WINDHOEK: International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Peya Mushelenga said Namibia is following developments in the Middle East with concern. In a statement Thursday, Mushelenga noted that the current developments risk escalating into a broader conflict in the Middle East region and beyond, 'This is why Namibia calls for maximum restraint and not aggravating the already fragile situation in the region.' Mushelenga said attacks and counterattacks, as well as threats of reprisals, are counterproductive to peace, which all United Nations (UN) members pledged to uphold when they applied for membership in the UN. 'Namibia's position is guided by our Constitution, which encourages the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means. Therefore, Namibia wishes to call on the international community, particularly the UN, to help find an impartial diplomatic solution that would lead to lasting peace and stability in the region,' he said. Tensions escalated this past weekend after Iran fired 300 missil es into Israel in retaliation for the latter's bombing of its consulate in Damascus, Syria. The airstrike on 01 April 2024 killed 16 people, including three Iranian military commanders. Mushelenga said his ministry has not received any reports of Namibian nationals in Israel or the affected areas and urged Namibian nationals to inform the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) of their presence if they find themselves in an area that they consider unsafe. If they are safe, they are advised to take maximum precautions to ensure their safety. Namibia, he said will continue to follow the developments and, as a responsible member of the international community, calls for calm and caution against inflaming the already tense situation. Source: The Namibia Press Agency
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