Arab and Islamic States Condemn Israel's Appointment of Representative in Somaliland

Foreign ministers from sixteen Arab and Islamic countries have condemned the appointment by Israel of a diplomatic representative in Somaliland.

In a joint statement released in Doha on Saturday, the ministers said the move represented a violation of Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mauritania, Jordan and Oman.

The ministers reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral actions that undermine the sovereignty of states.

They expressed full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The foreign ministers underlined that only Somalia’s legitimate institutions can represent the people of Somalia.

The joint statement pointed out that the Israeli decision is a violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

Furthermore, it warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent and undermine stability in the Horn of Africa.

The countries that joined the statement have shown a united front in support of Somalia and in opposition to the Israeli action.