UN votes symbolically in favour of Palestinian membership

 AFP | United Nations, United States

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly yesterday to grant the Palestinians some– additional rights in the global body, after their drive for full membership was blocked by the United States.

"I have stood hundreds of times before at this podium, but never for a more significant vote than the one about to take place, an historic one," Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said before the vote, his voice full of emotion.

He added, "The day will come where Palestine will take its rightful place among the community of free nations." Israel reacted angrily, with its UN ambassador, Gilad Erdan, saying the resolution made him sick. US deputy ambassador to the UN Robert Wood called the resolution "an unproductive text."

While "our vote does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood," Wood said after the resolution passed, "it remains the US view that unilateral measures at the UN and on the ground will not advance this goal."

The resolution, introduced by the United Arab Emirates, says, "The State of Palestine is qualified for membership in the United Nations in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter and should therefore be admitted."

It calls on the Security Council to "reconsider the matter fav While the passing of the resolution will "have a profound impact on the future of the Palestinian people," said UAE Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab, it "does not do justice to the state of Palestine, as it only grants additional rights, meaning that Palestine will remain an observer state."