Middle East situation, Palestine question agenda items – GA plenary – Press release (excerpts)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES FUNDS FOR FIVE PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS, ELECTS REMAINING

ECOSOC MEMBERS, INCLUDES ADDITIONAL ITEMS ON CURRENT AGENDA

…

Further, the Assembly decided to include an additional sub-item on its agenda entitled “Election of a member of the International Court of Justice” (ICJ), and to split its consideration of agenda item 36, on the Situation in the Middle East, and item 37, the Question of Palestine, which was scheduled to be considered jointly.

…

Action on General Committee Report

…

Following that, also as recommended by the General Committee, the Assembly decided to split its consideration of agenda item 36, on the Situation in the Middle East, and item 37, the Question of Palestine, which was scheduled to be considered jointly.

Speaking after that decision was taken, GILAD COHEN (Israel) said that splitting consideration of the agenda items was simply not a decision built on efficiency.  Citing examples where efficient decisions had been made to jointly consider some items, he said that it was unfortunate that one of the only subjects that was immune from streamlining, revitalization and reform was the Arab-Israeli conflict.  That did not do the credibility and reputation of the United Nations any good, nor did it help the Assembly in playing a constructive role in world affairs, including in the Middle East.  As Israel had amply demonstrated over the years, it was quite willing to debate the issues presented by the region’s difficult situation.  At least by streamlining the debate, the Assembly could have addressed the issues in a more determined, more serious, and more effective manner.

…

* *** *