OIC urges Colombia to cancel plan to open embassy in Jerusalem

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the Colombian government’s reported plan to open an embassy in Israeli-occupied Jerusalem. The organisation considers the move to be in contravention of international law and United Nations (UN) resolutions. In a statement issued on Thursday, the OIC General Secretariat described the plan as a regrettable retreat from Colombia’s historic position of supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. The OIC stressed that the step could potentially harm relations and mutual interests between Colombia and OIC member states, as stipulated in various resolutions of the organisation. The OIC General Secretariat expressed its rejection of the move, deeming it illegal and a flagrant violation of UN resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478. Both resolutions affirm that all actions by Israel aimed at altering the character, legal status, or demographic composition of Jerusalem have no legal validity and are null and void. The resolutions also call on all states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the holy city. The OIC urged the Colombian government to cancel the plan and to continue supporting international efforts to achieve peace based on the two-state solution. The organisation also called on Colombia to uphold its responsibilities under the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions concerning the status of Jerusalem.