Washington warned on embassy move

Peace could suffer if Trump administration goes ahead with plan, Palestine leader says

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday warned that peace could suffer if the incoming Trump administration goes ahead with plans to move the US embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Occupied Jerusalem.

Abbas made the comments as he inaugurated the Palestinian embassy to the Holy See following an audience with Pope Francis. Abbas said he had only heard of the proposal by US Presidentelect Donald Trump to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and couldn’t comment officially unless and until it happens.

But he added: “If this is the decision, to transfer the embassy to Jerusalem, it will not help peace and we hope it doesn’t happen.”

The Palestinians strongly oppose the move, saying it would kill any hopes for negotiating a peace deal and rile the region by undercutting Muslim and Christian claims to the holy city.

Trump hasn’t yet laid out a clear Mideast policy. He has also vowed to move the US embassy.

Paris talks today

Abbas’ meeting in Vatican comes as representatives from around 70 nations are to meet in Paris today to try to chart a course toward restarting moribund Israeli-Palestinian talks.

Dozens of countries are expected to reiterate their opposition to Israeli colonies and call for the establishment of a Palestinian state as “the only way” to ensure peace in the region.

The conference is expected to urge Israel and the Palestinians “to officially restate their commitment to the two-state solution.” It also will affirm that the international community “will not recognise” changes to Israel’s pre-1967 lines without agreement by both sides.