The Federal Government does not support this attitude because the status of Jerusalem is to be negotiated within the framework of a two-state solution: Angela Merkel.
We condemn the decision of US administration, which would put the region and even the world on the brink of a new conflict: Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jafari
BERLIN (IANS) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that Germany does not support US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel.
“The Federal Government does not support this attitude because the status of Jerusalem is to be negotiated within the framework of a two-state solution,” Xinhua news agency quoted spokesperson Steffen Seibert as saying on behalf of Merkel.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump announced that he formally recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, while ordering to immediately begin the process of relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Although the US Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 which required the relocation of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, former US presidents, including George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, consistently renewed a presidential waiver to delay the relocation out of consideration for national security interests.
US decision on Jerusalem brings new conflict: Iraq
Iraq condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, saying the move would put the region on the “brink of a new conflict,” Iraqi Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
“We condemn the decision of US administration, which would put the region and even the world on the brink of a new conflict,” Xinhua quoted Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jafari as saying.
“This step will create an atmosphere of tension and deepen the state of violation that Palestine has suffered for a long time,” Jafari added.
Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Wednesday also issued a statement and reaffirms Iraq’s permanent position and support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people.
India non-commital on Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
Meanwhile, India on Thursday declined to comment on US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, saying its position on Palestine “is independent and consistent”.
“India’s position on Palestine is independent and consistent. It is shaped by our views and interests, and not determined by any third country,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to queries.
The Indian statement comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expected visit to India early next year.
Trump on Wednesday announced that the US now recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, describing the move as “a long overdue step” to advance the Middle East peace process evoking strong reactions from Arab and European capitals.
