Gov't criticised for lack of solidarity with Palestine at UN General Assembly

 

The parliamentary opposition has criticised the government for its failure to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people during key moments at the United Nations General Assembly, which ended Monday in New York.

 

The opposition says the criticism follows Jamaica's absence from the vote on whether Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas should be allowed to address the assembly remotely after being denied a US visa.

 

It says it also follows the government's decision not to join other nations in walking out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address, a symbolic protest against Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza.

 

Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs Senator Donna Scott-Mottley says Jamaica has always been respected internationally for standing firmly on matters of justice and human rights.

 

Senator Scott-Mottley says Jamaica's absence from the recent vote, while others registered their protest, marks a clear departure from what she describes as the country's proud tradition.

 

"Our silence sends the wrong signal to the international community and to the Palestinian people who continue to suffer. The government's passivity weakens Jamaica's moral voice and undermines our legacy of courage. The People's National Party reaffirms our commitment to a foreign policy guided by justice, human dignity and respect for international law," she asserted.

 

In a media interview, Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said Jamaica's position was consistent with diplomatic practice, but this has been dismissed by Senator Scott-Mottley.