S/PV.1774 Security Council

I hope 1 speak for all the members of the Security Council when I express the great satisfaction with which my Government welcomes the Agreement, announced Wednesday. between Syria and Israel. As all members know, this Agreement provides f’or the disengagement of Syrian and Israeli forces (SFP S/II302/Add. I, annex 11. II was signed today by Syrian and Israeli military representatives in the Egyptian-Israeli Military Working Group of the Geneva Peace Confercncc on the Middle East. 4. The Israeli-Syrian Disengagement Agreement. together with the agreement reached earlier on disengagement of Egyptian-Israeli forces [S/II 198 of I8 January 1974). will in our view open the way for progress at Geneva towards the achievement of an enduring settlement in the Middle East. As President Nixon said Wednesday, the prospects fix such a peace now are better than at any time in the past 25 years. President Nixon also pledged that the United States would continue working with all Governments in the area towards that goal. 5. We congratulate the Governments of Israel and Syria. Our President has commended Prime Minister Meir and President Al-Assad for the vision and the statesmanship with which they have resolved the great differences that seemed insurmountable only a short time ago. We arc pleased that the United States, through the efrorts of Secretary Kissinger. was privileged :o help bringabout thisagrccmenl. We express our appreciation also for the co-operation of the Soviet Union as reflected in the three convorsaiions which the Secretary of State and the Forcipn Minister have held in recent weeks. 6. Israel and Syria have rccognized that the United Nations should play a crucial role in the execution of this Agreement. The Protocol to the Disengagement Agreement [S/11302/Add. I, annex lr] provides for the rstahlishmcnt of a United Nations Discngagemcnl Obser\,ei- Force. This Force will play a key and indispensable role in maintaining a cease-h-c and seeing th~l it is scrupulously cbservcd. I ask. thcrcforc, that the Council aulhorize lhc cl-cation of lhc United Nations Discngagcmcnt Observer Force. 7. 1n adcqinp 1lic draft resolution the C’ouncil LI ill bs lill;illg lllr ncAl crllicnl slsp in \Vhal \VC hpc u-ill he il quickening ~novernc~l~ Iowards a ~CIIIIIIIICIII pcacc in 111s I\~iJdlc t&t. It ix ;inclthcr impurlant slsp on the long road h&xc uh. ‘1 Iic‘ 1~x1 is simple and slraiFhllo~\~;rrd. II is assurances of its cominued effective functioning for the duration of the mandate established by the draft resolution. 1 urge the speedy adoption of this draft resolution. on ihc Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces which had been reached. The message from Mr. Brezhnev to Mr. &-Assad stated: “This Agreement marks the beginning of the libera- 8. Today we are considering not merely abstract issues of military units and borders; weare. rather, grappling with the most important and yet the most human of issues-war or tion of the Syrian territory occupied by the Israeli aggressors. It represents the result of the courageous struggle 01 the Syrian people. which has enjoyed the unfailing sup peace. port of the Soviet Union and of other States which are friendly to Syria.” 9. We have indeed come a long way in the past few months. The peoples of the Middle East have started on a new course which offers the promise of greater security and 17. Mr. Brezhnev expressed his satisfaction that, in the . course of the consultations which took place to prepare the troop Disengagement Agreement. “the Soviet Union and Syria actecl together, from unified positions, guided by the interests of attaining pcacc in the Middle East”. The mesgreater prosperity for all the peoples of that historic region. It is within our power to ease and assist that process. I am confident that with !he aid of the United Nations, and of the Council in particular. steady progress can continue to be sage also notes: made until we attain our long-sought goal-lasting peace in the Middle East. “Troop disengagement is of course only a step towards a tinal Middle East settlement. the key to which must be IO. Mr. MALIK (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (translation from Russian): This morning, 31 May 1974, in the withdrawal of Israeli troops from all Arab lands occupied in 1967 and the guaranteeing of the legitimate national rights of the Arab people of Palestine. conformity with the understanding between Syria and Israel. the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forcer, was signed by the official representatives “Following the completion of the disengagement of of these countries at Geneva. It goes without saying that, in spite of its positive significance, this Agreement is only the first step towards attainment of the main aim-the liberation from Israeli occupation of all Arab lands seized in 1967 Syrian and Israeli troops, the Geneva Peace Conference must. without wasting any time. proceed to theconsideration and solution of all the problems involved in the settlement in order to ensure lasting security for all States and peoples in that area.” and later. Mr. Brezhnev stresses this in his message. He assured Prcsi- 1 I. The Soviet Government has authorized me as the representative of the USSR on the Security Council to inform the Council that the Soviet Union,asa participant in the numerous consultations to prepare the Agreement on Disengagement between Syrian and Israeli Forces. comdent Al-Assad that the Soviet Union “would continue to afford support to the Syrian Arab Republic and to other friendly Arab States in their struggle for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East”. mends the Agreement which has been reached. 18. I al!:0 consider it worth informing the members of 12. The Government of the Soviet Union particularly commends the position of Syria, which has displayed high principle and foresight in the discussion of the relevant the Securitv Council of the official text, published on 30 May 1974 simultaneously in Moscow and Damascus, ofa joint Soviet-Syrian communiquC concerning the visit of questions relating to troop disengagement. A. A. Gromyko. the Foreign Minister ofthe USSR, to the Syrian Arab Republic. The text of this communique states: 13. At the same time, the Soviet Union considers it necessary to stress that this troop Disengagement Agreement is only a step towards the main goal-the total “From 27 to 29 May 1974. at the invitation of the leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic. A. A. Gromyko. Foreign Minister of the USSR and member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. paid an official visit liberation of the Arab lands from Israeli occupation. This goal must be attained ifall the interested parties genuinely wish toachieveajust and lasting peace in the Middle East. of friendship to Damascus. 14. The Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East is thus faced with a difficul: task: that of finding a solution to the Middle East problem on this basis in the interestsof “The visit took place in an atmosphcrc of warmth and cordiality rcflccting the friendly relations bctwecn the two pcoplcs and countries. peace, security and the protection of the legitimate interests of all the States and peoples of this region, including the Arab people of Palestine. “Mr. Ciromyko was rcccivcd by and had talks with Prcsidcnt Al-Hassad. the Gcncral Secretary of the Ba’ath Arab Socialist I’arty. and also with Mr. Mahmoud Ayoubl. the C’hairmnn of the Council of Minis- 15. The Soviet IJnion will continue todoeverything possible and everything in its power along these lines. including what it can do as a participant in the Geneva CnrQence. ters. and Mr, Ahdul Ilalim Khaddam. the Minister for problem and of the question of troop disengagement on the Syrian front, as a first step and a constituent element in a comprehensive solution of this problem. “As a result of the talks, the convergence of the positions of the IWO sides on all these questions was once again confirmed. The IWO sides once again confirmed that a just solution of the Middle East problem could be achieved only on the basis of total liberation by Israel of all the occupied Arab territories and guarantees for the lawful national rights of the Arab people of Palestine. “The two sides consider that. immediately after [he achievement of an Agreement on troopdisengagement on the Syrian front and the implementation of its provisions, appropriate measures must be taken without delay IO achieve an all-embracing and just settlement which will ensure the irnplementation of the relevant decisions of the United Nations. “The Syrian Arab Republic confirmed its position with regard to the fact that the Soviet Union should take part in all stages and in :III aspects of a settlement designed to establish a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. “The Soviet Union once again confirmed its unchanging policy of principle involving comprehensive support to the Syrian Arab Republic in its struggle for the elimination of the consequences of Israeli aggression. “The Soviet Union and the Syrian Arab Republic confirm the strength of the relations between them aa-td the strength of the friendship between the peoples of the two countries. and declare that they will not permit anyone to disrupt these relations and this friendship which are the result of great and lengthy efforts on the part of both sides.” 19. A draft resolution in connexion with theattainment of agreement on the disengagement of Syrian and Israeli troops has been submitted for the consideration of the Security Council by the Soviet Union and the United States. The delegation of the USSR. for its part. agrees that in the disengagement zone between Syria and Israel-cr. as it is otherwise known. the buffer ZOIWthere should be a Unitrd Nations Discngagrmcnt Observer Force set up by lhc Security Council. 20. In this conncxion. the dclcgation of the USSR notes with satisfaction and approval the comment made in the Secretary-General’s stalcmcnt at the 1773rd mecling of the Council. on 30 Mar. that the United Nations Disengagemcnt Observer Fo;cc would bc set up o11 the basis ol the same general principles as those a??ich he had prcscnted to the Council in his previous report [S/IIO52//Kev. I of 27 Oc/ober 19731 and which had been approved by thr Council in its resolution 341 (1973). personnel already in the area, that is from the ranks of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) and from the United Nations observers who arc already in the Middle East. We also take note of the Secretary-General’s statement at the meeting on 30 May that in selecting personnrl for the Force he would bc in consultation with the Council. 22. The Soviet delegation also feels that the expenses connected with the maintenance of UNEF in the Middle East should not be increased. 23. Thus, no increase in the size of UNEF in the Middle East is envisaged, and observation of the disengagement of Syrian and Israeli troops will be ensured by transferring units of the United Nations forces which are already stationed in the Middle East. 24. In conclusion, we should also like to point out that the draft resolution on this question submitted to the Council by the Soviet Union and the United States of America envisages that the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria and Israel should be stationed there for a period of six months. It is also envisaged that. if it becomes necessary to extend that period, that question should be considered by the Council, and the renewal of the period for the further stationing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force should be formalized ty the Council’s adoption of a new resolution on the subject. 25. The Soviet delegation expresses the hope that, with this understanding of the substance and content of the draft resolution, the members of the Security Council will find it acceptable and will support it, so as to facilitate this first step towards the attainment of the main goal which I have mentioned.

As no other representative wishes to make a general statement. I shall now call upon those representatives wishing to speak in explanation of vote before the vote.

The Chinese delegation has pointed out on many occasions that the cl ux of the Middle East question lies in the aggression against the Palestinian and other Arab peoples carried out by Israeli Zionism with the support and abetment of the two super-Powers and the frantic contention between the super-Powers for hegemony in their selfish interest. Ctinsequently, to seek a fundamental solution of the Middle East question, it is imperative to stop the hcgcrnonv and power politics practised by rhe lw) super-Powcrs;Ii this region. eliminate all their intcrfr;enccs in Middle East affairs, demand Israeli withdra\vaI from the occupied Arab tcrritorics and restore complctcl! to the Palestinian people their national rights. Bctorc rcalization of those objcctivcs. a “just and lasting pc;lcc” in the Middle East is out of the question. as well as of Palestine. who demonstrated their tremendous power and dealt heavy blows at the Israeli Zionists paying a tribute to the statesmanship shown by both Governments. He affirmed that this Agreement. following the similar disengagemenI agreement concluded between Israel and Egypt in January of this year. augured in the fourth Middle East war. last October, will strengthen their unity, persevere in struggle. gradually remove the obstacles along their road ofadvance, break through well for the resumption oflhe Cienrva peace negotiations. The two agreemems. he said. were important iniIial steps towards the just and lasting settlement in the Middle East that Australia had always longed I’or. the super-Power manipulation and control and finally realize their national aspirations. 29. AS is known IO all. China has always held its principled position on the dispatch of troops in the name of 37. Senator Willesce also paid a tribute IO ~hc untiring the United Nations under whatever form. It is only out of consideration for the present attitude of the victim of aggression IhaI the Chinese delegation has decided not to participate in the voting on the draft resolution before US. efforts of the United States Secretary ofStaIc. Mr. Kissinger. in helping 10 bring the Agreement about. There is no doubt thaI these sentiments and the tributes to all parties concerned that have been well expressed by the sponsors We request the President of Ihc Security Council lo place on official record China’s position of dissociation from of the draft resolution that we have just adopted. are richly deserved. the matter. 38. We shall not. of course. delude ourselves into assuming that a final and complete settlemem of all the crucial

The remarks of the represenia- Iive of China have been noted. problems of the Middle East is already in sight. II goes without saying that much dit‘ficult negotiation and hard bargaining lies ahead. But this need not Iesson our feeling of extreme satisfaction and relief over the achievcmenr of this

Iraq’s position concerning the situation in the Middle East, the question of Palestine and the rights of Ihc Palestinian people is well known. We further explained our position regarding the role of the final step forward and our deep obligation IO the Iwo Governments for the high degree of responsible statesmanship they have shown and also IO Mr. Kissinger for his United Nations forces in the area on 8 April.at the 1765th meeting of the Council. .4t that time we dissociated ourselves form the pertinent Council resolutions which tremendous perseverance and his skill. defined the role of the lJnited Nations forces. 39. Let me say in conclusion that my own Govcrnmenl stands ready 10 play whatever part it may be asked IO play within the framework of the United Nations in ensuring that 32. Iraq maintains its posiiion as stated previously on several occasions. We shall therefore not participate in the voting on the draft resolution [S/11305/&~. I] which is now before the Council. this Agreement is put into full efl’ect. 40. Mr. SALAZAR (Costa Rica) (interpretation from

As no other member wishes IO Spunish): My delegation would like to see more occasions like this one in which we have voted in favour of a draft resolution that marks the contribution of the llnited Nations to the historic achievements that have rcccmly speak before the vote. I shall now put to thevote the draft resolution in document S/I 1305/Rev. I. A vote wus tahm by show qf hands. occurred in the creation ofpeaceful conditions in the Middle East. I repeat that my delegation would like IO SW more occasions like this because we believe that wIthin this liamework of action the Council is in fact clearly carrying ou1 the The draft resolutio,i was adopted by I3 votes to none.’ Two members (China and lrcq) did not puriicipute in the voting. functions vested in it by the Charter to deal with matters of international peace and security.

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote alter the voting. 41. Without any circumlocutions, my delegation wishes to express I0 the Governments of Syria and Israel ils warmest congratulations for the wtrrthv spirit of co-opcriltio~l Illi they have shown in ihc negotaiions (Ililt concl~~lcd will1 the 35. Sir Laurence MclNTYRE(Australia): I am sure Il1;1I no words of mine can express adequately the deep sense 01 troop Discngagenient Agreement on the Golan I Icighls. It also wishes to stress that the a~titudc of both State\ in demonstrating their willingness to arrive at agreements was a noble one. in view of the fact it was sureiy noi easy I~II graIificalion with which the announcemenI of Ihc Disengagcmct~l Agreement bctwccn I\racl and Syria signed al <ielleVa Ihis lnornillg has been received in Australia. and I brllcve ;il.OLllld the Council, which has plyyed its own importam parI in opening the way for it. cilhcr of them to do so, owing IO the background resulting from the hostilities, and that these agreements have brouphl solace and relief to the tense situation in the Middle EasI and have given rise to optimism in the rest of the world. I ~hc troop Discngagcmcnt Agreement. 43. Rut our recognition and admiration would not be complete wtlcn rcliirring IO the work done by Mr. Kissinger were wc not to say quite clearly that in addition to the congratulations ol’fcred to him, congratulations should also bc cxtcndcd to IIIC country in whose name he acted. Thanks IO its wise international policy, the United States t~;tk taken a position in keeping with its immense world responsibility. I am sure that all peace-loving nations have watched with both admiration and appreciation the evolution of lhnl policy. 44. I can find no better reasons than those which I’have already stated to explain and justify the vote that my delegation cast in favour of the draft resolution that was submitted to the Council at this meeting.

It is with a great sense of relief and profound gratification that my delegation welcomes the accord for the disengagement of forces between Syria and Israel. As a result ofthis agreemwt. peace may at last onceagain return to thearea after the nearly continuous violence. death and destruction of past dccadcs. 40. My detcgation ,joins others in paying a tribute lo the Secretary of State of the United States. Mr. Kissinger, whose phcnomcnal effbrts and dedication IO the cause of peace have been so very instrumental in laying the foundations of peace in the arca. Equally, it has also to be recopnized that this hopeful state ofaffairscould not have been brought about wcrc it not for the statesmanship and great wisdom cxcrciscd by the Governments of the two conllicting parties. 47. WC arc very much aware that the accord between Syria and Israel is not a peace accord and that we are still a long way i’~m the end of the road leading to a just and lasting peace. The foundations of peace that have just hcen laid arc still fragile and still limited in scope, and without the ncccssary care and constraint the sound 01 guns may once again prevail. As my delegation has often noted in the past. a just and tasting peace in the area GII~OI bc achicvcd without the removal ofthe root causes of the Middle Fast probtcm. Little attention has so far hceti addrcrscd to thr plight of the Palestinian pcoptcs, th11sc who ti;i\e sul’lcicil iiiosl bolt1 spiritually and mate- 11;il1y iit the M~dtllc East. Their claims for a national id~nt~t! and also the assi\tnncc which they may need in ilic future H ticn that national identity is finally achicvcd. rrlt~st he rccogni/cti and acknowlcdgcd by the internntional c~>nrmunit!. l heir cry l.or a just solution to these problems should not go unhecdcd too long if the present hcginnings of a ~cttlcmcnt are to grow into a lirm structure of pwcc which wc all desire IO see in the Middle East. brought about the Syrian-Israeli Disengagement Agreement prevails in future negotiations. there will begenuine hope that real progress towards the solution of these difficulties will soon be made. 50. The spirit of accommodation and the momentum so far achieved must not be lost. It is the need to keep the fragile peace in the area from relapsing that necessitates the presence of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the area. 51. It is upon the basis of those considerations that my delegation lends its support to the draft resolution in document S/l 130VRev. I. 52. Mr. EL. HASSEN (Mauritania) (ittrerprrtarionfrom French): The signing today at Geneva ofthe Syrian-Israeli troop disengagement Agreement is an event which may open up new prospects for a just and lasting solution to the distressing problem of the Middle East. My delegation. whose people and Government are profoundly peace and justice loving, wclcomcs this Agreement with interest. 53. This document. as is explicitly indicated in paragraph H, is not a peace agreement. It simply constitutesa first step towards a just and lasting peace in the area. The conditions for that peace are well known. They include the restoration, wholly and entirely. to the Arab people of Palestine of their national legitimate and inalienable rights and the total withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories. 54. For its part, the Government of my country has ceaselessly proclaimed its attachment to these principles of simple justice-principles, need we remind you. which are entirely in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Charter of the Organization and which have been repeatedly affirmed and reaffirmed by relevant resolutions 01 the General Assembly and the Security Council. 55. My Government has ceaselessly demanded that the conditions I have mcntioncd should he fulfilled entirely and urgently. The Agrermcnt rcfcrs explicitly to resolution 338 (1973) and provides I’or the cstahlishmcnt of a force with the task of supervising the application of that Agreement. 56. In lhc tight of the prcc~ctttng coii~itlcrations. nib delegation voted in liivour 01. ltic draft resolution. However. we should like to say most clearly that. from out standpoint. the p~~cnce of that li,rcc should in 110 way bc prejudicial to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

My delegation was indeed happy to vote for the resolution before us today. It is perhaps of significance and of hope that it is a resolution sponsored by both the United States of Amerthreat to the peace: the Iran-Iraq dispute. the intercommunal troubles in Cyprus,and. today, the Middle East. In each case the Security Council has made an important ica and the Soviet Union. For this example of their joint commitment to this Agreement we and the wolId are indeed grateful. 1 should like to repeat the congratulations already offered by my Government in London first contribution to what is the central and the most vital task of the Organization: the prevention of war and the maintenance of international peace and security. It is perhaps unfortunate that our successes do not always rcceivc the publicity that our failures do. Nevertheless. I think we \ J of all to the two Governments for the efforts which they have made to reach this Agreement and secondly to the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Henry Kissinger, for may all legitimately take some pride today in what we have collectively been able to achieve. the remarkable part which he has played in helping to achieve this Agreement. It has been an extraordinary achievement when we consider how matters stood as

With the greatest satisfaction my delegation wclcorned the conclusion of the Disengagement Agreement recently as a month ago. Weare very glad to welcome this further step along the road which we hope will lead eventually to a permanent settlement. between Israel and Syria. We are extremely gratified that a new step, whose great importance hasalso been stressed by the Secretary-General, has thus been taken in the direction of a peaceful settlement. We wish to pay a 59. Of course, nobody ‘believes that today’s Agreement is that permanent settlement and obviously much still remains to be accomplished. But the significance of tribute to the role played at this time by the United States in the person of Mr. Kissinger. whose untiring activities overcame great difficulties. My delegation hopes that the resumption of the negotiations that started on 2 I Decemtoday’s Agreement is that without it the next stage could not even commence. Without this disengagement there could be no peace conference. It is with a consciousness of ber 1973 at Geneva will be made easier and that the parties directly concerned will agree to commit thcmselves speedily to the search for and the implementation of a general settlement of the conflict on the basis of the provisions of resolution 242 (1967). that significance that we are here today. 60. Now is the time f& the United Nations to play its part, and I should like tocommend the Secretary-General and his staff for the speed with which they have reacted in presenting the report which was submitted to us yester- 65. The reports which the Secretary-General has subday. My delegation was very happy to approve that report. We noted with satisfaction that the Secretarymitted to the Council [S/ffSOZ and Add.f] have been examined by my Government and, generally speaking. we are in favour of their provisions. However, I have been instructed to make some comments. General intends to draw on United Nations military personnel already in the area and does not therefore at this stage envisage the necessity of recruiting any additional personnel to man the Force. He is well aware that, along 66. I note, first of all. that. in accordance with the Protc;col annexed to the Disengagement Agreement. a resolution of the Security Council must decide upon the with other delegations, we have drawn attention to the need to ensure that the func;ions of the Force are carried on as economically as can be done without impairing the modalities governing the Force. This seems to us to bc a necessary provision. It was indeed up to the Council urgently and under its authority to set up the force that Force’s efficiency. 61. We were also glad to note that the Secretary- General intends to set up this Force on the basis of the same general principles as those governing the United Nations Emergency Force. We think this is right. This means that the new Force will effectively be functioning will observe the disengagement between the Israeli and Syrian forces. 67. Secondly, it is to be hoped that the Secrctary- General will very soon be able to supply the Council with more detailed information on the financial implications of the creation of this new emergency force. Thus H’C would be interested also in knowing the exact size ofthc on the same basis as UNEFand that, for example, SO long as the authority which we have given for the establishment of the Force remains operative, it will not be withdrawn without a decision of the Security Council to that contingents. which will bc drawn from UNEF for the time being. If further contingents appear to be necessary. the Council should be seized of such a need bcforc any dccieffect. 62. I should perhaps remind the Council at this stage that. as I pointed out in our meeting on 8 April [ 176Srh nteelbrg] when we renewed the mandate of the United Nations Emergency Force, my Government stands ready sion is adopted, and the principle ol’equitablc gcopraphical distribution must be rcspccted. 68. My third comment relates to the provision\ of thr Protocol annexed to the Agrccmcnt. which cxcludcs from the force pcrsonncl drawn from the permanent mcmhc’rs to play its part in any way that can be helpful, and in particular in the composition of any pcacc-keeping force which may bc nccdcd to gunrantcc a final pcacc agrecof the Security Council. This provision. which appears in merit in accordance with resolution 242 (1967). where ihc dispaich of United Nalions forces “is not only military in significance” [ibid. 1. Those reservations were repeated by my dclegntion on 8 April last (/7651/t ntrcfing]. when wc renewed the mandate of UNEF. On this point our position has in no way changed. On that day when a peace agrecmcnt is signed between the particsand I note that the Agrccmcnt on the Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces “is not a peace agreement “--the Force will have the duty not only to maintain a cease-fire but to maintain peace. and it is quite Iegilimate that at that time it include contingentssupplied by the permancfit members of the Security Council. My Govcrnmcnt is ready to participate in such a peacckeeping force. 69. In the light ofthccommcnts I have made. mydelcgation voted in favour of the draft resolution submitted by the IJnitcd States of America and the Soviet Union. We are convinced that its adoption will allow for the due application ofthc Disengagcrnent Agreement just arrived at. with a Jicw IO the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East to the benefit of all the parties concerned. 70. A declaration of (ht. French Government was published in Paris today and I waited to receive the text before inscribing my name on the list of speakers for this meeting. 1 shall conclude my statement by reading out that text: “‘l‘hc French Government welcomes .,ith great satisfaction the Agreement signed on Friday on the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan front and we pay a tribute to the efforts made to achieve such an end. The French Government considers that this Agreement is a first step towards the establishment of a just and stable peace in the Middle East on the basis of the Security Council resolutions. which must be implemented scrupulously and in their entirety. “The French Government wishes to recall on this matter that. together with all the Governments of the European Economic Community. it adheres to the 6 Novcmbcr 1973 joint Declaration which defines the principles for a :iust and lasting peocc both on the ~crri~orial Icvcl and on that of the rcspcct due to the inlcgrity and independcncc ofcach and cvcry State 01 the region. France is ready IO contribute IO Ihe starch for such a seltlclllcnt. “The I’rcnch Govcrnmcnt. furIhcrmorc. wishes to strrss that it considers Ihat all lxaccl’ul scttlcmcnts. to bc just and lasting. must equitably t;lkc inlo account the Icgitimalc aspiraiions 01‘ lhc I’alr~rinians.” 7 I. Mr. .)ANKOM’ITSC‘Il (Austria): Vsry ol’tcn in the past. when WC’ gathered al ound this table 10 discuss the taken recently. as we have come here not only 10 pay a tribute to the parties concerned and to another sinpulal triumph of diplomacy. but also 10 take upon us the share and indeed the burden of responsibility which again is conferred upon the Organization. 72. After seemingly unending talks. negotiations and efforts, which more than once threatened to break down, the Agreement signed this morning between military representatives of Israel and Syria on the disengagement of their forces in the Golan-area is in so many ways and by all standards a? extraordinary achievcmen\. It has been justly hailed as an historic even! which opens a new chapter in the history of the Middle East and which will. we fervently hope. pave the way towards the at!ainment of a peaceful and jusl settlement of a!l the problems of a region that has seen so much war. bitterness. hatred and untold human suffering. 73. We must. of course. remain realistic and regard the present Agreement as being only another step towards a just and durable peace. But it is a decisive step and a new beginning. We must now not lose this momentum 01 peace which. as experience in the Middle East has so convincingly shown, is the best instrument to generate and accelerate a new philosophy of peace in the minds 01 those who hoid the fate of that part of the world in theit hands. 74. I wish to place on record deep admiration for the parties concerned-the Governments of Israel and Syria and their leaders, in particular President Al-Assad and Prime Minister Meir. who, in their earnest desire to give peace a chance. have overcome so many difficulties. 75. The highest tributes and admiration are also due to the man who was so ;nstrumental in bringing about this agreement: the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. Kissinger. It is another triumph of vision. endurance and diplomatic skill which has so decisively contributed to the successful outcome. 76. There can be no doubt. however. that the fortunate outcome of the last round of negotiations in the Middle East also owes a great deal to the patient efforts. the goodwill and the good offices offcrcd by the other parties involved in the Geneva Peace Confercncc. a tribute which applies in particular to Presidcnr Sadar of Egypt and the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union. Mr. Gromyko. 77. When the Security Council met on 25 October 1973 to consider a proposal for the cstablishmcnt o1.a Ilnited Nation\ cmcrpcncy force in the Suc7 Canal arca. I think tnat probably all ol‘t~s l’clt the heavy rrsponsibilily uhich w;is confcrrcd upon the C’ouncil in bringing the Orpani;lation’h potcnlinl 10 hear in the vcr? Capacity 1.01. which it \\‘a.~ created. This crisis rnalia!?elncnr--iI I ma~tlc~~rilx it 78. Today we ace faced with a similar situation. We have just created a new United Nations peace-keeping force, as provided for in the Protocol annexed to the Agreement between Israel and Syria. 1 do not have to repeat here the most positive and favourable attitude that my Government has always taken in regard to United Nations peacekeeping operations and to peace-keeping forces and the willingness my country has never failed to express to make such contribu,ions as might be required. 85. Before concluding, I should like to pay a welldeserved tribute tc all Governments which have, directly or indirectly, worked to bring about the conclusion of the troop disengagement Agreement which wassigned today. My delegation hopes that these Governments and all the parties directly concerned in the Middle East question will redouble their determination to ensure the success 01‘ future states of the negotiations and will do so with a new and global vision of the realities of the area and a proper assessment of the legitimate interests involved. particularly those of the Palestinian people. 79. It is the sincere and deeply felt hope of my delegation that, with the adoption today of the draft resolution submitted by the Soviet Union and the United States, the moment of final peace in the Middle East has come nearer. Further efforts can now proceed in the framework of the Geneva Conference, in which, together with the convening Powers and the parties concerned, the United Nations itself will again be called upon to play an important part. 86. Mr, STUBBS (Peru) (inrerpretation ,fiom Spanish): Peru has heard with great happiness the news of the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and S, rian Forces, signed at Geneva today by the representatives 01 those two Governments, within the framework of the Geneva Conference which is being held pursuant to Security Council resolution 338 (1973). We wish to congratulate the parties for having arrived at this Agreement. whose immediate effect will have to be a cessation of fire in that region of the Middle East. This Agreement joins the other one that was signed almost seven months ago concerning the disengagement of Egyptian and Israeli troops in Sinai. 80. We shall leave this meeting with a spirit of reliefand optimism, becoming perhaps to the approaching days of Whitsun which are by tradition days of renewal and new life. Let us hope, therefore, that what could be called the Council’s Whitsun resolution will carry a new spirit of hope and conciliation in the coming weeks and months. 8 I. Mr. BOOH BOOH (United Republic of Cameroon) (interprerationfrom French): Pursuant to Security Council resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973, Israel and Syria have today signed an Agreement for the disengagement of their troops. The Cameroon Government, which has always advocated the settlement of tire Middle East affair by peaceful means, welcomes this event, which constitutes the serious beginnings of dialogue. We hope that the parties will faithfully apply the Agreement that has been signed and will be encouraged to pursue serious negotiations with a view to finding a final and just solution to the state of war which has prevailed for more than a quarter century in the Middle East. 87. The Council’s action today in creating a IJnited Nations Disengagement Observer Force is an integral part of the Agreement between the parties and to a certain extetit, judging from the words of the Protocol. one rests upon the other. The Security Council and. generally speaking, the peace-keeping machinery provided for in the Charter have demonstrated that the United Nations is inextricably linked to the task of creating peace in the Middle East. 82. The Israeli and Syrian troop disengagement Agreement is, in the view of my delegation, something of practical scope which is not at all negligible. As we can read in paragraph H of that document “This Agreement is not a peace agreement. It is a step towards a just and durable peace on the basis of Security Council resolution 338 dated 22 October 1973.” [S/11.702/Add.l, annex I.] Nevertheless. this Agreement will make possible the halting of bloodshed and the creation of conditions favourable to negotiations on the substance of the matter and will contribute to the sohition of many humanitarian problems. 88. With the adoption of this resolution, the implemcntation of resolution 242 119671 of 22 November 1967 can start in accbrdance with;he piovisions of resolution 33X (1973) of 22 October 1973. Therefore, while we hail today’s Agreement, which required great efforts. WC must stress that this represents only a first step-although an absolutely indispensable one-in a process which will bc arduous and long. Today’s agrcemcnt at Gcncva allows us to view the forthcoming negotiations with optimism

The her-bctl of (cnsion which still exists in the Middle East. and which developed as a result of Israel’s aggressive actions. no\\ occupies a special place in world politics. The l’nitctl Nations has been discussing this problem at the most varied levels for many years. A large number of rccommendations and binding decisions have been tnade. It is 83. The United Nationsshouldnot. therefore.spareany effort to permit the machinery provided for in that Agreement to produce the best results. It is for this reason that my delegation supports the proposal made by the Secretary-General in his report [S/ll302/Add. I]. That is by reality. 90. This morning the signing of the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces took place at Geneva. This undoubtedly represents a great success for all the interested parties without exception who took part in the talks. In accordance with this Agreement, lsrael and Syria undertake scrupulously to observe the cease-fire and to refrain from all military actions against each other. Specific measures are laid down to eliminate possible accidental military clashes. In this Agreement, the parties have distinctly and clearly specified the role 01 the United Nations, under the auspices of which the ptovisions of the Agreement will be implemented. Thus the first serious step has been taken towards a political se’ttlcment of the conflict. It is precisely this which now dctermines the importance and significance of the Agreement. 91. In this connexion, we should like to share the hope expressed by the Secretary-General in hisstatement at the 1773rd meeting that “the achievement of this Agreement on Disengagement will constitute another important step towards a just and lasting settlement in the Middle East, for which the Council has worked for many years.” 92. Here we should like to stress that thereare ofcourse two signatures under this Agreement, which has been concluded between two sides; but now that there is talk in this room of the prospects of the future which is opening up for further talks. the position of the Syrian Arab Republic-which has displayed such high principle and foresight in working out this Agreement--should be pattitularly noted and commended. 93. Great credit for the Agreement between Syria and Israel is due to the Soviet Union and the socialist countries, which have always advocated and continue to advocate a just sp!;;ement of the Middle East problem on the basis of resolution 242 (1967) A. A. Gtomyko. the Foteign Minister of the Soviet Union, has played and is still playing a positive and constructive role at all stages of the elimination of the dangerous hotbed of war in the Middle East. 94. In appreciating the Agreement at its proper value. the Byelorussian delegation would at the same time point out that it constitutes oniy a partial mcasurc in the ovctall solution of the Middle East problem and that it dots not cmbracc the main. key clcmcnts for a sc11lemcn1 ol’thc ~onliict-wililrlrawal of Israeli Iroops from ill1 occ~1pkd Arab lands and guatantccs for the I;IL\ lul righ15 <II 1hc Arab people of Palcstinc. 11 is thcrcl.orc estrcmel! impor- Iant thal. ininicdialcly aflcr the somplclion of lhr discligagcment of Syrian and Israeli Iroops. 1hc uoi-k (,I- 1hc Geneva Peace Conl’crencc on the Middle East shollld bc rcstnmcd to pertnit discussion of all aspects of the M1ddlc East problem, and above all its cardinal aspects. gagement Observer Force drawn from military personnel of UNEF in the Middle East and United Nations observers in the region. 96. We fully support the Secretary-General’s statcmcnt that the general principles for theformationofthe United Nations Disengagement Observer Force would be the same as those defined in his report of 27 October 1973 to the Council [S/llfXZ/Rev.I] and approved by the Council in resolution 341 (197~,. 97. Our delegation also agrees that the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force should initially be fixed at six months and that, if it becomes necessary to extend that period, the adoption of a new resolution by the Council would be tcquired. 98. The Byeiorussian delegation would like to express the hope that the Secretary-General will do everything to ensure that theexpenses involved in theestablishment ofa United Nations Disengagement Observer Force will not exceed the norms already established by the Council. 99. In conclusion, our delegation wishes to point out that the draft resolution which has been adopted will undoubtedly facilitate the implementation of the Agreement reached between Syria and Israel.

I should now like to make a short statement as the representative of Kenya. 101. My delegation has followed closely the meri:Gri3us efforts of the United States Secretary of Statz to promote peace in the Middle East. Following upon the disengagement of forces on the Suez front, that success h&Is now been followed by the Agreement signed this morning at Geneva between Israel and Syria. This is a development of historic dimensions. and the Government of Kenya applauds this important step on the roati towards the establishment of a just and durable peace in the area. 102. The way is now open for the resumption of the Geneva Peace Conference. We hope that all parties will find it possible to participate. We hope and indeed expect that all efforts will bedirected towards the resumption ol these vcty important talks at the carlicst possible ii~~~incnt. l‘hc world has waited for ;i long tin\c for thrsc pencclt11 steps, and wc now look I’orward to the day when lasting pcacc i\ at last cstablishcd in the atca. 103. The United Nations has played and will continue to play a prominent role in the current peace-keeping endeavours. A new force, IIIC United Nations Discngagement Observer Force. is being created. This is, again, an historic development, and is yet another sign of the vitality of the Organisation. The Force will be financed by the 104. We wish the Geneva peace talks a speedy and successful conclusion. We have no illusions on the difficulties that will be encountered, but there are enough indications that there is now a determined willingness on the part of all the countries in the area of conflict to pursue the path of peace. We in the United Nations have a cjuty to encourage this development, and Kenya will not be found wanting in this effort. Hence our positive vote earlier in this meeting.

1 now cull upon the Secretary- General.

Now that the Security Council has decided to set up the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). I should like to inform the Council of my proposals for interim arrangements to give effect to the resolution of the Council. 105. As PRESIDENT, I now call upon the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. 115. I would suggest that the initial composition of UNDOF should comorise the Austrian and Peruvian contingents from the cnited Nations Emergency Force, supported by logistical elements from Canada and Poland. In addition, in the initial phase UNDOF would comprise those United Nations military observers, in accordance with the terms of the Protocol, who are already deployed in the area.

Mr. President, my delegationconsiders it a pleasure to congratulate you on your occupying the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May, and at the same time to welcome you to the United Nations as the new Permanent Representative of Kenya. 107. My delegation supports the resolution the Security Council has just adopted following the signing this morning at Geneva of the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces. That Agreement, which includes the cease-fire and the disengagement of forces, is based on paragraph 1 of resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973. 116. I would propose to appoint as interim Commander of UNDOF Brigadier-General Gonzalo BriceAo, of Peru, who is now commanding the northern brigade of UNEF. The interim Commander would be assisted by staff officers drawn from UNEF and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. 108. My delegation considers that that Agreement, which is of a military nature, is a first step along the road to a just and stable peace in the Middle East, on the basis of resolution 338 (1973), which my Government accepted and in respect of which it stated-and I would stress this-it stated that it understood that resolution to be based upon the two following essential principles: first, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the Arab territories occupied in June 1967 and later, and, secondly, the .safeguarding of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian Arab people in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations. 117. I have consulted the parties concerned, as required by the Protocol, and they have informed me that those arrangements would be acceptable to them. I am also in contact with the Governmetlts just mentioned for the provision of the necessary troops. 118. The Council will, I am sure, understand that thisI,ew operation will inevitably involve additional expenditure. Naturally, I shall make every possible effort to keep additional expenditures to a minimum, having in mind, of course, that the primary objective is the effectiveness of the Force. I shall not fail to inform the Council in duecourse of the concrete financial implications of this new operation.

I now call upon the representative of Israel. 119. I would be grateful to know as soon as possible whether there is any objection to these proposals so that the necessary preparation can be made for action to be taken within the titnc-limit set in paragraph D of the Disengagement \greet.lent signed at Geneva this morning. 1 IO. Mr. DORON (Israel): Mr. President, my delegation has not yet had the pleasure of participating in a Security Council meeting presided over by you. I should therefore like to express my delegation’s best, if belated, congratulations to you in your high office.

The Soviet delegation has listened attentively to the statement just made by the Secretary-Gcnerol and to his views artd proposals in connexion with the adoption by the Council of the decision to establish under its Icadership a IJnited Nations obscrvel force for the disengagement of the Syrian and Israeli troops. 111. In respect of the subject-matter of this meeting, I have been authorized to state that my Government is in agreement with the draft resolution in document S/l 1305/Rev. I and supports it. I should also like to voice our warmest appb:ciation and thanks to the Secretary of State of the United States, Mr. Kissinger, for his untiring efforts in bringing about the conclusion of the Agreement signed this morning at Geneva by representatives of Israel and Syria. 121. The Sccrctary-Ciencral has prcscnted his views and proposals of the approval ofthr Council. The Soviet dclcga- 123. The expenditure for the maintenance of IJNEF was approved in terms of a strictly dcfincd sum by a resolution adopted at the twenty-eighth session of the General Assembly [j/01 (XXVIZI)]. and that resolution should not be violated. 124. In that conncxion. we take note of the Sccretary- General’s statement that he will make every possible effort to ensure that expenditure on the maintenance of UNEF will not be increased and IhilL to that end the necessary measures will be taken to keep expendittire toa minimum. 125. In the opinion of the Soviet delegation. one of the main elements of possible economy could be the reduction of one extremely large contingent of UNEF. 1 have in mind the Canadian contingent. Its siLe far exceeds the maximum level of 500 to 600 men, which was agreed informally between rrembers of the Council and the Secretary-General in October 1973 at the time when the Council decided to establish UNEF. The size of this contingent-l,100 men-far exceeds that level. In view of this, a reduction of this contingent by at least 300 to 400 men would make it possible to reduce the general expenditure for the financing of UNEF considerably, without detriment to its purpose. This would result in cJnsiderable savings and would make it possible to avoid an increase in expenditure. The Secretary-General would thereby be spared the dange? of conflicting with the aforementioned resolution of the General Assembly and would avoid infringing that resolution

No doubt the observations of the Soviet representative have been noted and his suggestions wilt be considered carefully by those concerned.

I am intervening on a point of procedure and order. in view of something that the representative of the Soviet Unionsaid. His words were-1 took down the English interpretation and, of course. I rcntizc that the original Russian might have been slightly diffcrcn -(bat if the Secretary-Gcncral’s report were put to the vole in the Security Council. then the Soviet Union would br happy to support it. 129. J note with interest that the Secretary-General, in what he has just said, is in fact complying with that resolution. one of whose sponsors was the Soviet Union itself. 130. It would seem to me, therefore, that there is really no suggestion here of a vote. As I understand it also, there is no suggestion either of a reduction in the size of any of the contingents. Some of us were perhaps slightly intrigued to see that the one contingent singled out by the representative of the Soviet Union for mention in this connexion happened by an extraordinary coincidence to be the Canadian, and none other. Be !hSi as it may, as I understand it there are no specific proposals before the Security Council this afternoon in relation to these forces on which it is necessary for us to take any vote at all. I3I. Mr. President, I should merely like your confirmation of that fact.

That was precisely my understanding and that is why I made the remark which I made. Ambassador Malik would support these proposals if the! were put to the vote, but he knew they were not going to be put to the vote. 133. Since there does not appear to be any objection, I assume that the Council agrees to the proposals made by the Secretary-General this afternoon. It was so decided.

That brings us to the end of our business for today. Since this is the last meeting this month over which 1 shall preside as President, 1 should like to express my thanks to all the members of the Council for the co-operation and support they havegiven me. I express my sincere thanks to all concerned, and particularly to the members of the United Nations Secretariat who have worked tirelessly to have all the documents and other matters prepared in time, to the interpreters and to all the others who have worked behind the scenes. II