Thursday January 8, 2009
Middle East crisis: Malaysia issues ultimatum to UN Security Council
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has given the United Nations Security Council an ultimatum to come up with a resolution to condemn Israel on its brutal aggression against Palestine.
If the body failed to do so, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said Malaysia would then move “full steam ahead” to initiate a special session of the UN General Assembly to discuss Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip which has sparked off a new crisis in the Middle East.
Dr Rais said Malaysia’s call for the special session had been gaining support among the world community.
He said members of Asean had responded positively to the idea and hoped more countries would support the move so there would be an assertive effort to stop Israel’s aggression in Gaza.
Dr Rais said this in two separate press conferences here yesterday.
He said the ultimatum was necessary because one had to exhaust all avenues first before petitioning for a special General Assembly sitting.
“We were informed that the Security Council may produce a resolution to the Palestine issue.
“We will wait but if it fails, we will have a stronger platform to push for the convening of the General Assembly special session,” he said.
Dr Rais acknowledged that such a petition would not be “a breeze” because superpowers like the United States would use its influence to stop it.
“That is why special sessions are hardly convened but it is the overriding right of member countries to petition for one. And, that is what Malaysia intends to do,” he said.
On the growing support for Malaysia, Dr Rais said:
“I have received letters from my Indonesian counterpart Dr Hassan Wirajuda and also from Asean secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuan.
“Both voiced their commitment and support to see an end to the violence.
“This is a positive indication that Malaysia’s views on the Israel-Pales- tine issue are accepted by many,”
On Monday, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has pushed for the special UN general assembly session. The Prime Minister had also critised the United States for not doing enough to halt the invasion and to veto the UN Security Council’s move to condemn Israel.
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