Watch: ‘Malta Agrees With The EU,’ Ian Borg Says On Gaza Permanent Ceasefire On Condition Hamas Is Dismantled
Foreign Affairs Minister and Chairperson of the OSCE’s Permanent Council Ian Borg has stated that Malta supports the European Parliament resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as long as Hamas is dismantled.
“There needs to be a permanent ceasefire, it’s crucial that the killing ends,” Borg told Lovin Malta in an interview ahead of his address at the inauguration of the Maltese Chairpersonship of the OSCE that Lovin Malta attended this morning.
When asked whether he agrees with Labour MEPs Alex Agius Saliba and Cyrus Engerer who are calling for an unconditional ceasefire rather than one proposed by the European Parliament, he effectively said he stands by the EU.
The EP resolution is calling for a permanent ceasefire on two conditions: that Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are released, Borg said Malta stands by it.
“The position of Malta is that there needs to be a permanent ceasefire; it’s crucial that killing of innocent people ends,” he said.
He went on to acknowledge the “legitimate” security concerns of Israel relating to Hamas and therefore questioned the possibility of a two-state solution if Hamas is leading Palestine.
“What political or moral strength will Palestinian authorities have to implement a two-state solution when the reality on the ground is that Hamas is a very influential force?” Borg asked.
“We definitely can never agree that a terrorist group can lead a state. That is the position of the EU and Malta is a part of that position.”
When probed about whether he believes Israel is committing genocide, Borg said that it is not his place to “take the role of the international court”.
However, what’s for sure, he exclaimed, is that Malta stands by its declaration that while Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, it shouldn’t be able to do so in a disproportionate or indiscriminate manner.
“What we’re seeing is thousands of children, women, and elderly being killed. There’s no way we can say that this is a suitable defence against Hamas’ terrorist attack which Malta deplored.”
“Now, we’re following what court case and we’re curious too to see what the court will say.”
Earlier this morning, Borg outlined the priorities of the OSCE for 2024 which did not include the disproportionate war between Israel and Hamas. That being said, the US Ambassador at the OSCE did admit that it will come up “periodically” since it is an important issue.
US Ambassador Michael Carpenter
He explained that since the conflict doesn’t fall within the OSCE region, since none are participating states and Israel is just a partnering state, it will still come up since it is of global importance.
Lovin Malta is currently in Vienna reporting on the OSCE’s Permanent Council’s Chairpersonship’s formal inauguration for 2024.
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