CAIRO, December 9, 2017 (WAFA) - Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki Friday said US President Donald Trump‘s decision deprived his country of the ability to play a role in the peace process. 

Al-Malki said in a press conference held Saturday evening in Cairo that the US has excluded itself from having a role in the peace process in the region, including its role in the Quartet, because the decision shows the extent of US’s bias towards Israel and against the Palestinian people.

"We came today to attend an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers to discuss the issue of US recognition of Jerusalem and to know what action could be taken. We will ask all countries that recognize Palestine to recognize East Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the state of Palestine, for both Christians and Muslims.”

He said the state of Palestine rejects the US decision in its entirety and will not deal with it, describing it as illegitimate.

He added, “All options are open to the Palestinian leadership to deal with the US move, and we will act at the highest diplomatic, political and legal levels.”

“By making this decision, the US administration transferred itself from the role of mediator to becoming a side in the conflict. This is incompatible with any role the US can play in the peace process.”

Al-Malki said Israel had tried to pressure other countries to recognize Jerusalem as its capital.

He pointed out that he will ask many countries to reject the US decision and deem it illegal, stressing that the silence of some countries is not only unacceptable but is a contribution to the crime.

He explained that next Wednesday will see a meeting of foreign ministers of Islamic countries in Istanbul, at the invitation of Turkey, and will be followed by the summit meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

M.H