Israel Matzav: US warns Europeans on 'Palestinian' UN non-member status

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

US warns Europeans on 'Palestinian' UN non-member status

Unwilling to face a showdown with Congress immediately upon starting a second term (God forbid), the United States has warned the European Union not to back a 'Palestinian' bid for non-member status at the United Nations. Under US law, if such a motion were to be voted on in the United Nations General Assembly (where it would almost certainly pass), the United States would be required to cut off all monetary aid to the 'Palestinian Authority' and probably to the United Nations as well.

The memorandum – described by one diplomatic source as "private correspondence" – said the US was continuing to work for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and urged both parties "to avoid provocative one-sided actions that could undermine trust or otherwise distract from the pursuit of peace".

A Palestinian resolution on non-member state status "would have significant negative consequences, for the peace process itself, for the UN system, as well as our ability to maintain our significant financial support for the Palestinian Authority".

It added that a successful resolution could lead to Palestinian participation as a state in international bodies such as the international criminal court. Israel is concerned that Palestinian recourse to the ICC could have repercussions for its policies on settlements, the occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza.

"We believe your government understands what is at stake here, and – like us – wants to avoid a collision at the coming UNGA session," said the text. "We hope you are willing to support our efforts … We would appreciate knowing where your government stands on this issue. We would also be interested in knowing whether you have been approached on this matter by Palestinian representatives."

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There were differing views among European countries on the wisdom of the Palestinians' move, the diplomat added. "The closer we get to the prospect of a vote in the UN general assembly, the more concerned the US administration is likely to be. This letter is an expression of their well-known position against such a vote. But if we are to persuade Abbas not to pull the trigger, a serious alternative needs to be put on the table, and fast."

A second European diplomat said the US had "made it very clear to all of us that they're opposed to any [Palestinian] move at the UN". He also criticised the Palestinians for not engaging in "serious, high-level diplomacy" on the issue.

Some European countries are alarmed at the prospect of the US withdrawing financial support for the Palestinian Authority in the wake of a bid for upgraded status, fearing that the EU would have to fill the funding gap.\

Following the Palestinians' acceptance as a state by the United Nations cultural and heritage body, Unesco, the US cut off funding as a punitive measure. The US had contributed 22% of Unesco's annual budget.

Discussions among European governments on whether to support the Palestinians' bid are due to be held this week. However the 27 member states are unlikely to forge a common line.

A vote giving the ''Palestinians' non-member status at the UN could be a blessing in disguise. It won't do anything to advance their 'statehood,' but it could bring about the financial ruin of the United Nations. Heh.

Labels: European Union, Palestinian state RIGHT NOW syndrome, United Nations General Assembly, United States