Israel–Federated States of Micronesia relations
Israel – Micronesia relations are diplomatic and other relations between the State of Israel and the Federated States of Micronesia. Israel was among the first countries to establish formal diplomatic relations with Micronesia.[1]
The Jewish Virtual Library describes Micronesia as a "close supporter of Israel", the only country other than the United States to have "consistently opposed unbalanced anti-Israel resolutions" in the United Nations General Assembly.[2] Similarly, Ynetnews states that, during Benjamin Netanyahu's premiership, "apart from the automatic support we get from the United States, only the tiny nation of Micronesia was our true friend and supported whatever folly we had to offer".[3] Other sources describe the FSM as Israel's "staunchest supporter" along with the United States and the Marshall Islands.[4] In return, Israel has provided health care assistance to Micronesia.[5]
In 2000, during a State visit to Israel by Micronesian President Leo A. Falcam, the two countries signed a "Protocol on Cooperation" to "give expression to the warm relations between the two states, and Israel's appreciation of the unreserved support it receives from Micronesia in the UN".[6] In 2010, Micronesian President Emanuel Mori conducted another State visit to Israel.[4] Greeting him, Israeli President Shimon Peres described Micronesia as "one of Israel's greatest friends". Mori explained to his counterpart "the vulnerability of Pacific islands to the impacts of climate change".[1] That same year, Peres thanked (non-resident) Micronesian Ambassador Yosiwo P. George for "his country's enduring friendship and 'outstanding' support": "I don't know the size of your country, but I know the size of your friendship." Ambassador George replied that Micronesia and Israel shared "values and interests". He asked Israel for technical and economic assistance, as well as medical training programmes, which Peres promised to supply.[7] [8] Israel also supplies Micronesia with experts on citrus crops and irrigation techniques, medical technicians, and scholarships to Israeli colleges.[9]
Micronesia is a former United Nations Trust Territory administered by the United States. It became sovereign in 1986 through a Compact of Free Association, which establishes mutual economic and defence responsibilities between the two countries. The Marshall Islands and Palau -the other two countries which consistently support Israel at the United Nations[10]- are also former U.S. territories bound by the Compact.
Examples of votes in the UN
- On July 7, 1998, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 52/250, granting Palestine "additional rights and privileges of participation in the sessions and work of the General Assembly". The resolution was adopted by 124 votes to 4, with 10 abstentions. The countries which voted against were the Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, the Marshall Islands and the United States.[11]
- On July 20, 2004, the General Assembly Plenary Tenth Emergency Special Session “voted overwhelmingly to demand that Israel heed [the] advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt construction on its security barrier in the West Bank, tear down the portions built on Palestinian land, and provide reparations to Palestinians whose lives have been harmed by the wall”. The Assembly adopted the motion by 150 votes in favour to 6 against, with 10 abstentions. Those voting against were Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, the Marshall Islands, Palau and the United States.[12]
- On December 18, 2009, the General Assembly adopted a resolution “reaffirm(ing) the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine”, by 171 votes to 6. Those voting against were the Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and the United States.[13] It was one of a series of such resolutions in December 2009, on which Micronesia consistently cast one of the few dissenting votes.[14]
See also
References
- ^ a b "FSM and Nauru presidents meet Israel’s Peres". Radio New Zealand International. January 22, 2010. http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=51532. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
- ^ "Micronesia-Israel Relations", Jewish Virtual Library, 1998
- ^ "Bibi and Micronesia", Ynetnews, September 26, 2005
- ^ a b "FSM delegation visits Israel". Radio New Zealand International. January 19, 2010. http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=51456. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
- ^ "Island Medicine", Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, October 16, 2002
- ^ "President of Micronesia Visits Israel", Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, September 12, 2000
- ^ "Presentation of ambassadorial credentials becomes a family affair", Jerusalem Post, January 12, 2010
- ^ "Alliance with Israel creates development opportunities for Pacific Islands", Media Global, February 4, 2010
- ^ "Israel and Pacific republics, united by an island mentality", Washington Post, February 1, 2010
- ^ "Palau: Israel's best friend at the UN", Jerusalem Post, June 29, 2006
- ^ "United Nations General Assembly Resolution 52-250", Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- ^ “U.N. General Assembly Demands Israeli Compliance”, UN Observer, January 20, 2004
- ^ “Time for plain talk on Israel”, Times Herald, January 17, 2010
- ^ “Address: Peaceful Settlement, Palestinian Rights Committee, Jerusalem, Special Information Programme, Palestinian Rights Division, Syrian Globe”, United Nations General Assembly, December 2, 2009
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