Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemns Colombia's move to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem

Jeddah, July 16 (KUNA) -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) today, Thursday, strongly condemned Colombia’s intention to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, describing it as a blatant violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council concerning the status of the holy city.

In a statement, the OIC Secretariat said this move contravenes relevant Security Council resolutions, notably Resolutions 476 and 478 of 1980. It added that Security Council resolutions affirm that any measures taken by the occupying power aimed at altering the character and status of Jerusalem, both legal and demographic, are null and void, and call upon states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the holy city.

The Secretariat urged the Colombian government to reverse this unlawful decision, support international efforts aimed at achieving peace based on the two-state solution, and uphold its responsibilities under the UN Charter and related resolutions. It considered this step a regrettable retreat from Colombia’s historical positions supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and noted that it would negatively affect relations and shared interests between Colombia and OIC member states in accordance with the organization’s resolutions. (End) F.N. / F.S.