On 4 December 1979, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) adopts Recommendation 341 on the impact of the evolving situation in the Near and Middle East on Western European security. It emphasises that the maintenance of peace in that region is essential for Western Europe’s security and economic prosperity. The document particularly sets out the Assembly’s position on the consequences of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, on the question of the American hostages in Tehran and on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It proposes a series of recommendations for the Council, calling on its members to adopt common positions with regard to Iran, Afghanistan, Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.