JOHN Swinney has addressed why there are no Scottish representatives at a global conference aimed at coordinating “collective action” against Israel for the genocide of Palestinians.
South Africa, Brazil, Norway and Ireland are among 30 countries in attendance at the event in Bogota, Colombia on July 15 and 16.
Other European countries involved include Portugal, Spain, Slovenia and Norway.
It aims to build on the work of The Hague Group, launched in the Netherlands in January, which brought together eight countries to impose sanctions on Israel – including an arms embargo.
Asked why there are no representatives from Scotland, the First Minister said it was a “reserved issue”.
“These issues in relation to the conduct of international relations are reserved issues,” he told journalists on Wednesday.
“But, of course, Scotland has a very clear position on the situation in the Middle East and that the suffering in Gaza is unconscionable, that it has to be brought to an end, and that has to be brought to an end by a ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid and the rebuilding of Gaza as part of a two-stage solution, which is the only pathway to peace. And what's important is that we use every ounce of international pressure.”
The launch of The Hague Group, however, saw Sinn Fein – the party of power in Northern Ireland – send a representative.
International affairs is also a reserved issue in Northern Ireland.
Pressed on the issue again, with The National suggesting that there are actions the Scottish Government could be taking, he then responded: “I'm not familiar with the conference you're talking about. I'm not sure we would be invited to be there.”
