Canada�defended its
shift in its historic pro-Israel voting pattern at the United
Nations General Assembly, through which it cast a “yes†vote
for the second year in a row on the annual resolution in favor the
right of Palestinian people to self-determination.
Prior to 2019, Canada had joined a small number of countries in
rejecting the resolution, which the UNGA approved
Wednesday in New York with a 168-5 vote, compared to 167-5, last
year.
Both years the following five countries rejected the resolution;
Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and the United
States.
This year, 10 counties abstained compared to 11 in 2019. They
were; Australia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras,
Kiribati, Palau, South Sudan, Togo and Tonga.
The resolution was the 14th pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel the
UNGA has approved this month.
Countries that stand with Israel on these resolutions often do
so, as a protest vote against the bias of UN member states toward
Israel as reflected in the number of resolutions leveled against
it. No other country in the UN, including the worst human rights
abuser nations, is the subject of so many resolutions.
Canada typically stands with Israel by abstaining or voting no.
But it changed its vote on this particular resolution last year, to
protest the US decision to recognize the legitimacy of Israeli West
Bank settlements.
This particular text often garners the most support out of all
the resolutions and the text is fairly brief and less loaded with
charges against Israel than others.
The resolution “reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people
to self-determination, including the right to their independent
State of Palestine.†It “urges all states and the specialized
agencies and organizations of the United Nations system to continue
to support and assist the Palestinian people in the early
realization of their right to self-determination.â€
Pro-Israeli Canadian groups had urged the government to oppose
the resolution, while pro-Palestinian groups had asked it extend
vote “yes†on other pro-Palestinian texts.
Last month, the Canadian Finance Minster Chrystia Freeland
hinted that Canada had voted in favor of the resolution as a
statement in favor of human rights and against Israeli
populism.
In New York on Wednesday, a Canadian representative told the
UNGA that “Canada is a strong ally and close friend of Israel,
continuing a partnership that has advanced the shared values and
interests of our two democracies since the foundation of the state
of Israel in 1948.
“Canada is also committed to the goal of a comprehensive just
and lasting peace in the middle east including the creation of a
Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with
Israel.
“Canada’s vote today is a reflection of our long standing
commitment to the right of self-determination for both Palestinians
and Israelis. The resolution before us today focuses on two issues,
the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people and the
need for all countries to do what they can to support the
successful creation of a Palestinian State, living peace and
security with its neighbor Israel.â€
She added that the resolution focuses on core issues of the
conflict.
“Canada does not and will not,†the representative stressed,
“support any resolution that unfairly singles out Israel for
criticism.â€
Her country, she added, would continue to oppose such biased
texts.
Lasting peace and security starts with direct talks, “Canada
urges both sides to return to negotiations,†she said.
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Canada Defends Pro-Palestinian Vote At UN General Assembly
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