Pakistan faces embarrassment at UNSC as Israel cites Osama bin Laden
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu)- In the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan tried to corner Israel over the Doha attack, but the ploy backfired! In response, the Israeli ambassador reminded Pakistan of Osama bin Laden.
The heated debate took place on Thursday at an emergency meeting of the UNSC, whose agenda was to discuss the 'situation in the Middle East'. The meeting was requested by Algeria, Pakistan and Somalia and is supported by France and the United Kingdom. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, began his address by strongly condemning the Israeli attack. He described the attack as illegal and against the sovereignty of Qatar. He said, "This illegal attack is not an isolated incident, but part of Israel's aggression and violation of international law that undermines regional peace and stability."
At the same time, Israel gave a measured response to Pakistan's condemnation resolution. Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations, Danny Danon, while addressing the United Nations Security Council in the beginning, referred to the US operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. He said, "When Bin Laden was eliminated in Pakistan, the question was not asked why a terrorist was targeted on foreign soil. The question was why a terrorist was given shelter? The same question should be asked today as well. Bin Laden has no exemption and Hamas cannot get any exemption either."
To this, Pakistan immediately exercised its right to reply and Ambassador Ahmed rejected the comparison as “unacceptable, indeed ridiculous”. Following Pakistan’s response, the Israeli ambassador returned to the House and accused Pakistan and other allies of adopting double standards. He said, “They may have been hurt by my words, but I ensure that my speeches are based on facts. And the truth is that Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, and no one condemned the US for that. When other countries attack terrorists, no one condemns them either.”
He added, “You can’t change the fact that 9/11 happened, and you can’t change the fact that Osama bin Laden was in Pakistan and was killed on your soil. When you criticize us—and I’m sure you will continue to do so—think about the standards you apply to your own country and the standards you apply to Israel.”