Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Hours after Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state,

the European Union reiterated the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in accordance with its constitution and the charters of the African Union and the United Nations. This is essential for the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region. A European statement issued in Brussels encouraged constructive dialogue between Somaliland and the Somali Federal Government to resolve long-standing disputes.

On Friday, the Israeli occupation state officially recognized Somaliland, a move unprecedented since the latter declared its independence from Somalia in 1991. Mogadishu condemned the move as a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty, while Egypt, Turkey, the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation denounced the Israeli action.

On the Arab front, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States announced that it would hold an emergency meeting of the League Council at the level of permanent representatives on Sunday to reaffirm the Arab rejection of Israel's recognition of Somaliland. The meeting is being held at the request of Somalia and with the support of the Arab League member states, according to a statement from the League's General Secretariat.

The statement indicates that the meeting aims to "reaffirm the Arab world's categorical rejection of any unilateral actions or decisions that would infringe upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and to emphasize adherence to the principles of international law and relevant resolutions of the League of Arab States and the African Union."

The statement also notes that the meeting aims to "reaffirm full Arab solidarity with Somalia and support for its legitimate institutions in a manner that contributes to maintaining security and stability in the region."