CAIRO — The Arab Parliament on Tuesday condemned Somaliland’s decision to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of international law and United Nations resolutions governing the status of the city.
In a statement, the parliament said the step was illegal and undermined the historical and legal status of occupied Jerusalem.
It said it “completely rejects any unilateral, illegitimate and invalid measures aimed at consolidating a status that lacks international recognition and contradicts the principles of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.”
The body stressed that any attempt to alter the historical or legal status of Jerusalem was “null and void” and carried no legal effect.
The Arab Parliament also reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting what it described as unilateral actions that undermine the country’s sovereignty and national cohesion.
It called on the international community to uphold its political, legal and moral responsibilities, warning that such measures threaten both state sovereignty and the legal and historical status of Jerusalem.
The statement followed the opening of a Somaliland diplomatic mission in Jerusalem after reports that Israel had recognized Somaliland’s independence.
Somalia’s federal government has strongly opposed Somaliland’s engagement with Israel, arguing that any foreign relations conducted by the breakaway region without the approval of Mogadishu violate Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained its own government, security forces and democratic institutions. Somalia rejects the claim to statehood and maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
