S/RES/0540 (1983)
31 October 1983
RESOLUTION 540 (1983)
Adopted by the Security Council at its 2493rd meeting
on 31 October 1983
The Security Council,
Having considered again the question entitled "The situation between Iran
and Iraq",
Recalling its relevant resolutions and statements which, inter alia, call
for a comprehensive cease-fire and an end to all military operations between
the parties,
Recalling the report of the Secretary-General of 20 June 1983 (S/15834)
on the mission appointed by him to inspect civilian areas in Iran and Iraq
which have been subject to military attacks, and expressing its appreciation
to the Secretary- General for presenting a factual, balanced and objective
account,
Also noting with appreciation and encouragement the assistance and
co-operation given to the Secretary-General's mission by the Governments of
Iran and Iraq,
Deploring once again the conflict between the two countries, resulting in
heavy losses of civilian lives and extensive damage caused to cities, property
and economic infrastructures,
Affirming the desirability of an objective examination of the causes of
the war,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his mediation efforts
with the parties concerned, with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and
honourable settlement acceptable to both sides;
2. Condemns all violations of international humanitarian law, in
particular, the provisions of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 in all their
aspects, and calls for the immediate cessation of all military operations
against civilian targets, including city and residential areas;
3. Affirms the right of free navigation and commerce in international
waters, calls on all States to respect this right and also calls upon the
belligerents to cease immediately all hostilities in the region of the Gulf,
including all sea-lanes, navigable waterways, harbour works, terminals,
offshore installations and all ports with direct or indirect access to the
sea, and to respect the integrity of the other littoral States;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to consult with the parties
concerning ways to sustain and verify the cessation of hostilities, including
the possible dispatch of United Nations observers, and to submit a report to
the Council on the results of these consultations;
5. Calls upon both parties to refrain from any action that may endanger
peace and security as well as marine life in the region of the Gulf;
6. Calls once more upon all other States to exercise the utmost
restraint and to refrain from any act which may lead to a further escalation
and widening of the conflict and, thus, to facilitate the implementation of
the present resolution;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to consult with the parties regarding
immediate and effective implementation of this resolution.
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