Malaysia Praised For Role In Historic UNSC Israel Settlement Vote

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Palestine ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Anwar Al Agha today praised the Malaysian government for the role it had played in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution demanding a halt to Israeli settlements. He said the historic vote could be a turning point in paving the way for a solution to the protracted Israel-Palestine conflict. Over the years, Malaysia had always been consistent in lending its support towards a just solution and lasting peace for the Palestinian people, he said. "The resolution was passed after years of being vetoed at the United Nations and we would like to thank the Malaysian government for its role in calling on Israel to stop the illegal construction of settlements on Palestinian occupied territories." He said this at a press conference after the 52nd Anniversary of the Palestinian Revolution celebration and the founding of the Palestine National Liberation Movement (Fatah) at the Palestine embassy, here, Wednesday. On Dec 23, Resolution 2334 was passed with the support of 14 of the 15 members of the UNSC, including Malaysia as a non-permanent member, calling on Israel to immediately stop the building of illegal settlements on Palestine land. The United States, which has veto power, abstained. Anwar said the main agenda for the liberation movement now was to promote constant engagement with the international communities in order to explain the plight of the Palestinian people. He said the Palestinian government under the leadership of its President Mahmoud Abbas had always been campaigning for peaceful popular resistance and was against violence. "The resolution proves that non-violent ways can also be successful, and we will still use this approach in our struggle. "Our only hope is that we will reach a reconciliation agreement and set up a unity government between all the groups in Palestine, especially with Hamas. This is important in order to make us united to end the Israeli occupation," he said. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA