Cairo, MINA – Foreign ministers from 19 countries, including Palestine, Egypt, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, have condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, saying the move contradicts relevant United Nations resolutions and undermines efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
In a joint statement, the ministers stressed that any measure intended to alter the legal or historical status of occupied Jerusalem, or recognize the city as Israel’s capital, is null and void and has no legal effect.
They said their position was consistent with relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, particularly Resolutions 476 and 478, adopted in 1980.
The resolutions reject unilateral attempts to change Jerusalem’s character or status. Resolution 478 also called on states that had established diplomatic missions in Jerusalem to withdraw them from the city.
Read Also: Israeli Attacks Kill Palestinian Couple as Gaza Ceasefire Violations Continue
The ministers emphasized that occupied East Jerusalem is part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 and that its status must be addressed in accordance with international law.
They urged the Colombian government to reconsider and reverse its decision, fulfill its obligations under international law, and avoid measures that undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
These rights include the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, they said.
Colombia’s reported decision marks a significant development in its diplomatic approach to Israel and Palestine. The United States relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, followed by a small number of other countries.
Read Also: Amnesty Warns of Ethnic Cleansing Risk Amid West Bank Settler Violence
Most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, reflecting the international position that Jerusalem’s final status should be determined through negotiations.
The United Nations and the European Union have repeatedly maintained that East Jerusalem is occupied territory and that its status should be resolved through negotiations as part of a comprehensive settlement.
Palestinian officials and Arab and Muslim countries have criticized moves to establish diplomatic missions in Jerusalem, arguing that such decisions risk prejudging the outcome of negotiations and weakening prospects for a two-state solution.
The joint statement by the 19 foreign ministers reiterated calls for respect for international law and UN resolutions, as well as the protection of Palestinian rights.
Read Also: Four Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attacks Across Gaza Strip
The ministers’ appeal comes amid continuing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and growing concerns over settlement expansion and other developments affecting the prospects for a negotiated peace.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
Read Also: Israel Announces 1,080 New Settlement Homes in Occupied Jerusalem Area
Mina Indonesia
Mina Arabic
Mina Sport