In an unprecedented move, the Palestinian ‘West Bank’ leadership assumed the chairmanship of the group of 77 developing nations, officially receiving the world body’s recognition as a developing state. “It is for me a great pleasure to join you today as we embark on another critical year of work of the United Nations. And I congratulate the state of Palestine, as it assumes the presidency of the group of 77 and China for 2019. And I welcome your excellency, Mahmoud Abbas, and thank you for joining us today as a clear demonstration of the strong commitment of the state of Palestine to an effective presidency of the Group of 77 and China,” U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said.
The Palestinian chairmanship of the group is being viewed as a move that will allow the Palestinian Authority, which currently operates as an observer state, to act more like a full U.N. member state. Back in October, the United States, Israel and Australia voted against the move, which won 146 votes in favor. In the transition ceremony, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said it was vital to ensure and preserve the right to develop, even for countries under “colonial and foreign occupation” – as he put it – despite the fact that Palestine did not previously exist. “Sustainable human development is development by the people, and for the people, and with their participation. And the right to development is a right we shall strive to strengthen and realize together with all other human rights enshrined in international law, and in the G77’s founding and central documents. In this regard, we must ensure and preserve this right, also for people living under colonial and foreign occupation. In line with the decisions of the group, including the Johannesburg plan of action, and in accordance with the relevant provisions of international law, including international humanitarian law, Palestine cannot be an exception. Palestine cannot be an exception. We also suffer under the yolk of foreign occupation,” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem did not immediately respond to TV7’s request for comment.