U.S. veto<\/p>\n
The world was shocked by the U.S. decision to veto a UN
\nSecurity Council resolution on Israel's land confiscation in Arab
\nEast Jerusalem. The vetoed resolution was sponsored by six of the
\nCouncil's non-aligned members: Indonesia, Botswana, Honduras,
\nNigeria, Oman and Rwanda, and supported by its 14 council
\nmembers, including the four veto-holding members: France, Great
\nBritain, Russia and China.<\/p>\n
As a matter of fact, the council's overwhelming support for
\nthe resolution shows the positive and decisive position of the
\ninternational community against Israel's illegal action. The
\nCouncil's resolution condemns Israel's expropriation of 52
\nhectares of land in areas of Jerusalem captured in the 1967
\nMiddle East War.<\/p>\n
According to the Palestinians, and supported by 14 council
\nvoters, the veto by the U.S. contradicts the Israel-PLO peace
\ndeal and international accords. According to Israeli and U.S.
\nsources, the two conflicting parties should hold direct talks to
\nsolve any problems.<\/p>\n
One might wonder how such a situation could still prevail in
\nthe UN. The domination of superpowers, the veto holders, is
\nunfair and illogical in this world body. The UN seems to be ruled
\nand dominated by a small but very influential Israel through its
\nstrong and powerful ally: America. The U.S. veto is, according to
\nIndonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, a clear violation of the
\nprevious agreements, and also deviates from earlier Security
\nCouncil decisions on Israeli settlements.<\/p>\n
How could Washington mediate the process, said Marwan
\nKanafani, Yasser Arafat's spokesman, when America itself takes a
\nposition that not only contradicts the core of the Declaration of
\nPrinciples (peace accord) and all the agreements after, but also
\ncontradicts all the (pertinent) resolutions and international
\nagreements.<\/p>\n
Head of the Islam Solidarity Committee Lukman Harun said his
\norganization strongly condemns the U.S. veto. This shows that
\nU.S. is a defender and protector of Israel.<\/p>\n
I agree with The Jakarta Post editorial of May 19, 1995, that
\nby casting its veto against a UN text critical of Israel's
\ncolonial policy, the U.S. again showed the international
\ncommunity that the world body is not a decent place to solve
\nproblems. The U.S. always pretends to be a beacon of democracy
\nand a champion of human rights.<\/p>\n
In casting a veto against a UN resolution, the U.S.
\n(President) does not need the approval of the U.S. Congress.
\nOtherwise, would a majority of the Congress have given its
\nconsent to veto a controversial UN resolution? I believe that not
\nonly the Palestinians but the whole world is disappointed by the
\nAmerican veto.<\/p>\n
ALOYSIUS HARYONO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-veto-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }