OIC Condemns opening of Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem
The organization said the opening of the mission constituted a “flagrant violation” of international law.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move illegal and a violation of the U.N. Charter and relevant international resolutions.
In a statement issued in Jeddah on Monday, OIC said Israel, as an occupying power, has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem and that any decisions or measures aimed at changing the city’s political, legal or demographic status are null and void under international law.
The organization said the opening of the mission constituted a “flagrant violation” of international law.
The OIC reaffirmed its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It called on the international community to take a firm position against the move and work to counter it.
The condemnation came after Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem following Israel’s reported recognition of the breakaway region’s independence.
Related
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit also condemned the visit saying that it is a desperate attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somalia’s federal government condemned Israeli engagement with Somaliland, saying the move violated Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and constitutional order.
It said Somalia “remains a sovereign and internationally recognised state” and that the federal government was “the sole legitimate authority empowered to represent the country in international relations”.
Israeli occupation authorities announced on Monday the opening of a Somaliland embassy in occupied Jerusalem. The move followed a declaration of mutual recognition announced on Dec. 26, making Israel the only country to formally recognize Somaliland since the region’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991.
The development has drawn Arab and international criticism, with renewed calls for preserving Somalia’s unity and sovereignty in line with international law and relevant regional and international resolutions.
