28 Nov 2016

The Government of Botswana has expressed concern  over the protracted conflict in Syria which it says has subjected many innocent Syrian people to carnage and inhumane suffering since 2011.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation notes that it is regrettable that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is charged with the responsibility to maintain international peace and stability is failing to find a durable solution to the conflict.
“It is equally worrisome that some permanent members of the UNSC are directly or indirectly involved in conflicts in the Middle East, thus undermining collective efforts to find a political solution to the conflict,” read the statement.
It explains that it is of paramount importance that all members of the international community demonstrate unequivocal commitment towards fighting crime against humanity if international peace is to be preserved.
“It is therefore regrettable that the Russian Federation has indicated its intention to withdraw its signature from the Rome Statute, the Agreement setting up the ICC,” reads the statement.
The statement says the attacks on innocent people in Syria and Yemen are deliberately targeting and destroying property and infrastructure including hospitals. This sad state, according to the statement reflects a world which is fast spiraling into anarchy which demonstrates unprecedented abhorrence for human rights and lack of respect for human dignity.
“The lack of consensus on how to address the conflict situation in Syria by the UNSC is reflective of a looming resurgence of a new cold war, which all paints a very bleak picture for mankind.
The escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and other parts of the world, and the blatant violation of universal values by some countries, is quite disheartening. This therefore calls for concerted efforts by the international community to confront these critical challenges head on,” the statement reads in part.
Gaborone appeals to the international community especially UNSC which is charged with the responsibility of protecting the affected communities to step up efforts to avert the looming disaster that faces humanity. ENDS