A draft resolution on Arab refugees which Israel described as “one-sided” and “malevolent” was approved 50-22 with 38 abstentions in the General Assembly’s special political committee Friday. It was one of three resolutions on the refugee issue approved by the body. Israel voted against it as did the United States. Israel abstained from voting on a U.S. sponsored draft approved 100-1 but voted in favor a another draft resolution sponsored by 18 nations which was carried by a vote of 102-0 with three abstentions.
The resolution which Israel found offensive was sponsored by Asian and African countries, led by Somalia, and was pushed through by the combined votes of the Soviet Union and Communist bloc countries and the Arab states. It affirmed the “inalienable rights of the people of Palestine” which it claimed were denied by Israel through alleged collective punishment, arbitrary detention, curfews, destruction of homes and property, and deportations.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Yosef Tekoah, said that adoption of their resolution was “regrettable” but noted that it had been approved by a minority of the member states which indicated that most UN delegations did not support its view of the nature and origin of the refugee problem.
The resolution which Israel approved would have had the General Assembly endorse the efforts of the United Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to continue to provide humanitarian assistance as far as practicable on an emergency basis and as a temporary measure to other persons in the area who are presently displaced and are in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the June. 1967 hostilities. It called on all governments and organizations and individuals to contribute generously for that purpose.
Mr. Tekoah said that Israel abstained from voting for the U.S. sponsored draft because it had reservations on some items included in it. The American draft called on the Assembly to note that the situation of the refugees continued to be “a matter of serious concern” and directed attention to the continuing critical financial position” of UNRWA with contributions falling short of the funds needed to cover the agency’s essential budget requirements, among other elements.
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