Upgrading Palestine Status At UN, Chance To Restore Rights - Official

Tehran, Dec 1, IRNA – Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said upgrading Palestine's status at the UN as a "non-member observer" is an opportunity for the Palestinians to restore their rights. Ramin Mehmanparast said it is also a chance to follow up the Zionist regime's war crimes against the oppressed and defenseless Palestinians, stressing that the achievement can help prevent the Zionists from committing more crimes. Iran, as the rotating president of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), expresses solidarity with the Palestinian people, said Mehmanparast. He added the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that upgrading the Palestinians status at the UN is the first step towards gaining full sovereignty over their occupied lands, returning to their homeland and continuing resistance against the illegitimate Zionist regime. The senior diplomat further hoped that grounds would be prepared for the full membership of Palestine at the UN. On November 29, the UN General Assembly voted in favor of upgrading the Palestinian status from observer entity to non-member observer state. Some 138 UN members voted in favor of the measure, nine against and 41 abstained. The US, UK, Zionist regime and Canada were among countries voted against the move. The upgrade allows Palestinians to participate in debates at the UN General Assembly and improve their chances of joining UN agencies and the International Criminal Court where they can file complaints against Israel./end