News Desk
The Maldives co-sponsored a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Friday that supports admitting the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, a diplomatic victory for the Palestinian cause.
The resolution, presented by the United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group, determined that Palestine is qualified for U.N. membership and recommended the Security Council consider the matter favorably. It also granted Palestine additional participation rights within the U.N. system starting with the 79th General Assembly session.
The measure passed overwhelmingly, with 143 nations voting in favor, 9 against and 25 abstaining. The vote effectively recognized Palestinian statehood after the United States vetoed a similar bid last month in the Security Council.
Maldivian President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu welcomed the outcome, calling it a “historical milestone” for Palestinians in their quest for self-determination. “The people of Palestine have long endured in their ongoing quest to affirm their inherent right to self-determination,” he said. “The Maldives and its people take inspiration from their resilience and bravery.”
Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also expressed delight at the UNGA vote, saying as a Maldivian he was pleased Palestine had moved closer to statehood.
The initiative comes amid renewed conflict with Israel and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied areas. “We want peace, we want freedom,” Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the assembly before the vote, saying approval would be “an investment in peace.”
Israel views the Palestinian movement toward statehood as an end-run around negotiations, which have been stalled for years. But Palestinian leaders say membership in the world body is a crucial stepping stone to an independent state in territories occupied by Israel since 1967.
