International Relations expert, Professor Daniel Dramani Kipo-Sunyehzi, has criticized the United Nations’ decision to deny Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling it a clear breach of international law.
Speaking to Tutuwaa Danso on Starr Today, Prof. Kipo-Sunyehzi stressed that blocking countries from participating in the UNGA undermines the purpose for which the UN Headquarters in New York was established.
“I think that violates international law, especially the prohibition set by the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
At the very least, the American decision undermines the fundamentals and key principles surrounding the host country’s responsibility to allow access to the UN Headquarters. The United States should respect international law and consider the collective interest of the world,” he said.
He explained that if there are bilateral issues with President Abbas or his delegation, they should be addressed separately but denying them access to the UN is a violation of global norms.
“If they have a problem with President Abbas and his delegation, that is a bilateral issue. But from the international perspective, they should have been allowed to attend. Blocking them amounts to a violation of international law. As you rightly said, the U.S. often commits these violations and goes scot-free,” Prof. Kipo added.
The expert also expressed disappointment that the international community failed to challenge the U.S. decision.
“I was expecting the international community to take them on, but unfortunately, that did not happen. It was a very regrettable situation, and it should never have occurred. The President expressed his displeasure about this matter,” he noted.
Prof. Kipo clarified that President Mahama’s stance on Palestine does not conflict with Ghana’s long-standing policy of non-alignment. “No, I do not think President Mahama is deviating from Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of non-alignment—neither to the East nor to the West. His position is consistent with Ghana’s diplomatic orientation,” he said.
He highlighted Ghana’s balanced diplomatic approach, recalling the country’s recognition of both Israel and Palestine.
“Let’s not forget that Ghana has officially recognized the State of Israel and maintains an Israeli ambassador here. At the same time, as far back as 1988, Ghana also recognized the State of Palestine and today hosts a Palestinian ambassador in Accra. This demonstrates that Ghana’s government will always take positions guided by its national interest. I don’t think the President’s decision suggests otherwise.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Benjamin Sackey
