ADOPTED
BY THE SECURITY COUNCIL AT ITS 1621ST MEETING ON 21 DECEMBER
1971.
The
Security Council, Having discussed the grave situation in the subcontinent, which remains a threat to international peace
and security,
Noting
General Assembly Resolution 2193 (XXVI) on 7 December 1971,
Noting
the reply of the Government of Pakistan on 9 December 1971,
Noting
the reply of the Government of India on 12 December 1971,
Having
heard the statements of the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Foreign Minister of India,
Noting
further the statement made at the 1616th meeting of the Security Council by the Foreign Minister of India containing a unilateral
declaration of a cease-fire in the western theatre,
Noting
Pakistan's agreement to the cease-fire in the western theatre with effect
from 17
December 1971,
Noting
that consequently a cease-fire and a cessation of hostilities prevail,
Demands
that a durable cease-fire and cessation of all hostilities in all areas of conflict be strictly observed and remain in effect
until withdrawals take place, as soon as practicable, of all armed forces to their respective territories and to positions
which fully respect the cease-fire line in Jammu and Kashmir supervised by the United Nations Military Observer Group in India
and Pakistan;
Calls
upon all Member States to refrain from any action which may aggravate the situation in the subcontinent or endanger international
peace;
Calls
upon all those concerned to take all measures necessary to preserve human life and for the observance of the Geneva Conventions
of 1949 and to apply in full their provisions as regards the protection of the wounded and sick, prisoners of war and civilian
population;
Calls
for international assistance in the relief of suffering and the rehabilitation of refugees and their return in safety and
dignity to their homes, and for full co-operation with the Secretary-General to that effect;
Authorizes
the Secretary-General to appoint if necessary a special representative to lend his good offices for the solution of humanitarian
problems;
Requests
the Secretary-General to keep the Council informed without delay on developments relating to the implementation of the present
resolution;
Decides
to remain seized of the matter and to keep it under active consideration.
*The
Security Council voted on this Resolution on 21-12-1971 with the following result:
In
favor: Brazil, China, Ecuador,
France, India, Netherlands.
Turkey, U.K., and U.S.A
Against:
None.
Abstain:
Poland, U.S.S.R.
