Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
PALESTINE has formally pledged its support for Zimbabwe’s bid for non-permanent representation in the United Nations Security Council, joining the growing list of countries that have thrown their weight behind Harare’s candidature.
The West Asian state joins Japan, China, Russia, India, Cuba, and Venezuela, as well as international organisations including Sadc and the African Union, that have formally pledged their support.
Zimbabwe’s campaign, launched in Harare by President Mnangagwa a fortnight ago and on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this past week, will run under the theme “Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security through Multilateralism.”
Elections for the seat are expected to be held next year in June.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Herald, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri formally expressed Palestine’s support for Harare’s candidature.
“You know that Palestine consistently supports Zimbabwe and stands firmly against the illegal sanctions. We back Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) because it will represent us and all oppressed people, as well as the interests of all Africans,” he said.
Dr Almassri said Zimbabwe has supported Palestine over the years; hence it was only right that the support is reciprocated.
Under the Second Republic, he added, the West Asian country has always been guaranteed Harare’s backing when needed.
“We greatly appreciate the strong support we have received from His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. When he meets any Palestinian delegation or official, he expresses in a frank and open manner, ‘You can count on us.’”
“Furthermore, President Mnangagwa was the first African leader to issue instructions in the early months of the Israeli genocide, donating to help feed the Palestinian victims in the Gaza Strip,” said the Ambassador.
“We recognise the challenges Zimbabwe faces under sanctions, but despite this, the initiative was commendable, and we cannot overlook its significance for Zimbabwe and for President Mnangagwa personally.”
Palestine’s formal endorsement coincides with its recognition as a sovereign state by over 81 percent of United Nations (UN) member states, including Zimbabwe, with France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and Belgium having formally acknowledged a Palestinian state during the ongoing UNGA.
Canada, Australia, Portugal, and the United Kingdom also recently announced their recognition of a Palestinian state.
Ambassador Almassri said the recognition was very much welcomed as it signalled a step in the right direction.
“We thank all governments and nations that recognise Palestine, especially those who acknowledge the Palestinian struggle to end the Israeli apartheid occupation and uphold the right of Palestinians to self-determination.
“They also recognise that the primary threat to stability and security in the Middle East and globally is the Israeli apartheid occupation. The recent recognitions are extremely significant, and we greatly appreciate this initiative,” he said.
The recognition by major Western countries, long considered close allies of Israel, highlights its growing international isolation amid tensions in Gaza, which have killed more than 65 000 Palestinians.
