Countries at the United Nations raised concerns over whether Israels recognition of Somaliland could lead to the future relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the establishment of military bases there.

Israel announced on Friday that it was officially recognising Somaliland, becoming the first country to do so since the self-proclaimed republic declared in 1991 that it had unilaterally separated from Somalia.

Somaliland, which has for decades pushed for international recognition, holds a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passport and army.

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Regional backlash

Israels move was criticised by the African Union, Egypt, Turkey, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The European Union said Somalias sovereignty should be respected.

Arab LeagueUN Ambassador Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz told the UN Security Council on Monday that the22-member regional organisation rejects "any measures arising from this illegitimate recognition aimed at facilitating forced displacement of the Palestinian people or exploiting northern Somali ports to establish military bases".

Pakistans deputy UN ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon echoed the criticism, telling the council that the recognition of Somaliland was unlawful.

He said Israels past references to Somaliland as a possible destination for Palestinians were deeply troubling, especially in relation to Gaza.

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'Double standards'

The US defended Israels right to recognise Somaliland at the meeting, comparing it to the recognition of aPalestinian stateby several countries.

Israel has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state, Tammy Bruce, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, said during the session.

She added that earlier this year several countries had chosen to recognise what she described as a nonexistent Palestinian state, accusing council members of applying double standards.

Despite defending Israels decision, US President Donald Trump has said he opposes recognition of Somaliland. Bruce told the council on Monday that there has been no change in American policy.

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Somalia response

As one of the current members of theSecurity Council, Somalia's ambassador Abukar Osman condemned Israel's recognition.

This act of aggression is aimed at encouraging fragmentation of the territory of Somalia, he said, urging the UN to reject the move.

He said he spoke for other council members Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone who "unequivocally reject any steps aimed at advancing this objective, including any attempt by Israel to relocate the Palestinian population fromGazato the northwestern region of Somalia".

Osman said he was speaking on behalf of fellow council members Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, who he said unequivocally reject any steps aimed at advancing this objective, including any attempt by Israel to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza to the northwestern region of Somalia.

Several member states reaffirmed their support for Somalias unity without directly naming Israel. UK ambassador James Kariuki said Britain supported the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.

Israel's coalition government, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in its history, includes far-right politicians who advocate the annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank and encouraging Palestinians to leave their homeland.

But Israels Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Miller told the council the choice to recognise Somaliland "was not a hostile step towards Somalia, nor does it preclude future dialogue between the parties. Recognition is not an act of defiance. It is an opportunity," he said.

Israel said last week it would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. Somaliland hopes the move will encourage other countries to follow, boosting its diplomatic standing and access to global markets.

(with newswires)

Originally published on RFI