Pakistan and 18 other Muslim countries have condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. They say the move violates relevant United Nations resolutions and threatens efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
In a joint statement issued on October 16, the countries urged Colombia to reverse its decision. They also reaffirmed their support for an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Joint Statement Defends Jerusalem’s Status
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Algeria, Oman, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Syria signed the statement.
They argued that actions aimed at changing Jerusalem’s legal or historical status have no legal validity. Moreover, they rejected any recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital that undermines Palestinian rights.
The ministers referred to UN Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478, adopted in 1980. These resolutions oppose unilateral changes to Jerusalem’s status and address the relocation of diplomatic missions from the city.
Countries Urge Colombia to Reverse Decision
The ministers called on Colombia to reconsider its decision and comply with international law. They also warned that such actions could undermine efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.
Furthermore, they reiterated their support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent and sovereign state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Colombia inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on October 14. The decision marked a significant change in its diplomatic approach towards Israel.
Jerusalem Remains a Key Issue in Peace Efforts
Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel considers the city its capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
However, most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv. They generally consider Jerusalem’s final status a matter for negotiations between the parties.
The joint statement highlights continued international disagreement over Jerusalem’s status. It also reinforces the signatories’ position that a lasting settlement must protect Palestinian rights and support a two-state solution.
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