Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
PALESTINE has expressed strong support for Zimbabwe’s bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The endorsement comes as the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened in New York on Tuesday, amid growing momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Since July when French President Emmanuel Macron announced France would officially recognise Palestine at the General Assembly, several countries, including Australia, Britain, and Canada, have followed suit.
In May 2024, Norway, Spain, and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood, with Slovenia joining in June. To date, more than two-thirds of UN member states have recognised Palestine.
However, uncertainty surrounds the attendance of Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, after the United States imposed a visa ban on Palestinian officials.
Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Tamer Almassri criticised the decision, “We are very sorry for this decision because it does not help achieve peace and security or address the problems created by the Israeli apartheid occupation. It is also against the UN Headquarters Convention because the host country can not prevent any delegation or head of state from attending when invited by the United Nations.”
Ambassador Almassri added that the unfolding developments justified Zimbabwe’s push for a UNSC seat.
“We consider Zimbabwe a great face for all oppressed people. The Palestinian people are among those oppressed, and Zimbabwe’s presence on the Security Council would be a win not only for us but for all nations seeking peace, justice, and a voice on the global stage.
Zimbabwe is a very friendly country, and its leadership under His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is working hard to build peace and security in the country, the region and beyond,” he said.
The 80th session of the UNGA marks the organisation’s 80th anniversary under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”
High-level week will run from September 22 to 30, during which world leaders will gather for the General Debate and commemorative events, including the High-Level Meeting to mark the UN’s 80th anniversary.
