UN Grants New Rights to Palestinian Authority in Milestone Resolution
In a historic General Assembly vote, the Palestinian Authority has now been granted new procedural rights and privileges within the international organization. It is important to note that Palestine is yet to become a UN member, though the adoption of this resolution represents a turning point in ongoing efforts by Palestinians to gain recognition and improve their status within different states and bodies. Among the 142 other UN’s member states the UAE supported a landmark proposal whereas nine including US and Israel opposed and twenty five abstained. It was a UAE’s resolution that was presented back in May which does not accord full UN membership to the Palestinians but extends recognition for any prospects that may arise later on. "We want peace, we want freedom," Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the General Assembly before the vote. "A yes vote is a vote for Palestinian existence, it is not against any state. ... It is an investment in peace." The...