Arab Group decides to go with new draft to UNSC for Gaza”s sake

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 24 (KUNA) — The Arab Group at the UN refused Thursday the US amendments on the draft law for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the deterioration in the Gaza Strip, deciding on submitting another draft which would be ready for voting this evening.
An Arab diplomat told KUNA that the group was ready to refer the new draft to the UNSC including articles that were agreed on by the 14 members of the council Wednesday.
The new step would force the US delegation either to agree to the new draft or use veto against it, stated the official.
The Arab group refused the US amendments which stated that the UNSC condemned the rocket attacks launched from Gaza, calling for a halt for such attacks.
The amendments also affirmed that all acts of terrorism posed a threat to international peace and security.
The UNSC statement also focused on the human situation in Gaza, but affirmed that Israel has the right to use all means to defend itself against terrorist attacks.
However, Israel must take into consideration that its acts would not expose the people of Gaza to any harm and allowing relief aid to reach the region.
The amendments also lauded the Israeli step to allow the opening of the crossing points. They also expressed concern over the status of the abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
All the amendments were refused by the Arab group, resulting in the new attempt to formulate a draft law which requires the vote of about nine UNSC members with hopes that the US will not veto it.