TENTH EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION,\u00a037TH MEETING (AM)
\nGA\/11995
\n21 DECEMBER 2017<\/p>\n
fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/p>\n video<\/a><\/p>\n The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly during a rare emergency meeting today to ask nations not to establish diplomatic missions in the historic city of Jerusalem, as delegates warned that the recent decision by the United States to do so risked igniting a religious war across the already turbulent Middle East and even beyond.<\/p>\n By a recorded vote of 128\u00a0in favour to 9\u00a0against (Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Togo, United States), with 35\u00a0abstentions, the Assembly adopted the resolution \u201cStatus of Jerusalem\u201d, by which it declared \u201cnull and void\u201d any actions intended to alter Jerusalem\u2019s character, status or demographic composition.\u00a0 Calling on all States to refrain from establishing embassies in the Holy City, it also demanded that they comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions and work to reverse the \u201cnegative trends\u201d imperilling a two\u2011State resolution of the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict.<\/p>\n \u201cWe meet today not because of any animosity to the United States of America,\u201d insisted Riad Al\u2011Malki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine.\u00a0 Instead, the emergency session had been called to make the voice of the vast majority of the international community \u2014 and that of people around the world \u2014 heard on the question of Jerusalem\/Al\u2011Quds Al\u2011Sharif.\u00a0 He described the 6\u00a0December decision by the United States to recognize the city as Israel\u2019s capital, and to move its embassy there, as an aggressive and dangerous move, cautioning that it could inflame tensions and lead to a religious war that \u201chas no boundaries\u201d.<\/p>\n He went on to state that the decision would have no impact on the Holy City\u2019s status, but it nevertheless compromised the role of the United States in the peace process.\u00a0 Moreover, it did nothing but serve the forces of extremism around the world, he said, pointing out that even the closest allies of the United States could not turn a blind eye to its actions.\u00a0 The Assembly was meeting in the wake of the Security Council\u2019s failure to adopt a similar draft resolution, even as 14\u00a0of its 15\u00a0members had voted in its favour.\u00a0 \u201cThe veto will not stop us,\u201d he declared in that regard, underlining that Al\u2011Quds \u201cwill not fall to any siege, monopolization or domination\u201d.<\/p>\n The representative of the United States, however, said she stood firmly behind the Administration\u2019s decision, declaring:\u00a0 \u201cAmerica will put its embassy in Jerusalem.\u201d\u00a0 Its citizens would remember today\u2019s votes, including the countries that had disrespected the United States and singled it out, she warned.\u00a0 Pointing out her country\u2019s standing as by far the largest single contributor to the United Nations, she said its contributions were intended to advance its national values and interests, but when such an investment failed, the Government would be obliged to spend its resources \u201cin more productive ways\u201d.<\/p>\n Israel\u2019s representative, meanwhile, said one\u2011sided anti\u2011Israel resolutions had been pushing the Middle East peace process back for years.\u00a0 The Assembly remained in constant open session when it came to Israel, though the world was full of conflict, he noted, adding that the recent decision by the United States only declared what had always been true:\u00a0 \u201cJerusalem has been, and always will be, the capital of the State of Israel.\u201d\u00a0 Today\u2019s vote, therefore, was nothing more than the performance of a delusion, and the text did absolutely nothing to improve the lives of the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n At the meeting\u2019s outset, Yemen\u2019s representative presented the draft resolution in his capacity as Chair of the Arab Group and one of its two main co\u2011sponsors, the other being Turkey, current Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation\u00a0(OIC).\u00a0 Describing the decision by the United States as a blatant violation of the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as those of all Christians and Muslims, he emphasized that it constituted a dangerous breach of the Charter of the United Nations and a serious threat to international peace and security, while also undermining the chances for a two\u2011State solution and fuelling the fires of violence and extremism.<\/p>\n Venezuela\u2019s delegate, speaking for the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, expressed grave concern about Israel\u2019s ongoing violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including attempts to alter the character, status and demographic composition of the City of Jerusalem.\u00a0 Also concerned about the decision to relocate the United States embassy, he warned that such provocative actions would further heighten tensions, with potentially far\u2011reaching repercussions given the extremely volatile backdrop.<\/p>\n Malaysia\u2019s representative echoed those sentiments, rejecting the Jerusalem decision as an infringement on the Palestinian people\u2019s rights.\u00a0 It had also caused dismay and frustration across the Muslim world, he added.\u00a0 Since the issue lay at the heart of the Palestinian cause, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital endorsed Israel\u2019s brutal occupation and repressive policies, he said.\u00a0 \u201cWe are concerned that this dire situation will only feed into the agenda of the extremists and frustrate our collective efforts in our bigger objective of combating terrorism and ending the vicious cycle of violence.\u201d<\/p>\n Several delegates spoke in explanation of position, with Australia\u2019s representative explaining that she had abstained because although her country\u2019s Government did not support unilateral action that undermined the peace process, it did not believe today\u2019s text would help to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.<\/p>\n Canada\u2019s representative said he had abstained because the resolution was one\u2011sided and did not advance the prospects for peace.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Paraguay\u2019s representative said he had abstained because his delegation\u2019s position was that the question of Jerusalem was a matter for the Security Council, as the primary body responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.<\/p>\n Mexico\u2019s representative said he had also abstained, while emphasizing that convening an emergency session was a disproportionate response.\u00a0 The United States must become part of the solution, not a stumbling block that would hamper progress, he emphasized, noting that the international community was further than ever from agreement.<\/p>\n Also speaking were representatives of Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Syria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Iran, China, Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, South Africa, Estonia\u00a0(on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Albania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia), El Salvador, Argentina, Romania, Nicaragua, Czech Republic, Armenia, Hungary and Latvia, in addition to the Permanent Observer for the Holy See.<\/p>\n The General Assembly will reconvene at a date and time to be announced.<\/p>\n Introduction of Draft Resolution<\/u><\/p>\n KHALED HUSSEIN MOHAMED ALYEMANY (Yemen<\/u>), introducing draft resolution\u00a0A\/ES\u201110\/L.22, titled \u201cStatus of Jerusalem\u201d, expressed regret at the decision by the United States to exercise the veto against the draft resolution that Egypt had submitted in the Security Council on behalf of the Arab Group.\u00a0 It was intended to protect the City of Jerusalem and block any attempt to change its historical character, he said, emphasizing that the United States decision of 6\u00a0December was considered null and void and would have no impact on the city\u2019s status.\u00a0 Furthermore, it was a blatant violation of the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as all the world\u2019s Christians and Muslims.\u00a0 Describing the decision further as a dangerous breach of the Charter of the United Nations, he said it constituted a serious threat to peace and security in the region and the entire world.\u00a0 It also undermined any chances for a two\u2011State solution and fuelled the fires of violence and extremism, he said.<\/p>\n Stressing that Jerusalem was a vital part of the territory of Palestine, he called upon all States, including the United States, to refrain from measures contravening the historic status quo and from establishing diplomatic missions in the Holy City, as per Security Council resolutions.\u00a0 He strongly condemned all Israeli policies, practices and plans that were illegal and aimed at the annexation of East Jerusalem, rejecting all steps to change the Holy City\u2019s legal status.\u00a0 Commending the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, seeking to protect their rights in the face of aggression, he said Israel\u2019s occupation of Arab lands was the source of all tension in the Middle East and there would be no security in the region without a solution that would ensure the Palestinian people\u2019s legitimate rights to their own State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.<\/p>\n As Chair of the Arab Group, and in cooperation with Turkey as Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation\u00a0(OIC), he presented the draft resolution elaborating that any steps to alter the character, status or composition of the City of Jerusalem had no legal affect, were null and void and must be immediately rescinded.<\/p>\n Statements<\/u><\/p>\n RIAD AL\u2011MALKI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, said his delegation had called for today\u2019s emergency meeting to make the international community\u2019s voice heard on the question of Al\u2011Quds\u00a0[Jerusalem].\u00a0 The position shared by the vast majority of nations was embodied in the reactions of people around the world, he noted, recalling that a draft resolution that would have declared any action to change the city\u2019s character to be \u201cnull and void\u201d had been vetoed in the Security Council earlier this week, despite having received support from 14\u00a0of that organ\u2019s 15\u00a0members.\u00a0 \u201cThe General Assembly now has the right to take up this issue,\u201d he said, pointing out that there was an international consensus on the dangerous nature of the 6\u00a0December decision by the United States to recognize Al\u2011Quds as the capital of Israel and move its embassy there.<\/p>\n \u201cWe meet today not because of any animosity to the United States of America,\u201d he said, explaining that it was because of the aggression reflected by its recent decision.\u00a0 It would not impact the status of the Holy City whatsoever, but would instead impact the role of the United States itself in the peace process, he cautioned.\u00a0 Expressing regret that his delegation\u2019s warnings that such actions could inflame religious tensions had gone unheeded, he further warned that the decision could lead to a religious war that \u201chas no boundaries\u201d.\u00a0 Indeed, the decision did nothing but serve the forces of extremism around the world, and no credible voice seeking peace could ever support it, he said, pointing out that even the closest allies of the United States could not turn a blind eye to its actions.\u00a0 Al\u2011Quds was a holy and historic city that \u201cwill not fall to any siege, monopolization or domination\u201d, he declared.<\/p>\n Today was an opportunity for the United States to join the international community in helping to prevent the escalation of conflict, he continued.\u00a0 While the State of Palestine respected the sovereignty of all States, it refused to have that principle used as an excuse to deny Palestinians their rights.\u00a0 \u201cWe stand today united for justice,\u201d he declared, stressing \u201cthe veto will not stop us\u201d.\u00a0 The State of Palestine would not accept any justification \u2014 security, religious or otherwise \u2014 to excuse Israel\u2019s continued occupation, he said, underlining that the United Nations was today undergoing an unprecedented test \u201cwith Palestine as its headline\u201d.\u00a0 Citing the unity of many of the Organization\u2019s organs \u2014 including the Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the International Court of Justice and others \u2014 on the question of Jerusalem, he stressed:\u00a0 \u201cHistory records names, and remembers names,\u201d including those standing up for what was right, and those speaking falsehoods.<\/p>\n While Palestinians had never wavered in their support of peace, colonialism and peace could not coexist, he said, emphasizing that there could not be peace for just one side.\u00a0 Warning Member States not to use the excuse of supporting dialogue to avoid their responsibilities under international law, he urged them to hold accountable those who committed violations, recognize the State of Palestine and help provide both security and dignity to its people.\u00a0 He cited recent examples of the \u201cbarbarism of the Israeli regime\u201d, saying they included attacks against Palestinian civilians and children.\u00a0 As the world prepared to celebrate Christmas, \u201cthe lights will not be lit in the land of Christ\u201d, he added.\u00a0 Al\u2011Quds would remain dark in affirmation of the Palestinian people\u2019s unity around their cause.\u00a0 By voting in favour of the draft resolution, Member States would be standing up for justice and rejecting attempts at blackmail and intimidation, he said.\u00a0 \u201cThose who want peace must vote for peace today.\u201d<\/p>\n MEVL\u00dcT \u00c7AVU\u015eO\u011eLU, Minister for Foreign Affairs of\u00a0Turkey<\/u>, described the vote as an important reminder that Palestinians \u2014 subjected to systematic violence and discrimination for generations \u2014 were not alone.\u00a0 The only hope for a just and lasting peace in the region was a Palestinian State based on the 1967\u00a0borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, he said.\u00a0 However, the recent decision by a Member State to recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital violated international law and was an \u201coutrageous assault\u201d on universal values, he emphasized.\u00a0 He recalled that the 13\u00a0December Summit of OIC had unanimously rejected that decision and declared East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine.\u00a0 Since Jerusalem was the holy city of three monotheistic religions, it was the responsibility of all to preserve its historic status, he said, recalling that a Member State had threatened others before the meeting to vote \u201cno\u201d or face the consequences.\u00a0 The Assembly would not bow to such bullying, he declared, underlining that it was unethical to think that the votes and dignity of Member States were for sale.\u00a0 A vote in favour of the Palestinian people would place Member States on the right side of history.<\/p>\n NIKKI R. HALEY (United States<\/u>) said the United Nations had long been a hostile place for Israel, which undermined the Organization\u2019s credibility and was harmful for the entire world.\u00a0 Israel must not only stand up for its own survival, but also for the ideals of freedom and human dignity, which was what the United Nations was supposed to be about, she said, adding that being forced to defend her country\u2019s sovereignty had brought many of the same thoughts to her mind.\u00a0 Pointing out that the United States was by far the single largest contributor to the United Nations, which it did in order to advance its values and interests, she said that together they had made tremendous advances in a wide range of areas.\u00a0 The United States was demonstrating \u201cthe American way\u201d when it provided generous contributions to the United Nations, yet it also had the legitimate expectation that its efforts would garner the world\u2019s goodwill and respect, she said, adding that it was being asked to pay for the dubious privilege of being disrespected.\u00a0 Emphasizing that the Government of the United States was held accountable by its people, she said it had the obligation to ask for more for its investment, and when that investment failed, it also had the obligation to spend in more productive ways.<\/p>\n The United States had already made its decision in accordance with United States law dating back to\u00a01995, she continued, adding that it had been repeatedly endorsed by its people.\u00a0 The decision did not preclude any final status issues, including the status or boundaries of Jerusalem, nor did it preclude a two\u2011State solution or harm peace efforts.\u00a0 Rather, the decision reflected the will of the American people and the right of the United States to move its embassy where it saw fit.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no need to describe it further.\u201d\u00a0 She said her delegation would remember the day it was singled out and attacked in the General Assembly for exercising its right to act as a sovereign nation.\u00a0 It would remember that day when it was asked to make the single largest contribution to the United Nations, or when it was called upon to use its influence.\u00a0 \u201cAmerica will put its embassy in Jerusalem,\u201d she said, emphasizing:\u00a0 \u201cIt was what the American people wanted the Government to do.\u201d\u00a0 The way in which Americans viewed the United Nations and the way in which countries had disrespected the United States with today\u2019s vote would be remembered, she vowed.<\/p>\n DANNY DANON (Israel<\/u>) said the one\u2011sided steps by the Palestinians and the United Nations had pushed peace away for years.\u00a0 With every anti\u2011Israel resolution, with every attack on the Israeli people, the United Nations had perfected its double standard.\u00a0 Despite living in a world full of conflict and war, only when it came to Israel did the Assembly remain in constant open session, he said.\u00a0 The United States had only declared what had always been true, he continued, emphasizing:\u00a0 \u201cJerusalem has been, and always will be, the capital of the State of Israel.\u201d\u00a0 The vote was nothing more than the performance of a delusion, and the draft resolution did absolutely nothing for the lives of the Palestinian people, he said, describing it as nothing more than a distraction.<\/p>\n He went on to state that Israel knew Jerusalem was sacred to billions around the world and encouraged everyone to visit and pray in the Holy City.\u00a0 There was a particular irony in the draft resolution in that its co\u2011sponsors accused Israel and the United States of violating international law, yet it was in those countries where terrorist groups found fertile ground.\u00a0 The United Nations preached human rights and peace, but when it came to Israel, Member States completely ignored the horrific acts of terror that threatened Israeli citizens.\u00a0 Violence and terror must never be tolerated, he stressed, adding that if the United Nations was really united for peace, it would pass a resolution condemning Palestinian violence.\u00a0 On the contrary, today\u2019s draft resolution encouraged more violence and instability, he said, warning that it sanctioned Palestinians to continue on a dangerous path.<\/p>\n SAMUEL MONCADA ACOSTA (Venezuela<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, expressed grave concern about the ongoing violations perpetrated by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including attempts aimed at altering the character, status and demographic composition of the City of Jerusalem.\u00a0 Expressing further grave concern about the declared intentions and plans announced by the President of the United States to transfer his country\u2019s embassy to Jerusalem, and any other related action that would further consolidate Israel\u2019s control and unlawful de\u00a0facto annexation of the city, he warned that such provocative actions, in disrespect of Security Council resolutions, would further heighten tensions, with potentially far\u2011reaching repercussions.\u00a0 In that regard, he called for a halt to all violations and provocations by the Government of the United States, recalling the principles and purposes enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force.<\/p>\n He went on to caution that, against the backdrop of an extremely volatile situation and with diminishing prospects for a just peace, such unlawful actions in Jerusalem could seriously destabilize the fragile situation on the ground.\u00a0 The Security Council underlined in its resolution 2334\u00a0(2016) that it \u201cwill not recognize any changes to the 4\u00a0June\u00a01967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations\u201d, he noted.\u00a0 It also called on all parties \u201cto refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, with the aim, inter alia, of de\u2011escalating the situation on the ground, rebuilding trust and confidence, demonstrating through policies and actions a genuine commitment to the two\u2011State solution, and creating the conditions necessary for promoting peace\u201d.\u00a0 The Non\u2011Aligned Movement reaffirmed the commitment of its member States to the realization of a just, lasting and peaceful solution to the question of Palestine in all aspects and in accordance with international law, he stressed.<\/p>\n MALEEHA LODHI (Pakistan<\/u>) said the unilateral actions of one country were set to undo decades of work by the international community and to defy international law.\u00a0 Pakistan rejected the decision by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital and relocate its embassy to the Holy City in contravention of several provisions of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, she declared.\u00a0 Member States must recommit to thwarting any attempts to violate the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the ultimate goal of a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Expressing unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, she said it was a key pillar of Pakistan\u2019s foreign policy, recalling that her country had led and sponsored the Assembly\u2019s first\u2011ever resolution on Jerusalem.\u00a0 In that regard, Pakistan was proud to join the international community once again in adopting a landmark draft resolution to reject the \u201crevisionist\u201d decision of the United States.<\/p>\n DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia<\/u>) described the decision by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital as unacceptable and in violation of a number of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.\u00a0 Recalling that Security Council resolution 478\u00a0(1980) called upon States to withdraw diplomatic missions from the Holy City, he said that text would remain valid until peace was attained for the Palestinians.\u00a0 Any attempts to change the character and status of the Palestinian territory occupied since\u00a01967, including East Jerusalem, were in flagrant violation of international law, constituting a major obstacle to comprehensive peace and the realization of a two\u2011State solution, he said, underlining Indonesia\u2019s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.<\/p>\n ALI NASEER MOHAMED (Maldives<\/u>) said the current international system, which had emerged with the founding of the United Nations, was based on international law and every Member State, including Israel, was bound to respect and implement resolutions of the Security Council in good faith.\u00a0 By adopting today\u2019s draft, the international community would send a clear message to Israel and the handful of countries supporting its illegal actions, he said.\u00a0 Emphasizing that Jerusalem\u2019s final status could only be decided through a negotiated settlement, he appealed to Israel to withdraw from its illegal occupation of Palestine, stressing that the centre of gravity in international politics was shifting towards the rule of law, and no Power was too great to ignore that reality.<\/p>\n MOUNZER MOUNZER (Syria<\/u>), condemning the decision to transfer the United States embassy to the occupied city of Al\u2011Quds and to recognize it as Israel\u2019s capital, said it constituted a flagrant violation of the city\u2019s special status and yet another demonstration of colonial crimes committed against Palestine.\u00a0 The decision was unilateral in nature and had no impact on the city\u2019s legal status, he said, underlining that the United States had never, and would never, stand as a neutral party in the Middle East peace process.\u00a0 Condemning that country\u2019s use of the veto in the Security Council, he pledged that his delegation would never renounce its unwavering support for the rights of Christians, Palestinians and Muslims in the city of Al\u2011Quds.\u00a0 Indeed, Syria stood firmly for the right of the Palestinians to self\u2011determination and to an independent State with Al\u2011Quds as its capital, as well as their right of return and their right to stand as a full Member State of the United Nations.\u00a0 Calling upon the United States to respect all resolutions of the Assembly and the Security Council on the matter, he said that country\u2019s arrogance had now risen to the level of directly threatening Member States, declaring:\u00a0 \u201cThis is a superpower which views the United Nations as a national institution\u201d, adding that it treated other Member States like schoolchildren.<\/p>\n MASUD BIN MOMEN (Bangladesh<\/u>), associating himself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement and OIC, reaffirmed his country\u2019s position on East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent and viable State of Palestine.\u00a0 Bangladesh was concerned about any decision or announcement that could compromise East Jerusalem\u2019s status as a final status issue in the Middle East peace process, change its historical and legal status, or alter its demographic structure and historic Arab\u2011Islamic character, he said.\u00a0 It was also concerned about possible grave consequences and threats to international peace and security that could result from such an inflammation of tensions.\u00a0 Urging all sides to take a pragmatic approach to the peace process by negotiating a two\u2011State solution with the aim of bringing about lasting peace and stability in the region, he said Bangladesh supported all efforts to resolve protracted conflicts, especially against the backdrop of its own efforts to deal with the massive, ongoing influx of forcibly displaced persons from neighbouring Myanmar\u2019s Rakhine State.<\/p>\n ANAYANSI RODR\u00cdGUEZ CAMEJO (Cuba<\/u>), associating herself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement and voicing support for the statements delivered on behalf of OIC and the Arab Group, said her delegation had made its position clear in its 6\u00a0December declaration \u201con the recognition by the United States of the City of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel\u201d.\u00a0 Quoting from that document, she said:\u00a0 \u201cCuba expresses its deepest concern and rejection of the\u00a0[United States] President\u2019s unilateral declaration on the City of Jerusalem [\u2026]\u00a0which is a serious and flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, of international law and of the relevant UN resolutions.\u201d\u00a0 Warning that the decision would have serious consequences for stability and security in the Middle East, she called upon the Security Council to fulfil its Charter responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, including by demanding that Israel immediately end its occupation.\u00a0 Cuba would continue to support a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian\u2011Israeli conflict on the basis of a two\u2011State solution, as well as the right of the Palestinians to self\u2011determination and to an independent, sovereign State with its capital in East Jerusalem and within the pre\u20111967 borders, she stressed.<\/p>\n GHOLAMALI KHOSHROO (Iran<\/u>) said that the United States had been aiding and abetting the Israeli regime by according it unconditional support and defending it by any means necessary.\u00a0 The United States had misused its veto power in the Security Council to shield the regime against the will of the international community, and its recent illegal decision made it clear that the United States sought only to secure the Israeli regime\u2019s interests and did not respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self\u2011determination.\u00a0 The Israeli occupation lay at the centre of all crises and conflicts in the Middle East and beyond, a fact long acknowledged by the United Nations, he said.\u00a0 He strongly condemned the reckless, unilateral attempt by the United States to distort the historical facts and replace them with fiction.\u00a0 That country\u2019s Administration had done little to hide its intentions to shift the Security Council\u2019s focus from the question of Palestine to fabricated \u201calternative issues\u201d in the region in order to give the Israeli regime more space to freely pursue its criminal practices.<\/p>\n SHEN BO (China<\/u>), highlighting the Palestinian question\u2019s position at the core of Middle East issues, said it had a profound impact on peace efforts in the region.\u00a0 In that context, the situation of Jerusalem had particular complexities.\u00a0 Calling upon the international community to remain united in the joint pursuit of peace and to facilitate de\u2011escalation of the situation for the greater good of stability and tranquillity, he said a two\u2011State solution was the right path to a political settlement of the Palestinian question.\u00a0 China firmly supported the Middle East peace process and the rights of the Palestinian people, including a fully sovereign State of Palestine, he declared, emphasizing that his delegation\u2019s position would never change.\u00a0 China would continue to play a constructive role in the quest for a political solution to the question of Palestine.<\/p>\n M. SHAHRUL IKRAM YAAKOB (Malaysia<\/u>), associating himself with OIC and the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, said his country also joined the international community in expressing its deep concern over, and rejection of, the 6\u00a0December decision of the United States on Jerusalem.\u00a0 \u201cSuch a move undermines efforts towards finding a comprehensive, just and durable solution to the Palestinian\u2011Israeli conflict,\u201d he emphasized, noting that it had caused dismay and frustration across the Muslim world.\u00a0 The decision infringed on the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self\u2011determination, and contravened Security Council resolutions.\u00a0 Since Al\u2011Quds was at the heart of the Palestinian cause, recognizing it as Israel\u2019s capital served to endorse Israel\u2019s brutal occupation and repressive policies, he pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cWe are concerned that this dire situation will only feed into the agenda of the extremists and frustrate our collective efforts in our bigger objective of combating terrorism and ending the vicious cycle of violence,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n JA SONG NAM (Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea<\/u>) recalled that, during the seventieth summit of the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, its members had committed to supporting the interests of developing countries on issues relating to international peace and security, and to strengthening multilateralism through various United Nations instruments.\u00a0 In that vein, the Security Council had adopted a resolution in\u00a02016 that demanded Israel end its illegal settlement activities on Palestinian land.\u00a0 The recent decision on Jerusalem was an insult to the unanimous will of the international community, he said, stressing that the Middle East conflict must be resolved through peaceful dialogue between the parties.\u00a0 Condemning that decision as \u201creckless and high\u2011handed\u201d, he urged the United States to pay greater attention to international efforts to resolve the conflict, in accordance with international law and in conformity with Security Council resolutions.\u00a0 Concluding, he expressed his delegation\u2019s support for the Palestinian people and their efforts to establish an independent, sovereign State with Al\u2011Quds as its capital.<\/p>\n WOUTER HOFMEYR ZAAYMAN (South Africa<\/u>) expressed his delegation\u2019s deep concern that unilateral action by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital undermined the progress made within the context of the Middle East peace process.\u00a0 The decision by the Government of the United States was regrettable and not constructive in advancing sustainable peace in the region.\u00a0 The Government of South Africa remained in favour of a two\u2011State solution for Palestine and Israel, based on international recognition and independence of a State of Palestine, he said, appealing to the United States Administration to reconsider its decision to relocate its embassy, which compromised and undermined the principles of a two\u2011State solution based on peaceful coexistence between the peoples of Israel and Palestine.<\/p>\n TOMASZ GRYSA, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0Holy See<\/u>, emphasized that Jerusalem was most sacred to the three monotheistic religions and a symbol for millions of believers around the world who considered it their \u201cspiritual capital\u201d.\u00a0 The Holy City\u2019s significance went beyond the question of borders, a reality that should be considered a priority in every negotiation for a political solution.\u00a0 The Holy See called for a peaceful resolution that would ensure respect for the sacred nature of Jerusalem and its universal value, he said, reiterating that only international guarantee could preserve its unique character and status, and provide assurance of dialogue and reconciliation for peace in the region.<\/p>\n Action<\/u><\/p>\n The Assembly then adopted the draft resolution by a recorded vote of 128\u00a0in favour to 9\u00a0against (Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Togo, United States), with 35\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n Explanation of Position<\/u><\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Estonia<\/u>\u00a0spoke on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Albania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.\u00a0 Reiterating their firm commitment to a two\u2011State solution as well as their unchanged position on East Jerusalem, she said they would continue to respect the international consensus embodied in Security Council resolution 478\u00a0(1980) until Jerusalem\u2019s final status was resolved.\u00a0 Furthermore, the status quo around the Temple Mount must be upheld in full respect for previous understandings and for Jordan\u2019s special role.\u00a0 A negotiated two\u2011State solution was the only realistic way to realize the peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserved.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Australia<\/u>\u00a0said that while her country\u2019s Government did not support unilateral action that undermined the peace process, it did not believe the resolution would help to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.\u00a0 For that reason, Australia had abstained from the vote, but hoped nevertheless that Israel and the Palestinians would return to the talks as soon as possible.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Paraguay<\/u>\u00a0said his delegation had abstained because the matter was still before the Security Council, which was responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.\u00a0 Furthermore, the issue should be resolved directly by both parties.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0El Salvador<\/u>\u00a0reiterated his support for a negotiated two\u2011State solution with full respect for all Security Council resolutions.\u00a0 However, he expressed regret that drafts were being tabled without enough time for discussion, adding that, as such, his delegation had abstained to demonstrate its unhappiness with the procedure around the draft.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Argentina<\/u>\u00a0said he had abstained because the draft would not help to resolve the conflict between the parties, emphasizing that the abstention did not imply a change in his delegation\u2019s view of the situation.\u00a0 Argentina supported all attempts to bring about peace in the Middle East, he said, urging the international community to make a joint effort to uphold a two\u2011State solution, as per the Arab Peace Initiative and the road map of the Middle East Quartet.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Romania<\/u>\u00a0said his delegation\u2019s position concerning the status of Jerusalem was in compliance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly.\u00a0 Calling for calm, he encouraged the parties to resume dialogue so as to move the peace process forward, stressing that the time had come to renew international efforts to relaunch the peace process.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Canada<\/u>\u00a0said he had opted to abstain because the draft resolution was one\u2011sided and did not advance the prospects for peace.\u00a0 Emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem, he condemned the violence and terrorism of the past weeks.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Nicaragua<\/u>\u00a0said he had voted in favour of the draft resolution because it rebuffed recent unilateral attempts to modify the character and status of Jerusalem.\u00a0 Such unilateral actions were in blatant violation of resolution 2234\u00a0(2016) and others, he said, stressing that unilateral actions jeopardized peace and stability in the Middle East and drew the international community further away from a solution.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Mexico<\/u>\u00a0said he had abstained.\u00a0 Noting that the international community was further from agreement today than ever before, he said it was disproportionate to convene an emergency session of the General Assembly.\u00a0 The United States must be part of the solution and not an additional stumbling block hampering progress.\u00a0 Mexico would keep its embassy in Tel Aviv, he underlined.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0Czech Republic<\/u>\u00a0said that while his delegation supported the European Union position, it had nevertheless abstained because it did not believe the draft resolution would contribute to the peace process.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Armenia<\/u>\u00a0said his country\u2019s position remained unchanged.\u00a0 The situation should be resolved through negotiations paving the way for lasting peace and security.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Hungary<\/u>\u00a0said her delegation did not comment on the foreign policy decisions of the United States and its position on the issue remained unchanged.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Latvia<\/u>\u00a0said his delegation\u2019s position remained unchanged.\u00a0 Jerusalem\u2019s status must be negotiated through direct talks, and the city must become the capital of both Israel and a future State of Palestine.\u00a0 Latvia had abstained because it was important not to escalate the political and security situation in the region.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Estonia<\/u>\u00a0took the floor a second time to clarify that she had delivered her statement also on behalf of Albania, Lithuania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n TENTH EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION,\u00a037TH MEETING (AM) GA\/11995 21 DECEMBER 2017 fran\u00e7ais video The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly during a rare emergency meeting today to ask nations not to establish diplomatic missions in the historic city of Jerusalem, as delegates warned that the recent decision by the United States to do so risked igniting a religious […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[2553],"document-category":[2433,2377,1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[1365,2345,1897],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1961],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-125904","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-united-states-of-america","document-category-french-text","document-category-multimedia","document-category-press-release","document-category-video","document-category-webcast","document-source-general-assembly","document-source-general-assembly-10th-emergency-special-session","document-source-united-nations-department-of-public-information-dpi","document-subject-jerusalem","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/125904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/125904\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=125904"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=125904"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=125904"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=125904"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=125904"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=125904"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=125904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}