Over 100 Nations Condemn Israel’s Ban on UN Secretary-General, China Supports, US and UK Absent
New York, October 12, 2024 – A wave of international condemnation has followed Israel’s decision to place UN Secretary-General António Guterres on its persona non grata list, with over 100 countries signing an open letter expressing their support for the UN chief. The letter, spearheaded by theChilean delegation to the UN, condemns Israel’s move and emphasizes the importance of respecting the UN’s leadership and mission.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen announced the ban on October 2nd, citing disagreements over Guterres’sstance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision has been met with widespread criticism from the international community, with many viewing it as an attack on the UN’s authority and a hindrance to peace efforts.
The open letter, signed by104 UN member states and the African Union, includes China, France, and Russia, all permanent members of the UN Security Council. Notably, the United States and the United Kingdom are absent from the list of signatories.
China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, has publicly stated hiscountry’s unwavering support for Guterres and its opposition to Israel’s unfounded accusations.
The letter highlights the detrimental impact of Israel’s decision on the UN’s ability to mediate conflicts and provide humanitarian aid. It further asserts that such actions could hinder the international community’s efforts to end hostilities andpave the way for a two-state solution.
We reiterate our full support and trust in the Secretary-General and his work, the letter states. As UN Member States, we call for respect for the UN’s leadership and its mission.
The absence of major powers like the US and UK fromthe list of signatories underscores the deepening divisions within the international community regarding Israel’s actions. The incident further highlights the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges facing the UN in navigating these delicate geopolitical dynamics.
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Note: This article is based on information providedin the Chinese language source and translated into English. It aims to provide a balanced and informative account of the situation.
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