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Palestinians slam Australia's move on Jerusalem

December 15, 2018
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks at The Sydney Institute in Sydney, Australia, Saturday. — Reuters
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks at The Sydney Institute in Sydney, Australia, Saturday. — Reuters

Ramallah — The Palestinian leadership on Saturday described as "irresponsible" Australia's recognition of west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying it violated international law.

The country became one of just a few to follow US President Donald Trump's lead and recognize the contested city as Israel's capital.

Australia said it would open a defense and trade office in the west of the holy city and Prime Minister Scott Morrison also committed to recognizing a future state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Most foreign nations avoided moving embassies there to prevent inflaming peace talks on the city's final status -- until Trump unilaterally moved the US embassy there earlier this year.

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said in a statement that the Australian decision to open a trade office in the city violated a United Nations resolution.

"From the beginning, we've perceived the Australian government's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital as one wherein petty domestic politics steer irresponsible policies that contradict world peace and security," he said in a statement.

"All of Jerusalem remains a final status issue for negotiations, while east Jerusalem, under international law, is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory," he added.

Morrison earlier Saturday announced his country's move on Jerusalem.

"Australia now recognizes west Jerusalem -- being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government -- is the capital of Israel," he said in Sydney.

"We look forward to moving our embassy to West Jerusalem when practical," he told reporters in Sydney.

Morrison also confirmed Australia's support for a two-state solution with a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem.

Morrison's unexpected announcement in October was viewed cynically at the time because it came days before a crucial by-election in an electorate with a strong Jewish representation, a poll his party subsequently lost.

It also drew criticism from Muslim-majority neighbors such as Indonesia and Malaysia, neither of whom formally recognize Israel's right to exist. Arab countries worried that the move would unnecessarily inflame tensions in the Middle East.

Indonesia's foreign ministry spokesman, Arrmanatha Nasir, noted that Australia had not moved its embassy to Jerusalem and called on all members of the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state "based on the principle of two-state solutions". — Agencies


December 15, 2018
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