Spain rejects “restrictions” that Israel plans to impose on the actions of its consulate in Jerusalem in response to Madrid’s recognition of a Palestinian state, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated Friday.
“This morning we sent a ‘note verbale’ to the Israeli government in which we reject any restriction on the normal activity of the Spanish consulate general in Jerusalem, as its status is guaranteed by international law,” he stated throughout an interview with radio Onda Cero.
“This status cannot therefore be changed unilaterally by Israel,” he stated, including Madrid had requested Israel “to reverse this decision”.
Israel’s international ministry stated Monday it had instructed the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem to cease providing consular providers to Palestinians from June 1 over Madrid’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
The ministry stated that Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem is “authorised to provide consular services to residents of the consular district of Jerusalem only, and is not authorised to provide services or perform consular activity vis-a-vis residents of the Palestinian Authority”.
Israeli Foreign Minister referred to as it a “punitive” measure following the Spanish authorities’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
Spain is among the European nations that has been most important of Israel over the battle in Gaza.
Last week, Spain, Ireland and Norway introduced their resolution to recognise the State of Palestine from Tuesday, May 28, drawing a powerful rebuke from Israel.
Source: www.anews.com.tr