Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced Monday that he is canceling the plan to open a Colombian embassy in the Palestinian Authority territories and closing 14 embassies worldwide, according to Abu Ali Express. The closures include embassies in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Romania, Senegal, and South Africa. Colombia will sever diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua while maintaining ties with all other countries.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced Monday afternoon that he is canceling the previous government's plan to open a Colombian embassy in the Palestinian Authority territories, and confirmed the closure of 14 embassies and the severing of diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua. He also announced the unification of Colombian diplomatic missions in France (UNESCO) and Italy (FAO).
The announcement follows a series of reports earlier today. At 12:34 Jerusalem, initial reports indicated that Colombia would close the Palestinian embassy in Bogotá and open an embassy in Jerusalem. By 12:59 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that de la Espriella had confirmed the closure of the Palestinian embassy and the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem, while a senior official outlined plans to close 14 embassies and sever ties with Cuba and Nicaragua. The president has now formally confirmed those plans, adding the cancellation of the PA embassy project.
The moves are part of a broader restructuring of Colombian foreign policy under de la Espriella, who has vowed to align with free nations and restore ties with Israel. As The Zioneer reported on June 25, he announced his first act would be opening an embassy in Jerusalem. On July 19, he announced withdrawal from the ICC case against Israel. The Zioneer also reported on July 2 that Israel published a tender for a new ambassador to Colombia, signaling the restoration of ties.
It remains unclear when the embassy closures and the cancellation of the PA embassy plan will take effect, and whether the unified missions in France and Italy will be operational immediately.
5 developments
- DevelopingSenior official plans to close 14 embassies, sever ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, Rozentzweig reports
- DevelopingColombia president-elect de la Espriella vows no ties with nations disrespecting democracy
- StrongColombia's new president announces first act: opening embassy in Jerusalem
- DevelopingColombia's incoming president announces withdrawal from ICC case against Israel
Source and signal
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