Israel rapped for extension plans

UNITED NATIONS, July 1: Israel has come under severe criticism in the UN Security Council for its plan to extend the border of Jerusalem, with members of the world body asking the international community to force Tel Aviv to rescind it. More than 40 members participated in yesterday8217;s day-long debate held over objections of the United States. But an Arab sponsored resolution condemning the plan and asking Israel to rescind it was not put to vote at the end of the debate.

While all United Nations members can take part in the debate, only 15 members of the Security Council can decide when to vote on a resolution. The US opposes the resolution which it says could inflame passions and adversely impact the Washington-sponsored Middle East peace process. Unless the resolution is to the liking of the United States, it could veto it.

As a compromise, British Ambassador John Weston proposed a Presidential statement, which is a level lower than the resolution, and diplomats say both Washington and Arabs would beagreeable to it, the later considering it better than no action. But till late in the night, the language had not been fully worked out. The Council adjourned without fixing a date to take up any resolution or the Presidential statement.

The participants in the debate expressed fear that the Israeli plan would extend its umbrella authority on Israeli settlements on the West Bank, change demographic pattern and scuttle the already faltering peace process.