SVG has specific perspective on matters of world peace – PM

This country has a specific perspective on matters of world peace and security, hence the bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

“The Security Council is at the apex of the UN and addresses matters of peace and security and addresses conflict across the world and how to resolve conflict…we have built out of conflict, a harmonious society despite occasional dissonance…so we have a perspective to bring to bear,” Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves told media professionals last week at Cabinet Room.

The Prime Minister is currently pushing this country’s agenda to become one of the smallest countries in the world to sit as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Elections for the Security Council seat will be held in June 2019.

Speaking last week, Gonsalves said there are issues like climate change and water which previously were not security issues but have become so.

“…Look what is happening between Egypt and Ethiopia about water from the Nile,” stated Gonsalves, in relation to a new dam on the Nile which could trigger a war over water unless Ethiopia can agree to a deal with Egypt and Sudan (according to the BBC).

The Prime Minister said if we are successful in getting a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, this will be the first time in over 20 years that a Caribbean nation sits on the Council. Other Caribbean countries to have sat on the Security Council are Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.

Gonsalves said a seat on the Security Council raises the profile of a country and there are many benefits attached.

“…But that is not the primary reason. You can add a voice which can assist in having a resolution of a problem peacefully. A lot of people think that war solves things but look at Afghanistan, Iraq,” said the Prime Minister.

“Is Iraq better off or worse off today than when Saddam, terrible as his rule was, from quote unquote human rights perspectives? Look at Libya, Libya looks like a failed state and the countries acknowledge these invasions were errors,” said Gonsalves who added that it would be a proud moment for Vincentians to see SVG’s flag waving as a member of the UN Security Council.

As a result of the bid, this country has upped its staff at the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.