The Palestinians voiced their regret Tuesday over the UN Security Council's rejection of a resolution calling for the deployment of a UN observer force in the occupied territories, saying it would not help peace efforts.
"We are very sorry about the decision not to send observers to protect the Palestinian people from Israeli attacks," Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's top aide Nabil Abu Rudeina told AFP.
"It will not help the peace process as Israel will continue its aggressions against the Palestinian people," he said.
Since the start of the latest Intifada or Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation on September 28, more than 340 people have been killed, mostly Palestinians.
The draft resolution, presented by the Non-Aligned Movement, was backed by eight of the 15 Security Council members, one short of the necessary votes.
"This is a sad day for the Security Council," said Palestinian representative Nasser al-Kidwa, accusing the United States of having pressured council members to scuttle the measure -- GAZA CITY (AFP)
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