Having examined the item entitled "Settlement by peaceful means of disputes between States",

Recalling that, under the Charter of the United Nations, the Member States have expressed the determination of their peoples to practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours and to unite their strength to maintain international peace and security,

Recalling also that the Member States have pledged under the Charter to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered,

Reaffirming the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,/105

Recognizing the important role of the United Nations in promoting the peaceful settlement of international disputes and preventing the outbreak of armed conflicts among States and in bringing about by peaceful means, in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace,

Bearing in mind the report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization,/106 especially the consensus contained in it,/107 namely, that the idea of preparing a declaration on peaceful settlement of disputes to be adopted by the General Assembly awakened special interest and is one on which general agreement may be possible,

Recognizing the importance of the elaboration of a declaration of the General Assembly on the peaceful settlement of disputes between States,

Taking into account the opinions and suggestions submitted at the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly regarding the content of a declaration on the peaceful settlement of disputes between States, as well as those made on the subject by Member States in connexion with the work of the Special Committee,

1.Calls upon all States to adhere strictly in their international relations to the principle that States shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered;

2.Urges all States to co-operate in the elaboration of a declaration of the General Assembly on the peaceful settlement of disputes between States;

3.Invites Member States to transmit to the Secretary-General their opinions, suggestions and proposals regarding the elaboration of a declaration on the peaceful settlement of disputes between States and to bring up to date their views on this subject submitted in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 3499 (XXX) of 15 December 1975;

4.Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its thirty-fifth session a report containing the opinions, suggestions and proposals regarding the declaration on the peaceful settlement of disputes between States;

5.Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its thirty-fifth session an item entitled "Peaceful settlement of disputes between States".

103rd plenary meeting
14 December 1979