Jamaica announces official recognition of the State of Palestine

Kingston, (ST) Jamaica announced official recognition of the State of Palestine, based on its strong commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Wafa News Agency quoted Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith, as saying after deliberations in her country’s Council of Ministers: “By recognizing the State of Palestine, Jamaica strengthens its call for a peaceful solution.”

Smith clarified that the decision is in line with Jamaica’s strong commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, which seek to generate mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between countries, as well as recognition of the rule of international law and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Smith reiterated Jamaica’s support for an immediate ceasefire and increased access for humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip, especially to women and children who suffer daily.

Smith pointed out that her country supports all efforts aimed at stopping the escalation and establishing lasting peace in the region, and appeals to all parties to consider the dire consequences of further conflict and commit to diplomatic solutions.

With Jamaica’s recognition, the number of countries that recognize the State of Palestine increases to 142 countries.

Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomes Jamaica’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine

In  response, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Jamaica’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine and its joining the international movement calling for respect for the right of the Palestinian people to live freely and in dignity in their independent state.

In a statement today carried by Wafa News Agency, the Ministry renewed its call to all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take this step as soon as possible.

In turn, the Palestinian National Council affirmed that this step by Jamaica is an expression of the extent of global and international solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the exposure of the truth of Israeli propaganda that deceived global and international public opinion for a period of time.

The Council indicated that this recognition constitutes a message to the countries that support, protect and defend the occupation that the world is fed up with  encompassing the historical injustice inflicted on the Palestinian people.The council  stressed the need for international solidarity to move towards more practical steps and decisions to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital.

Raghda Sawas