Kuwait, Indonesia distribute statement over Israeli decision to terminate TIPH mandate

NEW YORK, Feb 7 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait and Indonesia distributed a draft press statement late Wednesday on the decision by the Israeli government not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH).
In the statement, obtained by KUNA, UNSC members expressed regret about the unilateral decision by the Israeli government to end the mandate of the UN mission.
The TIPH was established in accordance with an agreement by the Israelis and Palestinians on January 21,1997, following the UNSC resolution 904 (1994) which called for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians throughout the occupied territory including inter-Alia, a temporary international or foreign presence. The members of the Security Council recognized the importance of the mandate of TIPH end of its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating as reflected in the escalating cycle of violence, the statement noted.
The members of the Council reiterated the call upon both parties to act on the basis of international law, including international humanitarian law and previous agreements and obligations, to observe calm and restraint and refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric.
They stressed Israel's obligations as an occupying power under international law to protect the Palestinian civilian population in Hebron as well as and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory They called for respect of its relevance resolutions including resolutions 904 and 2334 and the agreements concluded between the parties, according to the statement. They reaffirmed that Israel's settlement policy in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including east Jerusalem, is illegal under international law and constitutes a major obstacle to the achievement of the two state solution.
They also reiterated the call for intensification of international and regional efforts to achieve without delay a comprehensive, just, lasting and peaceful solution based on the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab peace initiative and the quartet road map, the statement added.
Speaking to reporters following the Council session, Kuwait Representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi said his country and Indonesia asked the Council to convene a session behind closed doors to discuss the future of the UN mission in Hebron.
"The Council members mull the possibility of paying a visit to the West Bank city and other parts of the occupied Palestinian territories," he revealed.
Ambassador Al-Otaibi thanked the Council members for positively responding to the joint Kuwaiti-Indonesian initiative and rejecting the unilateral moves of the Israeli government. (end) asf.gb