Middle East

In 1998, the United Nations continued to support the Middle East peace process and remained involved in the region in a number of ways—through its peacekeeping operations, through the good offices of the Secretary-General, as well as through programmes of economic, social and other forms of assistance. The peace process, which began in Madrid, Spain, in 1991, regained momentum in late October with the signing of the Wye River Memorandum between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Despite the revived peace negotiations, however, one of the principal stumbling blocks to the peace process remained the growth of settlements throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, especially in and around Jerusalem. Settlement activities led to an increase in tensions and violence, further undermining the confidence between Israelis and Palestinians. No headway was made in the Israel-Syrian Arab Republic negotiations. In March, the Secretary-General visited the region, including Israel, Lebanon and Syria.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Partnerships for the Goals