When One Defies Israel:
It's easy as 1....2....3....1. Press Release – Belize (Government) Press Office - September 9, 2011 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that the Government of Belize has decided to formally recognize Palestine as a sovereign and independent State within its pre-1967 borders. In taking this decision Belize joins more than a hundred and twenty other members of the United Nations who have formally recognized the State of Palestine.
This decision is consistent with Belize’s long held position in support of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination in an independent, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side with secure and mutually recognized borders in peace and security with its neighbours.
Belize’s own history, as a peace-loving nation, proud of its own heritage of peaceful coexistence of peoples of various religions, races and ethnic groups, confirms our view that any differences between Israel and Palestine can and must be resolved by peaceful means. We therefore welcome assurances and commitments from both sides of their resolve to settle any and all their differences early, amicably and by peaceful means.
2.(Reuters) Thu Aug 25, 2011 6:21pm EDT - El Salvador on Thursday recognized Palestine as an independent state in the midst of a drive by the Arab League to upgrade it to full membership status in the United Nations.
"This decision was made in the context of the profound respect El Salvador has for sovereign decisions by members of the United Nations, the majority of whom have recognized the Palestinian state," El Salvador's President Mauricio Funes told a news conference.
Full member status would require approval in the U.N. Security Council, where Israel's ally the United States has said it will veto any such resolution.
Funes, who belongs to the left-wing Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, said he hoped his decision would help foster peace in Israel, adding that he supported the country's right to maintain secure borders.
About 120 countries have recognized the state of Palestine to date.
The Palestinians, who currently have U.N. "observer" status, had previously pledged to seek U.N. endorsement in September for their claim of sovereignty in the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The move has gained momentum with the lack of progress in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. The Arab League formally backed this plan in May.
3.
By Associated Press, Published: September 15
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has added Belize and El Salvador to the U.S. list of “major” drug producing and transit countries.
The annual list identifies countries playing a role in the drug trade that “significantly affect the United States.”
Twenty-two nations were included, including mainstays such as Colombia and Mexico.
But only three countries were found to have “failed demonstrably” on their counterdrug obligations last year: Bolivia, Burma and Venezuela.
These countries can face U.S. sanctions as a result. President Barack Obama has waived possible sanctions for Bolivia and Venezuela so the U.S. can support programs helping their people.
The president is required to notify Congress each year of the major drug producing and transit nations. The inclusion of Belize and El Salvador reflects increasing drug trafficking through Central America.
# posted by Lysistrate @ 9/17/2011 09:33:00 AM
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