The General Assembly,
 
      Recalling its resolutions 2656 (XXV) of 7 December 1970, 2728 (XXV) of
15 December 1970, 2791 (XXVI) of 6 December 1971, 50/28 B of 6 December 1995
and the previous resolutions on this question,
 
      Recalling also its decision 36/462 of 16 March 1982, by which it took
note of the special report of the Working Group on the Financing of the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East,
 
      Having considered the report of the Working Group,
 
      Taking into account the report of the Commissioner-General of the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for
the period from 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996,
 
      Deeply concerned about the critical financial situation of the Agency,
which has affected and affects the continuation of the provision of the
necessary Agency services to the Palestine refugees, including the
emergency-related programmes,
 
      Emphasizing the continuing need for extraordinary efforts in order to
maintain, at least at the current minimum level, the activities of the Agency,
as well as to enable the Agency to carry out essential construction,
 
      1.    Commends the Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for its
efforts to assist in ensuring the financial security of the Agency;
 
      2.    Takes note with approval of the report of the Working Group;
 
      3.    Requests the Working Group to continue its efforts, in cooperation
with the Secretary-General and the Commissioner-General, for the financing of
the Agency for a further period of one year;
 
      4.    Requests the Secretary-General to provide the necessary services
and assistance to the Working Group for the conduct of its work.