Strengthening of security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling its relevant resolutions, including its resolution 45/79 of 12 December 1990,

Reaffirming the primary role of the Mediterranean countries in strengthening and promoting peace, security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region,

Recognizing the efforts realized so far and the determination of the Mediterranean countries to intensify the process of dialogue and consultations with the view to resolving the problems existing in the Mediterranean,

Expressing concern at the persistent tension and continuing military operations and activities in parts of the Mediterranean region and the consequent threat to peace and security,

Recognizing also the indivisible character of security in the Mediterranean and that the enhancement of cooperation among Mediterranean countries with a view to promoting the economic and social development of all peoples of the region will contribute significantly to stability, peace and security in the region,

Recognizing further that the positive developments taking place worldwide, particularly in Europe, would contribute to enhancing prospects for closer Euro- Mediterranean cooperation in all spheres,

Expressing satisfaction at the growing awareness of the need for joint efforts by all Mediterranean countries so as to strengthen economic, social, cultural and environmental cooperation in the Mediterranean region,

Reaffirming the responsibility of all States to conform in their actions to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as to the provisions of the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on this item,

1.         Reaffirms that security in the Mediterranean is closely linked to European security as well as to international peace and security;

2.         Expresses satisfaction at the continuing efforts by Mediterranean States to contribute actively to the elimination of all causes of tension in the region and to the promotion of just and lasting solutions, thus ensuring the withdrawal of foreign forces of occupation and the right of peoples under colonial or foreign domination to self-determination and independence in accordance with the Charter and resolutions of the United Nations;

3.         Emphasizes the need for a just and peaceful settlement of persistent problems in the region, for respecting and safeguarding the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and peoples of the Mediterranean and for full adherence to the principles of non-use of force or threat of use of force and the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force, in accordance with the Charter and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations;

5.         Notes the adoption in December 1990 of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe77 by the heads of State or Government of the States participating in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which, inter alia, underlined their wish to promote favourable conditions for a harmonious development and diversification of relations with the non-participating Mediterranean States;

6.         Takes note of the conclusions of the Tenth Ministerial Meeting of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Accra from 2 to 7 September 1991, which, inter alia, welcomed the continuing efforts of the non-aligned countries in the region to promote the process of an open and constructive dialogue for peace, stability, security, development and cooperation in the region and supported the initiatives being undertaken by Mediterranean countries in this respect;

7.         Welcomes in this context the decisions taken by the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Western Mediterranean Countries, held at Algiers in October 1991, and the decision concerning the forthcoming summit meeting of the Western Mediterranean countries, to be held at Tunis in early 1992;

8.         Notes also the continued widespread support among Mediterranean countries for the convening of a conference on security and cooperation in the Mediterranean, as well as the ongoing regional consultations to create the appropriate conditions for its convening;

9.         Encourages the non-aligned Mediterranean countries and the European Mediterranean countries to redouble their efforts to promote and implement confidence- and security-building measures in the disarmament field and to eliminate the economic and social disparities in levels of development in the Mediterranean region, thus enhancing peace, security and cooperation in the region;

10.       Urges all States to cooperate with the Mediterranean States in the intensification of existing forms of cooperation in various fields, with a view to reducing tension, promoting peace and security and ensuring stability, prosperity and support for democratic processes, economic reforms and development in the countries of the region, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter;

11.       Invites all Member States, as well as the relevant regional organizations and subregional groupings, to communicate to the Secretary-General concrete ideas and suggestions concerning this issue, and requests the Secretary- General to submit a report to the General Assembly at its forty-seventh session;

12.       Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its forty-seventh session the item entitled "Strengthening of security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region".