Move may hit ties with Arabs

Ambassadors from 13 Arab countries met in Canberra yesterday, concerned that Australia’s proposed move to consider recognising occupied Jerusalem as Israel’s capital could damage peace prospects there, Egypt’s ambassador said.

“We have agreed that we will send a letter to the foreign minister expressing our worries and our concern about such a statement,” Mohammad Khairat, Egypt’s ambassador to Australia told journalists.

“Any decision like that might damage the peace process ... this will have very negative implications on the relations between Australia and not only Arab countries but many other (Islamic countries) as well.”