Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune delivered a powerful address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday, calling for a special session to conduct a vote on granting full state membership to Palestine. Tebboune’s impassioned speech touched upon several crucial global and regional issues, with a strong emphasis on the Palestinian cause.
President Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s unwavering support for the Arab Peace Initiative, which advocates for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of 1967. He firmly criticized the Israeli continued occupation of Palestinian territories, highlighting its role as a significant factor contributing to regional instability.
The Algerian leader urged the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution endorsing a two-state solution and calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. Tebboune’s call echoed the long-standing international consensus on the need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a bid for global reforms, President Tebboune emphasized the need for changes within the United Nations itself, stating, “Reforms are also needed in the UN Security Council, which has been weak in fulfilling its duty to maintain international peace and security and in preventing the use of force.” He stressed the importance of establishing a new world order based on equality, and he called for an end to the historical injustice done to Africa by granting the continent greater representation in the UN Security Council.
Algeria’s commitment to regional stability was further underlined as Tebboune addressed the crisis in neighboring Niger. He voiced support for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger through peaceful political means while firmly rejecting foreign military intervention.
The focus of Tebboune’s speech on the Palestinian issue drew global attention, as Palestine currently holds the status of a “non-member observer state” within the United Nations, a designation it acquired in 2012 when the UN General Assembly elevated its status from an “observer entity.” To attain full UN membership, Palestine requires approval from the UN Security Council, followed by a vote in the UN General Assembly.
It is worth noting that Palestine applied for full UN membership in 2011, but it failed to secure the necessary support within the UN Security Council. Tebboune’s call for a special session to vote on this matter indicates a renewed push to address the long-standing issue of Palestinian statehood within the international community.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s address at the United Nations underscored Algeria’s commitment to advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people while seeking broader reforms within the global organization to promote peace, justice, and equality on the world stage.
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