The recent opening of an office innovation and entrepreneurship in Jerusalem by the Uruguayan government has generated an intense political and diplomatic debate. This initiative was established through an agreement between the National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII) and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with the aim of strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between Uruguay and Israel.
However, the embassy of the Palestinian State in Uruguay expressed its rejection of this decision. The teacher of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of the Republic, Wilson Fernandez Luzuriagacommented on the content of the letter, stating that the part that expresses that it is a message that “goes against the existence of the Palestinian people” is “too aggressive and very exaggerated.”
Historical positions and criticisms to measure
Fernández Luzuriaga highlighted that Uruguay’s position has historically been based on the promotion of respect for the international law and the human rights. In statements to the press, he stressed that “Uruguay has made the principles of international law its north,” emphasizing its commitment to respect and compliance with these principles at a global level.
Despite the controversies, the government defends the opening of the office as a key action to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Israel. The government argues that “it is disproportionate to think” that this office “will generate negative consequences for Uruguay.” However, some critics suggest that this measure could imply aligning Uruguay with a regime widely questioned for its human rights record.
The nature of the office and its impact
The government also clarified that this office does not have “diplomatic status.” According to the administration, the president Lacalle had announced the creation of a commercial office with similar characteristics that would also not have diplomatic status. It is emphasized that these initiatives do not represent official recognition of the Israeli government or its policies.
Still, this approach has been questioned by many, who argue that no relationship with Israel should be normalized given its situation in the region. The recommendation of the United Nations General Assembly to countries not to install permanent diplomatic missions in Jerusalem has been a relevant point in this debate.
Reactions from social organizations and warnings
A group of social organizations expressed their rejection of the opening of the office through a joint statement. They affirmed that the Zionist discourse uses terms such as “innovation and cooperation” to promote the development of technologies that hide practices considered colonialist and apartheid. This approach has been interpreted as an attempt to manipulate public perception of Israeli policies.
The letter includes signatures from several organizations, including the Pit-Cnt, Fucvamand the Federation of University Students of Uruguay. In its content, it is maintained that the Uruguayan government’s decision “positions” the country on a path that reinforces the normalization of relations with a regime denounced for numerous human rights violations.
International commitments and Uruguay’s position
The statement also emphasizes that Uruguay, being a signatory of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Courthas the obligation not to collaborate with a regime that is considered a system of apartheid. It is emphasized that the country should actively work to end such relations, rather than aligning itself with the interests of an occupying power.
In the current context, where the conflicts in Gaza are intensifying, the document further criticizes the opening of this office, considering it “inadmissible and scandalous.” The letter emphasizes that this measure reinforces Uruguay’s complicity in what they describe as a genocide perpetrated by Israel.
Requirements and future of cooperation
Finally, the signatory organizations demand that the government, both outgoing and incoming, rectify this decision, close the office and put an end to any cooperation project with Israel that is linked to a regime of domination that perpetuates the conflict in the region. The proposals indicate the need for a critical and open analysis of future collaborations, aligning with the guidelines established by the UN.
