The opening of Kosovo’s embassy in Jerusalem caused outrage in Turkey, describing the move as “irresponsible” and “illegitimate”.
In a statement released to the press, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote that the decision taken by the leaders of a people that have “endured great suffering to win their independence” is “extremely unfortunate”.
Moreover, Turkish authorities added that the decision to open the embassy in Jerusalem, the city claimed by Palestinians for their future state, “ignores their difficult situation living under occupation for decades”, and described it as “extremely unfortunate”.
“By acting this way, Kosovar leaders have violated the established parameters of the peace process, including the relevant UN resolutions on the status of Jerusalem and damaged the vision for a two-state solution and peace hopes in the region”, the statement read.
The authorities urged the leaders of Kosovo to use “common sense” and renounce this “irresponsible step”, concluded the statement the Turkish foreign affairs ministry.
Kosovo established diplomatic ties with Israel following a Washington-brokered deal with Serbia. Kosovo agreed to open its embassy in Jerusalem, in exchange for its recognition as an independent state.
The move has also been criticized by the European Union as it goes against the foreign policy of the bloc, while Hungary is the only EU state to have a diplomatic office in Jerusalem.
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