by Gad Yaacobi
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations

January 11, 1994

CONTENTS:

1. ISRAEL AND THE UNITED NATIONS: A CHECKERED PAST
2. TOWARDS A NEW ERA
3. THE FORTY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY: RESOLUTIONS
4. CONCLUSION
5. ANNEX A: UNITED NATIONS PEACE-KEEPING FORCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST
6. ANNEX B: UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES FUNCTIONING IN THE TERRITORIES

ISRAEL AND THE UNITED NATIONS: A CHECKERED PAST

The relationship between Israel and the United Nations has known ups and downs over the years. The relationship began with General Assembly resolution 181, of 29 November 1947, which served as the international legal basis for the end of the British Mandate and the establishment of the State of Israel. Commonly known as the "Partition Plan," this resolution called for the establishment in British Mandatory Palestine of two states, one Jewish and one Arab.

The plan was opposed by the Arabs, who tried to prevent its implementation by attacking the fledgling State of Israel on the day of its establishment, 14 May 1948. As a result of the war and subsequent political developments, resolution 181 was only partially realized before it became obsolete. Almost one year later, on 11 May 1949, Israel was accepted as a Member State of the United Nations.

In one of the great paradoxes of our time, the Arab countries and Palestinians have, since the 1967 Six Day War, observed 29 November as "Palestine Day" at the UN. They have done this despite their own rejection of the General Assembly resolution that would have created two states in Mandatory Palestine.

Dr. Ralph Bunche, an assistant to the United Nations Secretary General at the time, mediated armistice agreements between Israel and the Arab states during the first half of 1949. However, further UN attempts to negotiate an end to the armed conflict proved unsuccessful. Its failure to maintain tranquility in the region was dramatized by Egypt's expulsion of UNEF peace-keeping forces from Sinai in 1967, a move that contributed to the outbreak of the Six Day War.

Since 1967, the United Nations and many of its agencies have assumed a hostile stance with regard to Israel. The Arab states found that the structure and patterns of activity in the UN gave them broad freedom of action in all UN bodies, with the exception of the Security Council. As a unified group with twenty members, and as members of the Asian group and African group, the Non- Aligned States, Group of 77, and Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Arabs have been able to mobilize a large bloc of states to support their agenda. Because there are over 100 states in the Non-Aligned Group alone, the Arab and Moslem countries have often found majorities easy to obtain in the General Assembly.

Relentless attacks on Israel in all UN bodies assumed the character of a campaign to delegitimize the Jewish People's right to self-determination in an independent state. The campaign grew in intensity throughout the 1970's and reached its bitterest on 10 November 1975 with the adoption of General Assembly resolution 3379, which slandered Zionism as a form of racism and racial discrimination.

Until the present General Assembly, more than 30 anti-Israel resolutions have been adopted annually. In 1982, the Arabs began what became a yearly ritual, and tried to block acceptance of Israel's credentials in an effort to prevent Israeli participation in the General Assembly. Because of procedural moves designed to quash the Arab initiative, the United Nations has functioned for the past three years without authorizing the credentials of any of its Member States.

Despite this history of antagonism, the Security Council adopted resolutions 242 (22 November 1967) and 338 (22 October 1973) which have constituted important foundations of all subsequent negotiations in the Middle East peace process. These resolutions were the first to incorporate the principles of peace, security, mutual recognition and negotiation.

TOWARDS A NEW ERA

The dramatic changes in the geo-political arena and in the Middle East have opened new opportunities for the Israel-UN relationship. The first major sign of this change came on 16 December 1991, after the convening of the Madrid Peace Conference on 30 October, when the General Assembly repealed resolution 3379 equating Zionism with racism.

Upon my appointment as Ambassador to the United Nations in October 1992, I outlined four broad goals:

1. CHANGE IN THE UN STANCE towards Israel.

2. MAXIMIZED COOPERATION with all interested parties.

3. INCREASED INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION in UN activities.

4. NORMALIZATION of Israel's relationship with the United Nations executive branch and Member States.

With the changes in the world and the region, coupled with the new policies of the Rabin government and the agreements with the PLO and Jordan, these goals are steadily being met.

1. Change in UN Stance

General Assembly Resolutions

The 48th General Assembly was a turning point in the Assembly's stance towards Israel and the Middle East.

A new resolution on the Middle East peace process was adopted, unprecedented in its positive character and constructive support for the achievements of the current peace process. In addition, of the approximately 30 negative resolutions raised annually, 21 were either not introduced, not brought to a vote, or changed in tone and content, with criticism and condemnation of Israel removed. The voting pattern in many cases also shifted in Israel's favor.

The resolutions of the 48th General Assembly will be examined at length in the coming pages.

2. Maximized Cooperation

A. Diplomatic Relations

The change in Israel's position at the UN also found expression in the number of states with which Israel has diplomatic relations. Since the signing of the agreement with the PLO, relations with twelve states were established, seven of these signed at the UN.

The total number of states with which Israel has relations rose from 95 in 1990 to 138 this year. Of these, 133 are Member States of the United Nations, whose total membership numbers 184.

B. UN Agencies

Israel and UN peace-keeping forces in the region (UNIFIL and UNDOF) maintained good relations. In addition, relations with UN agencies functioning in Israel and the territories (UNRWA, UNDP, and UNICEF) continued to improve. A level of coordination and cooperation which did not exist in the past has been reached.

Total investment by these agencies in the territories will grow from $300 million last year to almost $450 million in 1994. UNDP alone will double its allotment to the territories from $18 million to $40 million.

3. Increased Involvement and Participation

A. Committee on Information

Israel's acceptance by consensus to the Committee on Information marks the first time that Israel was appointed to a permanent committee of the UN.

B. Election of an Israeli to UN Administrative Tribunal

Former Director of the Justice Ministry Mayer Gabay was elected to the UN Administrative Tribunal in direct elections by secret ballot. This marks the first time since the early 1960's that an Israeli was elected to serve on a UN body.

C. Other Issues

Israel addressed many issues at the 48th General Assembly beyond those related directly to the Middle East. Israeli representatives spoke on sustainable development, environment and desertification, women's rights, democracy, drugs, apartheid, human rights and other issues.

4. Normalization

A. Credentials

For the first time in twelve years, the credentials of all Member States, including Israel, were accepted without hindrance.

B. General Atmosphere

The changed political atmosphere was reflected in other ways as well.

The Secretary-General and ambassadors of all the members of the Security Council with which Israel has diplomatic relations attended with their spouses a dinner in honor of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, hosted by Mrs. Yaacobi and myself.

Over 100 ambassadors and foreign ministers attended a reception for Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, held at the United Nations building during the General Assembly.

* * *

The change in the relationship between Israel and the United Nations, however, is not yet complete:

* Israel must join a geographic group at the UN. Its natural place is with the Asian group, yet political realities still make this impossible. Until then, Israel should be accepted as a member of the Western European and Others group.

* The number of Israelis elected and appointed to UN bodies should be increased, as should Israeli involvement in UN peace- keeping efforts.

* Israel would like to broaden cooperation at the United Nations with all states, both those that have established formal relations and those that have not.

* Israel wants also to broaden its cooperation with UN agencies and executive bodies.

* Greater changes in UN resolutions must be effected to make them reflective of and appropriate to the new reality in the Middle East.

* Israel will continue to increase its involvement at the United Nations in issues not directly related to the Middle East and Israel.

* * *

The United Nations is not an inherently hostile organization with regard to Israel. Rather, it is a forum in which Israel should participate as a full and equal member.

The following pages will examine in detail the resolutions of the 48th General Assembly.

THE FORTY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY: RESOLUTIONS

Israel viewed the 48th General Assembly as an opportunity to harmonize United Nations resolutions with the new reality in the Middle East. Many resolutions on the Middle East adopted annually by the General Assembly were drafted at the height of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and served only as political weapons. In light of recent developments, they have become anachronistic and obsolete. Many also contradict the principles and modalities of the peace process and the Declaration of Principles signed by Israel and the Palestinians. Throughout the 48th General Assembly, Israel encouraged Member States to remove these resolutions from the agenda and, where necessary, to replace them with new resolutions consistent with the new reality.

The new situation in the region, coupled with intensive diplomatic activity at the United Nations, led to positive changes in 21 of the approximately 30 General Assembly resolutions unfavorable to Israel. Some negative draft resolutions were not introduced while others were deferred. Other resolutions underwent changes in language and content. In addition, shifts in voting patterns also occurred.

The following is an examination of the changes in the individual General Assembly resolutions. The resolution number follows each title.

1. A New Resolution in Support of the Peace Process

* The Middle East Peace Process (48/58)

This rsolution expresses the UN's support for the peace process, the Declaration of Principles (DOP) between Israel and the PLO, and the Agreement on a Common Agenda between Israel and Jordan. It also calls for regional economic cooperation, and encourages international support for the implementation of the agreements reached. The resolution was adopted under the agenda item "The Situation in the Middle East."

This is the first General Assembly resolution which positively addresses the peace process in the Middle East. It was cosponsored by 110 countries.

VOTE:

In Favor - 155 (Israel);
Opposed - 3 (Syria, Lebanon, Iran);
Abstain - 1 (Libya); Absent - 25 (Iraq)

2. Other Resolutions under "The Situation in the Middle East"

* Omnibus Resolution:

This is one of the most negative resolutions regarding Israel, and includes condemnations of Israeli presence and actions in the territories. Last year, the resolution was introduced, but not brought to a vote. As Israel had hoped, the resolution was not discussed at all in the General Assembly this year.

1992 VOTE: Not Brought to a Vote
1993 VOTE: NOT INTRODUCED

* Jerusalem (48/59 A):

No changes were made in the language or content of this resolution, which opposes the unification of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. There was no significant change in the vote on this resolution.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 140; Opposed - 1 (Israel); Abstain - 5
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 141; OPPOSED - 1 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 11

* Golan Heights (48/59 B):

Even with a softening in the wording of this resolution, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from the Golan, support for it decreased.

Last year's version affirmed the applicability of the Geneva Convention to the "Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem," whereas this year's resolution eliminated this reference and confined itself to mentioning only the Golan Heights. In addition, whereas last year's resolution expressed regret that the peace process had not achieved "results," the current resolution regretted the fact that "just and comprehensive peace" has not yet been achieved.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 72; Opposed - 3 (Israel); Abstain - 70
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 65; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 83

3. Resolutions under "The Question of Palestine"

* Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (48/158 A):

A paragraph welcoming the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles (DOP) was added to this resolution which authorizes the Committee to pursue its work. An operative paragraph suggesting that the Committee can positively contribute to the implementation of the accord was also added.

Israel had hoped that this resolution would be eliminated and the Committee's mandate not renewed. Despite this, the resolution was brought to a vote and passed with no substantial change in the voting pattern.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 115; Opposed - 3 (Israel); Abstain - 40
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 106; OPPOSED - 3 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 40

* Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat (48/158 B):

This resolution calls for the continued work of the Division, which was established in 1977 for the purpose of preparing studies and publications relating to "the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people." Despite Israel's desire to eliminate this resolution and abolish the Division itself, there were no substantial changes in the content, language or vote.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 119; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 37
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 107; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 41

* Information Relating to the Question of Palestine (DPI) (48/158 C):

Despite Israeli attempts to change this resolution with a view to its adoption by consensus, the resolution essentially retained the language and content of previous years, although it included a new paragraph welcoming the Declaration of Principles (DOP). The resolution asks the Department of Public Information to disseminate information on the "question of Palestine" in order to heighten support for the Palestinians. It was adopted with no substantial change in the voting pattern.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 152; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 3
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 147; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 2

* Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine (48/158 D):

An old resolution with a new title, this was formerly called "International Peace Conference in the Middle East." This year, however, the resolution did not call for such a conference, and instead welcomed the DOP, supported a UN role in its implementation, and called for international aid to the Palestinians. Other significant changes included the elimination of calls to place the territories under UN supervision and to provide international protection for Palestinians living there.

Although the revised version incorporates ideas found in the new resolution supporting the Middle East peace process, it prejudges and even predetermines the outcome of the negotiations it claims to support. Specifically, this resolution reiterated five "principles" for a final settlement and added a sixth regarding Palestinian self-determination.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 93; Opposed - 4 (Israel); Abstain - 60
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 92; OPPOSED - 5 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 51

* The Intifada:

This resolution condemning Israel's handling of the intifadah was introduced in a form identical to last year's, with the understanding that it would not be brought to a vote.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 146; Opposed - 3 (Israel); Abstain - 10
1993 VOTE: NOT BROUGHT TO A VOTE

4. Other Resolutions in the General Assembly Adopted Without Reference to a Main Committee

* Relations between Israel and South Africa

In past years, this resolution singled out Israel for alleged military cooperation with South Africa. As Israel had hoped, it was not introduced this year.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 93; Opposed - 39 (Israel); Abstain - 23
1993 VOTE: NOT INTRODUCED

* Cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States (48/21)

As its title implies, this resolution calls for cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States. All references to the Arab-Israeli conflict and Palestinian issue were removed from this resolution. Because of this, Israel and the United States moved from opposition to support. However, both countries included explanations of votes expressing reservations over the continuation of the Arab boycott.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 119; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 1
1993 VOTE: CONSENSUS

5. Resolutions from the First Committee

* Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in the Middle East (48/71):

As it has throughout the years, Israel joined in the consensus on this resolution, which urges all countries in the Middle East to take steps towards establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone. As in previous years, Israel explained that it believes that the establishment of a NWFZ must begin with confidence- and security- building measures, peace treaties, and conventional and non- conventional arms control agreements.

1992 VOTE: Consensus
1993 VOTE: CONSENSUS

* Israeli Nuclear Armament (48/78):

The language used in this resolution underwent significant revisions since last year. All condemnations of Israel were eliminated from the text, and a reference to the peace process was added. In addition, the request to not cooperate with Israel was stricken.

Despite these changes, the resolution still singles out Israel and calls upon it alone to renounce possession of nuclear weapons and join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The number of states opposed to this resolution grew from three to 45 this year. This combined with the abstention of 65 states to result in a total of 110 countries not supporting the resolution.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 64; Opposed - 3 (Israel); Abstain - 90
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 53; OPPOSED - 45 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 65

6. Resolutions from the Second Committee

* Repercussions of Israeli Settlements (48/212):

Accusations and condemnations of Israel were eliminated from this resolution. In addition, settlements were no longer defined as "an obstacle to peace," as they were last year. Still, the resolution called the settlements "an obstacle to economic and social development," and continued to refer to them as "illegal." It also continued to make reference to Security Council resolution 465 which claims that the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 applies to the West Bank and Gaza.

Even with the moderation in language, a slight shift from support to abstention occurred.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 150; Opposed - 3 (Israel); Abstain - 5
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 143; OPPOSED - 3 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 13

* Assistance to the Palestinian people (48/213):

In light of its active support for assistance to the Palestinians to help create the economic conditions conducive to peace, Israel made a genuine effort to reach a consensus on this resolution. References to Jerusalem, "occupied Palestinian territory," the intifadah and the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People were eliminated. As in other resolutions, specific details from past years were often replaced with general principles.

In the past, this resolution was sponsored by Arab countries. This contributed to the politicization of an issue which could have remained strictly humanitarian. This year, however, the resolution was introduced by the Vice Chairman of the Committee and was adopted by consensus.

In an explanation of its vote, Israel noted that its support for the resolution did not imply any position regarding the future status of the territories which would be negotiated according to the Declaration of Principles.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 155; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 3
1993 VOTE: CONSENSUS

* Living Conditions of Palestinians:

This is the second year in a row that this resolution was not introduced. It claims that the living conditions of the Palestinians had deteriorated because of Israeli rule in the territories. This year, elements of it not critical of Israel were incorporated into the resolution on assistance to the Palestinians.

1992 VOTE: Not Introduced
1993 VOTE: NOT INTRODUCED

7. Resolutions from the Third Committee

* Sovereignty and Non-Interference in Internal Affairs (48/124)

As it did last year, this resolution claims the "legitimacy of the struggle" of the Palestinians. There was no substantial change in voting pattern.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 99; Opposed - 45 (Israel); Abstain - 16
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 101; OPPOSED - 51 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 17

* Right of Peoples to Self-Determination (48/94)

This resolution claims the "inalienable right of the Palestinian people... to self-determination, independence and sovereignty." There was a reference to the DOP and a minor moderation in language.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 107; Opposed - 22 (Israel); Abstain - 33
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 101; OPPOSED - 26 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 37

8. Resolutions from the Special Political Committee (SPC)

A. Committee on Information

Israel's acceptance to the Committee on Information occurred in the framework of a consensus decision in the SPC which was ratified in the General Assembly, also by consensus. This marks Israel's first appointment to a UN committee.

B. UNRWA

* Assistance to Palestine Refugees (48/40 A)

This resolution calls upon states to provide financial support for UNRWA's work and for economic development in the territories. The primary changes were the addition of several paragraphs noting the DOP and welcoming the International Donors Conference which raised $2 billion in pledges for development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Despite these changes, the resolution still makes reference to General Assembly Resolution 194 of 11 December 1948, which supports the so-called "right of return" of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to Israel-proper. The United States moved from support to abstention because this reference was not stricken. Israel also abstained.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 136; Opposed - 0; Abstain - 2 (Israel)
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 159; OPPOSED - 0; ABSTAIN - 2 (ISRAEL)

* Financing UNRWA (48/40 B)

As it did last year, Israel joined the consensus on this resolution which commends the working group responsible for efforts to finance UNRWA.

1992 VOTE: Consensus 1993 VOTE: CONSENSUS

* Assistance to Displaced Persons from 1967 (48/40 C)

This resolution calls for humanitarian assistance to persons displaced as a result of the 1967 Six Day War, and for economic support for organizations providing such aid. There were no significant changes in language or content, and it was again adopted by consensus.

1992 VOTE: Consensus
1993 VOTE: CONSENSUS

* Scholarships for Refugees (48/40 D)

With no changes of significance, the resolution urging states to give scholarships to Palestinian refugees passed again by a vast majority. Israel had hoped that this resolution could have been moderated and adopted by consensus.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 139; Opposed - 0; Abstain - 1 (Israel)
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 161; OPPOSED - 0; ABSTAIN - 1 (ISRAEL)

* Refugees in the Territories (48/40 E)

No significant changes were made in this resolution which criticizes Israel's rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 138; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 0
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 157; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 0

* Distribution of Rations

This resolution calls upon countries to support UNRWA's distribution of rations to refugees. It was not brought to a vote this year.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 103; Opposed - 24 (Israel); Abstain - 14
1993 VOTE: NOT BROUGHT TO A VOTE

* Return of Displaced Persons from 1967 (48/40 F)

Support for this resolution increased in response to a moderation of its language and content. Condemnations of Israel were removed, and some other negative language was eliminated. Whereas last year's version made the demand for return of the displaced persons non-negotiable ("any and all agreements embodying any... condition for the return of the displaced inhabitants [are] NULL AND VOID") (emphasis added), the current version notes "the relevant provisions of the Declaration of Principles." The DOP stipulates that the issue will be negotiated in the framework of the permanent status negotiations to begin not later than the third year of the interim period.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 103; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 37
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 152; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 5

* Revenues Derived from Refugees Property (48/40 G)

This resolution was slightly moderated. It claims for the Palestinians property rights and asks that these rights be protected by the Secretary-General. There was no substantial change in the voting pattern.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 100; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 39
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 114; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 44

* Protection of Palestine Refugees (48/40 H)

Only minor changes were made in this resolution, which demands protection for Palestinians and criticizes Israel.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 138; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 1
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 153; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 6

* University of Jerusalem "Al-Quds" (48/40 I)

This resolution calls for the establishment of a university for Palestinian refugees in Jerusalem. There were no substantial changes in the resolution or in the voting pattern.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 139; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 1
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 156; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 2

* Protection of UNRWA and Palestinian Students (48/40 J)

Some minor changes were made in this resolution which demands protection for UNRWA installations and Palestinian students. The resolution is notable for its hostility towards Israel. Israel opposed the resolution, as did the United States.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 141; Opposed - 2 (Israel); Abstain - 0
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 159; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 0

* UNRWA Advisory Commission

The PLO considered asking that a resolution be introduced which would give them a place on the UNRWA Advisory Commission. In the end, however, no such resolution was put forward.

C. Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices in the Territories

Four resolutions from last year were condensed into one, lowering the total number of resolutions from seven to four. In addition, there were minor improvements in language, especially in the Omnibus resolution. Despite these changes, criticism of Israel and hostile demands remained. This led many states to abstain.

* Omnibus (48/41 A)

This is a general resolution regarding Israel and the territories. Twenty-two operative paragraphs in last year's version were condensed to nine this year. Much criticism and condemnation was removed, although some remained. In those cases, specific details were replaced with general principles. There was no substantial change in the voting pattern on this resolution.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 83; Opposed - 5 (Israel); Abstain - 55
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 93; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 65

* Geneva Convention (48/41 B)

A move from specifics to generalities in the opening paragraphs and the elimination of one paragraph condemning Israel were the only significant changes in the resolution claiming that the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 applies to the West Bank and Gaza. The resolution's content remained essentially the same, as did the voting pattern.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 141; Opposed - 1 (Israel); Abstain - 4
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 152; OPPOSED - 1 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 6

* Resolution C (48/41 C)

Four resolutions on settlements, deportation, detention and educational institutions were combined into one resolution this year. The various elements were shortened and moderated somewhat, however, the final product still teems with criticism and condemnation of Israel.

Compared with last year's votes on the four resolutions, there was a massive shift this year from support to abstention.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 142; Opposed - 1 (Israel); Abstain - 2
(Average of four votes)
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 106; OPPOSED - 2 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 48

* Golan Heights (48/41 D)

Whereas the resolution on the Golan adopted under the heading "The Situation in the Middle East" eliminated expressions of condemnation, this resolution presented essentially the same content in the hostile form familiar from the height of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The minor changes included modifications in wording in two paragraphs from "strongly condemns" to "condemns" and to "denounces."

There was a massive shift in voting away from support and towards abstention. Still, approximately twenty countries who abstained or were absent in the vote on the more moderate version voted in favor of the more hostile one.

1992 VOTE: In Favor - 142; Opposed - 1 (Israel); Abstain - 4
1993 VOTE: IN FAVOR - 85; OPPOSED - 1 (ISRAEL); ABSTAIN - 68

9. Resolutions on Terrorism

During the 48th General Assembly, two draft resolutions on terrorism were discussed, one in the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Matters) and one in the Sixth Committee (Legal Matters).

The resolution under consideration in the Third Committee was introduced by Turkey, and condemned terrorism as a violation of human rights. Syria and Pakistan tried to qualify the condemnation, and drafted amendments that would exempt terrorism committed in resistance to "alien domination." These amendments were withdrawn, and the resolution was adopted by consensus.

In the Sixth Committee, no final decision was reached on the subject of international terrorism, and the Committee decided to take up the issue again next year.

CONCLUSION

In 1993, the United Nations made significant progress in bringing its resolutions into tune with the new reality in the Middle East. Still, much work needs to be done. The deferral and discontinuation of several obsolete resolutions, and the changes in language and content of many others will serve as precedents as the UN continues to adapt to the new situation in the region.

ANNEX A: UNITED NATIONS PEACE-KEEPING FORCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Since 1949, the United Nations has been involved in the Arab- Israeli conflict through observer delegations and peace-keeping forces in the region.

* UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organization)

Established in 1948 in accordance with Security Council resolution 50 of 29 May 1948, UNTSO was the first peace-keeping force established by the UN. Despite the fact that its original missions are no longer relevant, both because of the changes on the ground and because of the deployment of other UN forces in the region, UNTSO continues to maintain observers working beneath or alongside UN forces.

The organization's Jerusalem staff functions as coordinator of all UN bodies in the area. UNTSO also maintains a group of observers directly responsible to UNIFIL and a group of observers on either side of the Israeli-Syrian border responsible to UNDOF. UNTSO numbers approximately 300 observers.

The Security Council resolution that established UNTSO did not define the length of its mandate. Accordingly, the Security Council does not renew its mandate as it does for the other UN forces in the area.

* UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force)

Deployed on the Golan Heights, UNDOF was established in June 1974 in accordance with Security Council resolution 350 of 31 May 1974, after the signing of the ceasefire agreement in Geneva by Israel and Syria. The force, which numbers 1,300 observers, was originally established for six months. Since then, it has had its mandate renewed every six months.

* UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)

This force, established by Security Council resolution 425 of 19 March 1978, was deployed in southern Lebanon at the request of the Lebanese government. Among UNIFIL's responsibilities are furthering the restoration of peace and international security, and aiding the Lebanese government in reasserting its effective authority in the region. The force numbers approximately 5,800 soldiers from ten countries, and its mandate is renewed every six months.

ANNEX B: UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES FUNCTIONING IN THE TERRITORIES

* United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

UNRWA was established in 1949 for Arab refugees from the War of Independence. Expanded over the years, it now runs educational, health and social welfare programs in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, as well as in the West Bank and Gaza. UNRWA's total outlays in 1992 came to $257 million.

* United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP provides economic assistance to developing nations. In 1981 it began activities in the territories focussing on technical and professional training, development of health institutions (in cooperation with the World Health Organization), development of educational institutions for children (in cooperation with UNICEF), and improvement of infrastructure and municipal services. In its twelve years of work there, UNDP has spent approximately $50 million. Given the urgent need for economic aid to assist the smooth implementation of the Declaration of Principles (DOP) signed by Israel and the PLO on 13 September 1993, UNDP will almost match that figure in 1994, by investing $40 million in the territories.

* Secretary General's Special Task Force

In an effort to support the momentum in the peace talks generated by the Declaration of Principles, the UN Secretary General established a special task force to coordinate providers of assistance and broaden the scope of their activity.