Mr. Speaker, I wish to address the House on two political developments that have dominated international attention over the last few months – the situation in Gaza and the situation in Zimbabwe.
First, the situation in Gaza. The Government of Jamaica and people of Jamaica have watched with consternation the violent conflict that has erupted between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and which has been raging for over two weeks. Last week, the Government issued a statement expressing our deep concern at the escalation of the conflict. We also addressed the Special Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday which met to discuss the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The fighting and military bombardment continues despite United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860 which was adopted last Friday and which called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Indeed, it has escalated into a ground offensive in Gaza.
While accepting that it is the duty of every state to protect its citizens from aggression, Jamaica is horrified at the disproportionate use of force and the blatant disregard for the safety of innocent civilians, including women and children. The latest reports are that more than 900 Palestinians, including more than 250 children, have died as a consequence of Israeli military action. More that 4000 persons have been wounded and thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Infrastructure has been extensively damaged. The humanitarian situation has worsened considerably, compounding an already desperate situation as a result of the Israeli blockade of crossings into Gaza preventing the flow of food, fuel and medicine.
As much as we lament the tragic situation in the Gaza, we must also deplore the transgressions by Hamas militants. Since mid-December, the indiscriminate firing of rockets into southern Israel has targeted civilians inflicting damage and disrupting normal life. As we expressed in our statement on the situation in the Gaza last week, this cycle of violence and retaliation impedes efforts to broker lasting peace in the region. Neither Hamas’ actions nor Israel’s retributive campaigns can contribute to the resolution of the conflict.
It is in this context that we reiterate our support for Security Council resolution 1860 and urge both sides to act expeditiously to implement the ceasefire. A ceasefire that is durable and fully respected and that will facilitate the unimpeded provision and distribution of much-needed aid to alleviate the grave and deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A durable ceasefire cannot, however, be achieved without measures to prevent the illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition into Gaza which poses a severe threat to the safety and security of Israel. Quite rightly, the resolution condemns all violence and hostilities directed at civilians as well as all acts of terrorism.
Jamaica has been consistent in its support of efforts aimed at securing a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine based on their right to exist as separate sovereign entities. In this regard, the Government of Jamaica welcomes the Egyptian initiative to achieve a cease fire and the re-opening of crossing points as well as the mediation efforts of Egypt and the League of Arab States to achieve intra-Palestinian reconciliation.
The future of both Israel and Palestine cannot be assured without comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution that guarantees the existence of Israel within secure borders and the right of Palestine to Statehood. It is in this context that we call for the resumption of negotiations aimed at arriving at a permanent solution to the Arab Israeli conflict.
I turn to Zimbabwe where the political situation remains fragile and where the deteriorating humanitarian and economic situation has reached crisis proportions. A cholera outbreak has been sweeping the country since August of last year and has so far claimed more than 1,500 lives. It threatens to spill over into neighbouring countries. Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa are particularly at risk. The crisis in Zimbabwe demands urgent action if thousands of Zimbabweans are to escape starvation and disease.
More than six months after Presidential elections in June 2008, Zimbabwe is still without a viable political leadership. We are gravely concerned that despite the power-sharing agreement reached in mid-September between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai, the legitimacy of the Zimbabwean government remains mired in controversy and uncertainty. We firmly believe that the absence of credible, authoritative political leadership has contributed to the escalating socio-economic crisis in Zimbabwe.
We are extremely disappointed that the mediation efforts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have not succeeded in its declared objective of securing a government of national unity.
Jamaica has remained steadfast in its support of the Zimbabwean people. We have lauded the role of President Mugabe in the liberation of his country from apartheid and colonial rule. Sentimentality surrounding past achievements must not, however, obscure the duty of political leaders to respect the democratic process and to do what is right and necessary for the welfare of their citizens. We are firm in our view that the situation in Zimbabwe must be viewed in the context of the tragedy that is unfolding and the scepticism that exists regarding the legitimacy of the government led by President Mugabe.
It is our history of support for the people of Zimbabwe that imposes on us the moral duty to voice our concerns in the strongest possible terms and to call for the restoration of democratic governance in Zimbabwe based on the rule of law, the fundamental principles of democracy and respect for human rights. In that regard, we recall the assiduous efforts made by a Commonwealth team led by former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, in 2003 to persuade the government of Zimbabwe to adhere to the principles of democracy as enshrined in the Harare Declaration of 1991.
The Government and people of Jamaica are horrified by the unbearable suffering being experienced by the Zimbabwean people. The current leadership offers little hope of resolving the political crisis. The people of Zimbabwe deserve to live in a democratic, stable and peaceful society. The Government of Jamaica is convinced that it is only with a new political order that the people of Zimbabwe can begin a new era that will bring harmony and the possibilities of growth and development. We urge President Mugabe not to stand in the way of such a process. The people of Zimbabwe need and deserve the support of the entire international community.
Jamaica stands ready to work with the international community, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, in order to resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe.
