UN recognition of Palestine

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdul Samad Abdullah has said that the recognition by the UN of a Palestinian State is a major step forward for peace in the Middle East.

The Minister said this via a statement issued by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, following the passing by the UN General Assembly to recognise the “non-member observer state” status for Palestine.

The resolution, which was co-sponsored and submitted to the General Assembly by Maldives and 70 other countries, was passed last night.

This would allow Palestine the right to participate in UN General Assembly debates, and become a member of UN Agencies.

The resolution was voted by a total of 138 countries. While 41 countries abstained, nine countries voted against it. The countries which voted against recognising Palestine were Israel, US, Canada, Czech Republic, Panama, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and Palau.