Arab League condemns Australia’s decision to recognize West Jerusalem as capital of Israel

Cairo The Arab League strongly condemned Australia’s declaration to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, describing the decision as a serious violation of the international legal status of the city of Jerusalem and the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy and the UN Security Council.

The Arab League’s Assistant Secretary General for Palestine and the Occupied Arab Territories Ambassador Saeed Abu Ali said in a statement on Saturday that the decision was “blatantly biased towards the positions and policies of the Israeli occupation. He pointed out that the Australian move encourages Israel’s continued practices and its escalating aggression against the Palestinian people and their basic rights.

Abu Ali added that this decision is a disregard of international law and legitimacy, in frantic attempts aimed at destroying any chances for achieving a twostate solution that reflects the will of the international community. He noted that this irresponsible and biased Australian decision will have the repercussions for the peace prospects.

The ambassador drew attention that the decision also violates the requirements of achieving a just and comprehensive peace to end the Israeli occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He affirmed that the Arab League will seriously follow up Australia’s move, which will have an impact on the overall ArabAustralian relations.

Abu Ali recalled that the Arab position has been made clear on the issue of Jerusalem through the resolutions warning against the consequences of making such a decision, whether by Australia or other countries that may consider taking such a dangerous step, which will severely harm the peace process and relations with Arab states.

Source: International Islamic News Agency