The US Vetoes UN Resolution Condemning Embassy Move to Jerusalem, Egypt Expresses Regret

Egypt expressed its regret over the United States (US) veto that had resulted in the UN security council failure to pass a resolution to force US president Donald Trump to rescind his declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

The draft resolution was filed to the UN security council by Egypt on behalf of the Arab states. The US was the sole country to vote against the resolution in Monday’s voting session, the other 14 members of the council voted in its favour.

Egypt expressed sorrow over the UN failure to pass the resolution that was suggested in response to the “conscience of the international community” which explicitly rejected Trump’s declaration, spokesperson of the foreign ministry Ahmed Abou Zaid said in a statement.

“It is rather concerning when the UN security council fails to adopt a resolution that goes in line with its previous stances regarding the legal situation of the occupied city of Jerusalem,” Abou Zaid added.

The spokesperson asserted that Egypt –the Arab member of the council– took an immediate action in the UN security council following multiple meetings and coordination with other states. The coordination included reaching a balanced wording of the draft resolution that maintains the legal situation of Jerusalem.

Abou Zaid concluded his statement saying that the Arab group is to meet again to decide on the next steps.

Earlier this month, the US was the first country to declare Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a decision that was widely rejected in the international community and sparked protests in several Arab countries including Palestine, Egypt, and Jordan.

Subscribe to our newsletter