By Aswat Masriya Reacting to criticism for supporting Israel’s bid for membership in a UN committee, Egypt explained that it was inevitable because the vote also included three Gulf Countries, which Egypt wished to support. Egypt voted for a group of countries, which included Israel, for membership in the United Nation’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) Thursday, stirring much controversy on social media. According to state news agency MENA, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said the member states had to vote for six countries at once, including three Gulf countries, and could not vote for each country individually. Voting for COPUOS members also saw Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates join the committee, as well as El Salvador and Sri Lanka. One hundred and seventeen countries voted in favour, 21 abstained, while only Namibia voted against the decision. Countries that abstained include Kuwait, Iraq and Algeria. Israel’s mission to the United Mission said on Twitter that its acceptance came after “intensive diplomatic efforts.” The counselor of the Israeli mission, Hadas Meitzad said the day marked an “important achievement for Israel,” adding that it was “Israel’s advanced capabilities”…
