Riyaz ul Khaliq
25 October 2019•Update: 25 October 2019
ANKARA
Malaysia will open its embassy exclusively accredited to Palestine, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced on Friday.
Addressing the 18th summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Azerbaijan, Mahathir criticized the silence of international community for “doing nothing” against Israeli actions, Malaysia’s Bernama news agency reported.
"We know that Israel will not allow Malaysia to open an embassy in the Occupied Territory. As such, we will open the embassy in Jordan," Mahathir announced.
Currently, Malaysia’s envoy to Egypt is also accredited to Palestine.
He said that embassy will be accredited to Palestine which will enable extension of aid to the Palestinians more easily.
Leaders and representatives of at least 120-member countries of the NAM are meeting in Baku.
"I would also like to bring to this occasion on the fate that awaits our poor Palestinian brothers. Palestine remains occupied by a brutal regime. This regime continues to expand illegal settlements on land that rightfully belongs to the Palestinians," the 94-year-old leader said.
"It is unfortunate that a world organization set up by powerful nations now sees those very people ignoring the resolutions of that world body. Now, we see others doing the same,” Mahathir added.
The Malaysia premier slammed Israel for its plans to annex parts of the West Bank well as claiming Jerusalem as its capital.
"Many western countries are supporting this move by relocating or vowing to relocate their embassies there. Malaysia does not agree with this," he said, calling on NAM member countries that have relocated their Israel’s embassies to Jerusalem or are planning to do so to reconsider their decision.
