Call for Trump to revoke Jerusalem order
EGYPT: Arab foreign ministers yesterday demanded that the United States rescind President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, calling it a ‘‘grave’’ development that puts Washington on the same side as the occupation and the violation of international law.
In a strongly-worded resolution long on rhetoric but short on meaningful actions, the ministers also called for the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution condemning Trump’s decision. For example, the draft resolution obtained by The Associated Press did not include any punitive actions against the United States.
Arab diplomats said some Arab League members had wanted the resolution to include punitive measures against any country that follows the US example and recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. That, according to the diplomats, was considered too radical by moderate Arab nations and eventually dropped. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media.
Trump’s decision, said the resolution, stripped the US of its role as a ‘‘sponsor and broker’’ in the Middle East peace process. ‘‘It undermines efforts to bring about peace, deepens tension and will spark anger that will threaten to push the region to the edge of the abyss of violence, chaos and bloodshed.’’
Trump’s announcement on Jerusalem, and his intention to move the US. Embassy there, triggered denunciations from around the world, with even close allies suggesting he had needlessly stirred more conflict in an already volatile region.
Jerusalem’s status lies at the core of the Israeli-Palestinians conflict, and Trump’s move was widely perceived as siding with Israel. Even small crises over Jerusalem’s status and that of the holy sites in its ancient Old City have sparked deadly bloodshed in the past.
Protests continued yesterday in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, while in Cairo the head of Egypt’s largest Christian church announced that he would not meet US Vice President Mike Pence when he visits Cairo on December 20. A similar decision was taken Saturday by the head of Cairo’s alAzhar mosque, Sunni Islam’s top seat of learning.
The resolution adopted by the ministers reiterated that only the creation of an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital would end the ArabIsraeli conflict. - AP