President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) declared this Tuesday (21) that the recognition of a “viable Palestinian state” is the “only possible solution” to the armed conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas.
Lula took part in a virtual meeting with leaders of the Brics countries, a bloc that brings together Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia. Also taking part were representatives from Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Argentina, countries set to join the group of emerging economies from next year.
The meeting was organized by South Africa to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip. Lula’s speech was not broadcast on official Brazilian government channels. The President’s Office released the transcript of the speech during the video meeting.
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The president also said he believes it is “essential to closely monitor the situation in the West Bank, where illegal Israeli settlements continue to threaten the viability of a Palestinian state.”
“Recognition of a viable Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel and having secure and mutually recognized borders, is the only possible solution,” Lula said.
Lula declared that Brazil “does not believe that peace is achieved only through armed force” and warned that the Brics states must act “to prevent the war from spreading to neighboring countries.”
“I am convinced of the potential of this group to mobilize political and diplomatic forces for the peaceful resolution of disputes. “Brazil remains ready to support any initiatives that lead to a political solution to this conflict,” he said.