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| UN Orders First Probe Of Israeli Settlements |
| 2012-03-23 |
| Human Rights Council passes resolution ordering complete review of Israel's West Bank settlement policies, possible infringement of Palestinians' right. PM: Council is hypocrite The United Nations ...aka the Oyster Bay Chowder and Marching Society... ' Human Rights Council on Thursday passed a resolution ordering a first probe into how Israel's West Bank settlements may be infringing on Paleostinians' rights. Â The resolution was adopted with 36 votes in favor and 10 abstentions. Only the United States voted against it. Presenting the resolution, a Pak envoy criticized Israel for insisting on building more settlements, saying that they are "in violation of international humanitarian and human rights One man's rights are another man's existential threat. laws." Â "This resolution seeks to respond to the humanitarian and human rights challenges this illegal Israeli practice has created in the occupied territories," he said. Â Beyond ordering an investigation into the implications of settlements, the resolution also calls on Israel to "take and implement serious measures" such as confiscating arms to prevent acts of violence by Israeli settlers. Â But the United States spoke up against the move, saying it was "deeply troubled by this Council's bias against Israel." Â "Steps like this do nothing to promote a just and lasting peace," said a US envoy, adding that they only serve to "push parties apart." Â Israel's move to expand settlements has been criticized by the international community, which deems the action illegal. Â Earlier this week, UN rights chief Navi Pillay said the expansion of Israeli settlements is deeply linked to problems including violence in the territories. Â Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the UN's decision, calling the Human Rights Council "hypocrite." Â "The council is hypocrite. They have an automatic majority against Israel. This council has proven once more that it is detached from reality, by inviting a member of Hamas, always the voice of sweet reason, -- an organization whose creed advocated the murder of innocent people, to speak before it. Its members should be ashamed of themselves," he said. |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #1 On seeing this headline my first question was..."First probe? This month? week? today?" |
| Posted by: AlanC 2012-03-23 09:21 |