Last night’s Security Council resolution calling for the immediate release of airliner hijack victims and steps to prevent future hijackings was considered unlikely to achieve either of its objectives, according to political observers here today. The resolution was adopted unanimously, by consensus instead of by formal vote. It was immediately interpreted by the Arab states as calling for the release of Arab guerrillas imprisoned in Europe and Israel as well as the 300 hostages from the three hijacked jets. United States officials made it clear that they did not agree with that interpretation. But observers saw the resolution nullified by the interpretation put on it by the Arabs. They noted in addition that the resolution was not addressed to any specific state or group. The text appealed to “all parties concerned for the immediate release of all passengers and crews without exception, held as a result of hijackings and other interference in international travel.” It also called on “states to take all possible legal steps to prevent further hijackings or any other interference with international civil air travel.” But there was no hint in the resolution as to the nature of the steps the Security Council favored.
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