An unintended mistake, but not justified: Palestine tries to pacify India
East Jerusalem/New Delhi, Dec 30 (IBNS): Following a diplomatic gaffe in Pakistan's Rawalpindi, that has left India seething, Palestine has been seen in a damage control mode, trying to pacify New Delhi.
The blunder was committed by Palestine's ambassador to Pakistan, who was seen sharing the stage with designated terrorist and 26/11 Mumbai Attack mastermind Hafeez Saeed in Pakistan's Rawalpindi.
Reacting vehemently, India didn't pull off any false modesty and made their intentions clear in a strong-worded statement.
"Government of India has strongly conveyed to the Palestinian side that the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan's association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed, who is proscribed by the United Nations, at an event in Rawalpindi on 29.12.2017, is unacceptable. The concerns were conveyed both in New Delhi to the Palestinian Ambassador and in Ramallah to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, State of Palestine."
What followed was a calculated measure from Palestine, who said, 'it was an unintended mistake, but not justified'.
India too accepted the apologies and said that they trusted the Middle Eastern regime.
"The Palestinian side has conveyed deep regrets over the incident and assured the Government of India that they are taking serious cognizance of their Ambassador's presence at this event. They have said they will deal with this matter appropriately. It was also conveyed that Palestine highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in the war against terrorism, and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India," it said.
The statement further said: "We take note of the assurances given by the Palestine side."
In its statement, Palestine also thanked India for supporting the nation during this month's UN Resolution that scrapped US President Donald Trump's decision of naming Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 30, 2017
A statement from New Delhi, pertaining to the matter, read: "India's position on Palestine is independent and consistent" and that "it is shaped by our views and interests, and not determined by any third country."
Trump had faced a thumping loss at the UN, as 128 nations voted against him, opposed to the nine pro votes.
The statement from Palestine read: "The State of Palestine highly appreciates India's support in its tireless efforts to end the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the 1967 boarders with East Jerusalem as its capital and this is especially seen in the honorable position that India has taken by voting in favor of the resolution in the United Nations General Assembly last week."
According to reports, the rally in Rawalpindi was organised by Difa-e-Pakistan Council, a coalition of hardline Islamic parties in Pakistan.
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