U.S. Vetoes U.N. Rebuke of Israel
For the second time in two weeks, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution Friday that would have criticized Israel for plans to build a new Jewish housing project in East Jerusalem.
The 13-1 vote--with Costa Rica abstaining--underscored the desire among European and Arab governments for the world body to play a greater role in Middle East peace.
The U.S., while saying the controversial housing project interferes with the peace process, has repeatedly said that Israelis and Palestinians should work out their problems outside the United Nations.
Palestinians blasted the veto.
“The bitter reality is that this veto has been cast to shield Israel from the will of the international community and to exempt Israel from the provisions of international law and the charter of the United Nations,” Palestinian U.N. observer Nasser al Kidwa said.
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