United Nations Security Council Resolution 1397

(March 12, 2002)

Meeting for the second time in 24 hours on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, the Security Council late March 12 expressed its grave concern at the continuation of the tragic and violent events that had taken place in the region since September 2000 and demanded immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction.

Adopting resolution 1397 (2002) by a vote of 14 in favour to none against with 1 abstention (Syria), the Council affirmed a vision of a region where two States, Israel and Palestine, lived side by side within secure and recognized borders. It also called 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.

By other terms of the resolution, the Council stressed the need for all concerned to ensure the safety of civilians and the need to respect the universally accepted norms of international humanitarian law. Further, it welcomed and encouraged the diplomatic efforts of special envoys from the United States, the Russian Federation, the European Union and the United Nations Special Coordinator and others, to bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

It also expressed its support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and others to assist the parties to halt the violence and resume the peace process and welcomed the contribution of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

“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.”

Source: The United Nations