KUALA LUMPUR, September 26, 2011 (WAFA) – The Malaysian government said it does not think the Palestinian application for full membership in the United Nations would jeopardize the peace process, describing the argument against the membership of Palestine in the UN as “weak, unfounded and absurd,” said a press release published Monday by the Malaysian foreign ministry.

The Malaysian government welcomed and strongly supported President Mahmoud Abbas’ application last Friday for Palestinian membership in the UN.

“Despite arguments provided by Israel and other countries that peace can only be achieved through negotiations and not by UN resolutions, Malaysia feels that this is the most decisive and realistic solution to finding lasting peace in the Middle East,” said the press release.

It added that Malaysia completely rejects the arguments by Israel as to why the peace process has stalled, especially with regard to the issue of illegal settlements in the West Bank, noting “in Malaysia’s view, the illegal settlements are the core of the problem and they have to be removed.”

“It is time for those who opposed the membership of Palestine into the UN to listen to the voice of the majority which was obvious by the standing ovation that President Mahmoud Abbas received,” said the press release.

It considered the offer by Israel to have immediate talks and the efforts by the Quartet to reschedule negotiations within one month as “desperate efforts to dissuade Palestine from seeking membership.”

Malaysia stressed it will assist Palestine in securing the required number of votes it needs in the UN Security Council and in the General Assembly, concluded the press release.

R.Q./F.J.