Haley hosts reception for diplomats who voted 'no' on Jerusalem UN vote

Haley: "It’s easy for friends to be with you in the good times, but it’s the friends who are with you during the challenging times that will never be forgotten."

JANUARY 4, 2018 08:18

Updated: JANUARY 5, 2018 04:54

United States ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks with Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon before the start of a UN Security Council meeting on Jerusalem and Palestine in 2017. (photo credit: REUTERS) — United States ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks with Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon before the start of a UN Security Council meeting on Jerusalem and Palestine in 2017.

(photo credit: REUTERS)

WASHINGTON – US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley hosted a reception on Wednesday night for her counterparts from 64 nations who abstained, voted “no” or remained absent last month on a General Assembly resolution condemning the Trump administration for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The gathering was cast as a “friendship reception” by Haley.

“It’s easy for friends to be with you in the good times, but it’s the friends who are with you during the challenging times that will never be forgotten,” she said. “Thank you to the 64.”

Photos posted on Twitter by Haley and the US mission to the UN show a reception at the US facility across the street from UN headquarters in New York that included wine and live music.

Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon told The Jerusalem Post after the reception that the US move “unveiled the hypocrisy of the Palestinians, who speak of peace while doing all they can to avoid negotiations.”

“I was honored to take part in a reception hosted by Ambassador Nikki Haley for the countries that stood by the US during the UN vote on Jerusalem,” he said. “Israel has no better friend than the United States, and the US has no more steadfast ally than Israel. We thank Ambassador Haley and the American people for their strong stance on behalf of truth and historical justice.”

Haley: US will "remember" this day of being "singled out" for US Jerusalem announcement (Reuters)

"It’s easy for friends to be with you in the good times, but it’s the friends who are with you during the challenging times that will never be forgotten. Thank you to the 64." pic.twitter.com/ja8NDw6vLv
— US Mission to the UN (@USUN) January 4, 2018

Guests were also greeted by US President Donald Trump in a video prerecorded for the occasion that was obtained by the Post.

“I want to thank all the nations represented here tonight for standing with the United States during the recent United Nations General Assembly vote on the status of Jerusalem,” Trump said. “Rest assured that your actions on Thursday, December 21, will go down as a very important date, were noted and greatly appreciated.”

“The United States remains committed to achieving lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. There’s no reason that peace should not be entered into,” he added.

“We will continue to work with the partners like you to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region, for the people and for the world.”