MADRID: Spain has rejected any restrictions that the Israeli occupation government intends to impose on the activities of its consulate in occupied Jerusalem in response to Madrid’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced today that a verbal note was sent to the Israeli government, rejecting any limitations on the regular activities of the Spanish General Consulate in Jerusalem, emphasizing that its status is guaranteed under international law.
“We have made it clear that this status cannot be unilaterally altered by Israel,” Albares said in an interview with Onda Cero radio. He also mentioned that Madrid has requested the Israeli government to reconsider its decision.
Earlier this week, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had asked the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem to cease providing consular services to Palestinians in the West Bank from June 1, due to Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine.
The ministry stated that “the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem is authorized to provide consular services only to residents of the consular district of Jerusalem and is not authorized to offer services or conduct consular activities for residents of the area under the Palestinian Authority.”
Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, officially recognized the State of Palestine last week, a decision that came into effect on May 28 and provoked strong reactions from the Israeli government.
In related developments, the Slovenian government announced on Thursday that it has decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, referring the decision to the Slovenian Parliament for approval next Tuesday.
