An Arab-inspired resolution condemning Israeli expansionism and racism in the occupied territories failed of passage by 19 votes in the plenary of the International Labor Organization (ILO) conference here today.
The vote for the draft resolution, which also called for a halt of ILO assistance to Israel and a day of solidarity with Arab workers in the territories, was 225-8 with 186 abstentions. A minimum of 244 votes was required for adoption. The outcome of the voting represented Israel’s first victory in the ILO since 1978.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN here Ovadia Soffer said the result may very well be a turning point in attitudes toward Israel in the UN arena. He credited it at least in part to the withdrawal agreement Israel signed with Lebanon last month.
The American delegate, Michael Turner, spoke forcefully against the resolution before the voting. “Many of the countries who support this resolution themselves engage in repressive actions and their armies occupy foreign states,” he said.”The selfrighteous irony is clearly evident. This resolution will only lead to moving the chances for peace further away.”
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