Delay in Palestinian Independence is Justice Denied

“Delay in Palestinian Independence is justice denied”; this was said by Mr V. A Chikanda, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy while opening the 70th Anniversary of the Palestinian Catastrophe (Nakba) which was attended by members from the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of International Organisations, Civil Society groups, Government Officials, Z.I.D diploma students,  members of the media fraternity as well as private individuals. The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy was this year honored to host the event in coordination with the Embassy of the State of Palestine on 15 May 2018 at the ZID Campus.

In his opening remarks, Mr Chikanda proposed a minute of silence to mark the deaths of the 58 Palestinians killed in Gaza on the eve of the Nakba Day. In his maiden speech, Mr Chikanda underscored the need to have a two-state solution  in ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and dreamed of these two countries living side-by-side in harmony and peace – for any delay in obtaining Palestine Independence is justice denied. Mr Tamuka R. Muranga who was the Guest of Honour representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sibusiso B. Moyo, said Zimbabwe recognises Palestine as a State on its own and will continue to support the Palestinian cause. “We will remain resolute to support a just cause and we shall not betray Palestine in this regard”, Mr Tamuka Muranga said.

In a passionate speech by the Palestinian Ambassador, Her Excellency Taghrid Senouar noted with disdain the decision by the United States Government to relocate the US embassy to Jerusalem and said it is a violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 476 and 478 of 1980 and UNGA Resolution ES-10/19 regarding Status of Jerusalem. Other solidarity messages were also delivered by the Chairperson of the “Friends of Palestine”, Mr Musarafu, who challenged the International community to work together to translate the solidarity expressed on the occasion into positive action for peace and justice towards the Palestinians who have been deprived of their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination and statehood.

Long Live the State of Palestine!