WINDHOEK, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has welcomed the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
In a decision delivered on July 19, the ICJ confirmed that Israel's occupation and related policies are illegal and discriminatory, and violated the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
In a statement released on Monday, Peya Mushelenga, Namibian minister of international relations and cooperation, said the court's findings are in line with Namibia's arguments.
The ICJ found that Israel's settlements and annexation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law, constitute apartheid and racial segregation, and undermine the Palestinian right to self-determination.
He said Namibia's involvement in this case is influenced by its own history of racial discrimination and apartheid.
Mushelenga expressed his desire to see the international community resorting to the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council to follow through with this seminal advisory opinion and ensure compliance in a manner that shows full regard for international law and international judicial organs.
"We commend the ICJ for its thorough examination of the facts and the law, and urge the international community to support the rights of the Palestinian people and work toward peace in the region," he said. ■
