US, Australia Fails UNSC Resolution on Palestinian State
Local Editor
The UN Security Council failed Tuesday to adopt a resolution on Palestinian statehood that was strongly opposed by the United States.
China, France and Russia were among the eight countries that voted in favor of the text, but the resolution fell short of winning the nine "yes" votes necessary for adoption in the 15-member council.
Australia and the United States voted against, and five other countries abstained, including Britain.
The resolution drafted by the Palestinians and backed by Arab countries would have paved the way to a Palestinian state with East al-Quds as its capital.
It set a 12-month deadline for "Israel" to reach a final deal with the Palestinians and called for a full "Israeli" withdrawal from the Palestinian territories by the end of 2017.
Security Council member Jordan had requested the vote despite opposition from the United States, which claimed that the resolution did not address the Zionist entity's security concerns and set arbitrary deadlines.
"This resolution sets the stage for more division, not for compromise," US Ambassador Samantha Power told the council. "This text addresses the concerns of just one side."
US Secretary of State John Kerry had lobbied in the days leading up to the vote, calling 13 foreign ministers to explain the American opposition.
Argentina, Chad, Chile, Jordan and Luxembourg joined China, France and Russia in supporting the resolution.
Lithuania, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Korea abstained, along with Britain.
Diplomatic sources said Nigeria had been expected to support the resolution and changed its stance at the last minute.
France's envoy said he backed the resolution because of an "urgent need to act" and vowed to continue pressing for a UN role in reviving "Israeli"-Palestinian peace talks.
"Our efforts must not stop here. It is our responsibility to try again, before it's too late," said Francois Delattre.
Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour accused the council of failing to shoulder its responsibilities and vowed to seek other venues to gain recognition.
"The Palestinian people and the world can no longer wait. That message, despite the regrettable outcome today, is especially clear," he told the council.
Mansour said the Palestinian leadership will meet Wednesday to decide on the next steps.
The Palestinians have said they are prepared to join the International Criminal Court to launch legal action against "Israel" and use other international fora to press their case if the resolution fails.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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