The Arab bloc has complained bitterly about a decision by the U.N. Economic and Social Council, known as ECOSOC, to admit Israel to a regional commission of the United Nations.
Speaking at the close of the ECOSOC meeting, Libyan delegate Ibrahim Omar, speaking for the Arab states, said it was tantamount to rewarding that country’s intransigence and belligerence.
ECOSOC voted overwhelmingly July 23 to give Israel full membership in its Economic Commission for Europe, one of five regional commissions.
Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Yitzhak Lior, said that while Israel has long despaired of getting fair treatment from the international community, the new move held promise of change.
The General Assembly of ECOSOC also voted 48-1 to ask member states to increase their assistance to the Palestinians, in cooperation with the Palestine Liberation Organization.
The United States cast the sole dissenting vote. U.S. Ambassador Morris Abram said the resolution implied Palestinian statehood and did not deal adequately with current problems.
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