DAMASCUS, December 18, 2017 (WAFA) - Mikhail Bogdanov, Special Envoy of the Russian President for the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister, said the United States recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is a breach of international law.

During a meeting Monday with Anwar Abed al-Hadi, director of the Palestinian Liberation Organization‘s political Bureau in Damascus, Syria, Bogdanov stressed that Trump’s announcement is illegitimate and would cause peace process to fail.  

He also said that Russia’s position is clear and firm on East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state, stressing Russia’s support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Abed al-Hadi and Bogdanov discussed the latest development in the region, especially after Trump’s Jerusalem statements.

Bogdanov said Abbas’ speech during the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s summit in Istanbul, Turkey, was strong and will have the greatest impact on the international community in recognizing the Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Abed al-Hadi thanked Bogdanov and informed him of Abbas’ appreciation for Putin and his support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

K.T./M.H.