Jordan condemns Israel's decision to revoke status of Norwegian diplomats

AMMAN, Jordan

Jordan on Friday condemned Israel's decision to revoke accreditation of Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority.

The "unprecedented move fits within the provocative measures taken by the Israeli government against those who recognize the State of Palestine and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It added that Israel's reaction to several European countries that recently recognized the state of Palestine is "in direct opposition to international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."

Earlier on Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned Israel's decision on the Norwegian diplomats.

The US State Department took a more restrained tone, saying the Israeli decision was not "helpful."

"We don't think steps to prevent them from playing that role are particularly helpful," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry revoked the accreditation of eight Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Palestinian Authority in response to Oslo’s recognition of Palestinian statehood in May.

Norway joined Spain and Ireland in recognizing Palestine as a state, a move that infuriated Israel. Slovenia and Armenia also followed suit in June.

Israel vowed to take measures against those countries.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar