Turkey has opposed Kosovo’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem and has called on leaders to reconsider.
They said that such a decision could aggravate the situation in Palestine and hinder Kosovo’s chance of recognition. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement in which they said Pristina should respect United Nations resolutions that stress the conflict between Palestine and Israel can only be achieved through “establishment of an independent, sovereign, and the contiguous State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
The decisions to open the embassy in Jerusalem was announced by Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti following the signing of documents in Washington which also established diplomatic relations with Israel
The Turkish ministry added: “It’s disappointing that such a step, which would constitute a clear violation of international law, is even considered by the Kosovo authorities.”
“Turkey, one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo, has also provided great support for the efforts towards the international recognition of this country from the very outset. However, we do not find it right to build this process against international law and especially upon the suffering of the Palestinian people whose territories are under occupation,” they further added.
In return for opening an embassy in Jerusalem, Israel will recognise Kosovo.
