|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.startribune.com/un-approves-resolution-enabling-palestinians-to-chair-group/497748631/
Palestinians Win Vote to Chair Group of Developing Countries at UN
(AP-Minneapolis Star Tribune) The UN General Assembly, in a 146-3 vote with 15 abstentions, approved a resolution giving the Palestinians "the rights and capacity required" to head the 135-nation group of developing countries that includes China. U.S. deputy ambassador Jonathan Cohen urged the assembly on Tuesday to vote "no" on the resolution, saying: "We cannot support efforts by the Palestinians to enhance their status outside of direct negotiations." He said the U.S. doesn't recognize "a Palestinian state" and "if this misguided resolution is adopted," when the Palestinians speak as chair of the group, the U.S. will remind UN members that "no such state has been admitted as a UN member state." Israel and Australia also voted against the resolution. Most Western European countries supported the measure while many Eastern European countries abstained.