The United States, which a week earlier abstained on the General Assembly resolution stressing Israeli responsibility for the Middle East stalemate, joined Israel yesterday afternoon in an unsuccessful effort to block a resolution condemning Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories. The resolution, recommended by the Special Political Committee, was approved by 53-20, with 46 abstentions. Others opposing the measure were 10 Central and South American countries, seven African countries and Canada.
The Israeli Mission said the resolution was “devoid of any moral, political and juridical validity” because it was based on “mendacious Arab propaganda” and showed “complete disregard for the merits of the question at issue.” Objective observers, Israel said, know that the situation in the territories is “one of normal life and development.” The resolution was based on a report on the situation by representatives of Ceylon, Somalia and Yugoslavia, none of which maintains diplomatic relations with Israel.
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