The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted by a decisive vote of 128 to 9, with 35 abstentions, a motion rejecting the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In Ramallah, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas welcomed a UN vote that called on the US to withdraw its decision on Jerusalem. “The vote is a victory for Palestine,” said Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah. “We will continue our efforts in the United Nations and at all international forums to put an end to this occupation and to establish our Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital.”
No country has veto powers in the General Assembly, unlike in the 15-member Security Council where the United States, along with Britain, China, France and Russia, can block any resolution.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had warned ahead of the vote in the 193-nation assembly that “we’re watching” and threatened reprisals against countries that back the measure.
Trump’s remarks came after Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the UN, warned on Twitter that “the US will be taking names” of countries that support the resolution.
Washington’s threat to cut aid was swiftly criticized by Turkey, which accused the White House of further isolating itself through its threats. — Agencies
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