UN resolution on the Middle East

Following is the edited text of a resolution approved by the UN Security Council yesterday that calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Ramallah and other Palestinian cities. Resolution 1402, drafted by Norway, was adopted on a 14-0 vote.

The Security Council, reaffirming its resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967, 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973, 1397 (2002) of 12 March 2002 and the Madrid principles, expressing its grave concern at the further deterioration of the situation, including the recent suicide bombings in Israel and the military attack against the headquarters of the president of the Palestinian Authority,

1. Calls upon both parties to move immediately to a meaningful ceasefire; calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities; and calls upon the parties to cooperate with Special Envoy Zinni, and others, to implement the Tenet security work plan as a first step towards implementation of the Mitchell Committee recommendations, with the aim of resuming negotiations;

2. Reiterates its demand in resolution 1397 of 12 March 2002 for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction;

3. Expresses support for the efforts of the secretary-general and the special envoys to assist the parties to halt the violence and to resume the peace process;

4. Remains seized of the matter.