Baghdad: Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, has strongly condemned the Republic of Nauru’s decision to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, labeling it as a clear breach of international law. This move, he argues, stands in direct opposition to international consensus regarding the legal and historical status of Jerusalem and attempts to legitimize an ongoing occupation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Yamahi emphasized that East Jerusalem is an inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian territories. He reiterated that any efforts to alter its legal status or demographic make-up are invalid and without legal consequence. He referenced United Nations Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478 from 1980, which explicitly call for non-recognition of actions that attempt to change Jerusalem’s status, urging countries not to establish diplomatic missions there.

Al-Yamahi stated that the establishment of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem does not confer any legitimacy upon the occupation nor does it alter the city’s status as occupied territory. He warned that such decisions embolden the occupying government to persist with its settlement policies, annexation plans, and attempts to Judaize the city, thereby undermining prospects for a fair peace.

The Speaker called on Nauru to revoke its decision and adhere to international law, asserting that Jerusalem’s status is not up for negotiation or subject to unilateral diplomatic maneuvers. He affirmed the Arab Parliament’s commitment to challenging any initiatives aimed at negating the legitimate national rights of Palestinians or entrenching the occupation of Jerusalem. Al-Yamahi concluded that lasting peace and stability can only be realized through ending the occupation and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.