Situation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East

Resolution 490 (1971)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Assembly debate on 10, 11 and 14 May 1971 (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th Sittings) (see Doc. 2941,Doc. 2941,report of the Political Affairs Committee Text adopted by the Assembly on 14 May 1971 (7th Sitting).

The Assembly,

1. Recalling its Resolution 446 (1970) on the situation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East which still holds good ;

2. Reaffirming that it is in the vital interests of the countries of Southern Europe and of Europe as a whole to pursue an active policy for peace in that area, particularly in order to reduce the dangers inherent in the Israeli-Arab conflict and the confrontation between the super-powers,

3. Considers that, on the basis of the United Nations Security Council Resolution of 22 November 1967, peace talks should continue on all outstanding issues leading to an agreement negotiated between the parties involved, and in particular that they should recognise :

a the need to establish a true armistice which must be binding on all parties until a negotiated peace agreement is reached ;

b the State of Israel and its right to live in peace with its neighbours ;

c the necessity for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from occupied territories according to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 of 22 November 1967 to secure and recognised frontiers as part of the application of a forthcoming peace treaty ;

d the need to solve the political problems of the Palestinian population and to secure their full participation in a peaceful and democratic settlement in the entire area ;

e the right of all countries to unrestricted freedom of passage through the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Akaba ;

4. Reaffirms the important contribution that could be made by the member States of the Council of Europe towards the economic, social and political development of the Mediterranean and the Middle East as a zone of stability rather than a zone of outside influences by :

a working out a joint Mediterranean policy, for instance within the framework of the European Communities, with a view to harmonising as far as possible the association or trade agreements so far concluded, and extending their scope as a means of stimulating regional cooperation among the countries in that area ;

b embarking on a plan of economic aid to the countries of the Middle East, in which priority should be given to alleviating the plight of the Palestinian refugees and which should contribute to raising the standard of living and of literacy, the development of agriculture and industrialisation, in short increasing economic productivity in the countries concerned.