In a recent statement, Prime Minister Petr Fiala of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) has expressed his understanding of Defence Minister Jana Cernochova’s frustration regarding the UN resolution on Gaza. However, Fiala has affirmed the Czech Republic’s commitment to remain a member of the United Nations and continue advocating for its positions within the international organization.

The backdrop for this discussion is the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution addressing the ongoing conflict in Israel. This resolution marked the UN’s first collective response to the issue. Notably, Canada had proposed a text that would unequivocally condemn Hamas’s “terrorist attacks” and call for the immediate release of hostages. Regrettably, this proposal failed to secure approval.

In its place, the General Assembly approved a resolution proposed by Jordan, which called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the protection of civilians, and the establishment of a safe humanitarian corridor to the Gaza Strip. This resolution garnered support from 120 countries, with 45 nations abstaining. However, the Czech Republic, along with the United States, Israel, and several other countries, including Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, voted against it.

Following the vote, Defence Minister Cernochova expressed her desire for the Czech Republic to withdraw from the UN, citing her belief that the organization had taken a stance in favor of terrorists. Prime Minister Fiala, while acknowledging Cernochova’s frustration, emphasized the importance of the Czech Republic’s voice being heard within the UN. He also asserted that the government would persist in promoting its positions at the international forum.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, a member of the Pirates party, firmly opposed the idea of the Czech Republic leaving the UN. Lipavsky pointed out that the UN Charter, born from the ashes of World War II, is based on essential principles that provide a stable and predictable framework for Czech foreign policy.

Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura, who is also from the ODS, characterized Cernochova’s remarks as a product of her frustration with the UN resolution on Israel. He affirmed that the government’s position on the matter remained unchanged.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, a member of the Mayors and Independents party (STAN), expressed his understanding of Cernochova’s personal frustration but rejected the notion of leaving the UN, asserting that it would not serve the best interests of the Czech Republic, the UN, or Israel.

Ivan Bartos, another Deputy Prime Minister and the Regional Development Minister from the Pirates party, categorically dismissed the idea of the Czech Republic withdrawing from the UN. He emphasized the importance of the UN Charter and the international order it upholds, particularly for medium-sized countries like the Czech Republic.

Opposition leader Andrej Babis, head of the ANO movement, concurred that the UN had not fulfilled its role in this instance, and the resolution was flawed. However, he, too, opposed the idea of Czech withdrawal from the UN.

Alena Schillerova, deputy group head of ANO, expressed her dismay at Cernochova’s comments and stressed ANO’s support for Israel. She underlined that Czechoslovakia was one of the founding countries of the UN, and even Israel was not advocating for a withdrawal from the organization.

Czech President Petr Pavel noted that the Czech Republic had long supported UN reforms, including those related to the Security Council. However, he highlighted that this support could only be pursued while remaining a member of the UN. He underscored the need for global issues like sustainable development, climate change, and human rights to be addressed on the UN platform to find solutions that benefit all.

Article by Prague Forum