Jerusalem:The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned Colombia's recent decision to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem. OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed criticized the move, emphasizing that it contravenes international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 478 of 1980. This resolution urged countries to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city and declared Israeli efforts to alter Jerusalem's status and character as invalid.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Ould Cheikh Ahmed expressed the OIC's firm rejection of any actions that could solidify Israel's occupation or claim of sovereignty over Jerusalem. He highlighted that such measures could undermine global efforts to achieve a fair and lasting peace through a two-state solution.
In a formal message to Colombia's foreign minister, the secretary-general urged a reversal of the decision. He argued that the embassy's opening supports Israeli actions that alter Jerusalem's legal status and demographic makeup, infringe on Palestinian rights, and ignore the city's significance to Muslims and Christians worldwide.
Ould Cheikh Ahmed also warned that Colombia's decision could have significant repercussions for its relations with Islamic nations.