Spokesman of the Secretary of the League of Arab States comments on the opening of a trade office for Brazil in Jerusalem

Ambassador Mahmoud Afifi, spokesman for the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, confirmed that Brazil's opening of a trade office in Jerusalem during the visit of the Brazilian president to Israel was a reaction to the Brazilian position.

"This action is a negative message for the Arab world," said Afifi in a press release, "The opening of representative offices in occupied Jerusalem does not serve peace efforts." This step is a flagrant violation of the principles of International law, Jerusalem is an occupied territory and prohibits the transfer of embassies or representative or commercial offices before resolving their status through negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides.

"This action by Brazil is a step in the wrong direction and will not necessarily lead to the development of Arab-Brazilian relations," said Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary general of the Arab League.

Afifi added that:

Since President Polsonaro took power, Brazilian positions have been the subject of follow-up and study by the Arab League, and the intentions announced recently, as well as the statements made during President Paulsonaro's visit to Israel, show a gradual and progressive decline in the attitude of Brazil, – It is based on respect for the principles of international law and the promotion of the legitimate rights of Palestinians, who constitute a solid foundation for strong relations between the Arab world and Brazil.

The spokesman expressed the hope that the Brazilian administration would manage its approaches wisely in the next stage and carefully study the consequences on its relations with the Arab world, peoples and governments.