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Associated Press , July 2, 2004 Vatican Gains More Rights As
U.N. Observer BYLINE: EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer
In a resolution, adopted without a vote, the assembly gave the Holy See the same rights and privileges as other observers, including the Palestinians. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Vatican's permanent observer, welcomed the change saying it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Vatican's association with the United Nations. "We asked to refine the procedure of our status in the General Assembly ... but we stay observers," he told The Associated Press. "We have no vote because this is our choice." Before the resolution was adopted, the Vatican had to ask permission from the five regional groups at the United Nations to intervene in a debate, and had no right of reply if it was attacked. It also could not circulate documents to the 191 nations in the General Assembly, the archbishop said. The resolution gives the Holy See the right to participate in General Assembly debates without asking permission from regional groups, the right of reply, and the right to have its documents issued and circulated. It also gives the Vatican the right to raise points of order related to any proceedings involving the Holy See, the right to cosponsor draft resolutions and decisions that make reference to the Holy See, and the right to have six seats in the General Assembly chamber. Like the Vatican, Switzerland was a permanent observer at the United Nations for many years but the Swiss decided to become full voting members in September 2002. Migliore said the Vatican shares the same goals as the United Nations -- including promoting human rights and protecting the dignity of all people. << Associated Press -- 7/1/04 >>
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