UN sets quick vote on text condemning Gaza attack

[bemildred]

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council scheduled a Saturday vote on a draft resolution condemning a deadly Israeli attack in Gaza after Arab states agreed yesterday to significantly weaken the text.

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The new text would instead call on the Palestinian Authority to "take immediate and sustained action to bring an end to violence, including the firing of rockets on Israeli territory."

It also would urge the international community to take steps to stabilize the situation, revive the Middle East peace process and consider "the possible establishment of an international mechanism" for the protection of civilians.

Both the original text and the revised version call on Israel to end its military operations immediately in Palestinian areas and pull its troops out of Gaza.

Stuff.NZ

[razors edge]

1. It was either that

or another veto.

[oberliner]

2. UN Security Council delays vote on criticism of Israel's Gaza attack

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The UN Security Council delayed by 24 hours a vote on a watered-down draft resolution that would condemn Israel's deadly attack in the Gaza Strip as well as Palestinian rocket firing into Israel, diplomats said.

The decision was made during closed-door consultations of the 15-member body after the draft introduced by Qatar on behalf of Arab member states was toned down to make it more palatable to Western countries.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061111/ts_afp/mideastconflictgazaun_061111000358