At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, the United States defended Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce stated that Israel has the same right as any other country to establish diplomatic relations. Bruce criticized the Council's response, highlighting what she described as double standards in its handling of state recognition issues. She clarified that the United States has not changed its policy regarding Somaliland and has made no announcement about recognizing it. The debate comes just days before Somalia is set to assume the presidency of the Security Council.