Mogadishu (SANA)- Somalia on Wednesday condemned plans by the breakaway Somaliland region to open an embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move illegal and a violation of the country’s sovereignty.

In a statement, Somalia’s Foreign Ministry said Mogadishu rejected any unilateral actions affecting the country’s political and legal status and reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and territorial integrity.

The ministry described Somaliland region’s announcement as “legally invalid” and accused the region of provoking tensions in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Israel had become the first to formally recognize Somaliland separatist region, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained any international recognition.

Somalia previously rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland region, describing the move as a “deliberate attack” on Somali sovereignty.

Somalia said the latest developments violated international law and contradicted resolutions and decisions issued by regional and international organizations.

Source: SANA