WASHINGTON, April 17 — The United Nations (UN) Security Council is expected to vote soon on Algeria’s draft resolution recommending Palestine’s admission as a member.
“Draft resolution on the State of Palestine membership to the United Nations put in blue by @AlgeriaUN on behalf of the Arab Group,” Palestine’s mission to the UN said yesterday, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
When the Security Council approaches the final stage of negotiating a draft resolution, the text is printed in blue.
The draft resolution is expected to be voted on tomorrow during the Security Council ministerial session on the Middle East. However, it is highly likely that the United States (US) will veto it.
US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood previously said the US position on Palestine’s bid has not changed.
“Our position is that the issue of full Palestinian membership is a decision that should be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians,” he told reporters.
In 2011, Palestine submitted a bid to become a full UN member but failed to secure the required support from Security Council members.
However, on April 2, Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour announced that he had sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres requesting that their membership application be reconsidered.
On April 3, Guterres wrote a letter to the UN Security Council requesting that Palestine’s request be considered.
The process of admitting new UN members has begun in the Security Council. Following discussions, the council is expected to refer the matter to the Committee on the Admission of New Members.
If the committee responds positively, the UN Security Council must vote, with no permanent members exercising their veto power and at least nine out of 15 members voting “in favour” of a positive outcome.
If the council approves, the matter is referred to the UN General Assembly. Membership approval in the 193-member UN General Assembly requires a two-thirds majority vote.
Since 1974, Palestine has been participating in the UN as an observer.
— Bernama
