RAMALLAH, Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh today welcomed the Australian government’s decision to reverse its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel while affirming its commitment to the two-state solution and rejecting any attempts to undermine it.
The Prime Minister said in a statement that the Australian government’s decision is in line with international law and international legitimacy, and enhances the chances of establishing an independent Palestinian state. It is also a message to Israel that the world will not accept its annexation of the Palestinian territories.
Shtayyeh praised his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, leader of the Labor Party, and his government for this “wise and bold decision, which expresses Australia’s respect and alignment with the values of truth, justice and freedom, and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, sanctioned by international legitimacy.”
He expressed hope that Australia will recognize the State of Palestine on the June 4, 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as its capital.
Australia announced today the revocation of its recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing the decision taken by the previous conservative government.
Foreign Minister Benny Wong confirmed the decision, stressing that “Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people.”
She said that Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which the future Palestinian state and Israel coexist in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders, adding that Australia would not support an approach that would undermine this.
“Australia’s Embassy has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv,” said the Foreign Minister.
The decision to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was made by former Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, in 2018. However, Australia’s new Labor government said it would reverse Morrison’s move.
Source: Palestine News & Info Agency