The US will recognize Jerusalem as official capital of Israel, said US president Donald Trump in Washington. "I have come to conclusion that it is time to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel," Trump said. He also announced in his speech that US embassy in Israel should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He will have US Department of State to make preparations for transfer of embassy. "This process begins immediately," he said.

The status of Jerusalem is one of most controversial issues in Middle East conflict. Israel had occupied eastern part of city of 1967 and 1980 annexed; The Government also declared whole of Jerusalem to be its "eternal, indivisible capital". The Palestinians, for ir part, consider Israel annexed eastern as capital of ir future state. The annexation is not recognised by international community of States. All foreign embassies have thus far settled in Tel Aviv.

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, praised Trump's decision as "historical." He called on or states to follow demVorbild of United States and also to put ir messages to Jerusalem.

With move of embassy, Trump solves one of his campaign promises. The message will be a place of peace as soon as it is completed, Trump said. Dieendgültigen limits of Israeli sovereignty in city would have to be clarified in course of concluding negotiations. Trump pointed out that he did not take decision on a party in Middle East conflict. This would have to be solved by Israelis and Palestinians mselves. He is prepared to contribute to a two-state solution, provided that it is supported by parties concerned.

Worldwide protests

Trump also said his government was in favour of peace and security in region. As a result, Vice-president Mike Pence will travel to region in coming days to hold talks with all parties to conflict.

The US Congress had decided to move U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 1995. Trump's predecessor, however, always used a clause that would allow step to be postponed for anor six months. Trump had also approved postponement in his almost one-year term.

The Trumps plans, which had already been announced on Tuesday, caused turmoil worldwide. Turkey invited members of Organization for Islamic cooperation for next week to a special summit, Jordan and Palestinians requested an urgent meeting of Arab League. Among or things, China, Germany and United Kingdom warned against changing status of Jerusalem.

The Arab League predicted a flare-up of "fanaticism and violence". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described Jerusalem as a "red line for Muslims" and threatened to stop relations with Israel. Palestinian groups called for several-day protests that radically Islamic Hamas threatened with a new Palestinian uprising, third intifada. In a Schreibenan, US Department of State refore called on all representations to postpone not necessarily necessary Reisennach Israel, Jerusalem and West Bank until 20 December.

Date Of Update: 07 December 2017, 12:02