The State of Palestine - Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The State of Palestine Casts its Vote for the First Time at the United Nations (November 19, 2013)
The State of Palestine cast its vote for the first time at the United Nations on Monday 18 November. In doing so, Palestine took its rightful position in advancing the cause of justice and accountability by voting to elect a judge on the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The vote was cast in accordance with the Statute of the International Tribunal, which allows Observer States to participate in the election of judges to the tribunal.
The Minister considers this casting of vote a historic moment for Palestine and its people as we continue our march towards freedom and full sovereignty.
“This vote brings the State of Palestine one step closer towards the realization of Palestine’s long overdue full membership at the United Nations”, said Minister Malki. It is an affirmation of the State of Palestine’s readiness to assume its rightful position among other sovereign and responsible states in the international community that uphold the rules and principles of international law and advance the cause of justice worldwide”, said the Minister.
In this regard, Minister Malki also welcomed the warm applause of the delegates representing the Member States of the United Nations accorded to this landmark moment, considering a clear indication of the international support to Palestine’s inalienable right to sovereignty and full membership at the international organization.
Dr. Malki elaborated, “The State of Palestine is proud that its first vote at the United Nations General Assembly was to advance the cause of justice, which ultimately always prevails”. He concluded, “We believe that justice will also prevail, soon, in Palestine as oppression and impunity cannot outlast or defeat the powerful will of our proud people who will not tire until their march to freedom reaches its rightful destination”.