BEIJING: China expresses grave concern over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and is firmly against it, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.
China notes the statement issued immediately by the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia firmly rejecting the move, he said during his regular briefing.
He said that regional organizations and countries, including the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, have also deplored and strongly condemned the move.
According to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, Somaliland is an inalienable part of Somalia’s territory, the spokesperson said and added, China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and opposes any move to split its territory.
Lin Jian said that the issue of Somaliland is entirely Somalia’s internal affair. It should be resolved by the Somali people in a way suited to their national conditions and in line with the constitution. Countries outside the region should stop unwarranted interference. No country should seek selfish interests by aiding and abetting separatism in other countries.
“We urge the Somaliland authorities to stop at once their separatist activities and collusion with external forces,” he added.
As per media reports, on December 26, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel and Somaliland signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition and establishment of full diplomatic relations.
