U.S. vetoes condemning Hamas killing

Associated Press ^ | March 25, 2004

[Dog Gone]

UNITED NATIONS -- The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution today condemning Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin.

The veto came after Algeria, the resolution's sponsor, rejected a demand by the United States that the measure also condemn violence by Hamas and other militant groups, and that it identify them by name.

The resolution "is silent about the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas," U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said before the vote. He called the measure "unbalanced, one-sided."

"Israel's action has escalated tensions in Gaza and the region ... but events must be considered in their context," Negroponte said.

Critics said the veto condoned Israel's policy of assassinating militant leaders.

The vote, which followed days of debate, was 11 countries in favor, three countries abstaining, and only the United States against.

Yassin, the spiritual leader of Hamas, was killed in a missile strike Monday morning in the Gaza Strip. Israel has warned that all other leaders of the group could be targeted.

Hamas has claimed responsibility for dozens of bombings and shootings of Israelis during 3 1/2 years of violence. Israel says it is targeting the group's leaders to stop such attacks, but critics say killing suspects without arresting or trying them violates international law.

On Wednesday, the U.N. Human Rights Commission in Geneva voted 31-2 to condemn Israel for Yassin's death, but the body has no power to punish countries. A resolution by the Security Council would have carried more international weight.

Only five members of the Security Council -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France -- can veto the body's resolutions. Thursday's veto is the United States' 79th and the latest in a long string of vetoes regarding Israel.

The Soviet Union and Russia have cast the most Security Council vetoes over the years, 121. Britain has cast 32, France 18 and China, 5.

[Bahbah]

Seen this? Probably you have.

[Mr. Mojo]

Critics said the veto condoned Israel's policy of assassinating militant leaders.

#1, Hamas and their ilk are terrorists, not "militants."

And #2, the assassination of terrorists should always be condoned.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

The veto came after Algeria, the resolution's sponsor, rejected a demand by the United States that the measure also condemn violence by Hamas and other militant groups, and that it identify them by name

Oh heavens, we can't do that! Hamas might get mad at us.

[b4its2late]

Good news.

[Condor51]

Jeez these Algerians are uppity critters. Just because they kicked the hell out of the french doesn't mean EVERY 'white' is a pushover, you cultist towel-heads.

[Tolik]

So, after the US, the "bravest of the bravest" are three abstaining countries. Any info who are these "courageous giants"?

[Dog Gone]

Germany, Romania and Britain.

[Tolik]

Thanks.

I guess thanks goes to them too.

[Dog Gone]

Now, the same resolution will be introduced in the General Assembly and will pass overwhelmingly. We know the routine at the Hot Air Society, aka the UN.

[FlyVet]

I love it when they call it an "assassination." As if this guy was some do-gooder head of state, minding his own business, and the Israelis offed him for nothing. I hope he is now enveloped in the cries of all the innocents he is responsible for murdering, for all eternity.

[Right_in_Virginia]

The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution today condemning Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin.

Very good news.

[whadizit]

Yes, very good news, but what would have been even better: "The United States will not condemn Israel but will congratulate her. Sharon and Co. have carried out the Bush doctrine even BETTER THAN BUSH!"

[goldstategop]

America to Hamas: "Up Yours!"

[Tolik]

I think we long overdue in creating an alternative "Freedom Alliance" (or whatever other name) with exclusive membership for democracies only. UN can remain as a convenient place to meet different countries diplomats and save on travel. But otherwise its totally useless. Hot air as you say. It is welcome to move to Montreal, or better outside of North America. Freedom Alliance can be that multinational force our leftists so happy to talk about instead of the sham the UN is.