EU raises concerns over US move on Jerusalem

By Ahmet Sait Akcay

ANKARA

The European Union on Wednesday raised concerns over the U.S. announcement on Jerusalem’s status, saying it might affect the peace process.

“The EU position remains unchanged. The aspirations of both parties must be fulfilled and a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both states,” EU foreign chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

She said the EU and its member states would "continue to respect the international consensus on Jerusalem embodied in, inter alia, UNSCR 478, including on the location of their diplomatic representations until the final status of Jerusalem is resolved".

The EU called on all parties on the ground and in the wider region “to show calm and restraint in order to prevent any escalation”.

She said: “The focus should remain on creating conditions for direct and meaningful negotiations that can resolve all final status issues.

“The EU stands ready to support this process and will continue to engage with both parties and its regional and international partners, including within the Quartet, towards this end.”

Referring to the two-state solution, she said: “A negotiated two-state solution, which fulfils the aspirations of both sides, is the only realistic way of bringing the lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. president announced his decision -- despite widespread opposition across the Middle East -- to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

During his election campaign last year, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.