Paraguay opens embassy in Jerusalem

RAMALLAH, May 21 (KUNA) -- Paraguay launched its Israel embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, becoming the second country after Guatemala to follow the United States in making the move from Tel Aviv.
Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the inauguration ceremony, according to Israeli media reports.
"This provocative and irresponsible measure is in direct contravention of international law and consensus," Hanan Ashrawi, an official of the Palestine Liberation Organization, told the press.
"Paraguay has conspired with Israel, the United States and Guatemala to entrench the military occupation and to seal the fate of occupied Jerusalem," Ashrawi added.
Meanwhile, she urged Cartes to reverse this "reprehensible decision and hold Israel accountable for its transgressions and human rights violations." (end) nq.nam