Vienna International Institute for Middle East Studies
VIIMES Initiative on Palestine full pledged UN Membership
The Vienna International Institute on Middle East Studies (VIIMES) organized a special event on Palestine under the theme: “Roadmap Towards a Prosperous life for the Palestinians”, on 17th January 2024 at the Institute’s premises under the Chatham Rule.
The aim of the meeting was to bring about concrete proposals on ways and means to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as matter of urgency as well as for future deliberations leading to just and lasting peace in Palestine.
In this regard, granting full pledged membership of the United Nations to the observer State of Palestine was given priority by the seven panelists who made presentations in relation to different aspects of the event.
As think tank committed to Middle East issues of common interest, the VIIMES is committed to ensure a follow-up of concrete proposals made already at the meeting, working in coordination and partnership for the realization of the proposed peaceful and fruitful options.
To this end, the VIIMES exhorts the international community, key actors, and regional groups in the UN to back the Palestine National Authority official application for full pledged membership of the UN to be conveyed soon to the Secretary General of the United Nations.
The full pledged membership for the Palestinian State is in adequation with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclamation an international Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian people on 1977, and with the UN commemoration, for the first time, the 75th anniversary of the Nakba on 15 May 2023.
The Palestinian request will represent a legitimate step further in the Palestine State status as it was granted a non-member observer state status in the United Nations on 29 November 2012.
It is to be recalled that as of 2 June 2023, 139 UN member States have recognized the State of Palestine.
The VIIMES urges all beloving peace member States to bring the necessary help and assistance for smooth and successful consideration of the official application of the State of Palestine, by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and its recommendation to the UN General Assembly.
Same attention should be given to the consideration by the UNGA of the admission of Palestine as full pledged Member of the United Nations.
In this context, the VIIMES exhorts UN members States to reach the two-thirds majority vote required in the Assembly for the admission of Palestine as a new Member State. Membership becomes effective the date the resolution for admission is adopted.
In case the UN Security Council will not be able to recommend the General Assembly the admission of Palestine as new Member State, as the result of a veto of any of its five permanent members or not receiving 9 required votes, then couple of Member States supporting Palestinian legitimate cause shall invoke Resolution 377A (V) “Uniting for Peace” to call for an emergency meeting of the UNGA to act upon as it has done so in the past.
Recognition of Palestine same as all other Member States of the United Nations, will inject new impetus to multilateral diplomacy needed for the dangerous impasse over the war in Gaza.
The full integration of the Palestinian State among the UN family will be perceived as concrete contribution towards sustainable peace and security in the Middle East and beyond.