S/PV.1809 Security Council

I wish to inform members of the Security Council that I have received letters dated 29 November from the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic and Israel in which they request that they be invited, under the relevant provision of rule 37 of the provisional rules of procedure, to participate in the discussion of the question inscribedon theagenda. Inaccordance with the usual practice I propose, if I hear no objection, to take it that the Council agrees to invite those two representatives to participate in the discussion without the right to vote. AI the invifarion qf the President, Mr. Kelani (Syrian Arob Repub!ic) and Mr. Tekoah (Israel) took places ot the Council table.

On 27 November 1974, members of the Council received the report of the Secrctary- GIxneral on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for the period from 3 June 1974 to 26 November 1974 [S/11563]. 5. I wish to draw the Council’s attention to the draft resolution in document WI1565 which is before metnbers. That draft is sponsored by Austria, Indonesia, Kenya, Mauritania, Peru and the United Republic of Cameroon. 6. I call upon the Secretary-General.

My report to the Security Council on UNDOF contains a survey o.P :he history of the Force since its inception. As members of the Council are aware, I have just returned from a brief visit to the area during which I had the opportunity to discuss the situation with the Governments of Syria, Israel and Egypt. The primary purpose of my visit was to discuss and clarify with the Govcrnmrntsconccrned 1110 question now before the Council, namely, the future of UNDOF. 8. As I have stated in my report* my discussions on this question have led mc to recommend the cxlcnsion 01 1JNDOF for a further period of six ~mmtl~s. It wy bc of‘ some IISL’ to members if I make a few very briefcommcnts on thc wxe pc~vxal aspects of my talks. achieved in the near future tension will rise ngain and the dangers of a new military confrontation will steadily ~increase. Certainly, the prolongation of the mandate of graph, due note is taken of the valuable report of the Secretary-General, which inevitably leads to the conclusionssct forth in thesubsequent paragraphs, Although we must welcome “the efforts made to establish a durable the United Nations Emergency Force, last month by the Security Council, and, if the Council so decides, the cxtension of the UNDOF mandate for a further six months, are and just pcacc in the Middle East area”, as stated in the second prcambular paragraph, “the developments in the situation in the area”, which are also referred to, must prompt us to express our ” concern over the prevailing important factors in reducing tension in the area. However, these peace-keeping operations are not an end in themselves; they help to create the necessary conditions in which progress can be made in the negotiation ofa politistate of tension in the arca”. That is done in the third preambular paragraph, cal settlement. 18. In the opinion of the sponsors, the establishment of IO, It was made clear to me that we cannot expect an indeterminate period of time for achievement of a settle- UNDOF, which has been in existence for six months, has hclpcd prevent a further outbreak of conflict in the mea, The presence of that Force in the area continues to be ment. I consider it vhal that the next six months be used for redoubled efforts to reach political solutions of the problems in the Middle East. These problems are formidable indeed, but thevital need toavoid renewed hostilities necessary. But the renewal of its mandate must not be considered as a substitute for the initiation of peace negotiations in accordance with Security Council resolution 338 (1973). As the Secretary-General has stated, with all their repercussions should help us regain_; the momentum ofznegotiations,- ~~~ ~~~ 0 .I, the situation in the Israel-Syria sector will retnain fundamentally unstable and potentially explosive so long as progress towards a settlement of the underlying ~problems is not achieved” [ibid., para. 431. II, In that regard I discussed with the three Governments the main aspects of the future negotiating process and also the crucial problem of implementing Security Council resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973. 19. For those reasons the sponsors wish to placespecial emphasis on the last paragraph of the preamble, which reaffirms 12. I believe the draft resolution now before the Council faithfully reflects the essentials of the situation. I hope it will provide a useful basis for renewed and constructive efforts in the near future to make progress towards a just 1, I I I that the two agrecmcnts on disengagement 01 forces” -the one concerning the Egypt-Israel sector and the one we are considering today-“are only a step towards the implementation of resolution 338 (1973)“. and lasting peace in the Middle East.

On behalf of the Council I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report and for the 20. For that reason, the sponsors of the draft resolution propose that the Security Council adopt the measures set personal efforts he has undertaken by visiting the area in a move to diminish tensions and to help move us towards the just and lasting peace we all seek. forth in subparagraphs a. b and c, to wit: “(a) To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately Security Council resolution 338

Mr. President, first of all, with your permission, 1 should like to express the great appreciation of (1973); “(b) To renew the mandate of UNDOF for another period of six months; my delegation for the way in which your distinguished predecessor, Ambassador Njine of the United Republic of Cameroon, guided our deliberations during the month of October. His experience, his intelligence and his smiling “(c) That the Secretary-General will submit at the end of this period a report on the developments in the ‘situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973): firmness have earned the admiration ofall the members of the Council. 21. After the consultations that have been held. WC’ arc 15. 1 also wish to say that 1 am very sorry that the Council has had so little time to enjoy your Presidency, Sir. I am sure that your great hutnan and intellectual now confident that members of the Security Council will adopt this draft resolution without a dissenting vote. qualities would have been demonstrated once more even if we h. ri had the most difficult of debates in theCouncil. 22. 1 cannot conclude, without expressing special and lively appreciation, praise and gratitude to the Sccretary- 16, On behalf of the delegations of Austria, Indonesia, General, who has recently returned f’rom his mission to the Middle East. There can be no doubt that, without the co-operation of all parties concerned, we could not have hoped to be able to renew the mandate ofUNDOFtoday. Kenya, Mauritania, the United Republic ol’ Cameroon and Peru, 1 have the honour tointroducc thcdraft resolution in document S/l 1565, on the implementation ol 24, The PRESIDENT: If there are no further speakers, 1 shall put to the vote the draft resolution in document S/l !56$, -A vote was taken by show pf hands. ~--,The drqft resolution was adopted by 13 votes to t@ne,’ Two members (China and Iraq) did not participate in the vcrring. ‘~

The next speaker is the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic, to whom 1 now give the floor.

Mr. President, first ofall 1 should like to congratulate you on your accession to the Presidency of the Council and to thank you for being so kind as to call on me. 27, When the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic welcomed Securitv Council resolution 350 (1974) of 31 May 1974, which-established a United Nations ‘Disengagement Observer Force for an initial period of six months, it was convinced that the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces, which established UNDOF, was not a peace agreement, but that it represented a first step on the road towards a just and lasting peace, on the basis of Security Council resolution 338 (1973). 28, Six months have elapsed and no progress has been made, The situation in the Middle East has not gone beyond the first step on the road towards a just and lasting peace, despite the efforts made and the far-reaching and radical developments which the region has witnessed, At the same time, the region has been the scene of tension, a fact which led the Secretary-General to stress, some 10 days ago, the dangerous and grave aspect of the tension which has prevailed in the region. 29. Allow me to reaffirm before the Council that the essential purpose of my Government’s acceptance of the resolution that the Council has just adopted is to provide a fresh opportunity for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, provided that a serious, positive and constructive effort is made to implement the resolutions of the United Nations. ’ See resoli ion 363 ( 1974).

The next speaker is the representative of Israel, on whom I now call.

Mr. President, it is especially gratifying that the Security Council should be meeting today under your Presidency. The United States has played and continues to play a central role in the search for understanding and agreement in the Middle East. By word and by deed, by personality and perspicacity you yourself have been making an outstanding contribution to the cause of peace. We wish you success in your present and future endeavours. 33. Our greetings are also extended to the Secretary- General on his return from his important and fruitful visit to the Middle East. 34. The renewal of the mandate of UNDOF is a positive development. UNDOF constitutes an integral part of the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces signed by Israel and Syria on 31 May 1974. The proper observance of the Agreement requires the continued functioning of UNDOF. The Disengagement Agreement and UNDOF are indivisible. The Agreement is not limited in time, with the Security Council authorizing extensions of the UNDOF mandate. 35. It should therefore be a cause of satisfaction to all that both the Government of Syria and the Government of Israel favour a Security Council resolution renewing the Force’s mandate, This is an indication that the Agreement on Disengagement has been helpful to both parties and will undoubtedly continue to be so in the future. 36. As stated in the Secretary-General’s report of 27 November 1974: “During the period under review, UNDOF was able, with the co-operation of the parties, to fulfil the tasks entrusted to it. Such difficulties as arose in relation to the interpretation of the provisions of the Disengagement Agreement and related documents were resolved in negotiations with the parties.” [Ibid., para. 42.1 37. 1 should like to take this opportunity to express to the Secretary-General, to Lieutenant-General Ensio Siilasvuo, to Brigadier-General Gonzalo Bricefio Zevallos and to the UNDOF personnel appreciation of the part of 44. Six months have clapscd since the Security Council decided to establish UNDOF in the Syria-lsracl sector, That decision by the Council, as WC know, Wits co~~nsctctl --38, Finally, it is to be hoped that, despite the polariza- [ion of attitudes in the international sphere regarding the with the signing at Geneva, on 31 May 1974 ofths Agrccmcnt on the Discngagemcnt bctwccn Syrian and Israeli Forces which was mcrcly a first step towards a final ~Middlc East scttlcmcnt and the complctc liberation 01 Middle East situa{ion, the door is still open todiplomatic efforts.

Mr. President. first of all I Arab lands from Israeli occupation. Following the discngagomcnt of troops, further steps wcrc to follow ininiediatcly with a vi& to achieving ; comprchcnsivc and just settlement in the Middle East within the framework of’thc should like, on behalf of my delegation, to congratulate you on your accession to the high and responsible office of President of the Security Council and on the successful way in which you conducted this first meeting and this Geneva Peace Confcrencc, specially crcatcd and convene: for that purpose under United Nations auspices. first vote, successful because the draft resolution which you put to the vote has been adopted by an overwhelming majority, and will, we hope, help to solve the problem we 45, Unfortunately, this has not happcncd, dcspitc the six months that have sinccelapssd. In that period the situation in the Middle East. far from improving, has. on the contrary, become more and more cxplosivc. The rcason for this is known to evcryonc. It is what I~IC ruling are all interested in settling. I should like to wish you every success and to congratulate you on the fact that there would seem to be no thorny problems in your path, since this is your first meeting and evidently also yowr last, as 1 circles of Israel continue their aggrcssivc policy towards the Arab countries and peoples and stubbornly rcfusc to carry out thedecisionsof thssccurity Council concerning a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. This position 011 hardly think we shall-meet again tomorrow. 40. At the same time, I should like toexpress ourappreciation and our congratulations-to your distinguished predecessor, the representative of Cameroon, Mr. Njine. To his lot fell 2 complicated mission which, as we all saw, he dealt with in masterly fashion and we should like to the part of Israel is being firmly rcjcctcd and condcmncd in the United Nations and all over the world, as was confirmed by the results of the recent dcbatc in the Cicncral Assembly on the question of Palestine, VIC ovcrcongratulate him on, and express our appreciation of this achievement, We were happy to work with him in reachwhelming majority of the United Nations mcmbcr.ship has given wide support to the just and lcgitimatc cause 01 the Arab people of Palestine, ing positive soluiions to the problems that arose during his Presidency. _ 46. ,It is not superfluous IO recall here that those Israeli leaders who still rely on the force ofarms and a policy 01 strength are making a great miscalculation which is 41 I The Security Council has just taken a decision on a matter which is of great importance within the general context of international efforts being made to bring about a peaceful political settlement in the Middle East. The purport of this decision is that the further six-month extension of the mandate of UNDOF in the Syria-Israel fraught with the greatest danger for Israel itself. 47. The Soviet delegation has studied the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Syriasector must be used effectively to achieve at the earliest possible moment a radical political settlement in the Middle East. Although no dates for the Disengagement Israel sector. It has carefully followed the recent journey of the Secretary-General to the Middle East, and we welcome with great satisfaction the positive rcsuhs of his Agreement have been set, it is generally understood that they canno! be extended indefinitely. brief, arduous and-responsible mission. 42. The Soviet delegation has listened with close attention to the statement made at today’s meeting by the. representative of Syria, Ambassador Kelani, in which he stressed that during this further period of six months for 48. The Secretary-General’s report notes that flw Disengagement Agrccmont is a step towards a just and durable peace in the Middle East on the basis of Security Council resolution 33X (1973). The Security Council C;IIInot but note the warning contained in the Sccrctary- Gcticral’s report that the stay of United Nations forces on the Golan Heights serious efforts must be made to bring about the immediate implementation of Security Council resolutions, in particular of the one referred to in the resolutionadoptcd by the Council. 1 rcfcr to resolution 338 (1973) which, as “Dcspitc the present quiet, the situation in tllc Isracl- Syria sector will remain fundamentally unstable and potentially explosive so long as progress towords a settlement of the underlying problems is no1 achieved.” [Ibid., para. 43.1 we are all aware, in turn recalls resolution 242 (1967). 43. The Soviet delegation attaches great importance to the statement by the representative of the friendly Syrian Arab Republic as a further manifestation, on the part 01 L 49. The Council should also take note of the statement by the Secretary-Gcncral on I9 Novcmbcr 1974 on the _sivcncss of the Middle East situation”. This judgcmcnt of the Secretary-General concerning the situation in the Middle East rellccts the reality of the situation in the region and dcscrves the serious attention of the Security Council. _ 50. The resolution adopted today by the Council cmphasizes the importance of taking urgent measures to implement resolution 338 (1973) and contains an appeal to ths parties to implement immediately that resolution. 51. By its resolution today, the Security Council is instructing the Secretary-General to submit to the Council, at the cd ofthis further six-month period of UNbOF operation in the Syria-Israel sector, a report on the implemontatian of today’s resolution as well as Security Council resolution 33X (1973). Consequently, in its resolution today the Security Council is onceagain emphasizingand binding the parties to the conflict to adopt the necessary measures to implement the well-known United Nations decisions on the speedy and urgent conclusion ofa peaceful political settlement in the Middle East. 52. Having supported this resolution, my delegation considers it essential to stress the following very decisively. The disengagement of troops which has been effected in the Middle East, ittter alia, in the Israel-Syria sector is only the first step towards a complete settlement of the Middle East contlict. It must in no way serve as a pretext for freezing the situation that now exists ofcontinuing the occupation by Israeli forces of Arab lands seized by ihem in J& 1967. ’ 53, When this question is considered, it is essential also to remcmbcr that the Security Council, in its resolution 362 (1974) of 23 October 1974 enjoined on the United Nations troop command and the United Nations Sccrctariat maximum economy in cxpcnditures for the maintenance of the United Nations Emergency Forces. This is, of course, fully applicable also to the United Nations Discngagcment Observer Force which is deployed in the Syria-lsracl sector. 54. Against a backglound of gcncral improvement in ths international situation and of international dttcnte achieved in recent years. the dangerous and complex situation that continues tocxist in the Middle East cannot but arouse the deepest concern. The Soviet Union considcrs that there must be no inadmissible delay in the adoption of meaures leading to a radical political settlement in the Middle East. The only reliable load to lasting peace in the Middle East is the complete liberation ot’ all Arab lands occupied ill 1967, thr exercise of the lawful right 01 the Arab people of Palestine to the establishment of its own Stotc and to sell-dctcrliiin~ltioii. and also a reliable and authoritative guarantee of the security and indcpendence of all cotmtrics 11ow involved in the area ofconflict. 55. In a decision of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Part.y of the Soviet Union, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the USSR Council of Ministers, published in Moscow on 28 November, i.c., yesterday, concerning the meetings between the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Mr. Brezhnev, and President Ford which took place in the Vladivostok region, the following statement was made: “The Soviet Union considers it important that both parties have reaffirmed their intention of bending every effort to help to bring about a solution to the key questions of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of resolution 338 (1973), taking into account the lawful interests of all the peoples of the .~region, including the Palestinian people. and with due respect for the right to an independent existence of all --States of the region.‘!? ::: The statement went on to say: “The need was stressed for the earliest resumption of the Geneva Conference, which has been called upon to ~ play an important role in achieving a peaceful settlement in the Middle East.” 56. In conclusion, 1 would also venture to inform members of the Security Council of a statement made by Comrade Brezhnev in a speech recently made in the capital of the Mongolian People’s Republic, Ulan Bator. He described the position of the Soviet Union with regard to a Middle East peace settlement in the following terms: “TO all those concerned we would once again state quite clearly that the Soviet Union has been, is and will continue to be vitally interested in the earliest conclusion of a lasting and just peace settlement in the Middle East. We shall work to achieve this in our contactsand joint endeavours with fraternal socialist countries, with our Arab friends, with Egypt, Syria and Iraq, and with the leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization, with Algeria and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, and in our contacts and joint endeavours with other States that display a sincere desire to make their contribution to the attainment of this objective, which is of such crucial importance for world peace.”

First ofall. Mr. President, Ishould like tocxtcnd my congratulations to you and to say that we are indeed honoured lo see you presiding over the Security Council this month. Your talent and your personal qualities guarantec our success. 58. Allow me also. Mr. Prcsidcnt. IO cxprcss our appreciation and our gratitude to your predecessor, my friend and colleague, Ambassdor Njine of Cameroon for the distinguished manner in which he conducted our deliberations last month and for having given us a further oppor- 66. The Secretary-General, to whom I should like once again to pay tribute for his constant efforts in the search for a just and lasting solution to the Middle East crisis, submitted on 27 November 1974. a detailed renort on UNDOF in the Israel-Syria sector’over the precehing six months, in which it was recalled that 60. However, with your permission, Mr, President, I should like to make a few comments on the presence of UNDOF on the Syrian Golan Heights. On 31 May 1974, during our first debate on the establishment of this United -Nations Force, the day that the Disengagement Agree- -merit was signed, I said: “Despite the present quiet, the situation in the lsrael- Syria sector will remain fundamentally unstable and potentially explosive so long as progress towards a settlement of the underlying problems is not achieved”. [S/11563, para. 43.1 “The signing , , , of the Syrian-Israeli troop disengage- ~’ ment Agreement is an event which may open up new -‘-prospects for a just and lasting solution to the distressmg problem of the Middle East”, [1774th meeti~&p~_r” .: ~, 52,1 ~. . .I .:.. ..-- .:. ---.- 67. Taking into account that realistic assessment of the situation in the area, my delegation became a sponsor of the draft resolution which the Security Council has just adopted and which extends for a further six months the Fandate of UNDQF. ~_ : -61.. Today we a,re forced to admit that the hopes which owe had~then are far from being fulfilled, No progress -towards peace in the tield has been made. No withdrawal of occupying troops has taken place. No peace conference has begun. In soite of this deadlock and in soite of the lack of anfprogress, the Government of the’ Syrian Arab Republic, in spite of its legitimate feelings of frustration, ~has agreed to the principle of the renewal of the mandate -of UNDOF. We should like to pay a deserved tribute to that restraint and willingness to co-operate on~the part of the Syrian Government.~ 68. I think that this is the right time to state once again that, in the opinion of my delegation, the international community cannot derive any real benefit from United Nations emergency forces unless their action is accompanied by the firm determination of the parties directly concerned to negotiate in a business-like way to uproot the deep causes of the dispute, Any action designed to freeze the political situation and thus with the help of the emergency forces maintain the status quo can only strengthen the feelings of frustration of those States that are the victims of aggression and lead to further military conflict, 62. The decision that we have just taken should be considered a new opportunity and an additional period of time given to peace-loving forces to implement, without any further delay, the resolutions of the Security Council on the withdrawal of Israeli occupying troops from Arab territories. This new opportunity must be seized; we must take full advantage of it, because it might be our last chance, if progress is not made in the next six months. My delegation would not want the Governments of thecountries that have made sacrifices by providing UNDOF with contingents to get the impression that they are taking part in a pointless exercise, the end of which has, over these last six months, begun to seem further away than ever. 69. Speaking in the Council on 3! May 1974, when the Force was created, I said: “My delegation hopes that these Governments”- which, directly or indirectly, have worked for the conelusion of the troop Disengagement Agreement on the Israel-Syria front-” and all the parties directly concerned in the Middle East question will redouble their determination to ensure the success of future stages of the negotiations and WIII do so with a new and global vision of the realities of the area and a proper assessment of the I-gitimate interests involved, particularly those of the Palestinian people.“[1774th meeting, paru. 85.1 63. Finally, may we express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts with regard to the imolementation of Securitv Council resolution 338 (1973) &d for the clear and co&ise report which he was’ good enough to submit to the Council. 70. During the last few months, it seems that no action was ‘taken to put into operation the peace-keeping machinery provided for in a number of Security Council

Mr. President, may I first extend to you the hearty congratulations of my delegation on the discreet and effective manner in which you have discharged your important functions as President of the Security Council this month. resolutions and particularly rn resolution 338 (1973). Indeed, the Arab territories are still occupied; the Geneva Peace Conference is still in deadlock, and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and the fact that the Palestine Liberation Organization represents the Palestinian people, forcefully reaffirmed by the General Assembly last week, are still not recognizcd by Israeli leaders. This situation that is neither peace nor 65. May I also express my gratitude to all the representatives seated in the Council, whose understanding and co-operation made a major contribution to the smooth 72. My delegation would like to reiterate its confidence in the Secretary-General’s ability to find satisfactory sohtions to the other problems mentioned in his report, -particularly those~that concern the financial aspects and the freedom of movement of all contingents within the Force’s area of operation, 73. Finally, I should like once again, on behalf of my delegation, to voice my gratitude to the Governments whose contingents are ensuring the implementation in the field of our Organization’s decisions. May I also pay a well-earned tribute to the .Interim Commander of UNDOF and to all the military and civilian personnel in the service of the United Nations for the dedication and effectiveness with which they arc discharging their difficult mission,

Sir, it is w1t.1 a particular sense of pleasure that my delegation welcomes you as President of the Security Council for the month of November. We.welcome you not only as a person, a trusted and talented colleague, but also as the representative of a country which has so decisively contributed to bringing about the agreement, six months ago, between Syria and Israel, which formed the basis for the decision the Council took a short while ago. Since the end of the mbsith iS near, we can only say with regret that this meeting of the Security Council will, in all likelihood, be the only cmc under your Presidency. 75. I should also like to express my delegation’s warm appreciation to the President of the Council for the month of October, the representative of the United Republic of Cameroon, Ambassador Njine. He presided over the deliberations of the Council with adtnirablc skill and patience at a time when matters of par!icular importance and interest to the international community wereat stake, 76. NOW that the Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel is six months old, I feel one can rightly s?y that it has stood the test of time, and so has IJNDOF, which was provided for in the Agrcemcnt and established by the Security Council in resolution 350 (1974) in the wake of the signing of the Agreement on 31 May 1974, and which can undoubtedly be regarded as the most 77, What, however, the Disengagement Agreement has not yet been able to bring about is a basic reduction 01 tension in the area, and thus a continuation of the process towards a just and durable peace on the basis of Security Cou!cil resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). 78. The Council has therefore, because of its impression that-the situation is still fundamentally unstable, dangerous and potentiaOy explosive, and acting on the recommendation of the Secretary-General. extended the mandate of UNDOF for a further period of six months. Thisaction was whole-heartedly supported by my delcgation, an attitude that found expression in our sponsorship of the draft resolution submitted to the Council this afternoon, Extension of the mandate is based on the renewed agreement of the parties, and we should like to pay high tribute to the representatives of the parties for the responsible and constructive attitude they have thus displayed. 79. -An equal tribute is due to the Secretary-General, whose personal dedication to peace in the Middle East has found renewed expressjon in his recent and successful trip to the area. ~.~ 80. Needless to say, my country, not only as a member of the Council but also as a troop contributor to UNDOF, shares the special interest of members in the Force, and we therefore take particular satisfaction from the fact that, as stated in paragraph 42 of the Secretary-General’s report, the Force, with the co-operation of the parties, was able to fulfil the tasks entrusted to it. 81. On the occasion of the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEP) on 23 October 1974 [1799th meeting], I dealt insome detail with questions touching on our basic position with regard to peace-keeping in general,. and stating our evaluation of the current United Nations peace-keeping operations in the Middle East. As regards both the political and the operational aspect, these considerations-which we expressed in the Council on 23 October-are tnururis mutatuiis likewise applicable in our present discussion. I shall therefore refrain from restating our views and would rather conclude my brief remarks with a look into ‘the future. 82. I think we are all aware that renewing the mandate of UNDOF was only one part of our decision today, The other part, although with perhaps less immediale effect, is the tnuch more important one. It is the every decisiveand urgent call upon the partics concerned to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973). and thus, implicitly, resolution 242 (1967); in other words, the call to get back to the negotiating table, to the deployment of fair and diplomatic efforts at the earliest possible moment. 92. My delegation would also like to pay a tribute especially to the Secretary-General for the role that he pcrsonally played in connexion with UNDOF, as well as to Lieutenant-General Siilasvuo, to the Interim Force Commander, Brigadier-General Gonzalo Bricedo Zevallos, to the officers and men of the Force, to itscivilian staff and to the observers of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), for the efficiency and devotion with which they have carried out their difficult task, 84. Now that we have already renewed the mandate of UNDOF once, we feel that furihcr and decisive efforts to achieve our ultimate objective must follow. It was cspecially with those considerations in mind that the Secretary-General is requested, in operative subparagraph c of draft resolution S/l 1565, to report not only on the situation but also on the_measurcs taken to implement re_solution 338 (1973).- _- 93. The Council has just adopted draft resolution S/l 1565, thereby extending the mandate of UNDOF for a period of another six months. My delegation has sponsored and voted in favour of the draft resolution, as we believe that the continued operation of the Force is not only necessary for the maintenance of peace, however uneasy, in the area, but, above all, to assist in the establishment and preservation ofa climate conducive to negotiations which, it is hoped, will lead to a just and lasting settlement. My delegation is happy that the two parties directly involved have agreed to the extension of the mandate of UNDOF-for another six months. 55. We feel that our debate today has provided strong support to all those who arc working for a policy whose first aim is to defuse military confrontation and to revive the negotiating process, In this respect the Council has for the time being fulfilled its obligation in providing further necessary prcrequisitcs for a genuine search for peace. It is now up to the parties concerned to face this challenge and to grasp the opportunity which presents itself anew. It might well be that thcrc @~ot.bc many opportunities like this Icft.

At the meetings of the Security Council and the current session of the General Assembly, the Chinese delegation repeatedly stated the basic position of the Chinese Government on the Middle East qp_estion, and I shall not rcpea! it here, =~ 94. It is our sincere hope, however, that the presence of UNDOF in the area is not intended as a permanr’nt feature. Its presence should not result in diminishing the sense of urgency but should, on thecontrary, be put to use to assist and facilitate the efforts towards reaching an agreed settlement of the underlying problems, as envisaged in resolution 338 (1973). UNDOF cannot be instrumental in the freezing of the status quo but it should indeed be helpful in facilitating further concrete efforts towards a speedy restoration of peace in that region on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions. 87. With regard to the dispatch of United Nations troops, China has always held its principled stand, upon which we also had occasion to elaborate in this chamber. Based on our consistent position, the Chincsc delegation did not participate in the voting on draft resolution S/11565. . 95. My delegation entirely agrees with the view of the Secretary-General expressed in a statement before his recent departure for the Middle East, when he said:

Mr, President, it is ourgood fortune to be blessed this month with a relatively quiet period for the Council, while still having the privilege of witnessing you in the chair and offering you our congratulations on your accession to the Presidency of the Council for this current month. “As I have said many times, peace-keeping must not become a pretext for slackening the momentum of the ’ search for a settlement of underlying problems.” My delegation indeed hopes that during the next six months concrete progress will be made towards the implementation of resolution 338 (1973). 89. My dclcgation’s congratulations and dcepapprcciation arc also due to the outgoing President, my good friend Ambassador Njine of the United Republic uf Camcroon who, with great wisdom, patience and diplomatic skill, guided us through the extremely difficult period of last Illolltll. 96. Meanwhile, I cannot but note with disappointment that. as in the case of UNEF. the oroblem of the freedom of movement of UNDOi is ‘still outstanding, The Secretary-General referred to this matter in paragraph I3 of his report. 1 should like in this regard to reiterate Indonesia’s view that there should not be any kind of discriminatory restrictions on the movements of the contingents or their personnel in the whole area of their 90. Turning to the subject of our discussions, allow me a~ the outsc( to thank the Secretary-General for his report presenting the developments relating to UNDOF during the period from 3 June to 26 November 1974. ‘97. In conclusion, let me express once again the hope ol my delegation that concrete efforts tnay soon be resumed in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in the area, 98. Mr, RICHARD (United Kingdom): May I first of all congratulate you, Sir. on your assumption of the -office of President of the Security Council for November. Your country has played a crucial part in the negotiations leading up to the achievement of the Disengagement Agreement which UNDOF was established to supervise. It is highly appropriate, therefore, that it should be under your Presidency that the draft resolution to extend the mandate of the Force has been adopted. I should like also .to compliment your predecessor, the representative of the United Republic of Cameroon, on the skilful way in which he handled our deliberations during the difficult and busy-tnqlith tha! &to&r was. -- 99. We were very pleased to vote for the draft resolution which we have just adopted. As I said in the Security Council on 23 October 1974 [ibid.], when we agreed to renew the mandate of UNEF, it is not our wish that what was set up as an emergency force should become permanent, or that the disengagement agreements under which these two Forces were established should be confused with the permanent settlement which we still seek, We agree-to take the words of the fourth preambular paragraph of the resolution which we have adopted-that the disengagement agreements “are only a step towards the implementation of , . , resolution 338 (1973)“. At the same time, we consider that they are a necessary step and that the role which they are performing, of which UNDOF is an integral part, continues to be an extremely important one. We therefore support the view expressed by the Secretary-General in pa&graph 44 of his report that the continued uresence of UNDOF is indisoensable r------- not only for the maintenance of tranquillity in the area but in order to aid new efforts to esta_b!ihhh a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. 100. My delegation pays a tribute to the statesmanship which has beqn shown by all parties in reaching agreement on the renewal of this mandate. The Secretary General’s own role in the achievement of this agreement has been of very great importance. Time has been won, but it is equally crucial that the time that has been won should not now be wasted and that it should be used to press on with negotiations. We hope that thesame degree ofstatcsnianshipshown in reaching thisagreement will be demonstrated over this next and much more difficult stage, so that the essential momenlum ofthe negotiations can be maintained. As I said in the General Assembly on 20 November,’ we hope that both sides will show the necessary Ilcxibility, moderation, pragmatism and willingness to contemplate the possibility of compromise. 102. Mr. DE GUIRINGAUD (France) (ititerpretatiotr fiottt French): Although NovcTber is almost over, I should like first of all to congratulate you, Sir, on your accession to the Presidency of our Council. We are all t’amiliar with your outstanding qualities and we have no doubt that, had circumstances so required of you, you would already have given further proof of your diplomatic skill and authority. It seems to me equally significant that it has fallen to you toconduct our discussions in an important matter to the settlement of which your country has so far tnade a very positive contribution. NO one doubts that the personal intervention of Mr. Kissinger, to whom my delegation is pleased to pay a tribute, has greatly facilitated the task of the Council. 103. I should like also to reiterate here my compliments to Ambassador Njine, the distinguished representative of Cameroon, on the way he conducted our discussions on difficult subjects during October. 104. Turning now to the report just submitted to us by the Secretary-General, may I say that his concluSions meet with the full approval of my Government. The renewal of the mandate of UNDOF on the Israeli-Syrian front was an urgent necessity and my delegation is gratified that the Council has approved the Secretary General’s recommendations. 105. Respect for the two disengagement agreements, one concerning the Israeli-Egyptian front and the other the Israeli-Syrian front, is indeed an essential condition of the continuance of the over-all negotiations which began last December at Geneva. Any breach of those agreements could not but have grave repercussions on the development ofa situation which is already very tense and fraught with danger. In particular, so long as the fragile barrier of UNDOF is maintained the dangers of a new confrontation on the very sensitive Golan front will’be, if not completely eliminated, at least substantially reduced. 106. That does not mean that matters must be allowed to rest there. In establishing UNEF and UNDOF, the Council was responding to the immediate requirements of the situation: to ensure observance of the cease-fire of 22 October 1973 and to observe the disengagement of the forces. But the road from cease-fire to peace is long, and no progress has yet been made in the right direction. Yet resolution 338 (1973)expressly provides that negotiations should begin itnmediately between the parties concerned 107. We are gratified that the resolution just adopted contains an operative paragraph explicitly appealing to the parties concerned immediately to implement resolution 338 (1973), I might note here that the Geneva Peace Conference began almost a year ago, It is high time the Conference resume its work, and we note with satisfaction the remarks on this subject in the recent United States-Soviet-communiqu& from Vladivostok,

Mr. President, first of all let me welcome you back to the presidential chair of the Security Council and express my pleasure at once again being able to serve under your skilful and enlightened guidance, 115. I must also’take this opportunity to congratulate our President for October, Ambassador Njine of the United Republic of Cameroon, on the efficient, cour!eaus andaltogether exemplary manner in which he conducted our proceedings during a difficult and demanding month, 108. In agreeing to the successive renewals of the mandates of UNEF and UNDOF, the parties concerned have displayed obvious goodwill. Nothing has yet been jeopardized, but~everything could be if further difficulties, reflected in further delays, were to hinder resumption of the work of the Geneva Conference. In that regard, we should-like to express the hope that Israel will at last adopt a more constructive attitude. By the very fact of its continued occupation of extensive Arab territories, that country assumesgarticular responsibilities. It is therefore for Israel to manifest more clearly the will to negotiate and, if we may so hope, to make the necessary gestures that would help to reduce tension and to create that minimum of trust without which no progress is possible. 116. Some six months ago, when the Council adopted resolution 350 (1974), establishing UNDOF, I had occasion to express the deep sense of gratification with which the annoincemcnt of the Disengagement Agreement signed at Geneva on 31 May by Israel and Syria had been received in Australia. At that time the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Willesee, welcomed this very notable develbpment and paid a tribute to thestatesmanship shown by both Governments, and I was able to indicate that Australia was ready whole-hcartedly to sup port the establishment of UND_OF. 109. Before concluding my statement I should like once again to say, as I did on 23 October in the Council [ibid.], howgreatly my Government appreciates the way in which our Secretary-General, his distinguished colleagues and the UNDOF command arc carrying out the difficult task assigned to them, On the Golan Heights and in Sinai the United Nations is daily demonstrating that it has an essential role to play in the quest for peace, and to us that seems essential for the future of the Organization. Mr. Waldheim’s recent journey to the Middle East is part of that quest, and I would associate myself with’preceding speakers in expressing the appreciation of the Council. ~ ; ~_ 117. In the intervening period, our hopes and expectations of UNDOF have not been disappointed. It has assisted in the process of the disengagement of forces in the Go!an Heights area and has played an indispensable role in maintaining the cease-fire and in insisting on its scrupulous observance. As the Secretary-General has noted in his report, the situation on the Golan Heights has been quiet, and that can only be a most welcome dcvclopment. 110. These expressions of satisfaction must be accompanied by expressions of deep regret to the delegations of Austria and Canada for the grievous losses sustained by the contingents their Governments were kind enough to make available to the United Nations. Let us hope at least that all these efforts, all these sacrifices, may not be in vain and that all the parties concerned will agree to commit themselves without-delay to the path of negotiations. 118. At the same time, we rcalize that a periodofquict is not necessarily indicative of a period of stability. We are all aware that UNDOF still encounters some difficulties and that the situation in the area remains tense and volatile. Least of all can we delude ourselves that a final and complete settlement of all the crucial problems of the Middle E&t is in sight. We are indeed conscious that during the period of the first mandate of UNDOF there have been new developments in the. unfolding Middle East scene, some of which have done littlc or nothing to east a complex and already difficult situation. It will take time for the signficance of these new developments to be fully appreciated, time for them to be taken account of in the negotiating process which has made its tentative beginning and which must be kept in momentum. I Il. Mr. ZAHAWIE (Iraq): Mr. President, I should fil,t like to extend to you the congratulations of my delegatiori on your acc&sion to the presidency of the Council. 112. Allow me also to congratulate your predecessor, the representative of the United Republic of Cameroon, on the remarkable manner in which he conducted the highly important deliberations of the Council during the month of October. 119. By providing time, the Council’s decision of today to extend the mandate of UNDOF for a further period of six months will, we all hope, I1cl.p towards ensuring the continuation of the present cease-fire between Israel and Syria and, on the broader front, assist our common efforts to maintain progress towards a just and durable peace. in the area, 113. My delegation explained its position on the question of the role of the United Nations forces in the Middle East on 23 October last tibid.1. when the Council decided to - . . renew the mandate of UNEF. For the reasons we put forward on that occasion, and since Iraq has always dissociated --lies of those members of UNDOF who !lavc given theh - lives in the cause of peace. 121. Lastly, 1 should like to offer our fu!l commcnda- -tion to~Licutenant-General Siilasvuo, the United Natitins Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East, to the Intcrim ~Forcc Commander, Brigadier-Gcncral Gonzalo Ericcilo Zevallos, to his officers, and to the men, both military and civilian, under his command, for a job well done. Let mu repeat also that my own Government stands ready to play whatever part it may be asked to play in assisting the United Nations in the pursuit ofitscfforts to bringlastiug peace @ the Middle @t. mm 122, Mr.- TCHERNOUCHTCHENKO (Byelo&ssian --Soviet Socialist Republic) (trartslurion porn Russkm): -Mr. President, may I first of all congratulate you on m-your accession to the Presidency of the Council at the time that the Council is dealing with this important issue linked with the problem of peace and international security. At the same time, we should like to express our appreciation for the considerable and responsible work done in October by the representative of the United Republic of Cameroon, Mr. Njine, in the course of his Presidency of the Council when it was considering some very cq?plex and crucial problems. 123. My delegation, together with other members of the Council, voted in favour of extending the mandate of UNDOF in the Syria-Israel sector. In that connexion, we should, like to note, first ofall, the particular responsibility of the Council, whose duty it is to exercise constant supervision over all aspects of peace-keeping operations-in this instance the operation in-the Middle East. 124. Our delegation deems it necessary to state that the operations of UNDOF as well as those ofUNEF in the Sinai Peninsula should be conducted with maximum efficiency, that the United Nations Secretariat should, in accordance with Security Council resolution 362 (1974), take steps to ensure strict economy and that no decisions connected with ~the troop contingents now present in the area should be taken without {he consent. of the Security Council. 125. My delegation agrees with the view that, as noted in the Secretary-General’s report. by carrying out its activities UNDOF has contributed to the stabilization of the ccasefire called for bjl the Security Council in resolution 338 (1973). At the same time, it should be noted that the disengagement of forces in the Golan Heights, as in the Sinai Peninsula, is only a first step and must be followed by other measures aimed at a political settlement. The disengagement carried OUI in the area and today’s decision IO extend the mandate of U‘NDOF must not be regarded in any way as grounds for freezing lhc situation prevailing in the area; neither must they be regarded as grounds for continuing (he occupation by Israel of the Arab territories which iI seized in 1967. opmcnts in the situation in the area and tlv mc&wres taken to implement resolution 338 (l973), 127, As every one well knows, the situation in the area is explosive. This is stated in the report before the Council; it is also borne out by many press reports, and the Secretary General himself has said as much in his statement. Our delegation, for its part, listened with satisfaction to hisstatemerit which testified to the complexity of the situation still prevailing in the Middle East, At the same time, we wish particularly to stress that this situation, as the Secretary General said, calls for redoubled efforts to solve the problems !hrsugh nrgofiatjons. 128. My delegation considers that the complex situation prevailing in the area-a situation which endangers the cause of peace-calls for firm and decisive measures aimed at a just and lasting~settlement in ~thc Middle East, 129. However, as is known, such a settlement is being prevented by the position taken by Israeli ruling circles, which stubbornly persist in their previous and, one may confidently say, bankrupt policy of aggression, Counting on the support of certain external forces, Israel continues to hold on to the occupied Arab lands. Israeli ruling circles are doing everything they can to avoid a rcsumption of the Geneva Conference; they continue to dcclarc that they will never return to the 1967 frontiers or rccog nizc the lawful rights of the Arab people of Palestine. Somebody ought to have learned some lessons froni the discussion in the United Nations of the question of Palestine, which demonstrated the international isolation of the policy stubbornly pursued by Israeli ruling circles. The Israeli leaders, who continue to hope that the prob- Icm in the Middle East can be solved by force of arms, should bear in mind that this is a dangerous course for Isracl~itself, 130. At the same time, the Byelorussian delegation cannot but note, as may be seen from the statement by the representative of Syria, the manifestation ofpoodwill and the business-like approach on the part ofthe Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to thequestions conccrninga political scttlcmcnt in the Middle East. We must note the importance and the positive character of the statement made here by the represcntativc of Syria. 131. In conclusion, I should like to stress once again that the Byclorussian SSR has persistently and consistcntly called for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, We are convinced that in ordcl LO achieve this aim it is essential to liberate all the Arab tcrritorics occupied by Israel, to ensure the exercise ofths lawful rights of the Palestinian people to sclfdetermination and statehood, and to resume 11~ Geneva Confercncc with the participation of’ iill tllc lXlrtiCS Coilcc~‘~d. including the representatives of thr Arab pcoplc

Mr. President, allow me to join previous speakers in saying how happy we are to see you preside over the Council this month. Your ability, charm and forthrightness are all known to us. We are confident that under your wise and able Presidency the since your country has played a very important role in prevailing upon the parties involved in the conllict in the Middle East tocomc to a ncgotiatcd agreement, Council will take-as it has already done-very wise dccisions~this month, ~~~_=.~=_ ~_=~~ .=~- i-~ 139. My delegation would also like to convey its gratitude to Ambassador Njine of the United Republic 01 Camcroon for the wise manner in which hc conducted the 133. May 1 also take this opporttmity to thank your predecessor, Ambassdor Njine.ofthe United Republic ol Cameroon. tor the most able manner in which he conducted the dclibcrations of the Council during the prcvious month, As we all know, the issues before the frequent and stormy debates in the Security Council during October. He projected his tranquil personality into our debates and, as a result, he was very successful in his conduct of the proceedings. Council then were difficult and of great importance. His oersuasivc manner enabled us to-overcome many obsta- 140. My dclcgation studied attentively the report of the Secretary-General and listened also with attention to his statement made today in the Council. Both the report and 134. We also thank thesecretary-General for hisefforts .~ for peace in the Middle East andwe wish him even greater :success in the future, Our thanks are also due to the ~~~ members of UNDOF and the Member States wl$ch have mad~e them availabie to the United Nations. the statement give an idea of the efforts that IIC has made to deal with the problem and how well the Security Conncil tnandate entrusted IO him has been carried out. WC should like to congratulate the Secretary-Gcncral for his actions in bringing some understanding between the partics so that there can be a new prolongation of the mandate of UNDOF. As praiseworthy as his attitude is so is 135. My delegation was happy to be a sponsor of the resolution that has just been un;\nimously adopted by the Council. Our sponsorship of this resolution is dictated by that of the parties concerned, Israel and Syria. the desire of my country to see peace-a just and durable peace-come to this war-torn region. I should like, however, to explain briefly why we continue to suppnrt the 141. My country, howevcr,also recognizesthecffortsol the countries which have made available contingents for the Force between Israel and Syria. I would like to take measures contained in resolution 338 (1973). Our support for the positioning of United Nations troops between the combatants in the Middle East should not beconstruedas this opportunity to express our condolences at the deeply regretted loss 01 hle sustained by some ofthc contingents. supporting the perpetual stationing of these troops there. These forces, as we all know, constitute a major burden to the United Nationsand the nations that contribute them. 142. My delegation is pleased to have been able to contribute, by means of its vote, to the adoption of the resolution approved by the Security Council today. This decision shows how correct was the resolution taken six months ago when the Force was set up, and there is every 136. As we have had occasion tostate before, we believe that the purpose of stationing United Nations troops in the Middle East-or any place, for that matter-is solely to give the parties concerned in the fighting time to sort ground for bclievmg that the establishment of the Force has created very favourable conditions in the area to permit the parties concerned, at an early date, tucometo a negotiated settlement of the conflict. out their differences peacefully and without the tensions that go along with war. We would not support the stationing of United Nations troops between warring parties if 143. Finally, my delegation feels encouraged and has grounds for hope that on the basis of these efforts the this was used by them as a-time to prepare for the next round of fighting. .~ Geneva talks can be resumedand in this way we may fultil the true wish of the Council for the parties to resolve their 137. Resolution 338 (1973) calls in no ambiguous terms for negotiations bctwecn the parties concerned. WC urge all those concerned to USC’ the period when the forces will conllict in peace. bc there to enter into serious talks to resolve any of theh standing differcnccs between them. We hope that the members of the Council will do all that is in their power 10 assist the parties concerned to meet as soon as possible 144; The PRESIDENT: Since thcrc are no additional members who wish to speak, I should like to express the views of the UNiTED STATES OF AMERICA on the subject bcforc us. and to enter into negotiations for a lasting pcaec in the region. Kenya, for its part, will be prepared to assist in any manner possible to bring peat< to the Middle J&t. 145. Tllccstablishn~cnt ol’tJNDOFsix mc,~tl~sago, like that of (JNEF before it, marked a major !‘:p forward on the path toa lasting Middle East pcacc. That this road was lotig and difficult, that it would try men’s patience and test their goodwill, no one doubted then or doubts now.

Mr. President. my delegation would like to reason to prevail. In short, it offers to those w’lr? would -grasp it an opportunity to achieve a just and enduring -peace through negotiations under resolution 242 (1967) land-338 (1973). ~- =-:~ =- ,~ I ~- z 146. By cxtcnding the mandate of UNDOF today, the ?&urity Council has demonstrated anew its awarenessof Ihe critical role this Force plays in helping tc preserve the -disengagement between Syrian and Israeli forces. My Government warmly welcomes the Council’s action today in extending the mandate of UNDOF, The resolution we have adopted, with no dissenting votes, assures the continuing operation of UNDOF for another six months under the same mandate, in accordance with the recommendation which the Secretary-General has fnade --in~his lucid and-comprehensive report of 27 November, 147. I have spoken already of the patience and goodwill that are so indispensable to peace in the Middle East. ~These qualities were sorely-necdcd in the recent negotiations leading to agreement on the extension of UNDOF. -My Govc*r:lment is pleased to have been of assistance in this effort. May I take this opportunity, on behalf of my Government, to pay a sincere tribute to the Governments of Syria and Israel fortheirdetermination to overcome all Force Commander, to the officers and men of UNDOF, and to the UNTSO military observers assigned to UNDOF for the exemplary manner in which they have performed their duties. I have spoken on a number ot occasions of our admiration for these men and of OUI appreciation for the hardships and sacrifice which they must endure, Some of these soldiers have given their lives so that other men, women and children in the Middle East might live. We mourn in particular at this time the brave men who have died on the IlNDOF front, and we ask the delegations of Canada and Austria to convey our sincere condolences to their bereaved families. 149. Then Secretary-General, in his report, and many members of the Council, in their statemznts, have emphasized the importance of movingtowardssettlement of the underlying problems of ihe Middle East conllict. My Government shares this sense of urgency, -In the months ahead we shall be bending every effort to advance step by step along the road that leads to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The meeting rose at 6. IS p.m. COI0 CONSEGUIB PUBLICACIONES DE LAS NACSONES L’NIDAS Las publiceciones de las Nac*lones Unirlas eHtAn en.vcmta en llbrrrias y cam+ dstri. buidoras en tubas partes del mundo. Connulte a su lihwro o dirijsw R Noriones Unidus. Fwic5n de Ventas. NW\ R York o iGinrhrn United Nations, NW York