Resolution on Israeli Settlements - S/1997/199
(March 7, 1997)
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated 27 February 1997
from the Permanent Observer of Palestine on behalf of the States members
of the League of Arab States (S/1997/165), Expressing deep concern at
the decision of the Government of Israel to initiate new settlement
activities in the Jabal Abu Ghneim area in East Jerusalem,
Expressing concern about other recent measures that
encourage or facilitate new settlement activities,
Stressing that such settlements are illegal and a major
obstacle to peace,
Recalling its resolutions on Jerusalem and other relevant
Security Council resolutions,
Confirming that all legislative and administrative
measures and actions taken by Israel which purport to alter the status
of Jerusalem, including expropriation of land and properties thereon,
are invalid and cannot change that status,
Reaffirming its support for the Middle East Peace Process
and all its achievements, including the recent Agreement on Hebron,
Concerned about the difficulties facing the Middle
East Peace Process, including the impact these have on the living conditions
of the Palestinian people, and urging the parties to fulfil their obligations,
including under the agreements already reached,
Having discussed the situation at its 3745th meeting
on 5 and 6 March 1997,
1. Calls upon the Israeli authorities to refrain from
all actions or measures, including settlement activities, which alter
the facts on the ground, pre?empting the final status negotiations,
and have negative implications for the Middle East Peace Process;
2. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide
scrupulously by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the
Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilians in Time of
War of 12 August 1949, which is applicable to all the territories occupied
by Israel since 1967;
3. Calls upon all parties to continue, in the interests
of peace and security, their negotiations within the Middle East Peace
Process on its agreed basis and the timely implementation of the agreements
reached;
4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Sources: Global Policy Forum, UN Security Council |