Guyana Joins other South American Countries in Recognizing Independent Palestinian State

[Judi Lynn]

Guyana Joins other South American Countries in Recognizing Independent Palestinian State
Friday January 14, 2011 12:13
by Ramona M. - IMEMC and Agencies

According to Al Jazeera, Guyana has become the seventh South American nation to recognize Palestinian independence. It follows in the footsteps of Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.

In a statement released by the country's Foreign Ministry, Guyana's said it hoped "that the increasing recognition of the state of Palestine will contribute to a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the creation of lasting peace and stability in the region."

The decision to recognize a Palestinian state, the statement added, was "in keeping with Guyana's long-standing and unwavering solidarity with, and commitment to, the just and legitimate aspirations of the people of Palestine for the exercise of their right to self-determination and to achieve a homeland of their own, independent, free, prosperous and at peace."

Last week, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced that he officially recognizes an independent Palestinian state. A resolution calling on Pinera to recognize Palestine as an independent state was passed by the Chilean Senate two days earlier.

More:
http://www.imemc.org/article/60413

[Peace Patriot]

1. South America continues to lead the way on so many important issues!

But the surprise is Chile. Usually only the leftist leaders promote such progressive, peace-oriented policies. I've wondered about this--rightwing billionaiare Pinera's support for a Palestinian state. Anybody got any info about his stance on this?

[rabs]

2. My take on your question

1. Chile is home to the largest Palestinian community outside of the Arab world. Estimates run from 300,000 to 500,000. Most arrived decades ago, but the Bachelet government took in over 100 refugees from Gaza after the last Israeli military onslaught a few years ago.

There are very wealthy and influencial Palestians in Chile; some have served as government Cabinet ministers in previous governments. In Santiago, there is a swanky Club Palestino, which even fields a top-flight soccer club. There is a business sector in Santiago called Patronato where Palestinians have businesses (textiles, arab food stores, restaurants, and many businesses).

2. I too wondered about the timing. You may have seen the wikileaks cable from U.S.emb. Santiago in which Pinera was described as practically being a criminal. The cable was sent during the campaign for the presidency in 2008.

Suspect that Pinera got mightly pissed off after he learned of the cable and decided to recognize an independent Palestine as an "in your face" gesture to Israel-lover Hillary.

At the same time, it got him plus points from the Chilean Palestinian community, from the broader Arab world and from the other Latam countries that have recently recognized an independent Palestine with 1967 borders.

[Peace Patriot]

3. Thanks so much for your reply! You are a treasure-trove of knowledge, rabs! nt

[Judi Lynn]

4. Thanks for posting a lot of information we wouldn't be likely to learn easily otherwise.

So much important material never sees the light of day here.

This adds some needed, missing depth.