Kuwait and Arab League Urge Colombia to Reverse Jerusalem Embassy Opening

Kuwait, together with the Arab League, has condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions and urging Bogota to reverse the step.

The league noted that unilateral steps altering Jerusalem’s legal or political status damage peace initiatives and lessen the likelihood of a just, enduring settlement founded on the two‑state model.

Condemnation by Kuwait and the Arab League

In its Wednesday statement, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said it completely rejects the opening of the embassy and any move that would change the current legal and historical standing of occupied Jerusalem. It urged the international community and the UN Security Council to carry out their duties in opposing efforts to create a new situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ministry also restated Kuwait’s firm backing for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, highlighting as a priority the creation of an independent Palestinian state along the lines of June 4 1967, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital.

On Wednesday, the Arab League issued a statement denouncing Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, calling on the Colombian authorities to reconsider and withdraw the step, which it said runs counter to international legitimacy resolutions that treat East Jerusalem as part of the occupied Palestinian territories and as the capital of the Palestinian State.

Legal Basis and References to UN Resolutions

The league added that the decision runs against the global agreement on Jerusalem and erodes the Palestinian people’s legitimate national rights, even after earlier warnings and contacts with Colombian officials. It emphasized that the city’s legal status cannot be changed by one‑sided actions or diplomatic moves that break international law. It pointed to UN Security Council Resolution 478 from 1980, which dismisses any attempt to modify Jerusalem’s character or status and urges states to pull back their diplomatic missions from the city. It also noted Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016, which states that any alteration to the June 4 1967 boundaries — including those related to Jerusalem — will not be accepted unless the concerned parties agree through negotiation.

Call for Reversal and Regional Implications

The league reaffirmed that East Jerusalem serves as the capital of Palestine and said that a fair, all‑encompassing settlement depends on creating an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. It also called on Colombia to act in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and the pertinent international resolutions, underlining that protecting Jerusalem’s legal status is a duty of the international community and that steps taken unilaterally do not help to achieve peace or stability.