Alfred Cannan replies to open letter published by Isle of Man Green Party
The chief minister has issued a response to the Isle of Man Green Party, after it called upon him to make a statement regarding the conflict in Gaza.
On 13 June the Green Party published an open letter, citing how the chief minister of Jersey, in May, made a statement that he was "absolutely appalled and distressed at the tragic circumstances that continue to unfold in Gaza".
Similarly, it pointed to how Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin had also stated that Israel’s war had “lost any moral compass in terms of its unacceptable impact on the civilian population and on children”.
This, the Green Party said, was grounds for Alfred Cannan to step forward and issue his own statement 'decrying the death and destruction in Gaza and calling for Israel to comply with the order of the International Court of Justice'.
It also asked Mr Cannan to write to the Ministry for Justice of the UK Government, considering the Rule of Law Duty, and express the Isle of Man’s concerns.
You can find a link to the IOM Green Party's letter HERE.
In a written response, published today, he says he 'does not accept that there has been any failure on the part of the Island authorities to support constitutional principle of the Rule of Law which is a matter I and the Council of Ministers treat seriously.'
'As you will be aware, as a Crown Dependency, the Isle of Man does not formulate, or execute, foreign policy.
'We have no diplomatic service to participate in international forums where disputes might be discussed and resolved, nor do we have armed forces to commit to areas of armed conflict, or to undertake peace keeping roles.
'Our constitutional relationship with the UK is such that we rely upon it to execute its own foreign policy, and to deploy its own armed forces, on our behalf.'
Mr Cannan has highlighted a Tynwald debate in April 2024 in which members 'unanimously expressed condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel (of 07 October 2023) as well as the killing of innocent civilians on both sides and called upon Israel to conduct military operations in accordance with international law'.
He says he also 'entirely endorses' a statement issued by the leaders of the UK, France and Canada in May on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank opposing the expansion of Israeli Military operations.
Earlier this month, meanwhile, the UK voted, at the United Nations, to support the UN's aims to end the suffering in Gaza, bring hostages home, and move towards lasting peace.
The UK joined partners in the UN to stress their wish "that both Israel and Hamas need to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; that Hamas must immediately and unconditionally release the hostages; and that
"Israel, as the occupying power, must end its blocks on aid and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. And crucially, there must be an end to any actions that stand in the way of a two-state solution and the best chance for peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people."
Mr Cannan says: 'Naturally I am deeply concerned at the tragic loss of life that has taken place on all sides in the region, and trust that the UK Government will continue to work with the UN and its international partners to bring an end to the hostilities.'
He ends by saying he will forward a copy of his letter to the Ministry of Justice for information.
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