US blocks former Palestine PM from leading UN mission News
US blocks former Palestine PM from leading UN mission

The US rejected the appointment of former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to lead the UN Mission in Libya [official website], despite official reports that all other 14 members of the UN Security Council [official website] approved the appointment. The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, expressed disappointment [Al Jazeera report] on Friday over the the plan to appoint Fayyad, saying that the US stands firmly behind Israel and does not like the message this appointment would send. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said [statement] this choice “was solely based on Mr. Fayyad’s recognized personal qualities and his competence for that position. United Nations staff serve strictly in their personal capacity. They do not represent any government or country.” The appointment would require a unanimous vote of all 15 members of the Council, but it is not yet clear whether Haley’s objections ended Fayyad’s candidacy.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been at the forefront of recent international news and reports. Earlier this month, a UN rights expert recommended [JURIST report] that the UN Security Council and the General Assembly act to ensure Israel complies with Security Council resolution 2234, which confirms that Israeli settlements in already occupied Palestinian territory violate international law. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in a recent letter, warned [JURIST report] US President Trump, shortly before he took office, against moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. That same month, Human Rights Watch claimed [JURIST report] that some senior Israeli politicians are calling for Israeli soldiers and police to kill Palestinians whom they suspect of harming Israelis, even if the suspects are not currently dangerous

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.