General Assembly considers United States move to close PLO office.

• Position: Palestine Liberation Organization

General Assembly considers United States move to close PLO office

World Court rules United States must arbitrate

On 26 April, the World Court ruled unanimously that the United States must submit to international arbitration regarding its decision to close the PLO Observer Mission to the United Nations.

The General Assembly, meeting in two resumed sessions in early 1988, has considered the question of the closing of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Observer Mission to the United Nations. It did so after learning that the United States might close down the Mission under the terms of its 1987 Anti-Terrorism Act.

The Assembly adopted three resolutions on the matter: two after a three-day session (29 February-2 March), a third following a second resumed session (18-23 March). All three texts were approved by overwhelming majority votes.

By resolution 42/229A, adopted by a vote of 143 to 1 (Israel), with no abstentions, the Assembly considered that a dispute exists between the United Nations and the United States, the host country, concerning the interpretation or application of the 1947 Headquarters Agreement.

Some 143 nations also approved resolution 42/229B, asking the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion as to whether, in the light of the facts reflected in the reports of the Secretary-General, the United States is under obligation to enter into arbitration in accordance with the Agreement. There were no negative or abstaining votes.

The United States did not participate in the balloting, which took place on 2 March, stating the actions were "premature" as it had not yet decided on its final position.

On 11 March, the United States informed Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar that it had determined that its 1987 Anti-Terrorism Act required the closing of the PLO office in New York, "irrespective of any obligations the United States may have under the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations". If the PLO did not comply with the Act, the United States Attorney-General would initiate legal action to close the Mission on or about 21 March, the effective date of the Act.

The Assembly reconvened on 18 March to consider the new development. On 23 March, after four meetings, it adopted resolution 42/230 by a vote of 148 to 2 (Israel, United States), with no abstentions. Under the text, the Assembly determined that the United States legislation by...