Egypt, Saudi And Iraq Welcome UN Resolution On Palestinian Membership

JAKARTA - Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq welcome the ratification of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly. It contains calls for reconsideration of Palestinian membership at the United Nations.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister considers the ratification a "historic" step as well as evidence of the application of attitudes to recognize the rights of the people who have suffered from the occupation of foreign parties for more than seven decades.

"(The resolution) clearly reveals the international consensus on the legal rights of the Palestinian people to determine their own destiny and establish an independent country based on a two-state solution," said a Saudi Arabian representative.

Iraq's Foreign Ministry said the ratification proved great international support for the Palestinian people for obtaining their legitimate rights.

"This historic resolution increases the privileges of the Palestinian State around the world," the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.

With very strong support, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a reassessment of Palestinian membership at the United Nations and granting additional rights to Palestine.

The resolution was initiated by the United Arab Emirates -- on behalf of the Arab Group -- and was also pushed by Turkey along with 80 UN member states.

The resolution was passed after 143 UN member states declared support. Nine countries opposed and 25 others abstained.

The resolution contained a "deep concern" statement over the veto used by the United States on the UN Security Council on April 18.

Palestine in 2011 submitted a request as a full member of the United Nations, but did not receive support on the Security Council due to US veto.

However, Palestine in 2012 gained status as a "permanent observer" at the United Nations.