MFA: Belarus has never changed its approaches to Palestine

 Belarus has never changed its approaches to Palestine, Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Evgeny Shestakov said as he addressed an event on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in the House of Friendship in Minsk on 29 November, BelTA has learned.

"This symbolic day reminds us that for more than 75 years, the conflict between Palestine and Israel, one of the longest in modern history, has remained unresolved. Today, the whole world has its eyes on the Middle East, where, unfortunately, we are witnessing another round of Palestinian-Israeli confrontation," the deputy minister said.

"It is sad that the news headlines of major news agencies, scanty wording and figures of victims and casualties do not reflect the difficult human destinies and just aspirations of the Palestinian people, who for many years have been striving for statehood, sovereignty, independence and a normal life in conditions of prosperity and peace," Evgeny Shestakov said.

He turned to the great Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala, who in one of his works asked Belarusians to love the Motherland, to remain faithful to it and to see the Motherland happy, regardless of the circumstances.

Evgeny Shestakov said: "Belarus has never changed its approaches to Palestine. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and are interested in a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with international norms and the resolutions by the UN General Assembly for peace in the Middle East and prosperity of Palestine. Since the time of the BSSR, our state, as a founding member of the United Nations, has consistently advocated the strict commitment to the UN Charter. One of the main universal provisions of this document is the principle of equality and self-determination of peoples, the purpose of which is to develop friendly relations between nations on the basis of mutual respect. We sincerely believe in the fundamental role of UN entities in this process."

"The current situation, when the world is on the brink of a global war, shows in the best possible way that there is no alternative to peaceful coexistence for the successful development of all states and peoples. Our country supports the desire to realize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their own independent and territorially integral state, coexisting with Israel in peace and security within internationally recognized borders, to peace, security, sustainable development, education and healthcare," the deputy minister stressed.

He also continued: "As the Belarusian head of state noted, there is no military solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and its further escalation will drag new countries in this confrontation. The establishment of two states for two peoples - Jewish and Palestinian, in accordance with the resolution of 1947 will contribute to the achievement of peace in the Middle East region.”

Evgeny Shestakov expressed the opinion that the establishment of lasting peace in the Middle East is an important basis for economic development and prosperity, growth of international trade and long-term stability of the states of this region, which is of interest to countries around the world today.

In conclusion, he stressed: "I express the hope that the time will come when the Palestinian people will successfully complete their path to national independence, and the peoples of the Middle East will enjoy a peaceful sky above their heads, peace and prosperity. I wish peace, happiness and prosperity to all Palestinians, and further strengthening and development of the Belarusian-Palestinian friendship."