UNSC: REQUEST FOR INSTRUCTIONS -- GAZA RESOLUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 002141

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/10/2016
TAGS: PREL UNSC IS
SUBJECT: UNSC: REQUEST FOR INSTRUCTIONS -- GAZA RESOLUTION

REF: STATE 185573

Classified By: Classified by Amb. John R. Bolton. E.O 12958. Reasons 1.
4 (B&D).



1. (C) The Qatari sponsors of a resolution on the recent
events in Gaza have put its draft into Blue for a vote now
scheduled for November 11 at 12:00 noon. Though the original
draft text has undergone two revisions in as many days, the
current text remains unacceptable. Notwithstanding experts'
suggestions, the text remains unbalanced, retains
emotionally-charged language, and prescribes the
establishment of an unnecessary "fact-finding mission" and
"an international mechanism for the protection of the
(Palestinian) civilian populations" the details of which are
not well thought out. Retention of preambular language
characterizing Israeli actions as "disproportionate"
constitutes an allegation that those Israeli actions were
illegal. USUN recommends that the U.S. veto this draft
resolution.


2. (C) USUN believes that the current text has at least nine
supporters: Qatar, France, Greece, Russia, China, Congo,
Ghana, Tanzania, and Argentina. Two countries -- Denmark and
UK -- will abstain. Three countries -- Peru, Slovakia and
Japan -- are uninstructed, though Slovakia and Japan seem to
be leaning toward abstention. With nine votes in favor, the
resolution will pass unless the U.S. exercises a veto.


3. (C) USUN requests voting instructions and an Explanation
of Vote (EOV) text for the November 11 Security Council
meeting.


4. (U) Text of Qatari Draft Resolution follows:

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its previous resolutions 242 (1967),338 (1973),
446 (1979),1322 (2000),1397 (2002),1402 (2002),1403
(2002),1405 (2002),1435 (2002),1515 (2003),and 1544
(2004),

Reaffirming the applicable rules and principles of
international law, including humanitarian and human rights
laws, in particular the Geneva Convention relative to the
Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August
1949,

Expressing its grave concern at the continued deterioration
of the situation on the ground in the Palestinian Territory
occupied by Israel since 1967, during the recent period,
particularly as a result of the excessive and
disproportionate use of force by Israel, the occupying Power,
which has caused extensive loss of civilian Palestinian life
and injuries, including among women and children,

Condemning the military operations being carried out by
Israel, the occupying Power, in the Gaza Strip, in particular
the attack that took place in Beit Hanoun on 8 November 2006,
which have caused loss of civilian life and extensive
destruction of Palestinian property and vital infrastructure,

Condemning also the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel,


1. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately
cease its military operations that endangers the Palestinian
civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
including East Jerusalem, and to immediately withdraw its
forces from within the Gaza Strip to positions prior to 28
June 2006;


2. Calls for an immediate halt of all acts of violence and
military activities between the Israeli and Palestinian side
as s agreed in the Sharm El-Sheikh understandings of 8
February 2005;


3. Requests the Secretary-General to establish a
fact-finding mission on the attack that took place in Beit
Hanoun on 8 November 2006 within thirty days;


4. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to scrupulously
abide by its obligations and responsibilities under the
Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian
Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949;


5. Calls upon the Palestinian Authority to take immediate
and sustained action to bring an end to violence, including
the firing of rockets on Israeli territory;


6. Emphasizes the need to preserve the Palestinian
institutions, infrastructure and properties;


7. Expresses grave concern about the dire humanitarian

situation of the Palestinian people and calls for the
provision of emergency assistance to them;


8. Calls upon the international community, including the
Quartet, to take immediate steps, to stabilize the situation
and restart the peace process, including through the possible
establishment of an international mechanism for protection of
the civilian populations;


9. Calls upon the parties supported by the international
community to take immediate steps including
confidence-building measures, with the objective of resuming
peace negotiations;


10. Stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a
just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East,
based on all its relevant resolutions including its
revolutions 242 (1967),338 (1973),1397 (2002) and 1515
(2003),the Madrid terms of reference, the principle of land
for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the League of
Arab States Summit in March 2002 in Beirut, and the Roadmap.


11. Requests the Secretary-General of the United Nations to
report back to the Security Council on the implementation of
this resolution in a timely manner;


12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
BOLTON