Phelan welcomes Ireland vote in favour of Palestinian Observer State Status
30 November 2012
Statement by Ann Phelan TD
Yesterday, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., announced the adoption of a Resolution by the UN General Assembly to give Observer State status in the UN to Palestine. Ireland voted in favour of the resolution.
The resolution has upgraded the Palestinians' status to a non-member observer state at the United Nations. It was approved by the 193-member world body by a vote of 138-9 with 41 abstentions.
President Abbas has made clear that the decision will open the way for him, on behalf of the Palestinian people, to return to substantive peace negotiations with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government.
Deputy Phelan, who is a member of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), stated that: "This is a significant step forward to maintaining the two-state solution on the agenda.
"The UN vote may help Mr Abbas restore his position, which has been corroded by years of stagnation in peace efforts. Yesterday's vote is a strong indication that the EU remains consistent in its support for democracy and non-violent action.
"Palestinians have the same rights to a democratic and prosperous future as the people of Egypt, Syria, Libya, and Tunisia. Yesterday's vote is a clear-cut recognition of that."
