OIC Regrets Security Council's Failure to Accept Full UN Membership for Palestinian State

Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)
Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)
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OIC Regrets Security Council's Failure to Accept Full UN Membership for Palestinian State

Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)
Vendors selling bread wait for customers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. (AFP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed on Friday its profound disappointment with the UN Security Council's decision to deny Palestine full UN membership.

The OIC strongly condemned the United States’ use of its veto power, which is a clear violation of the UN Charter and a major obstacle to the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

It also reiterated its unwavering support for Palestine's right to full political and legal representation at the UN, a right long denied, and emphasized that recognizing the State of Palestine as a full UN member is essential to achieving peace and stability in the region, and paving the way for a viable two-state solution.

The OIC commended the countries that voted in favor of the draft resolution and urged those that voted against or abstained to reconsider their positions and align them with their obligations under international law, the UN Charter, and the relevant UN resolutions.

It said it views the Security Council’s failure to grant Palestine full membership as a continuation of the decades-long injustice toward the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to take immediate action to end this injustice once and for all.



Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
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Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, have discussed ways to develop and expand relations to serve the common interests of all sides and foster growth and prosperity.

During Friday’s meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the deep ties between the UAE and the European Union, as well as the ongoing commitment to strengthening these relations to support their shared goals and promote peace and development at both the regional and global levels.

The meeting also touched upon the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit scheduled for October in Brussels. The UAE President and Michel emphasized the significance of the summit in advancing relations, especially in economic and developmental areas, and setting the stage for further progress in the years ahead.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the European Council President also reviewed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly developments in the Middle East. They underscored the importance of reaching an urgent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip to allow for adequate humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of its residents. They also stressed the need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank and to push for a permanent and stable peace process based on the two-state solution.

Both sides emphasized the seriousness of escalating tensions in the region and the critical need for international efforts to contain and prevent the expansion of conflicts, which pose a threat to regional security and stability.

Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s support for all efforts aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza and fostering stability and peace in the region. He also highlighted the UAE's commitment to cooperating with the European Union and other concerned parties to enhance the humanitarian response to the worsening situation in Gaza and support regional stability.

Charles Michel praised the UAE's position in support of Gulf-European cooperation and its influential humanitarian role in Gaza. He also commended the UAE’s contributions to peace and stability in the Middle East.