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Experts' meeting on the application of the Fourth Geneva Convention

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - SWITZERLAND	Geneva, 11 June 1998

Press release

Experts' meeting on the application of the Fourth Geneva Convention
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An experts' meeting on the application of the Fourth Geneva Convention
was held at Sarasin Villa, near Geneva, from 9 to 11 June 1998. The
meeting chaired by Switzerland brought together Israeli and Palestinian
representatives in the presence of the International Committee of the
Red Cross. The President of the Swiss Confederation, Flavio Cotti, took
the opportunity to meet the delegations and express the support of the
Swiss government for the ongoing efforts with regard to this important
issue.

Bearing in mind several Emergency Session Resolutions of the General
Assembly of the United Nations, Switzerland, depository of the Geneva
Conventions, convened this meeting after having conducted extensive
consultations with the High Contracting Parties and in particular with
states and organisations concerned.

This meeting was the first part of a package of two measures proposed
by Switzerland. The second measure, an experts' meeting of the High
Contracting Parties of the Geneva Conventions on problems of the Fourth
Geneva Convention (in general, and in particular in occupied
territories), will be proposed in the early days of July. It is
expected to take place in early autumn 1998.

Parties participating at the meeting held at Sarasin Villa agreed to
hold their discussions in camera and to commonly issue the present
press release.

Main issues regarding the application of the IVth Geneva Convention
have been raised. Significant conceptual differences have emerged
concerning the implementation of the IVth Geneva Convention, its
relation with the peace process in the Middle East and the security
environment.

The discussions have been frank and constructive and have been held in
a spirit of respect and understanding. Israeli and Palestinian
representatives have agreed to follow the three principles proposed by
Switzerland for meetings on this issue:

· contribute to real improvements in the respect for the international
humanitarian law on the ground;
· avoid any politicisation of international humanitarian law, and
· support the peace process in the Middle East.

The parties exchanged views on the feasibility of establishing
mechanisms and taking concrete measures to implement the Fourth Geneva
Convention. All delegations have reaffirmed that the Geneva Conventions
are a core value of international law and have to be respected.

With a view to continuing the dialogue, the parties agreed to meet
again to take into consideration ideas and suggestions that can foster
respect of the Fourth Geneva Convention.