Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

 
China expresses grave concern over and firm opposition to Israel's recognition of Somaliland and has noticed a vast number of regional countries have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation, Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Lin made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing on December 26 that Israel "officially recognizes" Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and  Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declaring that Israel and Somaliland have signed an agreement on mutual "recognition" and the establishment of full "diplomatic relations." 

China notes that the Federal Government of Somalia issued a statement immediately to firmly reject this act. Regional organizations including the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States (LAS), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as a vast number of regional countries, have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation.

In accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, Somaliland is an inalienable part of Somalia's territory. China firmly supports Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any act that undermines Somalia's territorial integrity, Lin said. 

The issue of Somaliland is purely an internal affair of Somalia, which should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution. External countries should stop improper interference. No country should incite or support separatist forces in other countries for its own selfish interests, according to Lin.

"We urge the Somaliland authorities to recognize the prevailing situation, and immediately cease separatist activities and their collusion with external forces," Lin noted. 


Global Times