The resolution required the approval by two-thirds of the agency’s General Conference. It was approved by 107 members voting for and 14 against with 52
abstentions
TISSA VITHARANA
Sri Lanka played a key role to admit Palestine to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at its biannual general conference on October 31 and was commended by many member countries making this move, Senior Minister Tissa Vitharana said yesterday.
He said the resolution required the approval by two-thirds of the agency’s General Conference. It was approved by 107 members voting for and 14 against with 52 abstentions.
The United States which led the group of countries, which voted against, comprised western nations and Israel. It responded immediately by cutting her contribution of US$ 60 million for November. Apart from the US and Israel Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany were among those which voted against. A surprise yes vote came from France, Minister Vitharana added.
He said a majority of Non-aligned nations from Asia, Africa and Oceania voted for the resolution.
“Sri Lanka was prominent in its campaign for the Palestine cause and launched a concerted effort to win the vote to admit Palestine as the newest member of UNESCO. “The canvassing carried out by Sri Lankn envoy Dayan Jayatilaka was successful in persuading many of the countries to vote for the resolution,” Minister Vitharana said.
He said Sri Lanka was able to garner support from many Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries by personally canvassing for Palestine and added that Sri Lanka’s efforts were significant as it launched the campaign as a nation that crushed terrorism and supported the freedom struggle of another nation.
Source: Daily Mirror, 8th November 2011
