Pakistan and 18 other Muslim countries have condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The countries said the move violated relevant United Nations resolutions and could undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace through a two-state solution.
Colombia inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, becoming the 10th country to establish a diplomatic mission in the city. The decision came as new President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his predecessor’s break with Israel and restored a free trade agreement between the two countries.
The countries opposing the move include Pakistan, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Turkiye. Their foreign ministers issued a joint statement on Friday expressing their opposition to the embassy’s inauguration.
The ministers rejected measures intended to change Jerusalem’s legal or historical status or recognise the city as Israel’s capital. They described such actions as “null and void” and said they had no legal effect under relevant United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
The statement specifically referred to Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478, adopted in 1980. According to the ministers, these resolutions reject attempts to change Jerusalem’s character or status and call on countries to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city.
The foreign ministers urged Colombia’s government to reconsider and reverse its decision. They also called on Bogota to fulfil its obligations under international law and avoid actions that could undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The 19 countries reaffirmed their support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They said efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace should follow international resolutions and support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
