the parties concerned to cease immediately all military operations and to exercise the greatest restraint in the interest of international peace and security.
# 2
Date Document # Session #
1973-- 26 July S/10974 1735
Proposed by: Guinea, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Sudan & Yugoslavia.
Background: This draft resolution was introduced as a result of the Secretary-General's report (S/10929) under Security Council resolution 331 (1973). This draft resolution, in essence, put the blame for the failure of the Secretary-General's inability to report any progress on implementing Security Council resolution 242, squarely on the behavior of Israel. The US Ambassador (Scali) vetoed it because of this and thus protected Israel.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Guinea, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Sudan & Yugoslavia.
The Security Council,
Having examined comprehensively the current situation in the Middle East,
Having heard in this context the statements of the participants in this debate, including the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Algeria, Chad, Guinea, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan and the United Republic of Tanzania,
Emphasizing its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,
Emphasizing further that all Members of the United Nations are committed to respect the resolutions of the Security Council in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations,
Reaffirming resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967.
Conscious that the rights of the Palestinians have to be safeguarded,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General [S/10929] which includes an account of the objective and determined efforts of his Special Representative since 1967,
1. Deeply regrets that the Secretary-General was unable to report any significant progress by him or by his Special Representative in carrying out the terms of resolution 242 (1967), and that nearly six years after its adoption a just and lasting peace in the Middle East has still not been achieved;
2. Strongly deplores Israel's continuing occupation of the territories occupied as a result of the 1967 conflict, contrary to the principles of the United Nations Charter;
3. Expresses serious concern at Israel's lack of co-operation with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General;
4. Supports the initiatives of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General taken in conformity with his mandate and contained in his aide-memoire of 8 February 1971;
5. Express its conviction that a just and peaceful solution to the problem of the Middle East can be achieved only on the basis of respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, the rights of all States in the area and for the rights and legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians;
6. Declares that in the occupied territories no changes which may obstruct a peaceful and final settlement or which may adversely affect the political and other fundamental rights of all the inhabitants in these territories should be introduced or recognized;
7. Requests the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to resume and to pursue their efforts to promote a just and peaceful solution to the Middle East problem;
8. Decides to afford the Secretary-General and his Special Representative all support and assistance for the discharge of their responsibilities;
9. Calls upon all parties concerned to extend full co-operation to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative;
10. Decides to remain seized of the problem and to meet again urgently whenever it become necessary.
# 3
Date Document # Session #
1975-- 5 December S/11898 1862
Proposed by: Guyana, Iraq, Mauritania, United Republic of Cameroon & United Republic of Tanzania.
Background: On 2 December Israel launched a massive air strike against Palestinian refugee camps and villages in Lebanon. Israel did not deign to justify their actions before the Security Council. Defense Minister, Shimon Peres, stated that the attacks were "pre-emptive" not "retaliatory." Thus, they were an act of aggression, in defiance of the UN Charter signed by Israel, and a dastardly form of collective punishment. As usual the US choose to ignore all this and support Israel by claiming the draft resolution was not balanced.
The United States tried to attach to the operative part of the draft resolution a fourth and fifth paragraph. Both failed of adoption.
The US veto was delivered by
Notes: Struck by Israel were the refugee camps of Nahr el-Bared (pop. 12,000) and Beddawi (pop. 7,000). Also struck was Nabatiya. Over 70 people were killed.
Supporting documents: Letters--S/11892 (Lebanon) and S/11893 (Egypt). The US amendments-- S/11901.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Guyana, Iraq, Mauritania, United Republic of Cameroon & United Republic of Tanzania.
The Security Council,
Having considered the question inscribed in its agenda at the 1859th meeting,
Having noted the contents of the letter of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon (S/11892) and of the letter of the Permanent Representative of Egypt (S/11893),
Having heard the statements of the Permanent Representatives of Lebanon, Egypt, the Syrian Arab Republic and the representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization,
Recalling its previous relevant resolutions,
Deploring Israel's defiance of these resolutions,
Grieved at the tragic loss of human life caused by indiscriminate and massive Israeli air attacks,
Gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation resulting from Israel's violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and of Security Council resolutions,
Convinced that Israeli massive air attacks against Lebanon were premedi-tative in nature,
1. Strongly condemns the Government of Israel for its premeditated air attacks against Lebanon in violation of its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and of Security Council resolutions;
2. Calls upon Israel to desist forthwith from all military attacks against Lebanon;
3. Issues once again a solemn warning to Israel that if such attacks were repeated, the Council would have to consider taking appropriate steps and measures to give effect to its decisions;
# 4
Date Document # Session #
1976-- 26 January S/11940 1879
Proposed by: Benin, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, Romania and United Republic of Tanzania.
Background: The six power draft resolution speaks to their frustration at the continued occupation of Arab lands by Israel despite Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. In trying to affirm the basis for peace: Palestinian self-determination, their right of return, the inadmissibility of territorial acquisition by wars of aggression and the right of all states in the area to security and independence it ran afoul of US policy which does not support these rights for the Palestinians nor the policy of no reward for wars of aggression. The US veto was delivered by Moynihan.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Benin, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, Romania and United Republic of Tanzania.
The Security Council,
Having considered the item entitled "The Middle East problem including the Palestine question," in accordance with its resolution 381 (1975) of 30 November 1975,
Having heard the representatives of parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, representative of the Palestinian people,
Convinced that the question of Palestine is the core of the conflict in the Middle East,
Expressing its concern over the continuing deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, and deeply deploring Israel's persistence in its occupation of Arab territories and its refusal to implement the relevant United Nations resolutions,
Reaffirming the principle of inadmissibility of acquisition of territories by the threat or use of force,
Reaffirming further the necessity of the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the region based on full respect for the Charter of the United Nations as well as for its resolutions concerning the problem of the Middle East including the question of Palestine,
1. Affirms:
(a) That the Palestinian people should be enabled to exercise its inalienable national right of self-determination, including the right to establish an independent State in Palestine in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations;
(b) The right of Palestinian refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours to do so and the right of those choosing not to return to receive compensation for their property;
(c) That Israel should withdraw from all the territories occupied since June 1967;
(d) That appropriate arrangements should be established to guarantee, in accordance with the Charter, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries;
2. Decides that the provisions contained in paragraph 1 above should be taken fully into account in all international efforts and conferences organized within the framework of the United Nations for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary steps as soon as possible for the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council on the progress achieved;
4. Decides to convene within a period of six months to consider the report by the Secretary-General regarding the implementation of the present resolution, and in order to pursue its responsibilities regarding such implementation.
# 5
Date Document # Session #
1976-- 25 March S/12022 1899
Proposed by: Benin, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama & the United Republic of Tanzania.
Background: On 28 January an Israeli magistrate in Jerusalem ruled that Jews could not be prevented from praying in the Mosque of al-Aqsa. This led to widespread protests and demonstrations followed by large-scale arrests and other repressive measures ordered by the Israeli authorities. The Arab community saw this as another, though more troublesome, attempt by the Israelis to change the circumstances of Jerusalem; and in direct violation of security Council resolutions. US Ambassador Scranton vetoed the draft resolution stating, "Parts of the draft resolution . . . are based on the judgment that Israel is persisting in a policy aimed at changing the religious character of the city of Jerusalem. We believe . . . quite to the contrary: we think that Israel's administration of the Holy Places in Jerusalem has literally and actively minimized tensions." Ambassador Scranton did not discuss how he and the US Government arrived at such a conclusion which flies in the face of so many facts.
Supporting documents: Letters-- S/12000 (PLO), S/12012 (PLO) & S/12017 (Libya).
TEXT:
Proposed by: Benin, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama & the United Republic of Tanzania.
The Security Council,
Having considered recent developments in the occupied Arab territories,
Deeply concerned at the serious situation which has arisen in these territories as a result of continued Israeli occupation,
Deeply concerned further at the measures taken by the Israeli authorities leading to the present grave situation, including measures aimed at changing the physical, cultural, demographic and religious character of the occupied territories and, in particular, the City of Jerusalem, the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and other violations of the human rights of the inhabitants of those territories,
Emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war,
Recalling and reaffirming the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council calling upon Israel to rescind all measures already taken and to desist from taking any further action which would alter the status of the City of Jerusalem and the character of the occupied Arab territories,
Noting that, notwithstanding the aforementioned resolutions, Israel persists in its policy aimed at changing the physical, demographic and religious character of the City of Jerusalem in particular,
Reaffirming the urgent need for establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,
1. Deplores Israel's failure to put a stop to actions and policies tending to change the status of the City of Jerusalem and to rescind measures already taken to that effect;
2. Calls upon Israel, pending the speedy termination of its occupation, to refrain from all measures against the Arab inhabitants of the occupied territories;
3. Calls upon Israel to respect and uphold the inviolability of the Holy Places which are under its occupation and desist from the expropriation of or encroachment upon Arab lands and property or the establishment of Israeli settlements thereon in the occupied Arab territories and to desist from all other actions and policies designed to change the legal status of the City of Jerusalem and to rescind measures already taken to that effect;
4. Decides to keep the situation under constant attention with a view to meeting again should circumstances so require.
# 6
Date Document # Session #
1976-- 29 June S/12119 1938
Proposed by: Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, & United Republic of Tanzania.
Background: The Security Council took up the question of the exercise by the Palestinian people of its inalienable rights as recommended by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People created by the General Assembly resolution 3376 (XXX) of 10 November 1975. The purpose of the draft resolution was to affirm these rights to the Palestinian people. Speaking for the US, Ambassador Sherer vetoed the draft resolution challenging the applicability of the Security Council's involvement in the question, " We are convinced that reso-lutions and committee reports are not the most effective way of dealing with the question of the political future of the Palestinians." Further, he went on to indicate that as far as the US was concerned the political interests of the Palestinians (self-determination and the right of return) are a matter of negotiation, i.e. they have no such rights per se, only what Israel will give them!
Supporting documents: The report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People appears as Supplement #35 of the General Assembly Official Records for 1976.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, & United Republic of Tanzania.
The Security Council,
Having considered the item entitled "The question of the exercise by the Palestinian people of its inalienable rights," in accordance with the request contained in paragraph 8 of General Assembly resolution 3376 (XXX) of 10 November 1975,
Having heard the representatives of the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, representative of the Palestinian people,
Having considered the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (S/12090), transmitted to the Security Council in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 7 of General Assembly resolution 3376 (XXX),
Deeply concerned that no just solution to the problem of Palestine has been achieved, and that this problem therefore continues to aggravate the Arab-Israeli conflict, of which it is the core, and to endanger international peace and security,
Recognizing that a just and lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be established without the achievement, inter alia, of a just solution of the problem of Palestine on the basis of the recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,
1. Takes note of the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People;
2. Affirms the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right of return and the right to national independence and sovereignty in Palestine, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
# 7
Date Document # Session #
1980-- 30 April S/13911 2220 292
Proposed by: Tunisia.
Background: This draft resolution proposes the recommendations of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People which have been before the Council since 1976.
US Ambassador McHenry vetoed the draft resolution arguing that now there was a peace process- the negotiations within the framework of the Camp David accords. For the US this is the only practical way to peace.
Supporting documents: Letters of 6 March (S/13832) & 24 March (S/13855) both from the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Tunisia.
The Security Council,
Having considered the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,
Taking note of General Assembly Resolution 34/65,
Having heard the representatives of the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization,
Convinced that the question of Palestine is the core of the conflict in the Middle East,
Reaffirming the urgent necessity of the establishment of a just and lasting peace through a comprehensive settlement based on full respect for the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as for its resolutions concerning the problem of the Middle East and the question of Palestine,
Expressing its concern over the continuing deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, and deeply deploring the persistence of Israel in its occupation of the Palestinian and other Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and its refusal to implement the relevant United Nations resolutions,
Reaffirming the principle of the inadmissibility of acquisition of territories by the threat or use of force,
1. Affirms:
(a) That the Palestinian People, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, should be enabled to exercise its inalienable national right of self-determination, including the right to establish an independent State in Palestine;
(b) The right of Palestinian refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours to do so, and the right of those choosing not to return to receive equitable compensation for their property;
2. Reaffirms that Israel should withdraw from all the Arab territories occupied since June 1967, including Jerusalem;
3. Decides that appropriate arrangements should be established to guarantee, in accordance with the Charter, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in the area, including the sovereign independent State of Palestine, as envisaged in paragraph 1 (a) of the present resolution and the right to live in peace within secured and recognized boundaries;
4. Decides that the provisions contained in paragraph 1, 2 and 3 of the present resolution should be taken fully into account in all international efforts and conferences organized within the framework of the United Nations for the establishment of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to take all the necessary steps as soon as possible for the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council on the progress achieved;
6. Decides to convene within a period of six months to consider the report of the Secretary-General regarding the implementation of the present resolution and in order to pursue its responsibilities regarding such implementation.
# 8
Date Document # Session #
1982-- 20 January S/14832/Rev. 1 2329 294
Proposed by: Jordan.
Background: This draft resolution was an attempt to punish Israel for its intransigence in refusing to withdraw from the areas it occupied in the war of 1967 and the actual annexation of some of those Arab lands. The US (Kirkpatrick) vetoed the draft resolution because it would "become a source of aggravation." The way to peace is via 242 she maintained.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Jordan.
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 497 (1981),
Having considered the reports of he Secretary-General of 21 and 31 December 1981, contained in documents S/14805 and Corr.1 and S/14821 respectively,
Considering that the Security Council, in its resolution 497 (1981), decided that, in the event of non-compliance by Israel, it would urgently meet to consider taking appropriate measures in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,
Bearing in mind General Assembly resolution, 36/226 B of 17 December 1981,
Recalling General Assembly resolution 3314 (XXIX) of 14 December 1974, which defines an act of aggression as "the invasion or attack by the armed forces of a State of the territory of another State, or any military occupation, however temporary, resulting from such invasion or attack, or any annexation by the use of force of the territory of another State or part thereof,"
Determining that the continued occupation of Syrian Golan heights since 1967 and its annexation by Israel on 14 December 1981 constitute a continuing threat to international peace and security,
Acting in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter VII of the Charter,
1. Strongly condemns Israel for its failure to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) and General Assembly resolution 36/226 B (1981);
2. Determines that Israeli measures in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, culminating in Israel's decision of 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, constitute an act of aggression under the provisions of Article 39 of the Charter of the United Nations;
3. Decides that all member States should consider applying concrete and effective measures in order to nullify the Israeli annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights and to refrain from providing any assistance or aid to and co-operation with Israel, in all fields, in order to deter Israel in its policies and practices of annexation;
4. Decides also to call upon all Member States to carry out the present decision of the Security Council in accordance with Article 25 of the Charter;
5. Urges, having regard to the principle stated in Article 2, paragraph 6 of the Charter, States not Members of the United Nations to act in accordance with provisions of the present resolution;
6. Calls upon all other United Nations bodies and other specialized agencies of the United Nations and their members to conform their relations with Israel to the terms of the present resolution;
7. Decides to establish, in accordance with Article 29 of the Charter, a committee of the Security Council to examine and report to the Council on the progress of the implementation of the present resolution;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Security Council on the implementation of the present resolution.
# 9
Date Document # Session #
1982-- 2 April S/14943 2348 295
Proposed by: Jordan.
Background: On 12 March defense Minister Ariel Sharon, invoking Defense Emergency Regulations and with Prime Minister Begin's support, outlawed the Palestinian National Guidance Committee. This was the first step in a plan to remove "radical" Palestinian officials from their posts and replace them with those most suitable to Israeli needs. Demonstrations followed. Israeli authorities responded with deadly force. Refugee camps were attacked, civilians were brutalized by Israeli security forces and tortured when arrested. Curfews were imposed on and between population centers paralyzing Palestinian civilian life. Property was destroyed. All this was accompanied by massive seizures of Palestinian lands and resources, including water supplies. In short-- collective punishment of the most brutal and deadly kind.
This draft resolution was an attempt at ending the attacks against the civilian population and rescinding the disbanding of elected officials. The US (Lichenstein) said that the Council's "primary role in the present context should have been to urge restraint . . ." He also stated that the situation on the West Bank is that of belligerent occupation and therefore, Israel need not allow election of public officials according to the fourth Geneva Convention.
Supporting documents: Letters from Jordan-- S/14912, S/14916 & S/14917
TEXT:
Proposed by: Jordan.
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated 22 March 1982 from the Permanent Representative of Jordan [S/14917],
1. Denounces measures imposed on the Palestinian population such as the dismissal of elected mayors by Israeli authorities, as well as the violation of the liberties and rights of the inhabitants of the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip which followed the measures taken by Israel with regard to the Golan Heights, and which could only damage the prospects for peace;
2. Calls on Israel, the occupying Power, to rescind its decision disbanding the elected municipal council of Al-Bireh and its decision to remove from their posts the Mayors of Nablus and Ramallah;
3. Reaffirms that all the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 continue to apply in full to all the occupied territories;
4. Calls upon Israel to cease forthwith all measures applied in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the Syrian Golan Heights, which contravene the provisions of that Convention;
5. Calls upon the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council not later than 7 April 1982 on the implementation of the present resolution;
6. Decides to remain seized with this item.
# 10
Date Document # Session #
1982-- 20 April S/14985 2357 297
Proposed by: Iraq, Jordan, Morocco & Uganda.
Background: On Sunday 11 April an American Jew, Allan Harry Goodman aged 38, shot his way into the Dome of the Rock where he was captured after he ran out of ammunition. He was undergoing a short basic training course for immigrants in an IDF base and so was wearing the IDF uniform and carried an M-16 rifle. Two Palestinians were killed that day: one by Goodman and the other in the Dome of the Rock about 45 minutes later by someone else. As usual repression by the Israelis of demonstrating Palestinians was cruel and deadly.
The US (Kirkpatrick) vetoed this reserved draft resolution which only called on Israel to observe the fourth Geneva Convention because "it serves no constructive purpose, but will further embitter the people of the region . . ."
TEXT:
Proposed by: Iraq, Jordan, Morocco & Uganda.
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter of the Permanent Representative of Morocco dated 12 April 1982 conveying the request of His Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee [S/14967],
Having considered the letter dated 13 April 1982 of the representative of Iraq, the current Chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference [S/14969],
Having heard the message of His Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco and the statements made before the Council reflecting the universal outrage caused by the acts of sacrilege at Al-Haram Al-Sharif, one of the holiest places of mankind,
Taking note of the statement received from the Islamic Higher Council at Jerusalem [S/14982] concerning the shooting of worshippers by armed Israelis within the precincts of Al-Haram Al-Sharif,
Bearing in mind the unique status of Jerusalem and, in particular, the need for protection and preservation of the spiritual and religious dimension of the Holy Places in the city,
Deeply concerned at the sacrilegious acts perpetrated against the sanctity of Al-Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem on 11 April 1982 and the criminal acts of shooting at worshippers, particularly inside the sanctuary of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque,
Deeply grieved at the loss of an injury to civilian life as a result of these criminal acts,
Affirming once more that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 is applicable to all territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
1. Condemns in the strongest terms these appalling acts of sacrilege perpetrated within the precincts of Al-Haram Al-Sharif;
2. Deplores any act or encouragement of destruction or profanation of the Holy Places, religious buildings and sites at Jerusalem as tending to disturb world peace;
3. Calls upon Israel, occupying Power, to observe and apply scrupulously the provisions of the fourth Geneva Convention and the principles of international law governing military occupation and to refrain from causing any hindrance to the discharge of the established functions of the Islamic Higher Council in Jerusalem;
4. Requests the Secretary-General as he deems appropriate to keep the Security Council fully informed of the implementation of the present resolution;
5. Decides to remain seized of this serious matter.
The next three draft resolutions are in response to Israel's brutal attack on Lebanon which included an invasion and massive bombing of Beirut-- all of which cost somewhere between 17,000 and 20,000 deaths. The US Congress was worried that the Israelis might run out of munitions. The US Government revealed its hypocrisy by maintaining supplies to Israel through the war while at the UN vetoing resolutions that condemned only Israel and/or tried to impose sanctions on military supplies to Israel because they were "unbalanced."
# 11
Date Document # Session #
1982-- 8 June S/15185 2377
Proposed by: Spain.
Background: On 4 June Israel launched a massive attack against Lebanon. At various times Israel gave different reasons for the attack. The Security Council appealed to both parties to abide by the 24 July 1981 cease-fire. Israel ignored this and continued its invasion. The 5 June Security Council resolution (508) requested all parties to cease military activity, and the 6 June Security Council resolution (509) demanded that Israel withdraw. This draft resolution condemned Israel's continued aggression in defiance of resolutions 508 & 509 and for that reason it was vetoed by the US (Kirkpatrick).
TEXT:
Proposed by: Spain.
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 508 (1982) and 509 (1982),
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 7 June 1982 (S/15178),
Also taking note of the two positive replies to the Secretary-General of the Government of Lebanon and by the Palestine Liberation Organization contained in document S/15178,
1. Condemns the non-compliance with resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 (1982) by Israel;
2. Urges the parties to comply strictly with the regulations attached to The Hague Convention of 1907;
3. Reiterates
its demand that Israel withdraw all its military forces forthwith and unconditionally to the internationally recognized boundaries of Lebanon;
4. Reiterates also its demand that all parties observe strictly the terms of paragraph 1 of resolution 508 (1982) which called on them to cease immediately and simultaneously all military activities within Lebanon and across the Lebanese-Israeli border;
5. Demands that within six hours all hostilities must be stopped, in compliance with Security Council resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 (1982) and decides, in the event of non-compliance, to meet again to consider practical ways and means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
# 12
Date Document # Session #
1982-- 26 June S/15255/Rev. 2 2381
Proposed by: France.
Background: This draft resolution is part of the continuing effort of the Security Council to end Israeli aggression in Lebanon and stop the slaughter of civilians. The US (Lichenstein) vetoed the draft resolution because it "fails to call for the essential requisite for the restoration of the authority of the Government of Lebanon, that is the elimination from Beirut and elsewhere of the presence of armed Palestinian elements . . ." The US argument is that of Israel-- Israel's security is paramount and the Middle East is to be held hostage to it.
TEXT:
Proposed by: France.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolution 508 (1982) and 509 (1982),
Reaffirming also its resolution 512 (1982) which inter alia calls upon all the parties to the conflict to respect the rights of the civilian populations,
Seriously concerned at the constant deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, resulting from the violation of the sovereignty, integrity, independence and unity of that country,
Profoundly apprehensive of the dangers of extension of the fighting within Beirut, its capital,
1. Demands that all the parties observe an immediate cessation of hostilities throughout Lebanon;
2. Demands the immediate withdrawal of the Israeli forces engaged around Beirut to a distance of 10 kilometers from the periphery of that city, as a first step towards the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, as well as the simultaneous withdrawal of the Palestinian armed forces from Beirut which shall retire to the existing camps;
3. Supports all efforts by the Government of Lebanon to ensure Lebanese sovereignty throughout the territory and the integrity and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized frontiers;
4. Calls upon all armed elements in the Beirut area to respect the exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon and abide by its directives;
5. Supports the Government of Lebanon in its will to regain exclusive control of its capital and to that end to install its armed forces which shall take up positions within Beirut and interpose themselves on its periphery;
6. Requests the Secretary-General, as an immediate measure, to station United Nations military observers in agreement with the Government of Lebanon with instructions to supervise the cease-fire and disengagement in and around Beirut;
7. Further requests the Secretary-General to study any request by the Government of Lebanon for the installation of a United Nations force which could, within the framework of the implementation of the preceding paragraphs, take up positions beside the Lebanese interpositioned forces, or for the use of the forces available to the United Nations in the area;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on an urgent and sustained basis not later than 1 July 1982 on the status of implementation of the present resolution and of resolutions 508 (1982),
9. Requests all Member States to co-operate fully with the United Nations in the implementation of the present resolution;
10. Decides to remain seized of the question.
# 13
Date Document # Session #
1982-- 6 August S/15374/Rev. 1 2391
Proposed by: Soviet Union.
Background: With this draft resolution the Security Council tries once again to end the vicious aggressive war Israel has loosed against Lebanon. It proposes sanctions against military aid and supplies to Israel until it withdraws. The US (Lichenstein) "voted against the draft resolution because it called for sanctions against Israel . . ."
TEXT:
Proposed by: USSR.
The Security Council,
Deeply indignant at the refusal of Israel to comply with the decisions of the Security Council aimed at terminating the bloodshed in Beirut,
1. Strongly condemns Israel for not implementing resolution 516 (1982) and 517 (1982);
2. Demands that Israel immediately implement these resolutions fully;
3. Decides that, in order to carry out the above-mentioned decisions of the Security Council, all States Members of the United Nations should refrain from supplying Israel with any weapons and from providing it with any military aid until the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territory.
# 14
Date Document # Session #
1982-- 2 August S/15895 2461
Proposed by: Algeria, Bahrain, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates & Yemen.
Background: On 26 July, just before noon, four men, their faces covered by kafiyyas, dashed from a white Israeli-registered car into Hebron University campus. With bullets and hand grenades they killed 3 and wounded around 40. They escaped. A young Nablus woman, doing her last minute shopping before her wedding on 31 July was gunned down by a settler who opened fire on a busy street after his car had been stoned by local boys. 30 July, Israelis shot a woman sitting on her balcony in the village of Beit Safafa- no arrests. 1 August, the offices of the leading Palestinian nationalist paper al-Fajr was set on fire- no arrests. Pitched battles at Bir Zeit University when troops and settlers tried to break up a protest demonstration. there was wide concern that the Hebron killings could be the start of a new wave of settler militarism.
This draft resolution by the Arab states responds to the increase in settler violence by demanding an end to Israeli policies and practices that are transferring into the occupied territories Jewish settlers and the transferring out the Arab population.
The US (Lichenstein) vetoed the draft resolution stating that, "The most obvious flaw . . . is its clear implication that Israel has carried out forcible transfers of Arab population from the occupied territories." This he interprets as implying that Israel pursues a policy of "large-scale transfers" of the Arab population. Then it destroys this straw man by noting that there is no evidence to support this allegation. Clearly, what the draft resolution does do is highlight Israel's policy of reordering the demographic composition and control of the Arab territories seized by Israel in its war of aggression in 1967.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Bahrain, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates & Yemen.
The Security Council,
Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representative of Jordan [2457th meeting] and other statements made before the Council,
Taking note of the Permanent Representative of Democratic Yemen, in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of Arab States for July 1983 (S/15890),
Stressing the urgent need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,
Affirming that the situation in the occupied Arab territories remains grave and volatile and that the Israeli settlement policies and practices constitute a major obstacle to all efforts and initiatives towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,
Affirming once more that the regulations annexed to the Hague Conventions of 1907 and the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 are applicable to the Arab territories occupied by Israel in 1967, including Jerusalem,
1. Reaffirms all its relevant resolutions;
2. Determines that the policies and practices of Israel in establishing settlements in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied in 1967, including Jerusalem, have no legal validity, constitute a major and serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East and are in contravention with Article 49 (6) of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War;
3. Calls once more upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide scrupulously by the provision of the above-mentioned Geneva Convention, to rescind its previous measures, to desist from taking any action that would result in changing the legal status and geographical nature and materially affecting the demographic composition of the Arab territories occupied in 1967 and, in particular, not to transfer parts of its own civilian population into the occupied Arab territories and to force transfers of Arab populations from these territories;
4. Strongly deplores the continuation and persistence of Israel in pursuing those policies and practices and calls upon the Government and people of Israel to rescind those measures, to dismantle the existing settlements, to desist from expanding and enlarging the existing ones and, in particular, to cease on an urgent basis from the planning, construction and establishment of new settlements in the Arab territories occupied in 1967, including Jerusalem;
5. Rejects all Israeli arbitrary and illegal actions, especially those which result in the expulsion, deportation and forcible transfer of Arab populations from the occupied Arab territories;
6. Condemns the recent attacks perpetrated against Arab civilian population in the occupied Arab territories, especially the killing and wounding of students at the Islamic University of the Arab city of Al-Khalil on 26 July 1983;
7. Calls upon all States not to provide Israel with any assistance to be used specifically in connection with settlements in the occupied territories;
8. Reaffirms its determination, in the event of non-compliance by Israel with the present resolution, to examine practical ways and means in accordance with relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations to secure the full implementation of the present resolution;
9. Decides to keep the situation in the occupied Arab territories under constant and close scrutiny;
10. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council within three months on the implementation of the present resolution.
# 15
Date Document # Session #
1984-- 6 September S/16732 2556
Proposed by: Lebanon.
Background: Two years have passed since the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 509 (1982) which, inter alia, demanded Israel's immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Lebanon. Yet, Israel remains illegally in blatant defiance of the Lebanese people and the Security Council's resolutions, continuously and flagrantly violating international law and the most fundamental norms of human decency. This draft resolution is another attempt by the world community to end the Israeli terror attacks on Lebanon and have Israeli leave the areas of Lebanon it is occupying.
In its veto message the US (Clark) states that the US accepts at face value Israel's expressed willingness and desire to leave southern Lebanon, never mentioning the conditions demanded.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Lebanon.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming Security Council resolution 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 501 (1982), 508 (1982), 509 (1982), 512 (1982), and 520 (1982) as well as all resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,
Having heard the statement of the representative of Lebanon, and noting with great concern the deterioration of the situation in the areas occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa and the Rashaya district, as a result of the Israeli practices,
Recalling the relevant provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and stressing the humanitarian principles of the fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 and the obligations arising from the regulations annexed to the Hague Convention IV of 1907,
1. Reiterates its call for strict respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;
2. Affirms that the provisions of the fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 apply to the territories occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa and the Rashaya district, and that the occupying Power is duty bound to respect and uphold the provisions of the aforesaid Convention and of other norms of international law;
3. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to respect strictly the rights of the civilian population in the areas under its occupation in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa and the Rashaya district, and to comply strictly with the provisions of the fourth Geneva Convention of 1949;
4. Demands that Israel immediately lift all restrictions and obstacles to the restoration of normal conditions in the area under its occupation in violation of the fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, particularly concerning the closing of roads and crossings, the limitation of freedom of movement of individuals and the normal flow of persons and goods between those areas and the rest of Lebanon, and the obstruction of the normal conduct of Lebanese Government institutions and personnel;
5. Urges all States party to the fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to make every effort to ensure respect for and compliance with provisions thereof in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa and the Rashaya district;
6. Decides to remain seized of the question.
# 16
Date Document # Session #
1985-- 12 March S/17000 2573
Proposed by: Lebanon.
Background: Lebanon (Fakhoury), noting its admonition to the Security Council of six months earlier at the Council's failure to adopt a resolution on a humanitarian issue (see veto # 15) that such a failure would encourage Israel to persist in its inhuman practices, discussed recent Israeli practices and the horrible suffering inflicted upon the Lebanese people. murder, kidnapping, disappearances, bombardments, siege laid to towns and villages, infrastructure destroyed, property confiscation-- the list of crimes is almost endless and their immensity, staggering.
Again Lebanon appeals to the Security Council to demand of Israel an end to its aggression and its inhuman behavior. And again the United States (Kirkpatrick), in full support of the Israeli aggression by ignoring proportionality and branding defense as terrorism while avoiding the issue of aggression, called the draft resolution "unbalanced" and vetoed it.
Supporting documents: S/16974, S/16974/Add. 1 and S/16990-- Lebanon's listing of Israeli crimes committed against the people of Lebanon.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Lebanon.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming Security Council resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 501 (1982), 508 (1982), 509 (1982), 512 (1982) and 520 (1982), as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,
Having heard the statement of the representative of Lebanon [2568th meeting], and noting with great concern the deterioration of the situation in the areas occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa and the Rashaya district as a result of the Israeli practices,
Recalling the relevant provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and stressing the humanitarian principles of the fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 and the obligations arising from the regulations annexed to the Hague Convention of 1907,
1. Condemns the Israeli practices and measures against the civilian population in southern Lebanon, the western Bakaa and the Rashaya district which are in violation of the rules and principles of international law, in particular the provisions of the fourth Geneva Convention;
2. Reaffirms the urgent need to implement the provisions of the Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, and in particular resolutions 425 (1978), 508 (1982) and 509 (1982), which demand that Israel withdraw all its military forces forthwith and unconditionally to the internationally recognized boundaries of Lebanon;
3. Reiterates its call for strict respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;
4. Affirms that the provisions of the fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 apply to the territories occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa, and the Rashaya district and that the occupying Power is duty bound to respect and uphold the provisions of the said Convention and of other norms of international law;
5. Demands that the Government of Israel, the occupying Power, desist forthwith from its practices against the civilian population in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa and the Rashaya district and immediately lift all restrictions and obstacles to the restoration of normal conditions in the areas under its occupation in violation of the fourth Geneva Convention and other norms of international law;
6. Request the Secretary-General to establish a fact-finding mission to report to the Council on these Israeli practices and measures in southern Lebanon, the western Bekaa and the Rashaya district;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the situation under review, to consult with the Government of Lebanon and to report to the Council on the implementation of and compliance with this resolution as soon as possible.
# 17
Date Document # Session #
1985-- 13 September S/17459 2605
Proposed by: Burkina Faso, Egypt, India, Madagascar, Peru & Trinidad and Tobago.
This draft resolution was offered in response to the growing use of repression by Israel in the Occupied Territories of Palestine. Israel had increased the size of its forces in the Occupied Territories, children had been shot, the vandalism of Jewish settlers had spread, collective punishments were being used more often, deportations were occurring, and threats to bomb Amman had been made. The situation in Palestine had become one of brutal oppression. The US (Walters) as always vetoed the draft resolution on the grounds that it was unfair to Israel. Blaming the victims the US stated that the resistance to the Israeli occupation is the cause of the repression-- while totally ignoring that the occupation was the result of a gross war of aggression by Israel.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Burkina Faso, Egypt, India, Madagascar, Peru & Trinidad and Tobago.
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 468 (1980), 469 (1980) and 484 (1980),
Taking note of General Assembly resolution 35/122 of 11 December 1980,
Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representative of Qatar [2604th meeting]and other statements made before the council,
Stressing the urgent need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,
Affirming once again that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
1. Deplores the repressive measures taken by Israel since 4 August 1985 against civilian Palestinian population in the Israeli occupied territories, especially in the West Bank and Gaza, and expresses serious concern that the persistence of Israeli authorities in applying such measures would lead to further deterioration of the situation in the occupied territories;
2. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately stop all repressive measures including curfews, "administrative detentions" and forceful deportation and to release forthwith all detainees and refrain from further deportations;
3. Further calls upon Israel to abide scrupulously by the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949.
# 18
Date Document # Session #
1986-- 17 January S/17730/Rev. 2 2642
Proposed by: Lebanon.
Background: Israeli forces, along with its puppet regime in southern Lebanon (South Lebanon Army) have escalated their acts of aggression, their attacks and their repressive practices. Towns are being shelled with artillery and tank fire; towns are entered, then houses and stores are destroyed and/or looted; people are forced to evacuate their towns; people are detained and some killed; sniper fire takes its toll; the Israeli air force daily violates Lebanese air space and carries out mock and real raids; their planes break the sound barrier over various regions including Beirut; and the Israeli navy daily violates the integrity of Lebanese territorial waters, stops and searches vessels, kidnaps passengers, and blockades ports.
The Lebanese Ambassador (Fakhoury) pointed out, "that the Israeli escalation preceded the launching of two Katyusha rockets on Qiryat Shemona and coincided with the signing of the agreement between the Lebanese factions to restore Lebanon to normalcy," He noted that, "All that indicates Israel's premeditated intention to impede the peace process in Lebanon and its endeavor to maintain the status quo in Lebanon and in the region."
Further, one of Israeli Prime Minister Rabin told one of the Secretary-General's aides that the situation in the south had been calm and resistance waning and therefore Israel saw no need to withdraw from Lebanon. Thus, Israel will remain in the south when it finds things to its liking and when it meets with resistance it claims the resistance is not but terrorists which must be ruthlessly suppressed!
As usual the US (Byrne) insures that Israel may safely continue its aggression by vetoing the draft resolution as "one-sided" and as such will "only serve those who wish to prevent progress towards peace in the region."
Supporting documents: S/17669 (5 Dec. 1986)-- a list of Israeli acts of aggression against Lebanon. S/17684 (16 Dec. 1986)-- report of the Secretary-General on the situation in southern Lebanon.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Lebanon.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 501 (1982), 508 (1982), 509 (1982), 512 (1982) and 520 (1982), as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,
Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon [2640th meeting], and noting with great concern the deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon as a result of the Israeli acts of aggression and abusive practices and measures,
Recalling the relevant provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and stressing the humanitarian principles of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949,
1. Strongly deplores the Israeli acts of violence as well as abusive practices and measures against the civilian population in southern Lebanon, which are in violation of the rules and principles of international law, in particular the provisions of the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949;
2. Reaffirms the urgent need to implement the provisions of the Security council resolutions on Lebanon, and in partic ular resolutions 425 (1978), 508 (1982) and 509 (1982), which demand that Israel withdraw all its military forces forthwith and unconditionally to the internationally recognized boundaries of Lebanon;
3. Reiterates its call for strict respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;
4. Demands that Israel desist forthwith from its practices and measures against the civilian population in southern Lebanon, which impede the restoration of normal conditions in the area and threaten the reconciliation efforts towards restoring peace and security in the whole country;
5. Decides to keep the situation under review and requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council as appropriate.
# 19
Date Document # Session #
1986-- 30 January S/17769/Rev. 1 2650
Proposed by: Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Trinidad and Tobago & United Arab Emirates.
Background: On 8 January 1986, while the faithful were at prayer, three members of the Israeli Knesset's Interior Committee, two other members of the Knesset and some 30 other Jews entered into the interior of the al-Aqsa Mosque with the intention of desecrating it by establishing a place of prayer there for adherents of the Jewish religion. They were driven off by the faithful. The intruders called the police who attacked the Muslims present, including the guards of the mosque. the fact that neither the Knesset, the Knesset Speaker nor the Muslim religious authorities were aware of the plans for this invasion proves that the exercise was a premeditated attempt at furthering the Judaization of Jerusalem.
Stating that the Government of Israel "has a positive record of ensuring the accessibility, security and sanctity of the Temple Mount" the US (Byrne) vetoed the draft resolution as "inappropriate."
TEXT:
Proposed by: Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Trinidad and Tobago & United Arab Emirates.
The Security Council,
Taking note of the letter from the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, current Chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference [S/17740], and the letter from the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, current Chairman of the Arab Group [S/17741], both addressed 16 January 1986 to the President of the Security Council,
Reaffirming that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Bearing in mind the specific status of Jerusalem and, in particular, the need to protect and preserve the unique spiritual and religious dimensions of the Holy Places in the City,
Recalling and reaffirming its resolutions relevant to the status and character of the Holy City of Jerusalem, in particular resolutions 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 271 (1969) and 298 (1971), the consensus statement made by the President of the Security Council on 11 November 1976 [1969th meeting], and resolutions 465 (1980), 476 (1980) and 478 (1980),
Strongly deploring the continued refusal of Israel, the occupying Power, to comply with the relevant resolutions on the Security Council,
Deeply concerned at the provocative acts of Israelis, including members of the Knesset, which have violated the sanctity of the sanctuary of the Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem,
1. Strongly deplores the provocative acts which have violated the sanctity of the sanctuary of the Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem;
2. Affirms that such acts constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, the failure of which could also endanger international peace and security;
3. Determines once more that all measures taken by Israel to change the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure or status of the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, or any part thereof, have no legal validity and that the policy and practices of Israel of settling parts of its population and new immigrants in those territories constitute a flagrant violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of the Civilian Persons in Time of War, on 12 August 1949, and also constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East;
4. Reiterates that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, which have altered or purport to alter the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem and in particular the "basic law" on Jerusalem are null and void and must be rescinded forthwith;
5. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to observe scrupulously the norms of international law governing military occupation, in particular the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and to prevent any hindrance to the discharge of the established functions of the Supreme Muslim Council in Jerusalem, including any co-operation that the Council may desire from countries with predominately Muslim populations and from Muslim Communities in relation to its plans for the maintenance and repair of the Islamic Holy Places;
6. Urgently calls on Israel, the occupying Power, to implement forthwith the provisions of the present resolution and the relevant Security Council resolutions;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on implementation of the present resolution before 1 May 1986.
# 20
Date Document # Session #
1986-- 6 February S/17796/Rev. 1 2655
Proposed by: Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Trinidad and Tobago & United Arab Emirates.
Background: At 8:54 (GMT) on 4 February 1986 a Libyan private civilian aircraft left Tripoli International Airport, Libya with a Syrian official delegation on board. While in international airspace over the Mediterranean Ocean the captain informed the Cyprus Airport, at 11:01 that two Israeli fighter aircraft were intercepting them and demanding that he accompany them. at 11:03 the aircraft's contact with Cyprus Airport was cut.
Israel admitted the deed saying it "suspected" that there were "terrorists" on board. When they did not discover any "terrorists" the people and plane were released.
The Council was reminded of Israel's hijacking of a Lebanese Mideast Airlines plane on 10 August 1973, of resolution 337 adopted as a result of that incident and of the fact that after releasing the plane Israel billed Mideast Airlines for servicing the plane-- fuel and airport fees-- in Israel.
The US (Walters) vetoed the draft resolution because it was "unacceptable"-- that is it failed to "take into sufficient account the need to address practically and appropriately the overriding issue of terrorism." Walters even went so far as to justify the hijacking of aircraft [US to be the judge of when its appropriate, of course].
TEXT:
Proposed by: Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Trinidad and Tobago & United Arab Emirates.
The Security Council,
Having considered the item contained in document S/Agenda/2651,
Having noted the contents of the letter from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic addressed to the President of the Security Council [S/17788],
Having heard the statement of the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic [2651st meeting], concerning the act of aerial hijacking and piracy perpetrated by the Israeli airforce against a Libyan civilian aircraft in international airspace,
Recognizing that acts of aerial hijacking or other wrongful interference with civil air travel jeopardize the lives and safety of passengers and crew,
Considering that this act by the Israeli air force constitutes a serious interference with international civil aviation and a threat to security and stability in the region,
Recognizing that such an act violates the provisions of international conventions safeguarding civil aviation,
1. Condemns Israel for its forcible interception and diversion of the Libyan civilian aircraft in international airspace and its subsequent detention of said aircraft;
2. Considers that this act by Israel constitutes a serious violation of the principles of international law, and in particular the relevant provisions of the international conventions on civil aviation;
3. Calls upon the International Civil Aviation Organization to take due account of this resolution when considering adequate measures to safeguard international civil aviation against such acts;
4. Calls on Israel to desist forthwith from any and all acts endangering the safety of international civil aviation and solemnly warns Israel that, if such acts are repeated, the Council will consider taking adequate measures to enforce its resolutions.
# 21
Date Document # Session #
1986-- 21 April S/18016/Rev. 1 2682
Proposed by: Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Trinidad and Tobago & United Arab Emirates.
Background: Reminiscent of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, the US, without warning nor a declaration of war struck Libya at 2 AM local time on 14 April. The US referred to it "surgical bombing strikes" against "terrorist centers." The New York Times editorialized the strike proved that "the tiger bites." The Voice of America, obviously in support of collective punishment, said that the US bore no enmity toward the Libyan people but held them responsible for the actions of their leader.
Despite its own legal restraints against assassination as a political weapon Qadhafi's headquarters were bombed in hopes of killing him. This failed but they did manage to kill his 15-month-old daughter and wound his two sons.
American TV showed footage of bombed apartment complexes, housing blocks, hospitals, dead and broken bodies (many children) putting the lie to the "surgical strike" concept. By week's end the mood of the US public had so changed that all references to the attack were dropped from TV.
The US (Walters) vetoed the draft resolution as "totally unacceptable." He said the US act was one of self defense!
Supporting documents: S/17990-- US letter of 14 April explaining the reasons for the attack. S/17991-- Letter from Libya of 15 April reporting the attack.
Note. The voting went as follows:
In favor (9)-- Bulgaria, China, Ghana, Madagascar, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, the Soviet Union and the United Arab Emirates.
Against (5)-- Australia, Denmark, France, UK and US.
Abstaining (1)-- Venezuela.
The draft resolution had the needed number of votes to pass (9) but failed due to the vetoes of the 3 permanent members of the Council from the West.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Trinidad and Tobago & United Arab Emirates.
The Security Council,
Having heard the statements made by the representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the United States [2680th meeting],
Strongly alarmed at the danger to international peace and security created by the armed attacks against the Libyan cities of Tripoli and Benghazi by the armed forces of the United States of America,
Recalling General Assembly resolution 40/61 of 9 December 1985, by which the Assembly unequivocally condemned as criminal, all acts, methods and practices of terrorism wherever and by whomever committed, including those which jeo-pardize friendly relations among States and their security,
Recalling also the Declaration of Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security, and the Definition of Aggression,
1. Condemns the armed attack by the United States in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international conduct;
2. Calls upon the United States to refrain forthwith from any attacks or threats thereof;
3. Condemns all terrorist activities, whether perpetrated by individuals, groups or States;
4. Calls upon all parties to refrain from resorting to force, to exercise restraint in this crucial situation and to resolve their differences by peaceful means in keeping with the Charter;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to take all appropriate steps to restore and ensure peace in the central Mediterranean and to keep the Security Council regularly informed of the implementation of the present resolution,
6. Decides to remain seized of this matter.
# 22
Date Document # Session #
1988-- 18 January S/19434 2784
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
Background: Israel, continuing its occupation of Lebanese territory and now calling it a "security zone," is in contravention of the UN Charter, International law, and Security Council resolutions. Further, it's policy is a direct challenge to the international community and the Security Council which bears responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Day after day towns and villages are shelled, people are killed or wounded and property is laid waste. Israel's targets are the civilian centers. Roadblocks and fences isolate villages preventing children from attending school, farmers from working their own land and the Red Cross from verifying conditions. Israel is attempting to starve the civilian population and bring it to heel.
The US (Walters) vetoes the draft resolution putting Israel's security as the prime concern yet again.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 508 (1982) and 509 (1982) as well as all its resolutions on the situation in southern Lebanon,
Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations,
Noting with grave concern the deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon as a result of the repeated Israeli attacks and all other measures and practices against the civilian population,
Deeply concerned with the encroachment of land and setting up of fence affecting the internationally recognized boundaries, as described in the Secretary-General's note (S/19318, annex) of 4 December 1987,
1. Strongly deplores the repeated Israeli attacks against Lebanese territory and all other measures and practices against the civilian population;
2. Strongly requests that Israel cease all acts of encroachment of land, construction of roads and setting up of fences that violate the border, and any attempts too occupy or change the status of Lebanese territory or to impede the return of the effective authority of the Government of Lebanon in sovereign Lebanese territory;
3. Reaffirms its calls for strict respect for the sovereignty of Lebanon, its independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized boundaries;
4. Reaffirms the urgent need to implement the provisions of the Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 425 (1978), and 426 (1978), and resolution 509 (1982), which demands that Israel withdraw all its military forces forthwith and unconditionally to the international recognized boundaries;
5. Requests the secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned in the implemen-tation of resolution 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 508 (1982), and 509 (1982) and to report thereon to the Security Council;
6. Decides to keep the situation in southern Lebanon under review.
# 23
Date Document # Session #
1988-- 1 February S/19466 2790
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
Background: The Intifada, the Palestinian rising against the repressive policies of the Israel within the Occupied Territories) began in December 1987. Israel's policy of suppression was one of force, might and broken bones as announced by Israeli Minister of Defense Yitzhak Rabin. Israeli soldiers were actually told to break the bones of Palestinian dissidents.
Basing itself on the report of the Secretary-General of 21 January the Security Council met for the fourth time sine the Intifada began to discuss the issue and bring an end to Israel's reign of terror.
The US (Okun) vetoed the draft resolution as "an untimely effort to involve the Security Council on issues which are, at this time, best dealt with through diplomatic channels. That is to say that who has the military advantage will dictate the terms of the negotiations.
Relevant documents: The three resolutions actually passed since the beginning of the Intifada-- 605 (22 Dec. 1987), 607 (5 Jan. 1988) and 608 (14 Jan. 1988).
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
The Security Council,
Having considered the Secretary-General's report of 21 January (S/19443) pursuant to resolution 605 (1987),
Expressing its grave concern over the increasing sufferings of the Palestinian people in occupied Palestinian territories,
Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of the people recognized by the Charter of the United Nations and proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Reaffirming that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Commending the International Committee of the Red Cross for its activities in the occupied territories,
Commending also the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for its invaluable work,
Conscious of the urgent need to resolve the underlying problem through a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement, including a solution to the Palestinian problem in all its aspects,
1. Expresses its deep appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report;
2. Calls upon Israel, as the occupying Power and as a High Contracting Party to the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to accept the de jure applicability of the Convention to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and fully to comply with its obligations under that Convention;
3. Recalls the obligation of all the High Contracting Parties, under article 1 of the Convention, to ensure respect for the Convention in all Circumstances;
4. Calls again upon Israel to desist forthwith from its policies and practices which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people;
5. Requests Israel to facilitate the task of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and requests all Members to give them their full support;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation in the occupied territories by all means available to him and to make regular and timely reports to the Council;
7. Affirms the urgent need to achieve, under the auspices of the United Nations, a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Arab/Israeli conflict, an integral part of which is the Palestinian problem, and expresses its determination to work towards that end;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his endeavors to promote such a settlement and to keep the Council regularly informed;
9. Decides to keep the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, under review.
# 24
Date Document # Session #
1 988-- 15 April S/19780 2806
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
Background: On April 6 a young Jewish girl (Tirza Porat) was shot dead by her adult escort Romam Aldubi. Apparently he's sparked a confrontation with Palestinian villagers over A trivial matter and killed one of the village youths. Later, upon entering Beita he appears to have lost his nerve and began firing indiscriminately in all direction killing another villager and wounding several.
The Palestinians were blamed for the killing of the girl and the IDF responded accordingly. It took 48 hours to discover the truth of the situation but that did not relieve the collective punishment of the villagers. Every Palestinian who was involved-- family members of the dead, the wounded and their family members-- had his or her house destroyed of sealed.
The US (Okun) veto of this the 5th draft resolution since the beginning of the Intifada paralleled the 4th of 1 February: It is redundant and inappropriate and unbalanced because of its "sweeping condemnation of Israel."
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia
The Security Council,
Expressing its grave concern over the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territories,
Reaffirming its resolutions 605 (1987) of 22 December 1987, 607 (1988) of 5 January 1988 and 608 (1988) of 14 January 1988,
Recalling the report of the Secretary-General of 21 January 1988 (S/19443),
Having been appraised of the deportation by Israel, the occupying Power, of eight civilian Palestinians on 11 April 1988 and of its decision to continue the deportation of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories,
Gravely concerned and alarmed by the measures adopted by Israel against the civilian Palestinian people and its persistent policy of taking measures of collective punishment, such as the recent demolition of homes in the village of Beita,
Also expressing grave concern over the action taken by the forces of the occupying Power against Sheikh Saad Eddin El-Alami, Head of the Supreme Islamic Council, who was assaulted and beaten in the Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem, on 1 April 1988,
Reaffirming once again that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to Palestinian and other Arab territories, occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Recalling in particular the provisions of article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and expressing alarm that Israel has continued to transfer its civilian population into the territory it occupies and has equipped those settlers with arms which have been used against the civilian Palestinian people,
1. Urges Israel the occupying Power, to abide immediately and scrupulously by the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to desist forthwith from its policies and practices that are in violation of the provisions of the Convention;
2. Urges further Israel to rescind the order to deport Palestinian civilians and ensure the safe and immediate return to the occupied Palestinian territories of those already deported;
3. Urges once again Israel to desist forthwith from deporting Palestinian civilians from the occupied territories;
4. Condemns those policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, and in particular the opening of fire by the Israeli army, resulting in the killing and wounding of defenseless Palestinian civilians;
5. Affirms the urgent need to achieve, under the auspices of the United Nations, a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Arab/Israeli conflict, an integral part of which is the Palestinian problem, and expresses its determination to work towards that end;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to submit periodic reports on the situation in the occupied territories, including those aspects relating to endeavors for ensuring the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians under Israeli occupation;
7. Decides to keep the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, under review.
# 25
Date Document # Session #
1988-- 10 May S/19868 2814
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
Background: According to Israel they grabbed off a large piece of Lebanese territory to create a "security zone" in order to protect the northern areas of Israel from attack. Over the years of this illegal occupation Israel has extended its imperialist grasp by now claiming a right to invade Lebanon in order to protect the so-called "security zone." Obviously Israel's torment of Lebanon is not to end until Lebanon is wholly subservient to Israel's needs.
The US (Walters) vetoed the draft resolution because it did not equate Lebanese resistance to Israel's aggression.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 508 (1982), and 509 (1982), as well as all its resolutions on the situation in southern Lebanon,
Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations,
Noting with grave concern the deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon as a result of the recent invasion by Israeli forces,
Deeply concerned by the occupation of Lebanese territory by Israeli forces,
Deeply concerned also by the recent action of those forces causing heavy casualties, displacement of civilian population, the destruction of houses and property, and in particular the devastation of the entire village of Meidoun,
1. Condemns the recent invasion by Israeli forces of southern Lebanon;
2. Repeats its call for the immediate withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and calls for the cessation of all acts that violate the sovereignty of Lebanon and the security of its civilian population;
3. Reaffirms its calls for strict respect for the sovereignty of Lebanon, its independence; unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized boundaries;
4. Reaffirms the urgent need to restore international peace and security through the implementation of the provisions of the Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, in particular 425 (1978) and 426 (1978), and resolution 509 (1982) which in particular demands that Israel withdraw all its military forces forthwith and unconditionally to the internationally recognized boundaries;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned in the implementation of resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 508 (1982) and 509 (1982), and to report thereon to the Security Council;
6. Decides to keep the situation in southern Lebanon under review.
# 26
Date Document # Session #
1988-- 14 December S/20322 2832
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
Background: At 5 AM local time on 9 December, the Israeli air force carried out a concentrated bombardment of the Lebanese town of Na'imah and the surrounding hills. Helicopters landed Israeli troops. Later there was a naval bombardment near Beirut. The Shouf coastal area and the surrounding hills were bombarded and a monastery was struck. The Israeli forces used booby-trapped dogs on which explosives and gas canisters had been tied. These dogs were used in the attack on centers of Lebanese national resistance. The attack lasted 12 hours and left great toll of death and destruction in its wake.
Israeli Chief of Staff, General Dan Shamron promised that this would not be the last raid. In short, he assures the world that Israel will not abide by any resolution, convention, law, norm or international agreement.
The US (Byrne) vetoed the draft resolution on familiar grounds-- it was unfair to Israel.
Supporting documents: S/20317-- Letter from Lebanon of 9 December report-ing the attack.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Argentina, Nepal, Senegal, Yugoslavia & Zambia.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 508 (1982) and 509 (1982), as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,
Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon,
Noting with grave concern the continuing deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon and the repeated Israeli attacks and practices against the civilian population,
Deeply concerned with the recent Israeli attack against Lebanese territory by Israeli naval, air and land forces on 9 December 1988,
1. Strongly deplores the recent Israeli attack against Lebanese territory by Israeli naval, air and land forces on 9 December 1988;
2. Strongly requests that Israel cease immediately all attacks against Lebanese territory;
3. Reaffirms its call for strict respect for the sovereignty of Lebanon, its independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized boundaries;
4. Reaffirms the urgent need to implement the provisions of the Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978), and resolution 509 (1982), which demands that Israel withdraw all its military forces forthwith and unconditionally to the internationally recognized boundaries;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned with implementation of resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 508 (1982) and 509 (1982) and to report to the Security Council;
6. Decides to keep the situation in Lebanon under review.
# 27
Date Document # Session #
1989-- 11 January S/20378 2841
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Nepal, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
Background: On 4 January, culminating a two week intensive propaganda campaign attacking Libya's new chemical plant, the US shot down two Libyan recon-naissance planes observing the US air operation near Libya. This was the fourth major act of aggression against Libya by the US in the Reagan administration: 1981-- the US shot down two Libyan planes; March 1986-- the sinking of three Libyan patrol boats; and less than a month later the bombing attacks on Benghazi and Tripoli which included an attempt to assassinate Qadhafi by bombing his personal quarters but only managing to kill his 15-month-old daughter.
The US (Okun) vetoed the draft resolution saying, "Its clear the purpose is to criticize the United States for actions, taken in self-defense, that are entirely lawful and consistent with the United Nations Charter." He claimed the planes were armed and took aggressive action. He went so far as to say, "It was not related to anything else in our relations with Libya . . ."
Note. The voting went as follows:
In favor (9)-- Algeria, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Nepal, Senegal, Soviet Union, Yugoslavia.
Against (4)-- Canada, France, Great Britain, United States.
Abstaining (2)-- Brazil, Finland.
The draft resolution had the needed number of votes to pass (9) but failed due to the vetoes of the 3 permanent members of the Council from the West.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Nepal, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
The Security Council,
Having heard the statements made by the representatives of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the United States of America,
Deeply concerned at the increase of tension created by the downing of two Libyan reconnaissance planes by the armed forces of the United States of America,
Cognizant of the adverse impact of such acts on the encouraging international political climate which has prevailed recently, and in particular on the maintenance of peace and security in the Mediterranean region,
Recalling the Declaration of Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security and the Definition of Aggression,
1. Deplores the downing of the two Libyan reconnaissance planes by the armed forces of the United States of America;
2. Calls upon the United States of America to suspend its military manoeuvres off the Libyan coast in order to contribute to the reduction of tension in the area;
3. Calls upon all parties to refrain from resorting to force, to exercise restraint in this critical situation and to resolve their differences by peaceful means in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations;
4. Calls upon the United States of America and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to co-operate with the Secretary-General in an effort to bring about a peaceful settlement of the differences existing between the two countries;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council regularly informed on the implementation of the present resolution;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
# 28
Date Document # Session #
1989-- 17 February S/20463 2850
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
Background: The representative of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine (Terzi) noted that the situation in Palestine is dangerous and deteriorating due to Israeli implementation of additional repressive measures to suppress the Intifada. Over the previous weekend 3 Palestinian teenagers had been killed by the Israelis and more than 35 had been wounded. Since the Intifada 55 Palestinians had been killed and at least 500 injured.
The US (Okun) vetoed the draft resolution for the usual reasons and adding, "Acts of violence perpetrated by Palestinians against Israeli soldiers and civilians is commonplace." It is interesting to note here that the State Department annual report on human rights had come out at the beginning of the month. It had broken with tradition by noting and condemning the inhumane practices of the Israelis against the Palestinian people.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated 8 February 1989 from the Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations, in his capacity as Chairman of the Arab Group for the month of February (S/20454), and the letter dated 7 February 1989 from the Alternate Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations (S/20451),
Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all peoples recognized by the Charter of the United Nations and proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Gravely concerned over the increasing suffering and continued violation of the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Palestine territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Gravely concerned in particular over the imposition of new measures by Israel, the occupying Power, which have led to increased injuries and deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians, including children,
Considering that the current policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, are bound to have grave consequences for the endeavors to achieve comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,
Recalling the obligations of the high contracting parties under article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances,
Conscious of the need to end the Israeli occupation and to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East,
1. Strongly deplores Israel's persistent policies and practices against the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, especially the violation of human rights, and in particular the opening of fire that has resulted in injuries and deaths of Palestinian civilians, including children;
2. Strongly deplores also the continuing disregard by Israel, the occupying Power, of the relevant decisions of the Security Council;
3. Confirms once more that the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of civilian persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 is applicable to the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories;
4. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide by the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, as well as to comply with its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and to desist forthwith from its policies and practices that are in violation of the provisions of the Convention;
5. Calls furthermore for the exercise of maximum restraint to contribute towards the establishment of peace;
6. Affirms the urgent need to achieve, under the auspicious of the United Nations, a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict, an integral part of which is the Palestinian problem, and expresses its determination to work towards that end;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to follow the implementation of this resolution, including examining the situation in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, by all means available to him and to report to the Security Council;
8. Decides to keep the situation in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories, under review.
# 29
Date Document # Session #
1989-- 9 June S/20677 2867
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Nepal, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
Background: The representative of the Permanent Observation Mission of Palestine (Terzi) again pleads with the Council to address the violations and acts of state terrorism carried out against the Palestinian people under the Israeli occupation (S/PV 2863). Counting 750 Palestinians killed by the Israelis since the beginning of the Intifada. he goes on to list a fair number of the horrors and crimes committed by the Israelis against the Palestinian population.
The US (Pickering) vetoes the draft resolution stating it is unbalanced by making sweeping condemnation of Israeli policies while failing to mention the acts of the other side!
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Nepal, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated 31 May 1989 from the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to the United Nations, in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of Arab States at the United Nations for the month of May,
Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all peoples recognized by the Charter of the United Nations and proclaimed by the Universal declaration of Human Rights,
Recalling that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Recalling its relevant resolution on the situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and in particular its resolution 446 (1979), 465 (1980), 607 (1988) and 608 (1988),
Recalling the Secretary-General's report of 21 January 1988 pursuant to resolution 605 (1987), and in particular the recommendations contained therein (S/19443),
Expressing its grave concern and alarm over the increasing sufferings of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory,
Having been appraised of the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem,
1. Strongly deplores those policies and practices of Israel, the Occupying Power, which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territory as well as vigilante attacks against Palestinian towns and villages and desecration of the Holy Koran;
2. Calls upon Israel, as the Occupying Power and as a High Contracting Party to the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to accept the de jure applicability of the Convention to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and fully to comply with its obligations under that Convention and in particular its "responsibility for the treatment accorded to the protected persons by its agents";
3. Recalls the obligation of all the High Contracting Parties, under article 1 of the Convention, to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances;
4. Demands that Israel desist forthwith from deporting Palestinian civilians from the occupied territory and ensure the safe and immediate return of those already deported;
5. Expresses great concern about the prolonged closure of schools in parts of the occupied territory, with all its adverse consequences for the education of Palestinian children, and calls upon Israel to permit the immediate reopening of those schools;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory by all means available to him, to make timely reports to the Council, including recommendations on ways and means to ensure respect for the Convention and protection of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territory, including Jerusalem;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to submit the first such report no later than 23 June 1989;
8. Decides to keep the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, under review.
# 30
Date Document # Session #
1989-- 7 November S/20945/Rev. 1 2889
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Nepal, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
Background: In Beit Sahur, a town with a population of around 12,000 near Bethlehem, on 21 September Israeli tax collectors, protected by a massive army pre-sence confiscated thousands of dollars' worth of property, including household goods and furniture from residents and merchants who refused to pay their taxes. Many Palestinians were assaulted in the grab. Non-payment of taxes had continued uninterrupted since first called by the Intifada leadership. [The Value Added Tax had been introduced in 1975 by Israel in contravention of international law.] While most other communities had been forced, in one way or another, to pay their taxes, Beit Sahur had stood united in its refusal. For the previous year the Israelis had tried various ways to break the resistance. They went so far as to lower the tax demands, and then reduced then even further, but Beit Sahur stood united in its defiance.
Punishment was increased. The Israelis denied the community contact to the outside world by cutting the phone lines on 19 September. Now cut off from the world, the Israelis systematically went to every individual who owed them money and began a process of confiscating goods, machinery and personal belongings, Little attention was paid to who actually owned the item confiscated. Violence and arrests were common. Press coverage was censored. A three day 24 hour curfew was enforced. This was followed by a nightly curfew. As soon as the curfew was lifted the community rose in protest. The town was put under curfew again from 28 September to 2 October.
On 5 October Faisal Husseini demanded of the Western countries with consulates in East Jerusalem that they fulfill their responsibilities as signatories of the Geneva Convention, "and ask for international protection for the Palestinian civilian population against the Israeli Army." foreign diplomats were forbidden by the Israeli military from visiting Beit Sahur but the British consul-general did manage to visit the town via back roads.
On 12 October the Israelis moved again against Beit Sahur. Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin warned that the Israeli army "will teach Beit Sahur a lesson." Then Israel offered to return the goods and forgive previous taxes if Beit Sahur would to the principle of payment-- Beit Sahur refused.
On 31 October the Israeli army announced that it had stopped confiscations and lifted the siege, reconnected the phone lines and reopened roads. Four days later Beit Sahur was declared a closed military area.
On 11 November Israel again closes the town to prevent a Peace Now group from visiting. To avoid any public celebrations of 15 November (first anniversary of the Declaration of the State of Palestine) Israeli authorities decided to end the 1988-89 academic school year prematurely.
The US (Pickering) vetoed the draft resolution saying it was "one-sided" and would not "help to create an atmosphere conducive to the establishment of a constructive dialogue . . ." but rather would "exacerbate tensions and distract the parties from the critical issues . . ."
The people of Beit Sahur wrote Secretary of State Baker criticizing the US for its Security Council veto of this draft resolution demanding the return of the confis-cated property.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Algeria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Nepal, Senegal & Yugoslavia.
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated 3 November 1989 from the Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations, in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of Arab States for the Month of November,
Recalling its relevant resolutions on the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, in particular resolution 605 (1987) of 22 December 1987,
Taking note of General Assembly resolution 44/2 of 6 October 1989,
Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all peoples recognized by the Charter of the United Nations and proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Recalling also the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,
Alarmed by the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Having heard the statements concerning the policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, and the conduct of its troops and agents in those territories, as manifested in the town of Beit Sahur, other towns and refugee camps,
Taking into account the immediate need to consider measures for the impartial and international protection of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation,
Considering that the current policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied territory are bound to have grave consequences for the endeavors to achieve comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,
1. Strongly deplores those policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territory, and in particular the siege of towns, the ransacking of the homes of inhabitants, as has happened at Beit Sahur, and the illegal and arbitrary confiscation of their property and valuables;
2. Calls upon Israel to desist from committing such practices ad actions and lift its siege;
3. Urges that Israel return the illegally and arbitrarily confiscated property to its owners;
4. Reaffirms once again that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem;
5. Calls once again upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide immediately and scrupulously by the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to desist forthwith from those policies and practices which are in violation of the provisions of the Convention;
6. Calls upon all the High Contracting Parties of the fourth Geneva Convention to ensure respect for it, including the obligation of the occupying Power under the Convention to treat the population of the occupied territory humanely at all times and in all circumstances;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to conduct on-site monitoring of the present situation in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, by all means available to him, and to submit periodic reports thereon, the first such report as soon as possible.
# 31
Date Document # Session #
1990-- 31 May S/21326 2926
Proposed by: Bahrain.
Background: In Rishon Lezion (20 km. south of Tel Aviv) on 20 May 21-year old Ami Popper, wearing his brother's IDF uniform, took his brother's army issued M-16 assault rifle, loaded it with three magazines and walked to the "slave market" where Palestinian day laborers from Gaza gather in hopes of finding a day's work in Israel. Emptying his gun into the crowd of gathered Palestinians he killed 7 and wounded 10 others.
In the ten days before this incident widespread disturbances in the occupied territories had led to the killing of 6 Palestinians and the wounding of 30, with curfews imposed in a number of areas.
When the news reached the occupied territories spontaneous demonstrations broke out against every visible Israeli military presence. Within hours of the Rishon Lezion incident Israeli soldiers had killed 7 more Palestinians and wounded upwards of 500. Between the morning of 20 May and the evening of 22 May a total of 21 Palestinians had been killed.
Palestinian leaders demanded international protection for the people and declared an open hunger strike until 3 demands were met: 1) convening of the Security Council; 2) an independent inquiry into the attack; and 3) immediate international protection of the Palestinian population living under the occupation.
At the Security Council (29 May: S/PV. 2923) PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat called for UN intervention to ensure the safety of the Palestinian people. This draft resolution was the result of a compromise the Arab delegates made with the US and so they had hopes the US would not veto.
The US (Pickering) vetoed the draft resolution because, "It does not focus attention on the real needs of moving the peace process forward," but could become a vehicle for "more needless controversy." The US, he explained, would support a special envoy to investigate and report back to the Secretary-General. It must be noted here that past recommendations by the Secretary-General or his envoys regarding measures to protect Palestinian civilians had all been opposed by the US.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Bahrain.
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated 21 May 1990 from the Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations, in his capacity as Chairman of the Arab Group for the month of May 1990 (S/21300),
Having listened to the statement by His Excellency President Yassar Arafat,
Reaffirming that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Gravely concerned and alarmed by the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Bearing in mind that any deliberately planned act of violence in the region is a blow to peace,
1. Establishes a Commission consisting of three members of the Security Council, to be dispatched immediately to examine the situation relating to the policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967;
2. Requests the Commission to submit its report to the Security Council by 20 June 1990, containing recommendations on ways and means for ensuring the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians under Israeli occupation;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the Commission with the necessary facilities to enable it to carry out its mission;
4. Decides to keep the situation in the occupied territories under constant and close scrutiny and to reconvene to review the situation in the light of the findings of the Commission.
# 32
Date Document # Session #
1995-- 17 May S/1995/394 3538
Proposed by: Botswana, Honduras, Indonesia, Nigeria, Oman & Rwanda.
Background: The Security Council met in response to the Israeli confiscation of 530 dunams (about 130 acres) of land located in the area of occupied East Jerusalem in flagrant violation of several Security Council resolutions and the fourth Geneva Convention, not to mention the Declaration of Principles of 13 September 1993. This was the biggest land grab in Jerusalem in 15 years. Prime Minister Rabin endorsed the grab in order to construct 7000 new houses in East Jerusalem for Jews. Jerusalem's mayor, Ehud Olmert, intimated that the expropriations were to ensure that the "Judaization" of Jerusalem is irreversible. His deputy let it be known that the expropriations were just the "first stage" of a larger grab that could take up to 4400 dunams of East Jerusalem territory.
The US (Albright) vetoed the draft resolution saying, "This Council is not able- and should not seek- to try to resolve sensitive issues in the Middle East peace process . . ." She described Israel's land grab as "unhelpful" then added that "by injecting the Council into this issue, this resolution would merely compound the problem." "My Government will not agree to a resolution that prejudges or prejudices the outcome of negotiations over such a sensitive issue as Jerusalem. Nor will we agree to any Council action that oversteps the Council's appropriate role as supporter . . ." of what the US calls the "peace process." "But let me say that we do not believe that the Security Council is inappropriate place to have a discussion about this action." It couldn't be made clearer-- the US will veto any resolution that is hostile to Israel.
TEXT:
Proposed by: Botswana, Honduras, Indonesia, Nigeria, Oman & Rwanda.
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions on the status of Jerusalem, including resolutions 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 271 (1969), 476 (1980), 478 (1980) and 672 (1990),
Expressing concern over the recent declaration of Israeli expropriation orders of 53 hectares of land of East Jerusalem,
Reaffirming the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 to all territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Aware of the negative impact of the above-mentioned expropriation on the Middle East peace process, which started in Madrid in October 1991 on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973),
Aware also that in the Declaration of Principles of 13 September 1993 Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization agreed to postpone negotiations on final status issues, including Jerusalem, until the second stage of the peace process,
Determined to provide the necessary backing to the Middle East peace process,
1. Confirms that the expropriation of land by Israel, the occupying Power, in East Jerusalem is invalid and in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions and provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949;
2. Calls upon the Government of Israel to rescind the expropriation orders and to refrain from such action in the future;
3. Expresses its full support for the Middle East peace process and its achievements, including the Declaration of Principles of 13 September 1993 as well as the following implementation agreements;
4. Urges the parties to adhere to the provisions of the agreements reached and to follow up with the full implementation of those agreements;
5. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
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