4/14/2005 6:30:00 PM GMT
In its annual session, the UN Human Rights Commission adopted a resolution that denounces Israel’s aggression against Palestinian civilians and demands the Jewish state to stop building settlements in the occupied territories.
The resolution, passed by a 39-2 vote with 12 abstentions, states that Israel must "prevent any new installation of settlers in the occupied territories."
It also demands Israel to "reverse the settlement policy in the occupied territories," including East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, and "as a first step towards their dismantlement to stop immediately" their expansion.
"The continued settlements are an obstacle to peace," Egypt's ambassador Naela Gabr said on behalf of Arab countries.
Also Palestinian ambassador Mohammad Abu-Koash accused Israel of being "out of step with the world."
The resolution also urges Israel to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Palestinian civilians, demanding it to confiscate weapons and enforce sanctions "with the aim of preventing acts of violence by Israeli settlers,"
The United States and Australia were the only members that voted against the resolution.
Britain, Canada, Germany and Italy also joined the U.S. in voting against a text denouncing Israel for use of force, including executions, and its "continued systematic violations" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.
U.S. ambassador Rudy Boschwitz claimed that the settlement text is biased and imbalanced.
Israel, which has no vote at the six-week forum, strongly rejected the resolution, claiming that it's "one-sided."
Israeli diplomat Itzhak Levanon condemned the commission for "selectivity" in singling out Israel each year for censure.
The settlements issue should be left to the permanent status talks as stated in the 1993 Oslo accords, he said.
The 53-member state body is expected to vote later in the day on resolutions denouncing abuses in Belarus, Cuba and Sudan.