The Netherlands is disappointed with the granting of full UNESCO membership to the Palestinians, says Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal. A majority of the members have voted in favour of the Palestinians joining the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
The Netherlands voted against, as did Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania and Lithuania. Minister Rosenthal said membership should have been a result of the negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel in line with the timetable drawn up by the Middle East Quartet consisting of the European Union, the United States, Russia and the United Nations.
“[The parties] must refrain from steps which anticipate the results of the negotiations” he said, calling on all parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
Israel says the decision is damaging for the chances of resuming negotiations in the Middle East and can only delay the prospect of a peace agreement.
The Palestinian Authority said UNESCO membership would help protect archaeological artefacts and enable it to act more effectively to prevent smuggling and the destruction of objects.
The United States has announced it is halting its funding of UNESCO. A State Department spokesperson said it had no choice because laws passed in the 1990s outlaw US funding of any UN organisation of which the Palestinians are a member.
(imm)
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With aplgize may I know that human being particulay Muslims have no right to live in this world? I am sorry to hear such a new from Radio Netherlan. Please be friend with us we are not harmful people. God bless you and your country.
And the usual blah, blah, blah. How many more years are we going to hear about "negotiations", which are nothing more than israeli stalling tactics? Would be interesting to see a list of nations under the israeli thumb!
Until the zionist FM is removed from the foreign ministry our country is taking the wrong pact. This man needs to be remove from this position asap. This great country used to be a symbol for peace and demoncracy. But, look now what happening to our great country? We need to take back our country. They are targeting our beloved queen to reduce her power. so, the zionist can further control our country. But, they are dreaming. That will never happen in the Netherlands.