WASHINGTON - A majority comprised of 133 states voted at the United Nations General Assembly Friday in favor of an Israeli proposal to make farming technology more accessible to developing African nations. Arab countries, who opposed the measure for political reasons, led a group of 35 nations who abstained from the vote.
The measure proposed by the Jewish state is expected to aid the Arab world among other regions, and is in line with the UN policy to eradiate hunger and poverty.
Iraq expressed objection to the proposal on behalf the Arab states, claiming that Israel is exploiting the developing world's needs to make political gains and to mask "illegal and destructive" policies. Nevertheless, the Arab states did not vote against the measure.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor thanked the General Assembly members for backing the proposal, noting that the support indicates international recognition of Israel's contribution to the world, particularly in the technology field.
The diplomat accused the Arab nations of attempting to sabotage the initiative solely due the fact that it was submitted by Israel. He claimed that while Israel acts to promote progress and technology, the opposing nations make efforts to preserve "rhetoric and ignorance."
Some 75% of the world population lives in poverty and depends on agriculture for survival. The Israeli proposal aims to empower women in rural areas, promote food security and farmer education, and slow down the effects of climate change.