United Nations

NEW YORK, 10 November (UN Headquarters) -- The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved 12 draft resolutions this afternoon, as it concluded its consideration of the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and Israeli practices affecting human rights in the occupied Arab territories.

It approved seven drafts on the work of UNRWA and five texts relating to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.  Of the 12 texts, 11 required recorded votes.

The Committee approved, by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, a draft on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities.  (See Annex II).

By that text, the General Assembly would reaffirm the right of all those displaced persons to return to their homes in the territories.  It would express the hope for an accelerated return of displaced people through the mechanism agreed upon by the parties in article XII of the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements. 

Also by that text, the General Assembly would endorse, in the meanwhile, the efforts of UNRWA’s Commissioner-General to continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, as a temporary measure, to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities.

 A draft on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.  (See Annex V).

By its terms, the General Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestine refugees are entitled to their property and to income derived from it, in conformity with the principles of justice and equity.  The Assembly would, by other terms, urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of the refugees' properties and their revenues in the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.  The Assembly would also call once again upon the Government of Israel to compensate UNWRA for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.

The Committee approved a third text, on assistance to Palestine refugees, by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States) ( Annex I).

That text would have the General Assembly reiterate its deep concern regarding UNRWA’s persisting critical financial situation as outlined in the Commissioner-General’s report.  It would note with profound concern that the continuing shortfall in the Agency's finances has a significant negative influence on the living conditions of the Palestine refugees most in need and that it has possible consequences for the peace process.

 A draft on the operations of UNRWA would have the General Assembly call upon Israel to abide by articles 100, 104 and 105 of the United Nations Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations with regard to the safety of the Agency's personnel and the protection of its institutions, as well as the safeguarding of the security of its facilities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem.  The Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (Annex IV).

 Acting without a vote, the Committee approved a text on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA, by which the Assembly would request the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General, to find a solution to the Agency's financial situation.  It would welcome the new, unified budget structure for the 2000-2001 biennium, which can contribute significantly to improved budgetary transparency.

By the terms of a draft on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees, the General Assembly would strongly appeal to all States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships to Palestine refugees, in addition to their contributions to UNRWA’s regular budget.  That text was approved by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel) (Annex III).

Acting on a final UNRWA-related draft on the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees, the Committee approved the text by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (Annex VI).

According to that text, the General Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 5 June 1967, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need for the establishment of the proposed university.  Also by that text, the Assembly would appeal to all States, specialized agencies and the United Nations University to contribute generously to the Palestinian universities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in due course, the proposed University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees.

The Committee also approved a draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions.  By its terms, the General Assembly would demand that Israel cease all practices and actions which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.  (See Annex X).

 The Committee also approved, by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions, a text on the applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons In Time of War to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories.  (See Annex VIII.)

That text would have the General Assembly reaffirm that the Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It would demand that Israel accept the Convention's de jure applicability in the occupied territories and that it comply scrupulously with its provisions.

By a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, the Committee approved a text on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, by which the General Assembly would reaffirm that those settlements are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development (Annex IX).

Also by that draft, the Assembly would demand complete cessation of the construction of the new settlement in Jabal Abu-Ghneim and of all Israeli settlement activities.  It would stress the need for full implementation of Security Council resolution 904 (1994), which called upon Israel to implement measures aimed at preventing illegal acts of violence by Israeli settlers, and called for measures to guarantee the safety of and protection of the Palestinian civilians.

The Committee also approved, by a recorded 123 votes in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States), a separate draft on the occupied Syrian Golan by which the Assembly would call upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan, and to desist from its repressive measures against the local population (Annex XI).

In another action, the Committee approved a text on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories by a recorded 68 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 53 abstentions (Annex VII).

According to that text, the General Assembly would demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate.  It would deplore those policies and practices of Israel which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, as reflected in the reports of the Special Committee covering the reporting period.  The Assembly would especially condemn the excessive use of force resulting, in the last few weeks, in more than 160 Palestinian deaths and thousands of injuries.

The representatives of France and the Netherlands introduced the drafts on assistance to Palestine refugees and the Working Group on the financing of UNRWA respectively.  The representative of Indonesia introduced the remaining five texts relating to the Agency’s activities.  Cuba’s representative introduced all five texts on the report of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices.

Speaking in explanation of vote following the Committee’s approval of the draft resolutions were the representatives of Canada, Australia and France (on behalf of the European Union).

The representative of Syria and the observer for Palestine made general statements as the Committee concluded its consideration of the two agenda items.

When the Fourth Committee meets again at 10 a.m. Monday, 13 November, it will begin its consideration of questions related to information, the last item on its agenda.

Committee Work Programme

 As the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon, it was expected to take action on seven draft resolutions relating to the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as five texts on Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.

Draft Resolutions on UNRWA

By a draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.10), the General Assembly would reiterate its deep concern regarding the Agency's persisting critical financial situation as outlined in the report of the Commissioner-General.  It would note with profound concern that the continuing shortfall in the Agency's finances has a significant negative influence on the living conditions of the Palestine refugees most in need and that it, therefore, has possible consequences for the peace process.

By other terms, the Assembly would call upon all donors, as a matter of urgency, to make the most generous efforts possible to meet UNRWA's anticipated needs, including the remaining costs of moving its headquarters to Gaza, and encourage contributing governments to contribute regularly and to consider increasing their contributions.

 Also by that draft, the Assembly would urge all Member States to extend and expedite aid and assistance with a view to the economic and social development of the Palestinian people and the occupied territory.  It would welcome the consultative process between the Agency, host governments, the Palestinian Authority and donors on management reforms.  The Assembly would also welcome the increased cooperation between the Agency and international and regional organizations, States and relevant agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which is essential to enhancing UNRWA's contributions towards improved conditions for the refugees and thereby the social stability of the occupied territory.

 By other terms of the draft, the Assembly would note with regret that repatriation or compensation of the refugees, as provided for in its resolution 194 (III), has not yet been effected, and also that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been unable to find a means of achieving progress in the matter.  It would request the Commission to continue its efforts towards implementation.

The General Assembly would, by further terms, note the significant success of the Agency's Peace Implementation Programme since the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, and stress the importance that contributions to this Programme are not at the expense of the General Fund.

 The draft's sponsors are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

 By a draft on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/55/L.11), the Assembly would request the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation with the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General, to find a solution to the Agency's financial situation.  It would welcome the new, unified budget structure for the 2000-2001 biennium, which can contribute significantly to improved budgetary transparency.

 Also by that draft, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to provide the necessary services and assistance to the Working Group for the conduct of its work.

The draft is sponsored by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

 A third text relates to persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/55/L.12).  By its terms, the Assembly would reaffirm the right of all persons displaced as a result of those hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  It would express the hope for an accelerated return of displaced people through the mechanism agreed upon by the parties in article XII of the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements.

 Further, the Assembly would endorse, in the meanwhile, the efforts of the Commissioner-General to continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, as a temporary measure, to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities.

That draft's sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Palestine.

 Another draft relates to offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.13).  By its terms, the Assembly would strongly appeal to all States, specialized agencies and NGOs to augment the special allocations for grants and scholarships to Palestine refugees, in addition to their contributions to the regular budget of the UNRWA.  It would also request the Agency to act as the recipient and trustee for those special allocations and to award them to qualified Palestine refugee candidates.

Also by that text, the Assembly would appeal to all States, specialized agencies and the United Nations University to contribute generously to the Palestinian universities in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including, in due course, the proposed University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees.  The Assembly would also appeal to all States, specialized agencies and other international bodies to contribute generously towards the establishment of vocational training centres for Palestine refugees.

 Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine sponsor the text.

 A draft on operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/55/L.14) would have the Assembly call upon Israel to accept the de jure applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to abide scrupulously by its provisions.

 Also by that draft, the Assembly would call once again upon the Government of Israel to compensate the Agency for damages to its property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side.  It would request the Commissioner-General to proceed with the issuance of identification cards for Palestine refugees and their descendants in the occupied Palestinian territory.

 Further, the Assembly would note that the new context created by the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and subsequent implementation agreements has had major consequences for the activities of the Agency.

 The sponsors of that draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

  By the terms of a text on Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/55/L.15), the General Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestine refugees are entitled to their property and to income derived therefrom, in conformity with the principles of justice and equity.  The Assembly would urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of the refugees' properties and their revenues in the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.

 The sponsors of that draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

A final draft on UNRWA relates to the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.16).  By its terms, the Assembly would emphasize the need to strengthen the educational system in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 5 June 1967, including Jerusalem, and specifically the need for the establishment of the proposed university. 

The Assembly would call once more upon Israel to cooperate in the implementation of the present resolution and to remove the hindrances that it has put in the way of establishing the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds", by other terms of that text.
 Its sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Draft Resolutions on Israeli Practices

The Committee also has before it a draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/C.4/54/L.17).  By the text, the General Assembly would demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate.  It would deplore those policies and practices of Israel which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, as reflected in the reports of the Special Committee covering the reporting period.

By other terms, the Assembly would especially condemn the excessive use of force resulting in the last few weeks in more than 160 Palestinian deaths and thousands of injuries.

 The draft is sponsored by Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

 By a draft on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war (document A/C.4/55/L.18), the Assembly would reaffirm that the Convention is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  The Assembly would demand that Israel accept the Convention's de jure applicability in the occupied territories and that it comply scrupulously with its provisions.

 Further, the Assembly would call upon all States parties to the Convention to exert all efforts to ensure respect for its provisions by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel.  It would reiterate the need for speedy implementation of the recommendations contained in resolutions ES-10/3 of 15 July 1997, ES-10/4 of 13 November 1997, ES-10/5 of 17 March 1998 and ES-10/6 of 9 February 1999 with regard to ensuring respect by Israel for the Convention's provisions.

 That draft's sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

 A third draft relates to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/55/L.19).  By its terms, the Assembly would reaffirm that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem and in the occupied Syrian Golan, are illegal and an obstacle to peace and socio-economic development. 

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

 Sponsoring that draft are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

 By a text on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/C.4/55/L.20), the Assembly would demand that Israel cease all practices and actions which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.  It would condemn all acts of violence, especially the excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians, resulting in injury and loss of human life.  It would call upon Israel to accelerate the release of all remaining Palestinians arbitrarily detained or imprisoned, in line with agreements already reached, and call for complete respect by Israel of all fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people.

Also, the Assembly would stress the need to preserve the territorial integrity of all the occupied Palestinian territory and to guarantee the freedom of movement of persons and goods within the Palestinian territory, into and from East Jerusalem, and to and from the outside world.

 That draft's sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

The final text relates to the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/55/L.21).  By its terms, the Assembly would call upon Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and identity cards on the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan, and to desist from its repressive measures against the population of the occupied Syrian Golan.  It would also deplore the violations by Israel of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilians in time of war.

It would call upon Israel to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) in which the Council decided that the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan was null and void and without international legal effect.

 The Assembly would also call upon Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and in particular to desist from the establishment of settlements. 

By other terms of the draft, the Assembly would determine that all legislative and administrative actions purporting to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan are null and void, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and have no legal effect.  The Assembly would call upon Member States not to recognize any of those legislative or administrative measures and actions, by other terms of that text. 

 Its sponsors are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine.

Introduction of UNRWA Drafts

SEBASTIEN MINOT (France), on behalf of the European Union, introduced the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.10).  He recognized the valuable contribution that UNRWA provided not only to the Palestine refugees, but also to the stability of the region, and also recognized the structural improvement implemented by the agency. 

MONICA VAN DAALEN (Netherlands), then introduced the draft on the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA (document A/C.4/55/L.11).  She said that it was clear that the financial situation of UNRWA remained precarious.  The donors also commended UNRWA on its structural reforms.

HAZAIRIN POHAN (Indonesia), then introduced the texts on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/55/L.12), offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.13), operations of UNRWA (document A/C.4/55/L.14), Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/55/L.15), and the University of Jerusalem "Al Quds" for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.16).

He said that the texts remained similar to those introduced in the fifty-fourth General Assembly, with some changes.  If consensus on those texts was not possible, he urged the draft resolutions be passed with as large a majority as possible.

Action on UNRWA Drafts

 Taking up the draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (A/C.4/55/L.10), the Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 123 in favour, to 1 against (Israel), with 1 abstention (United States).  (For details of the vote, see Annex I.)

 The Committee then approved the text on Working Group on Financing of UNRWA (A/C.4/55/L.11) without a vote.

 Taking up the draft on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (A/C.4/55/L.12), the Committee approved it by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions (See Annex II).

 It then approved the text on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (A/C.4/55/L.13) by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Israel) (See Annex III).

 By a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions, the Committee approved the draft on operations of UNRWA (A/C.4/55/L.14) (See Annex IV).

 The Committee then took up the text on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (A/C.4/55/L.15) and approved it by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (See Annex V).

 Taking up the draft on University of Jerusalem “Al Quds” for Palestine refugees (A/C.4/55/L.16), the Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (See Annex VI).

Introduction of Drafts on Israeli Practices

RAFAEL DAUSA CESPEDES (Cuba) then introduced the texts on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/C.4/55/L.17), applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons during time of war (document A/C.4/55/L.18), Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/55/L.19), Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (document A/C.4/55/L.20), and, finally, on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/55/L.21).

 Urging the passage of these drafts, he said that the situation of the occupied peoples had gravely worsened and it was necessary to send a correspondingly strong message to Israel.

Action on Israeli Practices

The Committee then took up the draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (A/C.4/55/L.17).  It approved that text by a recorded vote of 68 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 53 abstentions (See Annex VII).

 Taking up the draft on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons In Time of War to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories (A/C.4/55/L.18), it approved the text by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (See Annex VIII).

By a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions the Committee then approved the text on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (A/C.4/55/L.19) (See Annex IX).

 The Committee then took up the draft on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem (A/C.4/55/L.20).  It approved that text by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with no abstentions (See Annex X).

Finally, the Committee approved the draft text on the occupied Syrian Golan (A/C.4/55/L.21) by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 1 against (Israel) with 1 abstention (United States) (See Annex XI).

Explanation of Vote

The representative of Canada, referring to his vote on the resolution on the work of the Special Committee (A/C.4/55/L.17) emphasized that Canada deplored acts of violence on both sides, and regretted the deaths and injuries that had occurred to people on both sides of the conflict.  It had abstained because of the unhelpful references to one side contained in that resolution.  And, even though he had voted in favour of the resolution on Israeli practices (A/C.4/55/L.20) he wanted to reiterate that same view.  In regard to the thirteenth preambular paragraph referring to the “international presence in Hebron”, his interpretation was that it referred to the current international presence and nothing more than that.

The representative of Australia said his delegation had abstained from voting on the text relating to the work of the Special Committee (A/C.4/55/L.17) because it believed that unbalanced criticism singling out one side for blame in the current context was deeply unhelpful.  Neither the use of overwhelming force nor the use of violence was acceptable.  Both sides shared responsibility for ending the current violence and rebuilding the mutual confidence upon which the resumption of negotiations must be based.  He looked forward to the early resumption of such a process of peaceful negotiations based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), the Oslo Accords and the principle of land for peace.

 Regarding the draft on Israeli settlements, (A/C.4/55/L.19), he said Australia condemned all illegal acts of violence, including by Israeli settlers, and wished to record its concern that that general principle, which had been accepted by both sides, was not reflected in a balanced manner in operative paragraph 5.

 He said Australia had voted in favour of the draft on Israeli practices (A/C.4/55/L.20) because, taken as a whole, it represented a clear and important statement of the views of the international community on that issue.  If the vote had been taken on a paragraph by paragraph basis, Australia would have chosen to abstain on operative paragraph 2, not for lack of sympathy with the situation of the Palestinian people, but because unbalanced criticism and the singling out of one side only for blame in the current context was deeply unhelpful.  The thirteenth Preambular paragraph must not be seen to prejudice decisions that the Security Council might make, or the parties themselves might make, on he question of a protection force.

The representative of France, on behalf of the European Union, spoke in reference to the resolution on the work of the Special Committee (A/C.4/55/L.17).  She said that the Union had abstained because it would like to avoid repeated criticism of Israel at a time when international efforts should be focused on stopping the violence and reopening the peace negotiations.  The Union had criticized Israel previously, but negotiations were the only solution to the current crisis.  The Union reiterated that it would support any efforts to end that crisis and resume the peace process.

General Statements

MIKHAIL WEHBE (Syria) thanked the Chairman of the Committee and the member countries that had voted in favour of the draft resolutions just acted on, particularly those on the occupied Syrian Golan.  To those who did not vote or abstained from the voting, he wished they would act to end the occupation, because there would no peace under the occupation.

FEDA ABDELHADY-NASSER, the observer for Palestine, thanked delegates for the votes on the resolutions under item 84, and the overwhelming support for the rights of the Palestinian refugees.  She hoped that such support would translate into financial support at the upcoming pledging conference.  Regarding the votes under item 85, she again gave thanks, saying that the current violence served as a reminder of the nature of the Israeli practices.  She was disappointed, given the current situation, that the first draft resolution under the item did not get such overwhelming support.  But, she was heartened by the support expressed by the votes for the remaining resolutions under that item.

Vote on Assistance to Palestine Refugees

 The draft resolution on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.10) was approved by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 1 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel.

Abstain:  United States.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

 (END OF ANNEX I)

 Vote on Persons Displaced in June 1967 Hostilities

 The draft resolution on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/C.4/55/L.12) was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

 (END OF ANNEX II)

Vote on Scholarships for Palestine Refugees

 The draft resolution on offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.13) was approved by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  None.

Abstain:  Israel.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

 (END OF ANNEX III)

 Vote on UNRWA 

 The draft resolution on the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (document A/C.4/55/L.14) was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX IV)

Vote on Refugee Properties

 The draft resolution on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues (document A/C.4/55/L.15) was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None. 

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX V)

Vote on University of Jerusalem

 The draft resolution on University of Jerusalem “Al-Quds” for Palestine refugees (document A/C.4/55/L.16) was approved by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX VI)

Vote on Special Committee on Israeli Practices

 The draft resolution on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territory (document A/C.4/55/L.17) was approved by a recorded vote of 68 in favour to 2 against, with 53 abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX VII)

Vote on Geneva Convention

 The draft resolution on the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the occupied Palestinian territory (document A/C.4/55/L.18) was approved by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX VIII)

Vote on Israeli Settlements

 The draft resolution on Israeli Settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (document A/C.4/55/L.19) was approved by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel, United States.

Abstain:  None. 

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX IX)

Vote on Israeli Practices

 The draft resolution on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory (document A/C.4/55/L.20) was approved by a recorded vote of 128 in favour to 2 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia. 

Against:  Israel, United States. 

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

(END OF ANNEX X)

Vote on Syrian Golan

 The draft resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/C.4/55/L.21) was approved by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 1 against, with 1 abstention, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against:  Israel.

Abstain:  United States

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.