Media outlets say U.S. veto isolates it from int’l community

CAIRO – 19 December 2017: “A state of isolation” is a description that has been used lately more than once by officials and media outlets to describe America’s current status, especially after its veto against the Egyptian draft resolution issued by the United Nations Security Council calling on the U.S. administration to reverse its decision regarding the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

After U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley’s choice to stand alone and veto the Egyptian resolution, facing another fourteen countries that voted to affirm it, “underscoring the U.S. isolation on the issue” the Washington Post stated on December 18.

It was added that despite the resolution not naming American President Donald Trump or the American government, it affirmed that any decisions and actions aiming to change Jerusalem’s identity should be considered null and void.

The decree also stressed that Jerusalem is an issue "to be resolved through negotiations." It expressed "deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem." The draft resolution called on all countries to refrain from opening embassies in Jerusalem, reflecting concerns that other governments could follow the lead of the U.S.

It demanded that all member-states not recognize any actions that are contrary to U.N. resolutions on the status of the city.

Shortly before the voting on Monday, December 18, Egyptian Ambassador to the U.N. Amr Abul Ata affirmed in a speech at the emergency meeting of the Security Council that Egypt used to be at the forefront of countries defending the Palestinian cause and will continue to do so until reaching a diplomatic solution regardless of the result of the voting.

Haley also threatened during her speech that she will use veto power to defend her country’s sovereignty and the peace process in the Middle East.

“The fact that this veto is being done in defense of American sovereignty and in defense of America’s role in the Middle East peace process is not a source of embarrassment for us; it should be an embarrassment to the remainder of the Security Council,” Haley stated.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the American veto of Egypt's draft resolution over Jerusalem on Monday. He added in a statement following the voting that the United State's decision is considered to be disrespectful to the international community.

"The United States chooses not to be an honest mediator in the peace process," Abbas said, stressing that he is willing to demand full membership in the United Nations.

The Arab League also condemned the American veto on Tuesday, saying that it will increase the isolation of the country because it stood against the will of the international community.

Israel was the only country that praised the U.S. decision. “Thank you, Ambassador Haley. On Hanukkah, you spoke like a Maccabi. You lit a candle of truth. You dispel the darkness. One defeated the many. Truth defeated lies. Thank you, President Trump. Thank you, Nikki Haley,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on his Twitter account.