Over 100 countries condemn Israel after declaration of UN chief as 'persona non grata'
More than 100 UN member states have endorsed a letter backing the organization's leader, Antonio Guterres. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The initiative, led by Chile, has garnered the backing of over 100 UN member states.
More than 100 member nations of the United Nations have endorsed a letter in support of the organization’s secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, condemning the Israeli government’s choice to label him as persona non grata following its decision to bar him from entering Israel.
This collective appeal was launched by Chile after Israel declared Guterres unwelcome on October 2, citing his perceived failure to “unequivocally condemn” Iran.
In response to Iran's attack, Guterres voiced his “extremely concerned” sentiments regarding the escalating conflict in Lebanon, denouncing the broader intensification of hostilities in the Middle East, characterizing it as “escalation after escalation.” He later clarified that it “should have been obvious” that he “strongly condemn[y] yesterday’s massive missile attacks by Iran on Israel.”
In a letter issued by Chile’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, which was signed by a coalition of 104 UN nations along with the African Union, the members expressed their “deep concern” and “condemnation of the recent statement from the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs,” arguing that “such actions undermine the United Nations' ability to carry out its mandate, which includes mediating conflicts and providing humanitarian support.”
The letter also asserted, “In the Middle East, this could further delay an end to all hostilities and hinder the establishment of a credible path toward a two-state solution,” adding that Guterres's role “remains crucial to ensuring dialogue, facilitating humanitarian efforts, and promoting peace and stability worldwide.”
The signatories reiterated their “full support and confidence” in Guterres and his dedication to “peace and security” as well as to “promoting respect for international humanitarian law,” urging for “meaningful dialogue” aimed at ending hostilities and attaining enduring peace in the region.
In defense of the decision to blacklist Guterres, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz argued that it was a response to his purportedly “antisemitic and anti-Israeli behavior,” asserting that the decision would not change.
“Katz said on X on Saturday, 'Guterres can continue trying to gather signatures in his support within the United Nations, but the decision will remain unchanged.'”
Max Fischer for TROIB News
More than 100 member nations of the United Nations have endorsed a letter in support of the organization’s secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, condemning the Israeli government’s choice to label him as persona non grata following its decision to bar him from entering Israel.
This collective appeal was launched by Chile after Israel declared Guterres unwelcome on October 2, citing his perceived failure to “unequivocally condemn” Iran.
In response to Iran's attack, Guterres voiced his “extremely concerned” sentiments regarding the escalating conflict in Lebanon, denouncing the broader intensification of hostilities in the Middle East, characterizing it as “escalation after escalation.” He later clarified that it “should have been obvious” that he “strongly condemn[y] yesterday’s massive missile attacks by Iran on Israel.”
In a letter issued by Chile’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, which was signed by a coalition of 104 UN nations along with the African Union, the members expressed their “deep concern” and “condemnation of the recent statement from the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs,” arguing that “such actions undermine the United Nations' ability to carry out its mandate, which includes mediating conflicts and providing humanitarian support.”
The letter also asserted, “In the Middle East, this could further delay an end to all hostilities and hinder the establishment of a credible path toward a two-state solution,” adding that Guterres's role “remains crucial to ensuring dialogue, facilitating humanitarian efforts, and promoting peace and stability worldwide.”
The signatories reiterated their “full support and confidence” in Guterres and his dedication to “peace and security” as well as to “promoting respect for international humanitarian law,” urging for “meaningful dialogue” aimed at ending hostilities and attaining enduring peace in the region.
In defense of the decision to blacklist Guterres, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz argued that it was a response to his purportedly “antisemitic and anti-Israeli behavior,” asserting that the decision would not change.
“Katz said on X on Saturday, 'Guterres can continue trying to gather signatures in his support within the United Nations, but the decision will remain unchanged.'”
Max Fischer for TROIB News
