Arab League condemns Colombia's embassy opening in Jerusalem

The Arab League has strongly condemned Colombia's decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, deeming it a clear violation of international law and the city's legal standing. The League asserts that this act not only contravenes existing resolutions but also undermines the legitimate status of East Jerusalem, which is recognized as part of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and serves as the capital of the State of Palestine.

They have issued a stern warning about the repercussions of this move, which transpired despite numerous attempts to dissuade Colombia from this course of action. The League firmly maintains that the legal status of Jerusalem cannot be altered through unilateral actions or diplomatic decisions that disregard international law, specifically citing UN Security Council Resolutions 478 of 1980 and 2334 of 2016, both of which explicitly reject any measures aimed at changing Jerusalem's character and status and call for the withdrawal of diplomatic missions from the city.

The League emphasizes that international resolutions, particularly those passed by the UN General Assembly, serve as the foundation for discussions regarding Jerusalem, and any unilateral actions that alter its legal or political status threaten peace efforts and hinder the prospects for a just and comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution.

They reaffirm that East Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Palestine and argue that achieving a just resolution necessitates the creation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The League urges Colombia to reconsider its decision and to align with the UN Charter, international law, and the resolutions of the international community, asserting that respecting the legal status of Jerusalem is a matter of international concern and that unilateral actions do not contribute to peace or stability.