The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reported the successful transfer of the initial group of Ghanaians from Iran to Turkey, as part of continued efforts to secure the safety of citizens amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.
In a Facebook update on Friday, June 20, Ablakwa revealed that plans are also being made to evacuate Ghanaians living in Israel.
He mentioned that earlier in the week, he conducted discussions with the ambassadors of Iran and Israel to relay the Mahama administration’s emergency evacuation plan.
He stated that the strategy was communicated to diplomats to aid coordination and acquire the necessary border access approvals for a safe and prompt evacuation.
“These engagements have also enriched our understanding of the ongoing conflict,” he noted.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also mentioned Ghana’s dissatisfaction with recent remarks made by the Israeli Ambassador regarding Ghana’s voting history in international forums.
He stated that he seized the chance to support Ghana’s authority to make independent choices in accordance with the country’s firmly established foreign policy guidelines.
“I urged him to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, pacifist approach to peace building, non-alignment, respect for the UN Charter, adherence to the rule-based international order, belief in multilateralism and strict compliance with international law,” he wrote.
He ended by reiterating Ghana’s demand for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful diplomatic solution among the conflicting parties.
NKONKONSA.com
