Arab Writers Union voices concern over US move

DUBAI — The General Union of Arab Writers has voiced extreme concern on Tuesday over US President Donald Trump’s move to seriously examine the possibility of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem.

“If it is implemented, it will be a challenge to the feelings of four million Arab citizens in the world, who do believe that Palestine is occupied by people who came to the land from everywhere in the world, and they have no right to it, as modern states are not established on historically religious rights, but rather on geographical facts and latitudes and longitudes,” a statement released by the General Union of Arab Writers said.

Chairman of the General Union of Arab Writers, Habib Al Sayegh, who is also a noted Emirati poet, said all former US presidents had promised during their presidential election campaigns the relocation of US embassy to Jerusalem, with a view to gaining the sympathy of the Jewish American voters, but they all backed off on assuming office.

“They did so because they realised the danger of the decision and its reflection on both the present and the future,” he recalled.

Al Sayegh added: “All the international agreements and norms, and most of the UN Security Council resolutions recognise the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people in leading a decent life on its land, including the occupied Jerusalem, the right of the refugees to return to their homes and houses, to which they still have their keys.”

“This step will have catastrophic results and it is impossible for the Arabs and Muslims to accept,” he said.

He warned of an indignant wave of violence, which will not halt at the boundaries of Jerusalem and Palestine, but will extend to many other places in the world, “the thing which we don’t wish and no wise person will”.