The Arab world and the European Union decried on Tuesday Kosovo's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and its decision to move its embassy to the occupied holy city.
Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Aboul Gheit and Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Asoomi issued separate statements urging Kosovo to backtrack on its controversial decision.
Aboul Gheit said Kosovo's decision is "illegitimate” and constitutes a breach of the international law that recognizes the city of Jerusalem as occupied territory whereby barring transfer of embassies to it.
"The decision also contradicts international unanimity with regard to opening embassies in occupied Jerusalem where only two states have violated this stance, the United States and Guatemala,” he said.
The Secretary General added that opening an embassy in the city does not alter the reality that it is under occupation and its fate can only be determined through negotiations.
Asoomi said in a statement that Kosovo’s decision has no legal impact.
He stressed that Jerusalem's fate should only be determined through negotiations and not through unilateral decisions that violate the international law.
European Commission spokesman Peter Stano also said there is no EU member state with an embassy in Jerusalem.
“Any diplomatic steps that could call into question the EU’s common position on Jerusalem are a matter of serious concern and regret.”
