New york: Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira delivered a powerful address during the General Debate of the High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York. In his speech, Vieira expressed concern over the 78-year delay in realizing Palestinian statehood, despite the General Assembly's endorsement of the Two-State Solution framework. He highlighted Brazil's historical involvement in the adoption of Resolution 181(II), which laid the groundwork for this solution.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Vieira criticized the ongoing illegal occupation and the denial of Palestinians' right to self-determination. He emphasized the increasing distance of the Palestinian dream of statehood, compounded by daily violations of human rights in the region. Vieira painted a grim picture of life in Gaza, where civilians face dire conditions, and where illegal settlements and settler violence continue to escalate in the West Bank.
Vieira announced Brazil's commitment to addressing these issues on several fronts. Brazil plans to intervene in the ICJ case brought by South Africa under the Genocide Convention, investigate imports from illegal settlements, and deny defense exports to Israel in line with the Arms Trade Treaty. Furthermore, Brazil will support an UN-led international verification mission and provide technical support to the Palestinian Authority.
He stressed the importance of recognizing the State of Palestine, noting that most Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Brazil, have done so since 2010. Vieira urged Member-States to end illegal settlement activity, lift the blockade on Gaza, and ensure accountability and reparations.
Vieira concluded by framing the Palestinian struggle as a critical moral test of our time, calling for international cooperation to make the Two-State solution a reality for both Israel and Palestine.