Explanation of Vote Before a UN General Assembly Vote on Item 87 to request an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal con

Ambassador Michele J. Sison
U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York City
June 22, 2017

AS DELIVERED

Mr. President, s we stated in our remarks, the United States continues to view this as a purely bilateral matter that would have more appropriately been resolved through continued diplomatic engagement. Voting for this resolution will set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the General Assembly could refer a bilateral dispute for an advisory opinion any time one party chooses this path over engaging in good faith negotiations. We urge all Member States to carefully consider the consequences of such a decision and to vote “no” on this resolution. Thank you.

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