RAMALLAH, December 25, 2017 (WAFA) - Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, Riyad al-Malki, Monday condemned Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales‘ recent announcement to move his country‘s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

He stressed that this move reflects Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales‘ insistence on dragging his country to the wrong side of history by committing a flagrant violation of international law as well as relevant United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, including most recently resolution ES10/19.

“This announcement is also a brazen act of disrespect and disregard to the collective positions of international alliances and groups Guatemala is part of, including the Non-aligned Movement,” said a press statement issued by the ministry.

Al-Malki slammed Morales‘ decision as a shameless act of lawlessness that also completely and utterly defies the sentiments of Church leaders in Jerusalem, who unanimously and unequivocally declared their opposition to challenging the status of Jerusalem or moving embassies to it.

He reiterated Pope France’s urgent call to refrain from any unilateral measures that alters the historical status quo of Jerusalem.

Al-Malki said, “Instead of expressing solidarity with the original Christians in Palestine, President Morales chose to act against their rights and status in the Holy Land on Christmas Eve. It is unconscionable.” 

Al-Malki stressed that the State of Palestine views this as a blatant act of hostility against the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and international law. Consequently, the State of Palestine will work with regional and international partners to confront this illegal decision, the statement concluded.

T.R.