RIYADH, December 5, 2017 (WAFA) – Saudi Foreign Ministry Tuesday warned of serious implications should the US recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, according to the Saudi Press Agency, WAS.

It quoted an official source at the Foreign Ministry expressing Saudi Arabia’s “grave and deep concern” over media reports that US President Donald Trump plans to make such recognition and relocate the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The source added that Saudi Arabia “views the US step, if taken, to be in contradiction of the principle of not affecting final status negotiations, and contradicts international resolutions that emphasize the historical and firm rights of the Palestinian people regarding Jerusalem, which cannot be changed, nor can an attempt to impose a new reality upon it be made.”

“This step, if taken, will constitute a fundamental change, and an unwarranted shift in the United States‘ impartial position, at a time when the world looks to the United States of America to work on achieving the desired progress in the peace process,” the source added.

“This step will have serious implications and will further complicate the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It will also obstruct the ongoing efforts to revive the peace process.”

“This step will also provoke the sentiments of Muslims throughout the world in light of the great importance and the pivotal status of Jerusalem,” he affirmed.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the source “stressed the importance that the US administration takes into consideration the grave and negative consequences of this step.”

He expressed his country’s hopes that “the US administration does not take such a step in order to avoid compromising the ability of the United States to continue its efforts to achieve a just resolution for the Palestinian cause in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant International resolutions.”

The source also stressed his country’s “unwavering position regarding Jerusalem and its firm and lasting support for the Palestinian people towards realizing their legitimate rights and establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

K.F./M.K.