Tánaiste must pledge support for Palestinian UN membership now
Sinn Féin foreign affairs spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn has today reiterated his party’s support for Palestinian UN membership.
He made his comments as he met with a delegation representing the Palestinian Popular Campaign for Palestine 194 in Leinster House. Deputy Mac Lochlainn called on the Tánaiste to act now and publicly pledge his support for Palestinian recognition at the UN.
Speaking from the cross-party meeting in Leinster House Deputy Mac Lochlainn said:
“I warmly welcome this delegation and “flying chair” initiative to Ireland and Leinster House en route to the United Nations in New York where Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas is expected to submit a formal application for UN membership next week. I congratulate the delegation on their creative effort and global campaign which has done outstanding work in raising awareness of Palestine’s right to be recognised as a United Nations State.
“The UN Charter notes that ‘Membership in the United Nations is open to all other peace-loving states.’ Never has there been a more appropriate and opportune time for the UN to grant Palestine their rightful place at that table. The legal framework under which Palestine can be admitted to the United Nations is clear. Basing its decision solely on respect for international law, it makes the intentions of any State which does not support UN membership for Palestine, questionable.
“Ireland has an opportunity to do the right thing and lead by example.
“The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore TD, has said that Palestine and support for the rights of the Palestinian People continue to be a priority for Ireland. He has also said that Palestine had no greater friend in Europe. If this is the case, why the delay in pledging support for their position at the UN?
“I am calling on the Tánaiste today to take a stand and publicly state his support for Palestinian UN membership, and to call on other EU leaders to follow him. I am also calling on him and this Government to grant the Palestinian Mission in Ireland full Embassy status as a first step towards validating that recognition.”
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