US warns nations over voting against US in UNGA over Jerusalem
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NEW YORK - Prior to an emergency UN General Assembly session on Jerusalem al-Quds, the United States and Israel have resorted to pressure tactics and lobbying efforts in an attempt to prevent the world body from adopting a resolution critical of Washington’s policy shift on the occupied city.
Arab and Muslim states have requested that the 193-nation assembly hold an emergency special meeting on US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s “capital,” days after Washington used its veto power to block an Egypt-drafted resolution against the move at the UN Security Council.
The vetoed resolution, which had been approved by the other 14 members of the council, stipulated that “any decisions and actions which purport to have altered, the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem [al-Quds] have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”
During the Thursday session, the General Assembly member states will reportedly vote on a non-binding resolution that mirrors the vetoed measure.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said he expected “overwhelming support” for the General Assembly’s Thursday vote, stressing that Jerusalem al-Quds is an issue “to be resolved through negotiations” between Israelis and Palestinians.
“The General Assembly will say, without the fear of the veto, that the international community is refusing to accept the unilateral position of the United States,” he added.
'Trump watching,’ Haley threatens
On Tuesday, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, in a letter to dozens of the world body’s member states, warned that Washington would remember those who voted for the measures.
“The president will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those countries who voted against us. We will take note of each and every vote on this issue,” read the letter seen by Reuters.
