In response to the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session yesterday. The escalation was triggered by Iran’s attack on Israel, with more than 300 rockets fired into the country early Sunday morning. This attack was purportedly in response to Israel’s targeting of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus.
Guyana, which holds a seat on the Security Council, was represented by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who i her address to the council, emphasized the urgent need to prevent further escalation of violence in the region. She stressed that another war in the Middle East would be detrimental not only to the region but also to the wider international community.
Rodrigues-Birkett reiterated Guyana’s stance on the matter, highlighting the destructive consequences of violence and the importance of seeking peaceful solutions. She urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from launching further retaliatory attacks. Emphasizing the obligation to abide by international law and the UN Charter, Rodrigues-Birkett called for the resolution of differences through peaceful and lawful means.
The Guyanese representative also expressed concern for the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict, particularly women and children who often suffer disproportionately. She cited the ongoing suffering of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory and other parts of the region as a stark example of the human toll of the conflict.
In conclusion, Rodrigues-Birkett called on countries in the region to uphold their international obligations and respect principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. She reiterated Guyana’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
