Israel joins UN space panel

The decision was made with 117 votes in favor to one vote against from Namibia.

By DANIELLE ZIRI
Updated: OCTOBER 30, 2015 05:37
Deep space bright nebula (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
Deep space bright nebula
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)
NEW YORK – Israel was accepted into the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on Thursday.
The decision was made with 117 votes in favor to one vote against from Namibia.
According to the Israeli Mission to the UN, the acceptance, which they described as a “victory” for Israel, was achieved following “intensive diplomatic efforts,” especially after the representatives of Syria at the UN and the Arab Group had thwarted Israel’s acceptance to the committee in Vienna.
“This day marks an important achievement for Israel,” Hadas Meitzad, who led the efforts on behalf of the Israeli Mission to the UN, said. “Israel’s advanced capabilities in the field of peaceful uses of outer space, combined with a delicate and complex diplomatic effort, granted Israel’s acceptance to this important committee. We look forward to working with our partners to advance this field further.”
The diplomatic efforts were lead in collaboration with the International Organizations Department at the Foreign Ministry.
“The vote today proves that there are some countries who find it more important to bash Israel than to contribute to the international community, like Qatar who abstained on the vote, even though it was a vote on its own acceptance to the committee,” the Israeli Mission to the UN said.
The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space was established in 1959 and has 84 members. It governs the exploration and use of space for peace, security and development.