Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki
Palestine decried Australia announcing it will consider moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, calling any such move a violation of international law.
"We are disheartened by hearing such news. Australia clearly does not respect UN Security Council resolutions," said Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki on Tuesday, visiting Jakarta, Indonesia.
Al-Maliki warned Australia is risking its trade and business relations with the world, especially Arab and Muslim countries.
"I hope Australia will reconsider its plans before taking such action," he said.
The possible move was announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, while adding that his country would continue to support a two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian issues.
Al-Maliki also praised Indonesian leaders for contacting Morrison immediately to protest the idea.
"The communication between Indonesian and Australian officials is very helpful to remind Australia that this step is inappropriate and violates international law," he said.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday warned Australia of “grave consequences” of relocating the country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.In a statement, the Jeddah-based body called on Canberra “not to take such an illegal step, which constitutes a violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions”.OIC Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen said Jerusalem is part of Palestinian land occupied by Israel in 1967.“[OIC] rejects any action or attempt that would prejudice the legal status of the occupied city of Jerusalem,” he said in the statement.Palestine slams Australia’s Jerusalem embassy moveHe went on to call on Australia to support the two-state solution with a view to achieving peace and promoting regional and world security.Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that he was “open to” relocating his country’s embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the city as the capital of Israel.“We’re committed to a two-state solution, but frankly, it hasn’t been going that well,” Morrison said. “Not a lot of progress has been made. And you don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results.” Morrison said the idea was suggested to him by former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma, who is a candidate for the ruling conservative Liberal Party in a by-election Saturday in a Sydney electorate with a large Jewish population.Australia's shift in Israel policy could hurt ties with Arab nations, Egypt envoy saysIn December, U.S. President Donald Trump triggered world outcry after unveiling plans to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city as the capital of Israel.Ever since, the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah has rejected any U.S. role in the stumbling Middle East peace process.Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
OIC warns Australia over Jerusalem embassy move
Indonesian, Australian leaders talk Jerusalem
Indonesian President Joko Widodo "has talked with the Australian premier as this is an important and serious matter for Indonesia,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also spoke with her Australian counterpart and Morrison.
“Indonesia continues to support a two-state solution,” Marsudi told a joint press conference alongside al-Maliki.
“We hope Australia will also respect UN Security Council resolutions, support the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, and not take steps which could harm world stability,” she added.
She stressed that a two-state solution is the basic principle that must be maintained to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s signal that he was considering the relocation of the Australian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.“Considering this issue [moving the embassy] is against international law and UN resolutions," the ministry said in a statement.“[This move] hinders the achievement of peace and encourages Israel not to sit down and negotiate with the Palestinians,” it warned.Morrison said that he was “open to” relocating his country’s embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the city as the capital of Israel.Israeli policewoman shot Palestinian for ‘fun’“We’re committed to a two-state solution, but frankly, it hasn’t been going that well,” Morrison said. “Not a lot of progress has been made. And you don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results.”Morrison said the idea was suggested to him by former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma, who is a candidate for the ruling conservative Liberal Party in a by-election Saturday in a Sydney electorate with a large Jewish population.In December, U.S. President Donald Trump triggered world outcry after unveiling plans to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city the capital of Israel.Australia's shift in Israel policy could hurt ties with Arab nations, Egypt envoy saysEver since, the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah has rejected any U.S. role in the stumbling Middle East peace process.Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
Palestine slams Australia’s Jerusalem embassy move