PM says Malaysia will send rep to UN meeting on Palestine

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Malaysia will send a representative to attend the United Nations conference in New York, the United States, next week, which will discuss a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Malaysia supports efforts by France and Saudi Arabia to organise the conference.

“Any country has the right to attend and express their views, particularly regarding justice for Palestine and Gaza; that is our stance.

“I support the initiative by Saudi Crown Prince (and Saudi prime minister) Mohammed bin Salman, and French President Emmanuel Macron (to organise the conference),” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Azzubair Ibnul Awwam Mosque in Cheras today.

Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

Anwar said this when asked to comment on media reports that the administration of US President Donald Trump had issued a stern warning to governments worldwide not to attend the UN conference.

The reports said Washington emphasised that any country adopting a stance against Israel would be considered contrary to US foreign policy and could face diplomatic repercussions.

The reports also noted that the US rejects unilateral recognition of the State of Palestine.

When asked whether he would attend the conference, set to be held June 17 to 20, Anwar said: “I myself probably will not.”

France and Saudi Arabia are reported to be the main organisers of the conference, with Paris said to be considering the unilateral recognition of Palestine.

— Bernama