The (IAEA) International Atomic Energy Agency has passed a resolution calling for a nuclear free Middle East. The United Nations body passed the 82-0 vote with 13 abstentions. The resolution calls for eliminating all nuclear weapons in the Middle East. Arab nations did not participate in the vote, explaining that the wording of resolutions were too Israel friendly.
 
Last year’s resolution was basically the same thing, but it did not enjoy the overwhelming support seen this year. Last year, there were 47 abstentions, including Western nations.
 
What made the difference was Egypt’s rewording of the resolution which eliminated the clauses addressing the manufacture or testing of nuclear weapons on Middle East soil.
 
Arab League nations left the vote in anger, stating that resolutions enjoying Western support in favor of Israel were hypocritical, questioning how Arab nations are expected to adhere to the IAEA while Israel continues with its nuclear program.
 
A Reuters report stated the atmosphere at the Vienna conference was one of unprecedented animosity.
 
Among the nations abstaining were Israel, the United States and Syria.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)