Arab Leaders Renew Rejection of US Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel

Arab leaders have renewed their rejection of the American Administration’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, describing the decision as illegal.

“We affirm the illegality of the American decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, as we categorically refuse to recognize Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as the capital of Israel, where East Al-Quds will remain the capital of the State of Palestine,” stated the Arab leaders in the final declaration issued at the end of the 29th Arab League Summit convened Sunday in the Saudi eastern city of Dhahran.

Arab leaders warned against taking any action that would change the current legal and political status of Al-Quds and called on world countries not to transfer their embassies to Jerusalem or to recognize it as the capital of Israel.

They also called on the international community to bear its responsibilities regarding the Israeli violations and the arbitrary measures that affect Al-Aqsa Mosque and its worshipers.

Arab leaders reaffirmed that the cause of Palestine is a priority cause for the entire Arab nation and stressed the Arab identity of occupied East Al-Quds as the capital of the State of Palestine.

They stressed the importance of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East as a strategic Arab option. They pointed out in this connection that the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted by all Arab countries at Beirut Summit in 2002, “is still the most comprehensive plan to address all final status issues, provides security, acceptance and peace to Israel with all Arab countries”.

They likewise reaffirmed their continued efforts to re-launch serious and effective Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations that will end the political stalemate resulting from the intransigence of Israeli positions.

“The conflict could be ended through a two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of 4 July 1967 with East Al-Quds as its capital. This is the way to achieve security and stability in the region,” the declaration said, affirming Arab countries’ rejection to all unilateral Israeli steps aimed at changing the facts on the ground and undermining the two-state solution.