Security Council condemns deportation of Palestinians.

• Position: Middle East

The deportation to Lebanon on 17 December of some 400 Palestinians from the occupied territories was strongly condemned by the Security Council on 18 December as a contravention of Israel's obligations under the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention.

In unanimously adopting resolution 799 (1992), the Council demanded that Israel, the occupying Power, ensure the "safe and immediate" return of all those deported.

The Secretary-General was asked to dispatch a representative to help resolve the impasse. On 2 5 December, James Jonah, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, went to the area. On 4 January 1993, after his return, the Secretary-General informed the Council that the impasse continued and a second mission would be sent to the region.

In debate, Council members on 18 December called on all parties to show restraint in their actions and not to undermine the Middle East peace process, which should be given every chance to succeed.

Gad Yaacobi of Israel said his country remained fully committed to the quest for peace and would not withdraw from the peace talks. However, it continued to pursue the "dual goals of peace and war against terrorism".

Khalil Makkawi of Lebanon told the Council that the Israeli action challenged UN authority and further proved that Israel did not want a total and comprehensive settlement.

Nasser Al-Kidwa, observer for Palestine, told the Council that his people could not participate in the peace process while Israel continued its deportation policy.

In a 17 December statement, Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali had called on the Israeli authorities to rescind the deportation orders, recalling that Council resolution 726 (1992), unanimousiy adopted on 6 January, specifically requested Israel to refrain from such acts.

Other developments

With respect to the Middle East peace process, the UN has been invited to participate in the multi-lateral negotiations on regional issues. On 20 November 1992, the Secretary-General appointed Chinmaya Rajaninath Gharekhan of India as his Special Representative to the talks. He will coordinate the role of the UN in working groups on arms control and regional security, water, environment, economic and regional development, and refugees.

The Council on 25 November renewed until 31 May 1993 the...