Morrison confirms Australia’s recognition of W. Jerusalem; East Jerusalem to be recognized as Palestinian following peace agreement; Foreign Ministry: Israel congratulates the government of Australia for its stance regarding sanctions on Iran and also regarding its pro-Israel position at the UN and against anti-semitism.
Australia announced its recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city over the weekend.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement during a speech on Australia’s foreign policy on Saturday, confirming that Australia would not relocate its embassy to Jerusalem, but would open security and defense offices in West Jerusalem.
Morrison was quoted stating “Australia now recognizes West Jerusalem, being the seat of the [Israel’s parliament] Knesset and many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel… recognizing our commitment to a two-state solution, the Australian Government has also resolved to acknowledge the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with its capital in East Jerusalem.”
He reported that Australia would recognize East Jerusalem as Palestinian following a peace agreement with Israel, stating “All of Jerusalem remains a final status issue for negotiations, while East Jerusalem, under international law, is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory.”
On the Iran nuclear deal he stated “The agreement does not address Iran’s destabilizing activities in the Middle East and beyond. It does not address Iran’s proliferation of ballistic missiles and technology, and support for terrorist groups. These are activities that the global community must act on.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry praised the recognition, releasing the statement “Israel views the decision of the Australian government to open its trade and defense office in Jerusalem as a step in the right direction. Israel congratulates the government of Australia for its stance regarding sanctions on Iran and also regarding its pro-Israel position at the UN and against anti-semitism.”
The decision was condemned by neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as several Arab states and Palestinian factions. Malaysia responded to the announcement claiming it is “premature and a humiliation to the Palestinians and their struggle for the right to self determination.” The Arab League officially condemned the decision on Saturday.
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