Jordan condemned today, Thursday, the opening of Papua New Guinea's embassy accredited to Israel in the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Sinan Majali, a spokesman for the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, said, "The opening of the embassy is an unacceptable and condemned step, and is a flagrant and gross violation of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy."

He added, "Any procedures or decisions aimed at changing the status of the city of Jerusalem or its legal status are considered null and void and have no legal effect."

Diplomatic relations began for the first time between Papua New Guinea and Israel in 1978, nearly 3 years after the first gained its independence from Australia.