Turkey ‘disappointed’ by Kosovo’s move to recognize Israel
‘Even the thought by Kosovo officials of taking such a step — which is a clear violation of international law — is disappointing,’ Ankara says
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ISTANBUL, Turkey — Ankara on Sunday voiced disappointment over majority-Muslim Kosovo’s decision to recognize Israel and set up its mission in Jerusalem.
A vocal advocate of the Palestinian cause, Turkey became one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.
“Even the thought by Kosovo officials of taking such a step — which is a clear violation of international law — is disappointing,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
The ministry called on the Kosovo leadership to avoid steps that would harm the legal status of Jerusalem.
Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Serbia would become the first European country to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem.
Kosovo will also set up its Israel mission in Jerusalem and in exchange earn Israel’s recognition, as it seeks to further legitimize its statehood.
These decisions come out of a US-brokered agreement between the two Balkan rivals.
In a separate statement late Saturday, the Turkish foreign ministry said it was also “deeply concerned” by Serbia’s move.
Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in moves never recognized by the international community.
Israel considers the city its undivided capital, but Palestinians want it as the capital of a future state.
The United States in December 2017 recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and shifted its embassy from Tel Aviv to the city, sparking Palestinian outrage.
The Times of Israel Community.