Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, François Jackman, addressing the High-Level International Conference on Palestine on behalf of CARICOM, in the UN General Assembly. (GP)
CARICOM countries have condemned the ongoing destruction and loss of life in Gaza, Palestine, and have called on the parties to work towards a two-state solution.
The call was made during the United Nations (UN) high-level conference on Palestine, taking place from July 28 to 30 at the UN’s Headquarters in New York.
Speaking on behalf of CARICOM, Barbados’ Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, François Jackman, delivered a statement to the international community, echoing the stance taken by CARICOM heads of state and government at the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held this monthin Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Ambassador Jackman called for an “immediate, unconditional and sustained ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access” in Gaza.
He also condemned all violence against all civilians, including the abhorrent October 7, 2023, attacks and hostage-taking.
The Permanent Representative to the UN reminded the international community that CARICOM Heads have equally condemned the relentless and disproportionate military operations, including indiscriminate bombardment and direct attacks on aid-seeking civilians.
This, he noted, was a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law as well as the systematic undermining of peace by illegal settlement expansion and the unacceptable dismantling of humanitarian mechanisms, which has created a crisis of unparalleled proportions.
Finally, Ambassador Jackman reaffirmed CARICOM’s unwavering support for and commitment to a two-state solution, as the only viable path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians consistent with UN resolutions and international law, noting that all CARICOM countries have recognised both Israel and Palestine.
The United Nations high-level conference on Palestine is being co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, and aims to push for the implementation of numerous UN resolutions on the situation in the Middle East and to generate international engagement towards the implementation of a two-state solution in which both Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully.
The overwhelming majority of speakers at the conference expressed their country’s strong support for these goals.
Author: Government of Barbados
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/caricom-condemns-situation-in-gaza-calls-for-a-two-state-solution/
