The Palestinian resolution that flags of non-member observer states "shall be raised at [UN] Headquarters [in New York] and United Nations Offices following the flags of the member states" was passed by 119 of the 193 general assembly members in an overwhelming vote of support for Palestinian recognition.
However, the vote also revealed the deep divide in European opinions over the Palestinian issue.
Among the countries that voted in favor of the resolution were France, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Spain and Belgium, however the majority of EU states, including the UK and Germany were among the 45 countries to abstain from the vote.
Eight nations, headed by the US and Israel, voted against the resolution, which Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah described as "a step to the recognition of Palestine as a full member state of the United Nations."
Israel's UN Ambassador Ron Prosor criticized the move, saying "the assembly would vote to declare the Earth is flat if the Palestinians proposed it," while US ambassador Samantha Power expressed concerns that raising the Palestinian flag would only increase tension between Israelis and Palestinians.
Europe Divides Evident
While the opposition from Washington and Israel was expected, Europe's deep divisions over the Palestinian matter have been exposed in the vote.
Alongside Russia, France and Sweden have led European calls for a two-state solution, with Sweden becoming the first western European EU nation to officially recognize the state of Palestine in October last year......http://sptnkne.ws/HKv
11/9/15
--
-
Related:
Flags of non-member observer States to fly at UN offices. Palestinians Win Right to Fly Flag at UN.
UNSC rejects Palestinian statehood bid (two votes against and five abstentions)
European Parliament passes motion in favor of Palestine recognition (Motion calls for peace talks to be conducted in parallel)
Palestinian state will only come through talks (US State Department)
GR
FR
DE
ES
IT
RU
EU
No comments :
Post a Comment
Only News