NEW DELHI: India yesterday reiterated its strong concern over Israel’s months-long blockade of Gaza Strip, saying there could be “no justification for the denial of essential supplies, including food and fuel, to the civilian population” in the territory.
“We remain concerned with the isolation of Gaza and the recent upsurge of violence there. We also remain concerned at the adverse effects of the closure of access points into the strip on the prevailing humanitarian situation,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said at the inauguration of the Indo-Arab Cooperation Forum, a cultural event being held to celebrate the relations between India and the Arab world.
The Forum was launched here yesterday with its theme as “Partnership Through Culture.” Mukherjee and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, who was here as chief guest, inked the accord on setting up the Forum in the presence of envoys from Arab countries.
“We are taking an important step in our relations with the launch of the India-Arab Cooperation Forum. We believe that this Forum will emerge as a mechanism to strengthen and diversify our relations in various fields including, culture, trade, energy and human resources,” Mukherjee said.
Mukherjee and Moussa also inaugurated a weeklong cultural festival, which is marked by the presence of around 190 artistes from Arab nations, who are here to exhibit their paintings, handicrafts, music, dance and other cultural activities.
Reiterating India’s continuous support for the Palestinian cause, Mukherjee said: “We are concerned about lack of progress in the peace process. India has constantly supported the quest of the Palestinian people for a homeland in line with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 calling for a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel.”
Describing the Arab peace initiative, India “wholeheartedly supported” as a significant move, Mukherjee said, “Annapolis process needs to be taken forward.”
“There does not seem to have been much progress. We, however, remain convinced of the need for continued dialogue,” he said. “India and the Arab League should increase cooperation, as they have similar aspirations,” Moussa said.
Later at another function, Moussa said: “Indo-Arab relations have entered a new phase today as the Forum has opened several avenues of cooperation.” Dismissing the hype raised about clash of civilizations, Moussa said: “I believe that this does not exist.”
The function was organized by Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in cooperation with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). “The world today does not need a clash of civilizations but a harmony of civilizations,” ICWA acting director general Ashok Kumar said.
During his address, Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed said: “A pluralistic society such as ours which stands for idea of composite culture and unity in diversity can never accept the concept of clash of civilizations.”
