Colombia Appoints First Ambassador to Ramallah: “Palestine and Israel Must Coexist”
Diplomatic Shift in Relations
In a significant diplomatic development, Colombia has appointed its first ambassador to the Palestinian Authority, marking a notable shift in the South American country’s foreign policy. This decision comes nearly a year after Colombia severed ties with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the appointment of Jorge Iván Ospina, a former mayor of Cali and a close ally of President Gustavo Petro, who has been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s military actions.
Context of the Appointment
The decision to establish an embassy in Ramallah was announced by President Gustavo Petro in May of the previous year, shortly after the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel. The move was part of Petro’s firm stance against Israel’s operations in Gaza, which he has likened to acts of Nazism. Ospina’s appointment was approved by Palestinian authorities on May 5, following a directive signed by Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia.
Ambiguities Surrounding the Role
Ospina has communicated to AFP (Agence France-Presse) that it is still unclear whether he will operate from Ramallah or a neighboring country. He emphasized the need for dialogue with Israel to facilitate the establishment of the Colombian embassy in Ramallah. “As a country, we recognize the Palestinian state. We acknowledge that the Palestinian state and the state of Israel must coexist,” he stated.
Background of Jorge Iván Ospina
Ospina has a background in leftist movements in Colombia and is the son of Iván Marino Ospina, a notable figure in the M-19 guerrilla group, which President Petro was also part of. His appointment reflects Colombia’s evolving diplomatic stance and its commitment to recognizing the Palestinian cause.
In conclusion, this diplomatic shift represents Colombia’s stance on the need for peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel, highlighting an increasingly critical approach towards Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict