IPU admits Palestine as member

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) admits Palestine as a member. Only "Six countries, namely Peru, Georgia, New Zealand, Argentina, Israel and the United Kingdom voted against the decision in spite of the clear signals that majority of the members are desirous of admitting Palestine as its newest member."

Ed CorriganGeneva-Switzerland --With an overwhelming majority votes amounting to 1,219, parliamentarians from across the World on Monday in Geneva-Switzerland, admitted the State of Palestine as a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) casting over board interest of key European States, Israel and the United States of America.

The feat was made possible with the leadership role of Nigeria, led by the President of the Senate, David Mark, who boldly announced the twenty cumulative votes of Nigeria’s delegation and followed by other African countries participating in the 119th conference of the IPU, taking place in Geneva headquarters of the IPU.

The voting to either accept the State of Palestine followed the inability of the Executive Council of the IPU to reach an agreement on the issue as members of the council agreed that while it is a fact that Palestine is a democratic state with an active parliament, the main issue remains that it is populated by members of Hamas.

According to the IPU council resolution, “Hamas is presently dominating the parliament in Palestine. Admitting the Palestinian parliament with members of Hamas in control would create serious credibility problem which could affect the IPU”

The resolution of the Council of the IPU was, however, difficult to sell to the parliamentarians who had different understanding over the issue, thus taking a different look at the issue which guided their voting pattern.

Six countries, namely Peru, Georgia, New Zealand, Argentina, Israel and the United Kingdom voted against the decision in spite of the clear signals that majority of the members are desirous of admitting Palestine as its newest member.

In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark said that the Nigeria took its position to support the admittance of the State of Palestine based on the understanding that it has met all the conditions to warrant its entry to the world’s most democratic institution.

Also speaking, the Palestinian Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian National Council, Mr. Tayseer Quba’a, said that the development has further boosted the effort of his country at real integration and sustaining democracy.

He said that Palestine was not surprised at the vote of Israel which was against its admission as a member of the IPU.