GABORONE, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Botswana on Thursday expressed grave concern about the deteriorating security situation in the Gaza strip following the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
According to a press release from Botswana Government Communication and Information Systems (BGCIS), the loss of many lives and injuries of Palestinian demonstrators is greatly regretted.
"It will be recalled that Botswana has previously expressed concern about the United States of America's policy stance on the question of Jerusalem, and its potential for undermining the peace process between Israel and Palestine," said the press release.
In this regard, the release said Botswana fully associates herself with the statement issued by the chairperson of the African Union Commission on May 14, 2018, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and calling for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"The Government of Botswana therefore calls upon all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and to work towards normalization of the situation. In particular, we wish to appeal to the Israeli government to desist from the use of excessive force against the protesters," said the press release.
Botswana, having diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine, believes that a two-state solution remains paramount in the quest for a lasting solution to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.
Botswana urged the UN Security Council to work in unison to restore an environment of peace and stability, so that the many years of investment in the peace process can yield the intended results. Enditem
