Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Caricom and Foreign Affairs, stirred controversy during the 79th UN General Assembly when he spoke out against Israel’s actions in Gaza and criticized the international community’s response.
In a passionate 30-minute address, Browne condemned the violence and called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territory. He criticized the international powers’ incoherent approach to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arguing that there are blatantly unfair disparities between the treatment of Palestinian war victims and others.
Browne emphasized that the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, and he were against the world’s superpowers’ hypocrisy. He noted that the United States has been Israel’s closest friend, providing billions of dollars’ worth of weapons and military support. He also highlighted that the US increased its assistance to Israel following the October 7, 2023, attack, but did not specifically address US support for Israel or that of other countries.
"If the casualties had come from a developed country, I claim that the world’s powers would have handled the matter differently," Browne said. "Send a chilling message to the global South: There are some powerful people in this world who are of the view that a Palestinian child is less worthy of defense, protection, food, water, and life than another child."
Browne also emphasized that international law is not a tool to be muted for friends or trumped against enemies. He called for an immediate full and complete ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian problem.
"The truth is, there is no military solution to this conflict," Browne stated. "Peace will only be achieved through negotiations in good faith and constructive dialogue among all concerned parties. T&T has consistently expressed our support for a two-state solution where Israelis can live without the daily threat of terror and Palestinians can live without the daily weight of occupation."
The Caribbean nation has recognized the state of Palestine and established diplomatic relations with it. A signing ceremony between Browne and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa took place at Trinidad and Tobago’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York to officially recognize the formalization of ties.
Browne concluded by emphasizing the importance of finding credible solutions to global challenges, humanity crises, and conflicts around the world. He noted that sustainable development is impossible without peace and that the international community has a responsibility to act.
Conclusion
The international community must come together to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promote a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians and the blatant disregard for international law.
FAQs
Q: What was Dr. Amery Browne’s address about?
A: Dr. Browne’s address was about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for an immediate full and complete ceasefire.
Q: Who has been providing military support to Israel?
A: The United States has been providing Israel with billions of dollars’ worth of weapons and military support.
Q: Has Trinidad and Tobago recognized the state of Palestine?
A: Yes, Trinidad and Tobago has recognized the state of Palestine and established diplomatic relations with it.
Q: What is the two-state solution that Dr. Browne promotes?
A: The two-state solution is a solution where Israelis can live without the daily threat of terror and Palestinians can live without the daily weight of occupation, and where both states have secure borders.
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