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Ashton hails UN resolution on EU’s extra observer rights

03 May 2011 22:06 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. EU foreign policy chief on Tuesday welcomed the UN resolution on a special observer status that will enable EU representatives to present and promote the bloc’s positions in the UN, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

"I am very pleased that the United Nations General Assembly adopted today’s Resolution, which takes account of the institutional changes brought by the Lisbon Treaty,"said Catherine Ashton in a statement.

Ashton said she has placed great importance in the EU’s cooperation with the UN, adding that the resolution will enable the EU to "continue to support the UN’s vital work in a coherent and effective manner."

A total of 180 members of the 192-nation UN General Assembly voted for the resolution, and Zimbabwe and Nauru abstained for the voting.

Media reports say Ashton did a lot of lobbying before the vote and it is now highly possible other regional groups may seek similar right to speak up at the General Assembly and reply in debates.

Some countries were outspoken about their concerns over the decision, saying that granting the EU an extra collective voice will privilege its 27 members above all other countries.