Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Yosef Tekoah, voiced criticism of the world body yesterday in a speech at the closing of the General Assembly’s 1969 fall Session. But Mr. Tekoah had warm words for the Assembly’s President, Miss Angie Brooks of Liberia, and expressions of high regard for the work of the Secretary General and the members of the UN Secretariat.
Mr. Tekoah said, “With the UN playing a marginal role in the world’s main conflicts, with some of the gravest mass violations of human rights remaining outside the scope of its action, with states impervious to Charter obligations appearing as mentors of international conduct and sometimes elected to the highest positions in the organization, many member governments and world opinion have come to share in a growing sentiment of frustration and concern.” He said, “This sentiment is enhanced by the sterile and repetitive acrimony of certain UN discussions and by such resolutions as are divorced from equity and reality.”
Referring to Miss Brooks’ exercise of her office, the Israeli envoy said, “You have brought great honor on yourself, your country and the entire continent of Africa.”
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