RIYADH, Dec 26 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi strongly denounced the recognition by the Israeli occupation authorities of Somaliland region, northern Somalia, as an independent state.
"This move constitutes a serious infringement on the principles of international law and blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia," he said in a press release on Friday.
"It represents a serious precedence that puts in jeopardy the security and stability of the Horn of Africa region, opens the way for more tensions and conflicts, and runs counter to the regional and international efforts aiming to stabilize the region," he cautioned.
Recalling the final communique of the 164th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, Al-Budaiwi said the GCC member countries stand by the Federal Republic of Somalia in whatever measures it might take to protect its security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure decent living for its people.
He urged the international community to reject the Israeli occupation's move which tampers with the international legitimacy and aims to create a political fait accompli contradicting the global consensus and the UN resolutions.
The GCC chief warned that recognition of parallel entities could only lead to more instabilities and jeopardize the security and national unity of a UN member state.
Earlier today, the prime minister of the Israeli occupation government Benjamin Netanyahu announced recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, and his office unveiled plans to expand cooperation with the Somali region in various fields. (end) kns.maa.gb