Moving embassy back to Tel Aviv 'closed issue': Paraguay

Moving the Paraguayan embassy back to Tel Aviv is a “closed issue” and is one that complies with international law, Asuncion’s foreign minister Luis Alberto Castiglioni said.

“This is a state decision and a government decision. According to the constitution the government is responsible for its international relations,” Castiglioni added, according to Israeli newspaper Maariv.

Paraguay angered Israel last month when it announced it has decided to overturn the decision shortly after Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Maliki took a trip to Asuncion.  

Malki travelled to Paraguay in August to attend the inauguration of newly elected President Mario Abdo Benitez.

During his visit, he requested Benitez and the Paraguayan foreign ministry to withdraw the decision to moving the embassy to Jerusalem, in return for Maliki not taking Paraguay to the International Court of Justice for what is widely viewed as an illegitimate move.

After reaching an agreement, the two countries kept quiet about the agreement until the move actually occurred.

Israel retaliated to Paraguay by closing its embassy in Asuncion, saying the surprise move has tainted bilateral relations between the two countries.

After the move, Palestinians and supporters of Palestine were quick to express their excitement on social media, with some even hoping the US would do the same.

Agencies contributed to this report.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab