The Arab League has strongly condemned the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to Hargeisa, describing it as a violation of the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
A press release issued by the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Abul Qayt, stated that the visit is a clear attempt to legitimize a separate territory independent of the rest of Somalia, an issue that the Arab League strongly opposes.
The Arab League reiterated its position that it fully supports the territorial integrity and independence of Somalia, and will not accept any formal or informal relations with any administration outside the federal government.
The Arab League also said that this Israeli move could further fuel political tensions and insecurity in the Horn of Africa region, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the African continent as a whole.
The spokesman for the Arab League, Jamal Rushdi, noted that the League has previously taken clear decisions opposing any foreign intervention that undermines the Palestinian cause or establishes foreign military bases in Arab and African countries.
Finally, the Arab League pledged to continue its political, diplomatic and technical support to the Somali government, to preserve the unity, stability and independence of the country.
