The United States on Monday defended Israel’s decision at the United Nations to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway territory, and said Israel has the right to conduct diplomatic relations as a sovereign state.
Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce spoke at UN headquarters in New York and said Israel’s move fell within its foreign policy authority.
Bruce said the situation mirrored the recognition of a Palestinian state, which several UN member states already acknowledge and maintain diplomatic relations with.
She said countries differ on which entities they recognize as states, and the UN system allows those differences.
Bruce said the United States maintains its own policies on Somaliland and Palestinian statehood and will continue to follow established US positions.
She urged UN member states to respect each other’s recognition decisions and to address disputes through diplomacy.
Bruce said Washington supports continued UN dialogue on state recognition, regional stability, and the effects of bilateral diplomatic decisions.
She said US officials remain in contact with Israeli representatives and other concerned UN delegations on the diplomatic and security aspects of the Somaliland issue.
Bruce said the United States will update the UN Security Council and other UN bodies when discussions on regional peace and security require it.
She said Washington will continue participating in UN discussions on recognition practices and their impact on existing resolutions and frameworks.
