Arab League condemns Colombia's embassy opening in Jerusalem

The Arab League has condemned the opening of an embassy by the Republic of Colombia in Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of relevant international legitimacy resolutions and an affront to the legal and political status of East Jerusalem, which is considered part of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and the capital of the State of Palestine.

The League warned of the consequences of this step, which was taken despite repeated warnings and communications with the Colombian side, stating that it contradicts the international consensus on Jerusalem and undermines the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people.

It stressed that the legal status of Jerusalem cannot be altered by unilateral actions or diplomatic decisions that contravene international law, recalling UN Security Council Resolution 478 of 1980, which rejected recognition of measures aimed at changing the character and status of Jerusalem and called on states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city, as well as Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016, which affirmed non-recognition of any changes to the June 4, 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, except those agreed upon by the parties through negotiations.

The Arab League emphasized that relevant international resolutions, including those of the UN General Assembly, form the basis for addressing the issue of Jerusalem, and that any unilateral steps affecting its legal or political status undermine peace efforts and weaken prospects for a just and lasting settlement based on the two-state solution.

The League reiterated that East Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Palestine, and that a just and comprehensive solution requires the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The League called on the Republic of Colombia to reconsider and reverse its decision, and to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and international legitimacy resolutions, stressing that respecting the legal status of Jerusalem is an international responsibility and that unilateral actions do not serve peace or stability.