UN Security Council Resolution 344 (December 1973)

At the request of a number of members, the Security Council met in closed session on December 15, on the eve of the opening of the Geneva Peace Conference, in an effort to ensure a United Nations role in the Conference. A draft Resolution submitted by Australia, Austria, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Sudan and Yugoslavia was adopted by 10 votes in favour, none against with four abstentions (France, USSR, United Kingdom, United States). China did not take part in the vote.

The Security Council,

Considering that it decided by its resolution 338 (1973) of 21/22 October 1973 that talks among the parties to the Middle East conflict for the implementation of resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 should be held under "appropriate auspices",

Noting that a peace conference on the Middle East situation is to begin shortly at Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations,

1. Expresses the hope that the conference will make speedy progress towards the establishment of a just and durable peace in the Middle East;

2. Expresses its confidence that the Secretary-General will play a full and effective role at the peace conference, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and that he will preside over its proceedings, if the parties so desire;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to keep it suitably informed of the developments in negotiations at the peace conference in order to enable the Council to review the problems on a continuing basis;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to provide all necessary assistance and facilities for the work of the conference.

Sources: The United Nations

UN Security Council Resolutions: Resolution 344

(December 15, 1973)