During a meeting held on October 14-15 in Swakopmund, Namibia, the Foreign Ministers of Namibia and South Africa, Peya Mushelenga and Ronald Ozzy Lamola, respectively, expressed their support for Cuba and Venezuela amidst ongoing economic sanctions. The ministers condemned Israeli actions in Lebanon and demanded the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe, discussing the situation in Western Sahara as well. The meeting focused on international law and economic sovereignty in the context of global political challenges.
On October 14 and 15, a significant event took place in Swakopmund, Namibia, where the Foreign Ministers of Namibia, Peya Mushelenga, and South Africa, Ronald Ozzy Lamola, gathered to discuss pressing geopolitical issues. During this ministerial meeting, both nations articulated their staunch support for the troubled Latin American countries of Cuba and Venezuela, which are currently grappling with severe economic hardships propelled by unilateral sanctions. The discussions notably brought attention to the extensive economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States, a policy that has persisted for over six decades. The ministers advocated for the cessation of these restrictive measures, emphasizing their detrimental impact not only on Cuba but also on regional stability. Additionally, the meeting condemned the recent Israeli bombardments in Lebanon, categorizing such actions as grave violations of sovereignty and breaches of international humanitarian law. Participants urged the international community and particularly the United Nations Security Council to uphold international standards and laws in this context. The ministers did not overlook the situation in Zimbabwe, demanding the prompt and unconditional lifting of illegal sanctions that severely undermine the socioeconomic progress of both Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region. The dialogue also encompassed the contentious situation in Western Sahara, with attendees praising the recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union on October 4, 2024. This ruling stated that the European Commission had infringed upon the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people. In summary, the meeting reflected a unified stance from Namibia and South Africa in advocating for economic sovereignty, international law adherence, and the promotion of human rights in the context of global political dynamics.
The recent ministerial meeting in Namibia highlights the continuing geopolitical divisions concerning economic sanctions and international legal norms. The sanctions imposed on Cuba and Venezuela have been a point of contention for many nations, particularly in the Southern African region, which is often vocal about its opposition to unilateral sanctions that they view as detrimental to national sovereignty and regional stability. The context of these discussions also includes broader issues affecting regions such as Western Sahara, where calls for self-determination remain prominent, and the impact of conflicts, such as in Lebanon, are considered essential in the discussion of international humanitarian law.
The ministerial meeting in Namibia underscored a commitment from both Namibia and South Africa to advocate for the cessation of sanctions against Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, while also highlighting serious violations of international law in other contexts, such as Lebanon. The unified voices of these nations reflect a broader call for respect towards international laws and the promotion of socioeconomic stability within their respective regions.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
