The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, calling for an urgent and peaceful resolution in line with international law.
Acting Director General Ilan Kiloe said the Secretariat is alarmed by the situation.
“The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat expresses deep concern on the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and has called for a peaceful resolution,” he said in a statement.
He stressed the need to uphold international principles under the United Nations Charter.
This, while stressing the importance of adherence to international principles under the United Nations Charter, particularly the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Kiloe said the MSG was built on core Melanesian values that align with global norms.
“The MSG was founded on the enduring Melanesian values of peace, dialogue, respect, and collective responsibility that align to international norms.
These values are espoused in the ‘Efate Declaration on Mutual Respect, Responsibility, Cooperation and Amity’ and the broader Pacific vision of an ‘Ocean of Peace.’
They assure the Pacific as a region of peace, prosperity and neutrality, where sustainable peace is achieved, not through confrontation, but through diplomacy and dialogue.”
He warned that prolonged instability in the Middle East would have global consequences, including for vulnerable economies.
“The MSG Secretariat recognises that prolonged instability in the Middle East will pose greater risks to global stability, with consequences extending far beyond the region that will disproportionately affect vulnerable economies.”
Kiloe highlighted the Pacific’s identity and responsibility as custodians of the ocean.
“The ocean, our ‘blue continent’, is our lifeline – a source of livelihood, passage, and spiritual connection. It represents peace and our shared identity as Pacific Islanders. Our leaders’ ‘Ocean of Peace’ vision is more than a metaphor; it is a commitment to protecting our people, our ocean and the harmony it brings.”
The Secretariat reiterated that dialogue must prevail over violence and urged stronger diplomatic engagement.
“The MSG Secretariat reiterates that peaceful dialogue must always prevail over violence and calls on the international community, including regional partners, to intensify diplomatic efforts, support mediation initiatives, and uphold multilateralism as the primary pathway to peace.
As custodians of a region that aspires to remain truly ‘pacific’, and a sub-region that has long championed dialogue over division and cooperation over confrontation, the MSG Secretariat reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and respect for human dignity worldwide.”
Kiloe said the Pacific must remain steady amid global turmoil.
“It is crucial that our region remains a beacon of peace in light of pandemonium. We have a role to uphold human dignity, protecting the inalienable rights of all people and advocate for the protection of human lives.
Let us keep our world peaceful and prosperous. We owe it to ourselves and our future generations,” said Kiloe.
