China opposes Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Beijing, Dec 29 (PTI) China on Monday said it firmly opposes Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland as an "independent sovereign state" and its agreement to "establish diplomatic relations" with it.

Israel on Friday became the first country to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid a descent into conflict.

Beijing firmly supports Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any moves that undermine Somali territorial integrity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here.

Lin said the Somaliland issue is entirely an internal affair of Somalia and should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution.

Countries outside the region should cease inappropriate interference, and no country should incite or support separatist forces within another nation for its own selfish interests, he said.

"We urge the Somaliland authorities to recognise the situation, and immediately cease separatist activities and collusion with external forces," he said While the federal government of Somalia immediately issued a statement firmly rejecting the move, regional organisations including the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation, Lin said.

According to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international laws, Somaliland is an integral part of the Somali territory, he said. PTI KJV GRS GRS GRS