New York, USA – The United Nations General Assembly voted by a majority on a resolution supporting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
The Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riad Al Maliki stated in a statement that the resolution was adopted, during a regular Assembly meeting in New York, by a majority of 168 countries that voted in favor. Israel and 5 countries such as Chad, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and the USA opposed it, while 9 countries abstained from voting.
Al Maliki welcomed the votes in favor of the resolution, stressing that this step constitutes a natural response to attempts to undermine the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and a public response against Israeli violations and crimes.
Al Maliki called on the UN member states to assume their responsibilities to protect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, and to take practical measures in the face of Israeli occupation.
Earlier on, the United Nations General Assembly voted by a majority five resolutions in favor of the Palestinian cause, especially the refugee issue.
These resolutions are issued annually by the General Assembly, which has 193 members, and are non-binding.