(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
Israel welcomed today (22 June) the decision of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, taken last night, to include Israel's Magen David Adom as a full member of that organization. Thus, an historic injustice which endured for over 57 years has been finally redressed.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and the ministry staff spearheaded the successful effort to block the longstanding opposition to the acceptance of the MDA, led by the delegations of the Arab states. Indeed, of the 291 delegations casting votes last night, 237 supported the MDA's acceptance, while only 54 delegations were opposed.