Jerusalem: Trump informs Abbas about planned transfer of the U.S. Embassy

In a phone call with Palestinian President Abbas reaffirms President Trump: he wants to relocated the US representation to Jerusalem. When this should happen, remains open.

Jerusalem: Trump informs Abbas about planned transfer of the U.S. Embassy
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US President Donald Trump has informed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about his intention to "transfer US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem". This was shared by Abbas's office after a telephone call between Trump and Palestinian leader. The statement did not, however, indicate wher Trump would seek to move US embassy in Israel immediately or at a later date.

According to data, Abbas warned "against dangerous effects of such a decision on peace process, security and stability in region and world". The Palestinian president reaffirmed "resolute stance" of Palestinians that "re could be no Palestinian state without East Jerusalem as capital", as is also foreseen in resolutions and international law.

The United Nations rejected a unilateral change in status of Jerusalem. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that situation of city must be clarified in negotiations. The UN wanted to wait for an official announcement as to wher Trump would put US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Dujarric said.

The status of Jerusalem is one of biggest disputes in Middle East conflict. After eastern part of city was occupied by Israel 1967 and 1980 annexed, Israeli Government proclaimed eastern and western part of city as "eternal, indivisible capital". At same time, East Jerusalem is also capital of its future state for Palestinians. This is also why international community does not recognise annexation. The expression is that all foreign embassies are located in Tel Aviv.

So far, United States has held this policy, even though US Congress had already decided to 1995 embassy to Jerusalem. Since n, however, all US presidents have made use of a clause which allows m to postpone decision for a period of six months. Even Trump has already decided to postpone it since he took office. However, he had declared during election campaign that he would be president of embassy. A White House spokesman said that Trump was not asking wher embassy would be moved to Jerusalem, but when.

Fear of a new intifada

This Monday deadline was again expired. The White House, however, let date pass, Trump postponed his decision. According to presidential office, it should fall in coming days, according to US State Department, Trump is still weighing "options" and wants to announce his vote in a speech. In Washington, it was speculated that this is already happening this Wednesday. According to a representative of US government, Trump will n declare that he postpones decision on transfer of message.

Trump International's expected decision is already taking care of growing fears of a new intifada. European politicians, including federal Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, urged US to seek a negotiated solution to Jerusalem issue. The EU external representative Federica Mogherini insisted that " status of Jerusalem as future capital of both states" must be Verhandlungengelösted after a meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Brussels. Similarly, France's president Emmanuel Macron had spoken on Monday in a phone call with Trump.

Arab politicians even spoke of a new "conflagration in Middle East," Trump should actually place US embassy in Jerusalem – and thus recognize city as capital of Israel. The Arab League fears a flare-up of "fanaticism and violence". The PLO envoy in Washington, Hussam Somlot, spoke of a "death knell for two-state solution," radical Islamic Hamas movement threatened with a renewed uprising in Palestinian territories. "Mr. Trump, Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims," warned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Arabia spoke of a "provocation" for Muslims who would have disastrous consequences.

Date Of Update: 06 December 2017, 12:02
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