UNITED
NATIONS

S
Security Council
Distr.
GENERAL
S/1996/602
29 July 1996
ORIGINAL:

ENGLISH

LETTER DATED 29 JULY 1996 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Upon instruction from my Government and in accordance with Article 51 of
the Charter of the United Nations, I have the honour to bring the following
information to your attention:
As you are aware, owing to prevailing circumstances, the Government of Iraq
is not in a position to exercise effective control over its territory in the
northern part of that country. Consequently, in recent weeks transborder armed
attacks and sabotage operations by terrorist groups against Iranian border
towns, originating from Iraqi territory, have been intensified and escalated.
These incursive and cruel activities which resulted in numerous human casualties
and material damages to civilian population constitute a grave violation of the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In response to these encroachments by terrorist armed groups and in
accordance with its inherent right of self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of
the Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran took immediate and proportional
measures, which were necessary for curbing and suppressing such aggressive
activities. The details of these operations, which have already been concluded,
are as follows:
On 28 July 1996, the Iranian defence forces pursued the retreating armed
groups that attacked civilian targets in the border towns of Piranshahr, Mahabad
and Oroumiyeh, and targeted their training camps in Iraq.
While reserving its inherent right to self-defence in accordance with
Article 51 of the Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates, once again,
its respect for the territorial integrity of Iraq.
It would be appreciated if the present letter were circulated as a document
of the Security Council.
Kamal KHARRAZI
Ambassador
Permanent Representative

(Signed)

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