Somalia condemns Israel's recognition of Somaliland as independent state

Somalia condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state, and reaffirmed the country's unity and territorial integrity.

Somaliland declared "independence" from Somalia in the 1990s but has never received recognition from the international community.

Somaliland is an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of the sovereign territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Somalian Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Friday, rejecting Israel's recognition as unlawful.

Somalia makes clear that it will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases or arrangements on its territory that would draw Somalia into proxy conflicts or import regional and international hostilities into this region.

Moreover, countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Iran, Türkiye, Pakistan, Libya, and Nigeria, along with international organizations including the African Union, Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland. They said that Israel's actions pose a serious threat to international peace and security, violate the United Nations Charter and international law, and represent a blatant interference in Somalia's internal affairs. All parties firmly reject and condemn Israel's statement, reaffirming their unwavering support for Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Ali Omar, Somalia's state minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that Israel's behavior is intolerable and demanded Israel withdraw the recognition. He asserted that the Somali government would utilize all diplomatic means necessary to counter Israel's interference in its domestic matters.

Omar emphasized that it is widely recognized that Israel's recognition of Somaliland aims to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza.

In the wake of the recent Israel-Palestine conflict, Israel has sought ways to displace Palestinians from Gaza. A report from the Associated Press in March indicated that the U.S. and Israel had contacted Somaliland with proposals to settle displaced Gazans in the area, promising support in terms of finances, diplomacy, and security. Such actions have faced backlash from both the Palestine and the international community, which views forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza as contrary to the two-state solution, a violation of international law, and tantamount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

Somalia condemns Israel's recognition of Somaliland as independent state

Somalia condemns Israel's recognition of Somaliland as independent state

Somalia condemns Israel's recognition of Somaliland as independent state

Somalia condemns Israel's recognition of Somaliland as independent state

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday adopted a resolution on the Ukraine crisis, calling for "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" and "comprehensive, just and lasting peace."

The draft resolution, prepared by Ukraine and a number of European countries, was adopted with 107 in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions at the UNGA's 11th Emergency Special Session, on the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine crisis.

China was among the countries that abstained from voting, and Russia voted against the draft resolution.

The resolution, which reaffirms commitment to "the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," does not have a legally binding force.

In a statement explaining China's abstention, Counselor Teng Fei of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations noted that China's abstention reflects its consistent principled stance on the Ukraine issue.

"China believes that all countries deserve respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity, that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed, that the legitimate security concerns of any country should be taken seriously, and that support should be given to all efforts that are conducive to peacefully resolving the crisis," Teng said.

Teng said the Ukraine issue has currently entered a critical stage for promoting a negotiated settlement, with various dialogues and contacts being intensified, especially focusing on the substantive issues of the crisis.

Emphasizing the need for sustained diplomatic momentum and a comprehensive security framework, Teng said that China welcomes all endeavors dedicated to peace.

"China encourages and supports all efforts for peace, and calls on all parties to maintain positive momentum, continue to expand common understanding and strive to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement. It is necessary to solve the root causes and form a more balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture to achieve long-term peace and stability in Europe," said Teng.

He said that at this critical juncture, China expects the international community to create a favorable atmosphere for promoting the political settlement of the crisis and the UNGA to play a constructive role in rallying the peaceful consensus of member States. China will also continue to make active efforts to promote the political settlement of the issue, he said.

UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Ukraine calling for immediate ceasefire