Brussels: The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hussein Ibrahim Taha, has sent official letters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Tone Kajer, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. These letters express the OIC's concerns over media reports alleging Slovenia's intent to withdraw its recognition of the State of Palestine and relocate its embassy to occupied Jerusalem.
According to Palestine news and Information Agency, Taha emphasized that such actions by Slovenia would be a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolutions 476, 478, and 2334. He highlighted that this move would contradict the European Union's unified stance, which does not acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem.
Taha warned that this decision could undermine the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, infringe upon the rights of the Palestinian people, and affect the sentiments of Muslims and Christians. It could also have serious political repercussions for Slovenia's relations with the Islamic world and harm its international credibility.
In his communication with the High Representative of the European Union, Taha cautioned that allowing any EU member state to deviate from the long-standing European position would set a dangerous precedent. This could encourage further unilateral actions that violate international law.
He urged the European Union, under Kallas's leadership, to uphold its responsibilities by encouraging Slovenia to maintain its principled recognition of the State of Palestine and abstain from any actions that would prejudge Jerusalem's final status.
The Secretary-General concluded by affirming the OIC's commitment to strengthening strategic relations with Slovenia and other European nations. He expressed hope that Slovenia would uphold its recognition of the State of Palestine, reconsider its embassy relocation decision, and act as a constructive force for peace and stability in the Middle East. Taha emphasized his confidence in the EU's role as a credible force for achieving justice and stability in the region and beyond.