Barbados recognized Palestine as an independent state

Last Updated on April 21, 2024 4:18 am

Barbados has recognized Palestine as a state. This recognition came from the 11th country of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

In a report on Saturday (April 20), Al-Jazeera reported that Barbados has officially recognized Palestine as a state. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados confirmed the matter.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kerry Simmonds said the country’s cabinet felt the time had come for formal diplomatic recognition of the state of Palestine.

He said Barbados always abides by the principles of the United Nations. We think there should be a two-state solution to the ongoing conflict. But even though we talk about wanting a two-state solution, ironically Barbados itself has not recognized a Palestinian state.

Therefore, the official recognition of Palestine has been given in the light of the policy of Barbados, said the minister.

However, he also commented that the decision will not affect Barbados’ relationship with Israel.

Since Barbados’ recognition, 140 of the 193 UN member states now recognize Palestine as a state.

Meanwhile, the opportunity to get full membership of Palestine in the United Nations was blocked again. Because, the United States has vetoed the proposal to recognize as a state. A draft resolution presented to the UN Security Council on Friday recommended the 193-member General Assembly recognize the state of Palestine.

This resolution called for ‘the membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations’.

Twelve of the 15 members of the Security Council voted to recognize Palestine as a state. The United Kingdom and Switzerland abstained from voting. The proposal was rejected by a veto by the United States, one of the five permanent members.