Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has denied reports that Saint Lucia’s delegation joined dozens of diplomats who walked out of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address last Thursday.
The walkout drew international attention as delegates from several countries left the General Assembly hall when Netanyahu took the podium. During his address, the Israeli leader criticised those who left, calling them “moral cowards”.
Reports subsequently circulated identifying Saint Lucia among countries whose representatives had either walked out or were not present for the address.
When questioned on the matter at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Pierre rejected suggestions that Saint Lucia had taken part.
“Saint Lucia did not walk out,” he said, noting that one individual remained in the country’s seat during Netanyahu’s speech.
Pierre also stressed that while Saint Lucia did not participate in the walkout, the country has been clear about its position on conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere.
In his own address to the UN General Assembly last Friday, the Prime Minister stated: “Saint Lucia laments the continued conflicts and human suffering across the globe, including Ukraine, Sudan and the wider Middle East, including Gaza, and calls for renewed efforts towards peace, stability and respect for international law.
“In accordance with their right to self-determination and UN resolutions, in particular Resolution 3236 of 1974, the people of Palestine should be allowed their own State and full membership of the UN, alongside the state of Israel.”
