Recently it was announced that Malawi intends to build an Embassy in Jerusalem, as Malawi was declared the first African country to do so. Following the announcement, it has been brought to President Lazarus Chakwera’s attention that the embassy is a violation of United Nations resolutions.

Security Council resolution 234 (2016), decided not to recognize any action that seeks to alter the character and Status of Jerusalem specifically called upon all States “that have established diplomatic missions at Jerusalem to withdraw such missions from the Holy City”. To emphasize the violation, Palestine President Special Envoy to Malawi, HE Hanan Jarrar, will hand over a letter from the Palestinian President, to President Lazarus Chakwera.

Under international law, East Jerusalem (inducing the Old City and its holy sites) are not legally part cf Israel. Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, the US and international community have refused to recognize the sovereignty of any country to any part of Jerusalem in the absence of permanent Arab-Israel peace agreement. Meanwhile. The envoy sent to Malawi will host a Press Conference today at 1pm, concerning the international laws, UN resolutions and way forward with the Embassy.