1.
GV Security Council
0.10

2.
SV Syrian delegate speaks
0.51

3.
SV Security Council
0.56

4.
SCU Israeli delegate speaks
1.38

5.
GV Security Council
1.41

6.
SV Nigerian delegate speaks
2.18


MR. HAISSAM KELANI (Syrian representative) English translation:



"This problem has always existed in the events of the region's life, at the human, political, economic and international level. It will go on as long as the world's conscience and international efforts will not exert their influence upon Israel. Injustice breeds revolt and the revolt of the people and of the nations is a symbol of the decline of the international system and of the degradation of the world's peace."



MR. YOSEF ???AH (Israeli representatives):



"Syrian has time and again declared the its objective is to destroy Israel. Israel's insistence on negotiations--direct or indirect--is not a manoeuvre devised to bait our Arab enemies. The vehement refusal of the Arab leaders to discuss with us the terms of a peace settlement must raise the question as to whether they are really concerned to live in peace with us. This is really the crux of the conflict."



THE NIGERIAN COMMISSIONER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, DR. OKOI ARIKPO:



"We small and powerless countries may not be able to influence the course of momentous world events, at least not now. But in the spirit of goodwill and solidarity -- the spirit in which Africa has frequently related to Israel -- we wish to appeal through you, Mr. President, to the friendly state of Israel to pay more heed to the resolutions of the United Nations and to show more consideration for the legitimate concerns of Africa."




Initials BB/2353 JS/AH/BB/0015



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In New York on Thursday (7 June), the United Nations Security Council continued its debate on the Middle East; The debate began on Wednesday when the council heard an Egyptian appeal for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab territory.

Representatives of Egypt, Israel and Jordan were invited to take seats at the council table and to take part in the discussions but without voting power. In addition seats were reserved at the side of the council chamber for Tanzania, Chad, Syria, Nigeria and Algeria.

Representatives from Morocco and the United Arab Emirates were also given seats at the side of the chamber.

Mr. John S. Malecela, Tanzenia's Foreign Minister, said that Israel's behaviour was that of an aggressor. It continued to occupy territory belonging to Egypt, a founder member of the Organisation of African Unity.

He added that the OAU had decided that certain African Foreign Ministers should attend the meeting to express Africa's views on the Middle East situation. He was only one of a number of speakers expressing support of the Egyptian call for withdrawal of Israel from occupied territory.

Extracts of speeches by Syrian, Israeli and Nigerian representatives are included in this film, the first in French. The text of these extracts follows.