Interpol Backs Palestinian Statehood

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

The international police organization's General Assembly voted to admit the "State of Palestine and the Solomon islands (as) member countries" - 75 nations in favor, 24 against, 34 abstaining.

US/Israeli pressure to prevent Interpol recognition of Palestinian statehood failed. PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki welcomed the vote, saying:

"The State of Palestine considers this membership and the responsibilities that it entails as an integral part of its responsibility towards the Palestinian people and a moral commitment to the citizens of the world."

"Palestine is ready and able to shoulder these obligations and responsibilities as an active partner in the international community, and to contribute effectively and significantly to advancing our common core values as nations."

"The State of Palestine will continue to struggle to raise the status and role of Palestine at the international level and defend the rights of our people in security and freedom by all diplomatic and legal means available and including joining the relevant international institutions."

On Monday, Abbas said he'll again seek UN recognition of Palestine as a full world body member.

He never tried before, just pretended to. The General Assembly has sole authority to admit new members, a two-thirds majority needed. The Security Council only recommends admissions, can't block them.

Palestine has more than enough support for full membership. It's had it for years, easily obtained under the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution 377, circumventing  Washington, Britain and France preventing it, unable to use their veto power.

Abbas is a longtime Israeli collaborator. He settled for observer status alone, instead of going for full UN membership. He won't likely act differently this time, not wanting to offend his US and Israeli masters.

Interpol said Palestine "meets the conditions of statehood." Netanyahu and Israel's foreign ministry haven't commented so far.

Israel opposes Palestine's admittance to all international organizations, including the UN, ICC and others. Inclusion in them indirectly recognizes its statehood.

Israeli environmental protection minister Zeev Elkin blasted what he called Palestinian "diplomatic war." He urged Netanyahu to "immediately cancel all of the goodwill gestures (sic) we have made towards that Palestinian Authority, and freeze all of the special permits PA leaders use."

He called joining Interpol "in complete contradiction of all of the PA's commitments from the past two years," wanting it remaining entirely subservient to Israeli interests.

Last year, US/Israeli pressure blocked Palestine's Interpol membership. It was rejected in 2015 on grounds that its request was submitted too late for consideration.

Interpol is the world's largest international organization after the UN. Admitting Palestine and the Solomon Islands increased its membership to 192.

Member states work cooperatively in combating international crime - short of political or military involvement. 

The organization was founded in 1923, headquartered in Lyon, France, funding provided by its members.

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