Saudi Arabia, 18 Arab and Muslim states condemn Colombia’s plan for Jerusalem embassy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and 18 other Arab and Muslim countries have strongly condemned the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem. They warned that the move violates the relevant United Nations resolutions and undermines international efforts for lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

In a joint statement issued through Saudi media, the foreign ministers rejected Colombia’s decision outright. They stressed that any attempt to change the legal or historical status of occupied Jerusalem is null and void and illegal under international law.

The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkiye, Algeria, Djibouti, Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Egypt and Yemen.

Reference to resolutions

The ministers reaffirmed that any action or decision to change the legal or historical status of occupied Jerusalem, or to recognise it as the capital of Israel, is null and void and has no legal standing.

They said their position is fully in line with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, particularly Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478 of 1980. These resolutions reject attempts to change the nature or status of occupied Jerusalem and demand that diplomatic missions (embassies) be withdrawn from the city.

The ministers described the city as part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967.

The foreign ministers demanded that the Colombian government reconsider and withdraw its decision, fulfil its obligations under international law and refrain from steps that could harm the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

They also reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.