'SOMALILAND' PROVOCATION OF ISRAEL DRAWS WORLD CONDEMNATION

NEW DELHI, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Israel’s move to recognise a Somali region as an “independent” entity has drawn widespread condemnation around the world.

A joint statement by 21 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, the Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Turkiye, as well as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Saturday, unequivocally rejected Israel's Dec 26 "recognition" of the so-called Somaliland.

"The recognition of parts of states constitutes a serious precedent and threatens international peace and security and violates the cardinal principles of international law and the United Nations Charter," the countries said.

They rejected any Israeli move to undermine the unity of Somalia, its territorial integrity or its sovereignty over its entire territory.

The European Union, similarly, reaffirmed its respect for Somalia's unity.

"The European Union reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia pursuant to its constitution, the Charters of the African Union and the United Nations," the bloc said in a statement on Saturday.

The EU said it encourages "meaningful dialogue" between Somaliland and the federal government of Somalia to resolve their differences.

Israeli behaviour is seen as threatening peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and surrounding regions.

The African Union, in a statement, said Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia, and any attempt to undermine Somali integrity will threaten regional order.

"Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent," African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said.

Several countries have publicly warned the Jewish regime to desist from provocations and violations of international law.

"Such illegal and provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and not only threaten the peace and stability of the brotherly country of Somalia, but also that of the entire region," Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.

There is widespread alarm over reports that the Benjamin Netanyahu regime, after committing a genocide in Gaza, plans to settle Gazans in the secessionist Somali region.

Pakistan said it rejects "any steps aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land under any circumstance."

-- BERNAMA