13 March 2002
U.N. Adopts Resolution Endorsing Vision of Palestinian State
(U.S.-sponsored resolution also demands end to violence) (440)
Following a late-night debate on March 12, the United Nations Security
Council adopted a resolution that endorses a "vision of a region where
two states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and
recognized borders."
The resolution, introduced by the United States, is the first Security
Council resolution to refer to the idea of Palestinian statehood. The
resolution also demands "immediate cessation of all violence,
including all forms of terror" and calls upon both sides to implement
U.S. plans drawn up by Central Intelligence Agency Director George
Tenet and former U.S. Senator George Mitchell to implement a
cease-fire and resume talks.
The resolution "welcomes the contribution" of Saudi Crown Prince
Abdullah bin Abdelaziz al-Saud, who proposed that the Arab world
normalize relations with Israel in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal
from land it gained in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
It also encourages the efforts of diplomats representing the U.S., EU,
Russia and the UN.
The resolution was adopted in a 14-0 vote, with Syria abstaining.
The full text of UNSC Resolution 1397 follows:
(begin text)
UN Security Council
12 March 2002
United States of America: Resolution 1397
The Security Council
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular
resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973),
Affirming a vision of a region where two States, Israel and Palestine,
live side-by-side within secure and recognized borders,
Expressing its grave concern at the continuation of the tragic and
violent events that have taken place since September 2000, especially
the recent attacks and the increased number of casualties,
Stressing the need for all concerned to ensure the safety of
civilians,
Stressing also the need to respect the universally accepted norms of
international humanitarian law,
Welcoming and encouraging the diplomatic efforts of special envoys
from the United States of America, the Russian Federation, the
European Union and the United Nations Special Coordinator and others,
to bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle
East.
Welcoming the contribution of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah,
1. Demands immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all
acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction;
2. Calls upon the Israeli and Palestinian sides and their leaders to
cooperate in the implementation of the Tenet work plan and Mitchell
Report recommendations with the aim of resuming negotiations on a
political settlement;
3. Expresses support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and
others to assist the parties to halt the violence and to resume the
peace process.
4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
(end text)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
