Indonesia Hopes for Strong Outcome of UN Emergency Meeting on Jerusalem
Jakarta. Indonesia is hopeful for a strong outcome of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly emergency session on the United States decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, an official said on Wednesday (20/12).
The rare special session, scheduled for Thursday, was requested by Arab and Muslim states, following the US veto on an Egyptian-drafted resolution calling for US President Donald Trump's declaration to be withdrawn.
According to the draft "any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void, and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council."
It also called on all states to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in Jerusalem.
For a resolution to be passed at the council, it needs nine votes in favor and zero vetoes from its permanent members – the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China.
The remaining 14 members of the council voted in favor.
"We are hoping that the support will be as strong at the General Assembly, or even stronger. It will be a strong political statement if most of the UN member states back the resolution; that the international community rejects the US decision," Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir told reporters in Jakarta.
The American ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned in a tweet that the US "will be taking names" of those who voted to criticize its decision regarding the contested holy city.
At the UN we're always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us. On Thurs there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names. pic.twitter.com/ZsusB8Hqt4
— Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) December 19, 2017
Haley also said the veto was in defense of American sovereignty and America's role in the Middle East peace process, while Monday's session was an insult that will not be forgotten.
According to Arrmanatha, the world's largest economy may find itself isolated if other countries do not support its Jerusalem stance.
In 2017, Indonesia was involved in more than 150 programs to assist Palestine, has been advocating its independence, and plans more aid to prepare it for a better life and future as an independent state, Arrmanatha said.
The assistance will include economic empowerment and clean water facilities.
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