Island “turns a blind eye” to UAE chess

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Senator Sam Mézec said ministers should not meet with jurisdictions such as the United Arab Emirates, which Chief Minister John Le Fondré visited earlier this week, unless his “weak” record in human rights is not contested.

Senator Le Fondré spent the last week in the Middle East exploring “the wider relationship between Jersey and the United Arab Emirates”, including attending the Global Business Forum and meeting with members of the UAE government.

His trip followed a visit to the island last week by Mansoor Abulhoul, the UAE’s ambassador to the UK.

But Senator Mézec said there were a number of problems in the country related to “the torture of political dissidents, the horrific persecution of gays and women and its role in the war in Yemen.”

He said: “In all of our engagements with the UAE, we have not recognized their dictatorship and poor human rights record. No discussion should take place with these types of countries without raising concerns. such subjects.

‘The visit shows that he [the Chief Minister] is blind to these matters and treats them like normal and honest members of the international community, which is dishonest. It is hypocritical that on the one hand our government condemns a country for its role in the torture of whales [the Faroe Islands], and in the other, he flaunts his relationship with the UAE without mentioning its poor human rights record. ‘

Senator Mézec said the visit sets a bad example for the islanders and shows the island is ready to “turn a blind eye” if money can be made.

He said: “We shouldn’t be giving them good publicity even if we are just building a business relationship with them because that’s exactly what they want. It allows them to appear as full members. of the international community, when they are not.

In a video social media post, Senator Le Fondré said: “As the UAE celebrates its 50th national anniversary, the ties between Jersey and the Emirates have never been stronger. I have already learned more about these various links and promoted them during this visit.

“Across culture, finance, wellness, tourism and heritage, there is certainly a lot to admire and develop.

Senator Le Fondré was asked to respond to Senator Mézec’s comments, but had not done so at the time of going to press.

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