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Basic Documents: Final Document Chapter II - Analysis of the International Situation Palestine and the Middle East
A: Palestine and the Middle East 184. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their traditional long-standing
solidarity with the Palestinian people, and noted that these days mark the 50th
Anniversary of the dispossession of the Palestinian people and the uprooting of hundreds
of thousands Palestinians from their land, homes and properties. They called for the
implementation of all United Nations resolutions on the question of Palestine including
those related to Palestinian refugees. They reiterated their support for the inalienable
rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return to their homeland and to
have their own independent State with Jerusalem as its capital, and they reiterated their
demand for the withdrawal of Israel, the occupying Power, from all the Occupied
Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and the other Arab territories occupied since
1967. 185. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their position on occupied east
Jerusalem, the illegal Israeli settlements, and the applicability of the fourth Geneva
Convention of 1949 to all the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem. They
demanded that Israel, the Occupying Power, implement relevant Security Council Resolutions
in this regard and abide by its legal obligations. They reiterated their support for the
recommendations contained in the resolutions adopted during the Tenth Emergency Special
Session (ES-10/2, ES-10/3, ES-10/4 and ES-10/5) including, inter alia, the recommendation
to convene a conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention on
measures to enforce the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including
Jerusalem, and to ensure its respect in fulfilment of their collective responsibility as
stipulated in common article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. 186. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the adoption by the United Nations
General Assembly resolution 52/250 on the participation of Palestine in the work of the
United Nations and expressed confidence that Palestine will enjoy full membership in the
United Nations in the near future, preferably during the 53rd session of the General
Assembly. They also reiterated that Israeli representation in the work of the General
Assembly must be in conformity with international law, thus ensuring that Israeli
credentials do not cover the occupied territories since 1967, including Jerusalem. 187. The Heads of State or Government strongly condemned the decision of the Government
of Israel on 21st June 1998 to take further steps to expand the jurisdiction and planned
boundaries of Jerusalem. In this regard, they highly appreciated the efforts deployed by
His Majesty Hassan II, King of Morocco, Chairperson of Al-Quds Committee for the safeguard
of Jerusalem. They fully supported the content of the Final Communiqué‚ and
recommendations adopted by the Committee at its XVII Session held in Casablanca on 29-30
July 1998. 188. The Heads of State or Government expressed their deep concern over the current
deadlock of the Palestinian-Israeli Track of the Middle East peace process as a result of
the policies and actions of the Israeli Government, in violation of the existing
agreements, including settlement activities, repressive measures and economic suffocation
of the Palestinian people. In this regard, they condemned in particular the recent killing
and wounding by the Israeli army of scores of Palestinian civilians. They called for
increasing efforts to ensure compliance by Israel with the existing agreements and their
timely implementation. <<Back to Top>> 189. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed that all measures and actions taken,
or to be taken by Israel, the occupying power, such as its illegal decision of 14 December
1981 that purport to alter the legal, physical and demographic status of the occupied
Syrian Golan and its institutional structure, as well as the Israeli measures to apply its
jurisdiction and administration there, are null and void. They also reaffirmed that all
such measures and actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law,
international conventions, the Charter and decisions of the United Nations, particularly
Security Council resolution 497 (1981), the fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 on
the protection of civilians in time of war, and a defiance of the will of the
international community. They demanded that Israel comply with Security Council resolution
497 (1981) and withdraw fully from the occupied Syrian Golan, to the lines of 4 June 1967,
in implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. 190. The Heads of State or Government affirmed their unwavering support and solidarity
with the Syrian just demand and right to fully restore the occupied Syrian Golan on the
basis of the terms of reference of the Madrid peace process, the decisions of the
international legitimacy, as well as the formula of land for peace. They demanded that
Israel respect all commitments and pledges entered into, and resume the peace talks from
where they stopped. 191. The Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Countries, while expressing
their deep concern over the continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the ensuant
illegal detainment of Lebanese nationals, loss of innocent civilian lives and extensive
destruction of property, called on Israel to withdraw immediately, completely and
unconditionally from Southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa to the internationally recognised
boundaries in compliance with Security Council resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) and
to fully and strictly respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political
independence of Lebanon. They also maintained that any conditions put forward by Israel
for the implementation of resolution 425 (1978) would alter its legal and political
structure and are hence unacceptable. 192. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed the need to achieve comprehensive,
just and lasting peace in the Middle East. They affirmed their determination to actively
strive toward the attainment of this objective. They reiterated their support for the
Middle East Peace Process based on Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425 and the
principle of land for peace. They further reiterated the need for compliance with and
implementation of the agreements reached between the Palestine Liberation Organisation and
Israel as well as the fulfilment of the commitments and pledges made in accordance with
the terms of reference of the Madrid conference and the ensued negotiations. They
expressed grave concern over the current plight of the process, the deadlock of the
Palestinian-Israeli track and the total cessation of the Syrian-Israeli and
Lebanese-Israeli tracks. They deplored the attempts of the Israeli Government to change
the terms of reference of the peace process, to create facts on the ground which are
obstacles to peace and to try to develop unacceptable concepts which are contrary to the
principle of land for peace and the national rights of the Palestinian people. 193. In view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation, the Heads of State or
Government request the Non-Aligned Movement Countries to increase pressure and use all
available measures on regional and international level to ensure Israel's compliance with
the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference and the land for peace principles and its
full implementation of all agreements, undertakings, and commitments reached by the
concerned parties on all tracks during the peace talks. They also affirmed that failure by
the Israeli government to respond positively would require the Non-Aligned Movement
Members to take further appropriate measures. <<Back to Top>> B. Europe 194. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed all previous positions and
declarations of the Non-Aligned Movement on the question of Cyprus and expressed deep
concern and disappointment over the fact that no progress has been achieved in the search
for a just and viable solution due to the Turkish intransigence and the attempt of the
Turkish side to introduce preconditions to the two rounds of direct negotiations, held in
July and August 1997, between the President of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot leader, at
the United Nations Secretary-General's initiative. 195. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their support for the sovereignty,
unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, and their
solidarity with the people and the Government of Cyprus. They called once again for the
withdrawal of all occupation forces and settlers, the return of the refugees to their
homes in conditions of safety, the restoration of and respect for human rights of all
Cypriots and the accounting for all missing persons. 196. While reiterating their position that the present status quo in Cyprus, created
and maintained by the use of force, is unacceptable, the Heads of State or Government
underlined the importance and urgency for the effective implementation of all United
Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolutions 365 (1974), 541 (1983),
550 (1984) and 939 (1994), and to that end, for the Security Council to take resolute
action and appropriate measures including the holding of an international conference and
the demilitarisation of Cyprus, as repeatedly proposed by the President of Cyprus. They
expressed grave concern about recent continuous Turkish threats of use of force against
Cyprus and integration of the occupied territory by Turkey and deplored threats by the
Turkish side that it will not attend any new round of talks unless the purported state in
the occupied territory is recognised. They condemned the declared attempts of the Turkish
side for a change of the basis of the inter-communal dialogue under the mandate of the
United Nations Secretary-General. They considered such demands contrary to the relevant
United Nations resolutions, the Non-Aligned Declarations and the principles of
international law and called for their withdrawal. 197. The Heads of State or Government expressed their concern at the continuing lack of
political will on the part of the Turkish side, as confirmed by the report of the United
Nations Secretary-General (document S/1994/629, dated 30 May 1994). They reaffirmed their
support for the United Nations Secretary-General's efforts for a just, comprehensive and
workable solution, as provided in paragraph 2 of Security Council resolution 939 (1994)
and decided to request the contact group of Non-Aligned countries to remain seized of the
situation and actively support such efforts. Security and Co-operation in the Mediterranean 198. The Heads of State or Government reviewed the developments that occurred in the
Mediterranean region since the Cartagena Summit. They reaffirmed their determination to
intensify the process of dialogue and consultations in the promotion of comprehensive and
equitable co-operation in the region in resolving the problems existing in the
Mediterranean region, in the elimination of the causes of tension and the consequent
threat to peace and security. They stressed that respect for the right to
self-determination, elimination of foreign occupation and foreign bases, non-interference
in the internal affairs and respect for the sovereignty of States are prerequisites for
the establishment of peace and stability in the Mediterranean region. 199. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the various initiatives advanced to
promote Mediterranean co-operation and security as reflected in the relevant paragraphs of
the Final Document of Cartagena. In welcoming the decision taken by the IPU Second
Conference on Security and Co-operation in the Mediterranean to set up an association of
Mediterranean States, they stressed their conviction that parliaments should be actively
involved in bringing the peoples of the Mediterranean region closer together. In this
regard, they took note of the conclusions reached on the CSCM process at the IPU
Conference held in Windhoek, Namibia, in April 1998. They also welcomed the convening of
the second IPU thematic preparatory meeting of the 3rd CSCM held in Evora, Portugal on 25
and 26 June 1998 on Facilitating access to information and culture exchange in the
Mediterranean. 200. The Heads of State or Government took note of the ongoing Euro-Mediterranean
process and welcomed the holding of the Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Ministers Meeting in
Malta in April 1997 and the Ad Hoc Ministerial Meeting held in Palermo in June 1998. They
also took note of the meetings of the Mediterranean Forum in Algiers in July 1997 and in
Palma de Mallorca in April 1998. In this regard, they recognised that prospects for a
closer Euro-Mediterranean partnership in all its fields, including at the parliamentary
level, would enhance such process and would benefit from the participation of all
Mediterranean States in strengthening the co-operation in the region. 201. The Heads of State or Government also welcomed the first preparatory meeting at
parliamentary level between the European Parliament and Parliamentarians from the
Mediterranean countries involved in the Euro-Med, process, held in Malta in May 1998, to
agree on objectives, participation and venue for the first Euro-Mediterranean Meeting at
Parliamentary Level to be held later this year, with the aim to further explore the
potential for developing the parliamentary dimension of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership
and to better define its specific objectives and modalities. In this context, they also
welcomed the Joint Final Statement by the Speaker of the Maltese House of Representatives
and the Vice-President of the European Parliament as Co-Chairs of the Preparatory Meeting
of the Euro Mediterranean Forum. 202. The Heads of State or Government commended the efforts of the Non-Aligned
Mediterranean Countries in meeting the emerging multiple challenges heightened by
terrorist activities and organised criminal activity, including drug trafficking, money
laundering and illegal migration, which are posing a serious threat to security and
stability in the region. In this context, they committed themselves to strengthen further
their co-operation with the view to eliminating these threats and thus enhancing the
current political, economic and social situation in the Mediterranean region. <<Back to Top>> C. Africa 203. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the recent developments in Africa to
enhance economic co-operation and social development in the continent. They particularly
welcomed the signing and ratification of the Treaty establishing the African Economic
Community and urged all participating countries to create the necessary environment within
their countries and sub-regions to give full expression to the ideals embodied in the
Treaty. 204. In this regard they noted with satisfaction the measures taken by African States
to restructure their economies in order to improve their economic situation. However, they
regretted the fact that despite all the efforts made in a context of serious social and
economic constraints, the situation remain disturbing, especially as a result of the
persistence of the serious debt burden. They underlined the need for concerted action by
the international community including the international financial institutions and
developed countries to find a durable solution to the problem of external debt. 205. The Heads of State or Government noted with concern the continued acts of violence
perpetrated by terrorist groups against States or Governments and innocent civilians,
causing instability and severe disruption of development efforts in the continent. In this
regard, they welcomed the efforts undertaken by African countries towards the resolution
of incipient and persistent conflicts in the continent and called on the international
community to support these efforts. 206. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed the existence of an intrinsic link
between peace and development which requires an integrated approach to conflict
prevention, resolution and management. In this regard, they reiterated their support for
the efforts of the Organisation of African Unity, sub-regional organisations and the
United Nations to resolve conflicts in Africa to enhance durable peace and sustainable
development. 207. The Heads of State or Government called upon all African countries, to continue to
resolve their differences and conflicts, including those related to international
boundaries in accordance with the OAU Charter and relevant Principles. They stressed that
the use of armed force is not acceptable as a means of addressing border disputes or
changing established borders. They reaffirmed the responsibility of the United Nations,
especially the Security Council in the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the
continent. 208. The Heads of State or Government took note of the report of the United Nations
Secretary-General on "The Causes of Conflict and the Promotion of Durable Peace and
Sustainable Development in Africa". They commended the Secretary-General for his
timely and comprehensive report proposing guidelines on conflict prevention management and
resolution. 209. The Heads of State or Government commended the Security Council for establishing a
follow-up mechanism to implement the recommendations contained in the Secretary General's
report, within its own competence, and encouraged the Council to pursue its efforts in
this regard. 210. The Heads of State or Government recommended that the General Assembly, the United
Nations system, the Bretton Woods institutions and other appropriate bodies consider the
Secretary-General's report and to follow up the recommendations contained therein. 211. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the decision of the United Kingdom and
the United States of America to finally accept the positions advocated by the Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya supported by the Non-Aligned Movement, OAU, Arab League and the Organisation of
the Islamic Conference and other regional organisations of the South to try the two
suspects of the Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie in a neutral country. They expressed their
regret that it has taken so long for them to accept this position. 212. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their continuous support for the stand
of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to secure a fair and just trial for the two suspects. They
called upon the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Netherlands to engage
in discussions with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya or through the Secretary-General of the
United Nations with the objective of implementing the initiative referred to in the
Security Council resolution 1192 (1998) including trial arrangements and the appropriate
safety measures for the two suspects. 213. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their shock at the immense harmful
effects both human and economic sanctions imposed upon Libya by Security Council
resolutions 748 (1992) and 883 (1993) have caused on the Libyan people. They further
deplored the threats to further tighten the sanctions imposed by the said resolutions of
the Security Council in total disregard to the positive compliance by Libya to the demands
of those resolutions. They noted that this continued despite repeated calls by
international and regional organisations, including, Non-Aligned Movement for the lifting
of the sanctions imposed on the Libyan people. 214. In the light of these new developments, the Heads of State or Government decided
that the sanctions imposed on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya must be suspended once an
agreement has been reached between the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the concerned countries
on the arrangements and the guarantees leading to the appearance of the two suspects
before the Court. They further decided that the sanctions must be totally terminated once
the suspects have appeared for trial and decided that the Non-Aligned Movement shall act
accordingly. <<Back to Top>> 215. The Heads of State or Government, noting the latest progress in resolving the
question of Western Sahara, reiterated the support of the Movement for the efforts of the
United Nations to organise and supervise an impartial, free and fair referendum in
accordance with the Settlement Plan, the Houston Agreements and with relevant Security
Council and United Nations resolutions. 216. The Heads of State or Government reviewed events in Sierra Leone since their last
meeting in New Delhi and regretted the deterioration in the political situation in that
country occasioned by the forcible overthrow of the constitutionally-elected Government of
H.E. President Tejan Kabbah by a group of military putschists. They deplored the
considerable havoc wreaked thereby on the social and economic infrastructures of the
country, and the terror and destruction experienced by its peace-loving people. However,
they noted with satisfaction that through the determined efforts of the sub-regional
peace-keeping force, ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), acting with the full and express
authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and within the purview of the relevant
United Nations Security Council resolution, the situation has been reversed and H.E. Mr
Abmed Tejan Kabbah restored to power in Freetown on Tuesday, 10 March 1998, as the Head of
the legitimate government of the country. This development has facilitated the return of
peace and stability to the country, thus creating the basis for the resumption of the
development programme earlier initiated by his government. They therefore commended
countries in the sub-region for their positive role as well as the collaborating efforts
of OAU and the United Nations, in the process. They appealed to the international
community to respond positively to the urgent reconstruction needs of the Sierra Leonean
people through the provision of requisite assistance. In this regard, they welcomed the
initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General in convening the Special Conference on
Sierra Leone, which took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 30 July
1998, and urged that the pledges made at that conference would be fully redeemed and in a
timely manner. 217. The Heads of State or Government noted with concern the lack of progress in the
resolution of the crisis of Somalia. They reiterated the call that all Somali factional
leaders cooperate in the search of a comprehensive and durable peace in Somalia by
adhering to the various agreements reached over the past years, in particular the
agreements concluded at Sodere (Ethiopia), Nairobi and Sanaa. 218. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the Cairo Accord signed in Cairo by the
Somalia Factions in December 1997, and noted the outcome of the Addis Ababa Meeting of the
National Salvation Council held in January 1998. 219. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their full support for all efforts
made by the international community, including regional actors, in particular the
countries of IGAD, to assist in the resolution of the problem of Somalia. In this context,
they stressed the need for co-ordination of all efforts for peace in Somalia with the
regional initiative of IGAD. 220. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their full support for the efforts of
the United Nations, the OAU, the Arab League, and the Organisation of the Islamic
Conference to assist in the resolution of the crisis in Somalia. They called upon the
United Nations Secretary-General to assist in peace efforts in Somalia. 221. The Heads of State or Government expressed serious concern at the spiralling
violence and increased insecurity arising from the intensification of intra and inter-clan
disputes, and called upon the Somali faction leaders to make a determined effort to bring
an end to these intra and inter- clan disputes, which have led to death and destruction of
property and threaten to undermine humanitarian relief deliveries and impede the
advancement of the peace and national reconciliation process in Somalia. 222. The Heads of State or Government appealed to the international community to
provide humanitarian, economic and reconstruction assistance to the people of Somalia in a
well-calibrated manner and with the goal of advancing the peace process and strengthening
constituencies for peace. <<Back to Top>> 223. The Heads of State or Government recalled their position on the political
situation in Liberia at their XIIth Ministerial Conference in New Delhi, India, 7-9 April
1997. In this connection, they commended the people of Liberia for their resolve in
bringing about a peaceful resolution of their civil conflict through the holding of free
and fair presidential and legislative elections which were monitored and observed by the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Organisation of African Unity
(OAU) and the United Nations. They also commended the democratically-elected government of
H.E. Mr Charles Taylor, President of the Republic of Liberia. They noted that the peace
process in Liberia was principally advanced by the efforts of the Sub-Regional
Organisation ECOWAS and whose leadership they commended for displaying the strongest
commitment to the resolution of the Liberian civil conflict. They expressed their
appreciation to the international community for its humanitarian assistance to Liberia and
welcomed the initiative of the donor community through the holding of a successful Donors
Meeting on Liberia in April 1998, in Paris, France, and called upon the international
community including Member States to support the reconstruction programme of Liberia. 224. The Heads of State or Government examined the situation prevailing in Angola
in the framework of the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol. They commended the
Government of Angola for the flexibility and political will demonstrated, aiming at a long
and lasting peace in that country. 225. The Heads of State or Government held the leadership of UNITA, and specifically Mr
Jonas Savimbi, personally accountable for the resumption of hostilities and deteriorating
security situation in Angola, as evidenced by their persistent refusal to conform to the
relevant decisions of the United Nations Security Council, regarding the Implementation of
the Military and Political Aspects of the Lusaka Protocol, particularly the demobilisation
and disarmament of its troops, as well as the extension of State administration. In this
regard, they strongly condemned UNITA for its acts of armed aggression and re-occupation
of the territory already handed over to the State Administration thus creating an
unfortunate outflow of refugees to the neighbouring countries and displaced persons, and
called once again on the Leaders of UNITA to undertake the total and unconditional
demobilisation of their troops in accordance with the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol. 226. The Heads of State or Government appealed to the international community, in
particular the United Nations Security Council to use all its power with a view to
obliging UNITA to conform the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol. They also reiterated
their appeal to the international community to increase the amount of humanitarian relief
provided to the needy population as well as assistance for economic and social
rehabilitation of Angola. 227. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed that Chagos Archipelago, including
Diego Garcia, is an integral part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Mauritius.
In this regard, they reiterated their call to the former colonial power to pursue
constructive dialogue expeditiously with Mauritius for the early return of Chagos
Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to the sovereignty of the Republic of Mauritius. <<Back to Top>> 228. The Heads of State or Government, recalling that the United Nations General
Assembly's resolution 3385 (XXX) admitted that Comoros, on 12 November 1975, as a Member
State composed of the islands of Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mayotte and Moheli, noted with
deep concern that the separatist crisis, currently besetting the people and Government of
the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros, took inspiration in the decision of the former
colonial administrative power to perpetuate its rule on the island of Mayotte. 229. The Heads of State or Government recognised that this initial violation of
principles of United Nations resolution 1514 (XV), and the OAU Charter, was a major factor
behind the chronic institutional disabilities, imposed by European mercenaries through
repeated coups, political destabilisation, the assassination of two Heads of State, in May
1978 and November 1989, and the deportation of the third Head of State, to the French
Overseas Department of Reunion, in September 1995. They expressed serious concern that the
current separatist trends may be nourished to foster and ensure a total dislocation of the
Comoros as a sovereign State and a recognised member of the International Community, with
guaranteed territorial space along the lines fixed by the former colonial administrative
power. They have expressed similar concern that this state of affairs may lead to total
chaos and anarchy, within the island communities of the Archipelago, and thus enhance the
potential for instability in the entire sub-region. 230. The Heads of State or Government supported repeated calls by the Organisation of
African Unity, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Conference, for
the former colonial power to genuinely commit itself to the preservation of National Unity
and Territorial Integrity of the Archipelago-State of Comoros, as demanded by
International Law. They commended and underscored efforts to look into all options for an
early and peaceful end to the separatist crisis, to be undertaken by the Regional
Co-ordination for Crisis Resolution in the Comoros, as enacted and mandated by the
Decision CM/Dec.405 (LXVIII)-Doc.Cm/2602 (LXVIII) of the 34th OAU Summit, held in June
1998, at Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. 231. The Heads of State or Government appealed to all parties concerned by the current
level of the separatist crisis in the Comoros, to help pave the way for an early convening
of an Inter-Comorian Conference, based on respect for National Unity and Territorial
Integrity of the Archipelago-State, calling for larger autonomy, peace and shared
prosperity for all the island communities. They welcomed and encouraged the firm
commitment of the OAU Secretary General to organise, soon after the return to
constitutional normality, a Round Table Donor Conference for Economic and Social Recovery
of the Comoros, in close collaboration with specialised development agencies, at both
regional and international levels. 232. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the joint mediation efforts of ECOWAS
(Economic Community of West African States) and CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking
Countries), within the framework of ECOWAS aimed at restoring peace in Guinea Bissau. In
this regard, they recognised the need to respect the cease-fire agreed upon in Praia, Cape
Verde on 26 August 1998, which constitutes an important step in enhancing peace and
security in the sub-region. They therefore urged for the continuation of meaningful
negotiations aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict. 233. The Heads of State or Government examined the situation prevailing between
Eritrea and Ethiopia. They expressed their deep concern at this crisis between two
brotherly countries. They welcomed the 34th OAU Summit decision sending a high level
delegation to Addis Ababa and Asmara, as well as the efforts subsequently deployed by OAU
with the view of helping promote a peaceful, fair and lasting solution to the crisis. 234. The Heads of State or Government firmly supported the mediation efforts being
undertaken by the OAU and appealed to Ethiopia and Eritrea to continue to cooperate fully
in the search for a peaceful, fair and lasting solution to the dispute. <<Back to Top>> D. Asia 235. The Heads of State or Government deplored the imposition and continued military
enforcement of "No Fly Zones" on Iraq by individual countries without any
authorisation from the United Nations Security Council or General Assembly. 236. The Heads of State or Government stressed the need to work diligently towards
resolving the fate of 700 Iraqi civilians and military personnel who went missing after
the military actions of 1991, and whose individual files have been submitted to ICRC. They
also urged that help be extended to Iraq through UNESCO and other competent bodies for the
restoration of all objects of art and antiquity stolen or smuggled out of Iraq during past
years. 237. The Heads of State or Government strongly condemned the repeated actions of
Turkish armed forces violating the territorial integrity of Iraq under the pretext of
fighting guerrilla elements hiding inside Iraqi territory. These actions of Turkish armed
forces constitute stark illegal violations of the international boundaries mutually
recognised between the two countries and a threat to regional and international peace and
security. They also rejected the so-called "hot-pursuit" measures adopted by
Turkey to justify such actions which are abhorrent to international law and to the norms
of practice amongst States. The Situation between Iraq and Kuwait 238. The Heads of State or Government reviewed the situation between Iraq and
Kuwait and emphasised that all Member Countries in the Movement are committed to respect
the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of both Kuwait and Iraq.
They also emphasised that the full implementation of all relevant Security Council
resolutions constitute the means of establishing peace, security and stability in the
region. In this respect, they stressed the importance of Iraq to its completion of
implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions. 239. In this respect, the Heads of State or Government stressed the need to resolve
expeditiously the fate of all prisoners/detainees and missing persons of Kuwait and third
country nationals by means of serious and sincere co-operation with the International
Committee of the Red Cross to reach a solution of this particular issue and to return the
properties of the Government of Kuwait including official documents removed from national
archives seized by Iraq. 240. The Heads of State or Government expressed their support and appreciation to the
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, for the timely exercise of his
leadership on seeking a diplomatic and peaceful solution on the crisis on Iraq as it was
suggested by the Non-Aligned Movement on 11 February 1998. They also expressed their
confidence that the agreement reached in Baghdad provided a diplomatic way out of the
crisis on Iraq endorsed by the Security Council and contributed positively to the
preservation of peace and security in the region. 241. The Heads of State or Government reviewed the issue of human suffering in Iraq and
positively noted recent developments that allow the import of essential civilian
necessities by Iraq. In this respect, they welcomed the Security Council resolution 1153
(1998). 242. The Heads of State or Government noted with deep concern the continuing
deterioration of the humanitarian conditions of Iraqi population due to sanctions. Based
upon the principles and decision of the Movement, they urge Member Countries of the
Movement to deploy their efforts to halt this tragedy and help in lifting the sanctions as
soon as possible in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions. <<Back to Top>> 243. The Heads of State or Government expressed their concern over the fact that the
Korean Peninsula still remain divided in spite of the desires and aspirations of the
Korean people for reunification, and reaffirmed their support to the Korean people to
reunify their homeland in accordance with the three principles set forth in the
North-South Joint Statement on July 4, 1972 and through dialogue and negotiations on the
basis of the Agreement on Reconciliation, Non-Aggression, and Co-operation and Exchange
between the North and South concluded in February 1992. 244. The Heads of State or Government considered the importance of guaranteeing a
durable peace and security in the Korean Peninsula for the sake of the common prosperity
of the Korean People as well as peace and security in North-East Asia and the rest of the
world. 245. The Heads of State or Government expressed their commitment to the sovereignty,
independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan, and called on all
States strictly to refrain from any outside interference in the internal affairs of
Afghanistan. They stress that the main responsibility for finding a political solution to
the conflict lay with the Afghan parties themselves. 246. The Heads of State or Government expressed their concern at the continuation of
the military confrontation in Afghanistan, and called upon all States concerned to
immediately end the supply of arms, ammunition, military equipment, training or other
military support to all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan, including the presence and
involvement of foreign military personnel. 247. The Heads of State or Government condemned the capture of the Consulate-General of
the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mazar-e-Sharif and demanded the safe and dignified passage
out of Afghanistan of the personnel of the Consulate-General and other Iranian nationals
missing in Afghanistan. 248. The Heads of State or Government were convinced that there was no military
solution to the Afghan conflict and called upon all Afghan parties to cease immediately
all armed hostilities, to renounce the use of force and to engage, without preconditions,
in a political dialogue aimed at achieving a lasting political settlement of the conflict.
249. The Heads of State or Government expressed the hope that the Afghan parties would
move towards national reconciliation in accordance with United Nations General Assembly
resolutions 52/211, 51/195 and 51/108 in co-operation with the United Nations and the
Organisation of the Islamic Conference. 250. The Heads of State or Government expressed their concern about actions undermining
the security of State frontiers, including the growing illicit traffic in arms by criminal
elements and groups from certain areas of Afghanistan and about the use of Afghan
territory for the training and harbouring of terrorists, which create a threat to peace
and stability in the entire region, including Afghanistan. 251. In this connection, the Heads of State or Government underlined the significance
of Security Council resolution 1193 (1998) calling for an immediate and durable political
solution to the situation in Afghanistan and urged all parties to implement this process. <<Back to Top>> 252. The Heads of State or Government recognised the role of ASEAN in maintaining
peace, stability and prosperity in the region and in enhancing co-operation in the wider
Asia-Pacific region, and that of ARF in promoting dialogue and mutual confidence amongst
its participants. They welcomed the progress of ASEAN's continuing efforts to realise the
objective of establishing a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality in South-East Asia
(ZOPFAN) and the entry into force of the Treaty on the South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free
Zone (SEANWFZ). They regarded the establishment of SEANWFZ as an important contribution to
peace, security and stability in the Asia Pacific region. For the effectiveness of the
Treaty, they encouraged all nuclear-weapon States to extend their support and co-operation
by acceding to the Protocol of the Treaty. 253. The Heads of State or Government emphasised the need to resolve all sovereignty
and jurisdictional disputes concerning the South China Sea by peaceful means without
resort to force and/or threat to use force, and urged all parties to exercise restraint
with a view to creating a positive climate for the eventual resolution of all contentious
issues. They expressed concern over recent developments that may lead to a deterioration
of peace and stability in the region. In this context, they supported the principles
contained in the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea, and stressed the need for
the full implementation of such principles by all concerned. They expressed the hope that
all concerned will refrain from further actions that may undermine peace, stability, trust
and confidence in the region, including possibly undermining freedom of navigation and
aviation in affected areas. They likewise urged the claimants to address the issue in
various bilateral and multilateral fora, and in this regard reiterated the significance of
promoting all types of confidence-building measures among all parties. To this end, they
welcomed the Indonesian initiative in sponsoring the workshop on managing the potential
conflict in the South China Sea and other measures launched by the concerned parties in
the region to enhance co-operation and to ensure the peaceful settlement of all
outstanding questions. 254. The Heads of State or Government commended the Cambodian people and their King,
His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, for the successful organisation of a free and fair and
democratic election on 26 July 1998 as witnessed by the international observers. They
shared the satisfaction expressed by H.E. Mr Kofi Annan, the United Nations
Secretary-General on 7 August 1998 on the peaceful and orderly election. They urged the
Cambodian parties to work towards the formation of a new government in a spirit of
national reconciliation, in order to enable the Cambodian people to promote reconstruction
and economic development. They expressed their appreciation to ASEAN, the Friends of
Cambodia and the international community for their contribution to the efforts to restore
political stability in Cambodia. <<Back to Top>> 255. The Heads of State or Government once again called upon the Government of the
United States of America to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial actions
against Cuba which, in addition to being unilateral and contrary to the United Nations
Charter and international law, and to the principle of neighbourliness, cause huge
material losses and economic damage to the people of Cuba. They called once again on the
United States of America to settle its differences with Cuba through negotiations on the
basis of equality and mutual respect, and requested strict compliance with resolutions
47/19, 48/16, 49/9, 50/10, 51/17, and 52/10 of the United Nations General Assembly. They
expressed deep concern over the widening of the extra-territorial nature of the embargo
against Cuba and over continuous new legislative measures geared to intensifying it. They
also urged the US government to return the territory now occupied by the Guantanamo Naval
Base to Cuban sovereignty and to put an end to aggressive radio and TV transmissions
against Cuba. Guyana and Venezuela controversy 256. The Heads of State or Government took note of the firm commitment of Guyana and
Venezuela to peacefully resolve the controversy which exist between them. In this regard,
they fully supported the Parties in their decision to continue to avail themselves of the
good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General and his Special Representative in
order to reach a final settlement as called for by the Geneva Agreement of 1966. 257. The Heads of State or Government noted with satisfaction the significant progress
made in the implementation of the Panama Canal Treaty of 1997 between Panama and the
United States of America, known as the Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which recognises the
sovereignty of the Republic of Panama over the entire extension of its territory and
ensures the effective exercise of Panamanian jurisdiction. 258. They noted with satisfaction that the transition process established in the said
treaty for the orderly transfer of the Canal to Panama was taking place with cordiality
between the two countries. They especially welcomed the fact that this process will
culminate on 31 December 1999, at which time the Canal and its installations will be fully
transferred to the proprietorship of the Republic of Panama and the total withdrawal of
all foreign military bases from Panama should be completed. They expressed their
appreciation of the Panamanian people for these historic achievements, which will be
milestones in the process of world decolonisation. 259. They further noted with deep satisfaction the measures adopted by the Government
of Panama for the purpose of continuing to guarantee the efficient functioning of the
Canal and its uninterrupted use by ships of all nations once Panama assumes full
responsibility for its control, operation and administration. 260. They recognised the importance of the peaceful and secure use of the Canal to
world commerce and navigation, and in that context, underlined the importance of its
policy of neutrality and called upon the states to adhere to the Protocol to the Treaty
concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, which proclaim the
permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal. |
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