The upgraded status of the Palestinian Authority at the United Nations is a “positive step” towards peace and a reaffirmation of the body’s “long-term commitment to a two-state solution”, according to Rev Dr Olav Fyske Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches.
In a statement released after the UN member states voted 138 to nine in favor of upgrading the status of the Palestinian Authority to a non-member observer state, Rev Dr Tveit said it was now up to Israel and Palestine to “move this process forward”.
“The vote in the UN confirms that the two-state solution is the best way to peace in the region. Without that, the future holds yet more violence and insecurity, and continuing tragedy for both peoples.”
Rev Dr Tveit said the WCC “has consistently spoken in favour of a two-state solution”.
The decision of the UN General Assembly was made on 29th November. Among those to vote no were the US, Israel, and Canada while 41 nations abstained from voting. These included the UK, Germany and Australia which, while Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s personal preference was for a no vote, abstained after she faced a revolt in the caucus.
