A/RES/54/69
Page 2
Welcoming also the signing of the Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum on 4 September 1999,
Encouraging the Multilateral Working Group on Refugees of the Middle East peace process to
continue its important work,
1. Notes with regret that repatriation or compensation of the refugees, as provided for in paragraph
11 of its resolution 194 (III), has not yet been effected and that, therefore, the situation of the refugees
continues to be a matter of concern;
2. Also notes with regret that the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine has been
unable to find a means of achieving progress in the implementation of paragraph 11 of General Assembly
resolution 194 (III), and requests the Commission to exert continued efforts towards the implementation
of that paragraph and to report to the Assembly as appropriate, but no later than 1 September 2000;
3. Expresses its thanks to the Commissioner-General and to all the staff of the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, recognizing that the Agency is doing
all it can within the limits of available resources, and also expresses its thanks to the specialized agencies
and to private organizations for their valuable work in assisting refugees;
4. Notes the significant success of the Peace Implementation Programme of the Agency since the
signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements,2 and stresses the
importance that contributions to this Programme not be at the expense of the General Fund;
5. Welcomes the increased cooperation between the Agency and international and regional
organizations, States and relevant agencies and non-governmental organizations, which is essential to
enhancing the contributions of the Agency towards improved conditions for the refugees and thereby the
social stability of the occupied territory;
6. Urges all Member States to extend and expedite aid and assistance with a view to the economic
and social development of the Palestinian people and the occupied territory;
7. Reiterates its deep concern regarding the persisting critical financial situation of the Agency, as
outlined in the report of the Commissioner-General;1
8. Commends the efforts of the Commissioner-General to move towards budgetary transparency and
internal efficiency, and welcomes in this respect the new, unified budget structure for the biennium 20002001, which can contribute significantly to improved budgetary transparency of the Agency;
9. Welcomes the consultative process between the Agency, host Governments, the Palestinian
Authority and donors on management reforms;
10. Notes with profound concern that the continuing shortfall in the finances of the Agency has a
significant negative influence on the living conditions of the Palestine refugees most in need and that it
therefore has possible consequences for the peace process;
11. Calls upon all donors, as a matter of urgency, to make the most generous efforts possible to meet
the anticipated needs of the Agency, including the remaining costs of moving the headquarters to Gaza,
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