Cuban ambassador to UN attacks Israel for Gaza blockade as
representative of non-aligned movement; Israeli ambassador responds by
saying it is unclear who Cuba purports to represent
Yitzhak Benhorin
WASHINGTON - Diplomatic Duel between Israel and Cuba at the UN: Cuba's
UN Ambassador, Rodrigo Malmierca made a speech at the United Nations
Security Council on Tuesday in which he claimed to represent the
non-aligned movement and attacked Israel for its ongoing blockade on the
Gaza Strip saying it was responsible for the hardships being faced by
Palestinians in the enclave.
No Denunciation
UN Security Council won't condemn Israel / Roni Sofer
Senior Israeli officials say Libya, Council's chair this month, has
decided to withdraw its demand to denounce Jewish state over siege
imposed on Gaza Strip. Foreign Minister Livni expresses her satisfaction
over move, says 'Israel should not have to apologize for actions aimed
at defending its citizens'
Israeli Ambassador Dan Gillerman was unpleased with Malmierca's remarks
and asked for permission to respond. Gillerman cynically asked the
Cuban: "Who is this group representing since the Cold War has already
ended?"
It didn't end there. The Cuban ambassador filed a complaint with the UN
Security Council president in which he expressed his anger over
Gillerman's remarks describing them as "harmful and distorted."
The Israeli delegation to the UN fired back a letter of response in
which it once again asked in what name the Cuban ambassador was
speaking. Was he representing his opinion?
Many countries that are members of the non-aligned nations, such as
Vietnam and Panama, have condemned Palestinian terrorism and support
Israel's right to respond to terrorist attacks and were not party to the
formulation that the Cuban ambassador decided to present.
Thus, the Israeli delegation claimed that the Cuban was not representing
the whole group.
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