Israeli ambassador to UNESCO Carmel Shama-Hacohen draped in Israeli flag speaks at UNESCO HQ in Paris May 2

Vilnius, May 2, BNS–Lithuania Tuesday voted against a UNESCO resolution condemning Israel’s actions in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip Tuesday. Positions of EU member-states on the issue differ, but a document tabled by Arab member-states of UNESCO passed with a majority of votes. The UNESCO resolution calls Israel an occupational power in Jerusalem, condemns earth-works conducted by Israel in the Old Town there and condemns Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Members of UNESCO’s executive council voted on the resolution. Lithuania remains a member of the executive body until 2019. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry expressed opposition to attempts to exploit the UNESCO format for political purposes.

“We appreciate the efforts of the authors of the UNESCO resolution ‘Occupied Palestine’ to find compromise. We understand the special significance of the holy sites (of the Old Town of Jerusalem) for the monotheistic religions,” press representative for the Lithuanian foreign minister Rasa Jakilaitienė said in comment sent to BNS.

“We are certain protection of the world cultural heritage in the Palestinian territories and Jerusalem demands the involvement of all the interested parties. We are in favor of balanced actions and the avoidance of politicization. Attempts to exploit the UNESCO format for political purposes could serve to discredit this organization,” the Lithuanian diplomat stated.

Positions of Europeans at Odds

Of EU members, Sweden voted in favor of the resolution while France, Slovenia and Estonia abstained. Voting against were Lithuania, Greece, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. Outside the EU, the African nation of Togo voted against, as did the United States. China and Russia voted in favor.

Israeli ambassador to Lithuania Amir Maimon hailed Lithuania’s decision in Vilnius.

Ambassador Maimon posted on facebook: “UNESCO’s hypocrisy continues, but Lithuania has again supported Israel and voted against. We appreciate that very much.”

Lithuania is one of Israel’s strongest supporters among the European countries. In 2011 Lithuania was one of 14 states to vote against Palestine’s membership in UNESCO.

Observers say the country’s pro-Israel policy is partially the result of the history of the Holocaust in Lithuania and the tuning of diplomatic positions with the United States.

Palestinians consider East Jerusalem the site of the capital of their future country, while Israel maintains the entire city is its capital. The majority of the international community consider Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem illegal and maintain their foreign embassies in Tel Aviv rather than Jerusalem.