Caption: Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dr Amery Browne
By Prior Beharry
TRINIDAD and Tobago will not terminate diplomatic relations with Israel.
This was stated by Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dr Amery Browne in response to a press conference by groups calling on the government to put pressure on Israel in its ongoing conflict with Palestine.
Dr Browne said, “We welcome the diversity of thought and analysis on this issue. At the same time we are clear on our principled decision to recognise the State of Palestine, and there is no decision to terminate diplomatic relations with Israel.”
He was contacted by AZP News on Saturday to respond to statements at a press conference on Friday by Imtiaz Mohammed, public relations officer of the Concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago and Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) leader David Abdula.
Speaking at the Islamic Missionaries Guild Centre in Kelly Village, they said recognising Palestine was not sufficient to isolate Israel. They called on the Government to put pressure on Israel.
A statement on Thursday, the ministry noted the government recognises the state of Palestine.
On Saturday, Dr Browne said, “Our decision and rationale on this matter was fully conveyed in the media release and public communication on Wednesday.
“There are some groups who want us to have nothing to do with the Palestinians and there some who want us to have nothing to do with the Israelis.”
He said, “We listen and we take note of the perspectives, but ultimately we are in the business of making the best possible decisions for Trinidad and Tobago, whilst acknowledging that some stakeholders would hold different views.
“Our nation will continue to vote at the UN General Assembly in a manner that is principled and fully reflective of our foreign policy and values, and we remain steadfast in our contributions to diplomatic efforts aimed at fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, achieving a meaningful two-State solution, and bringing the cycle of violence to an end.”
