JERUSALEM, December 07, 2017 (WAFA) – Italy Thursday said it will continue to abide by relevant United Nations resolutions and maintain its embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv, an official response which came after US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.  

In a press release issued Thursday, Italian Foreign Minister Angelini Alfano said “a solution for Jerusalem as a future capital of two states must be sought between Israelis and Palestinians through negotiations in the context of the peace process based on two states, taking into account the legitimate expectations of both.”

The press release added, “Until this happens, Italy will continue to abide by the relevant UN resolutions and to maintain its embassy to the state of Israel in Tel Aviv.”

Italy further expressed concerns over the repercussions of Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying “The Italian position on Jerusalem is and remains anchored to the European one and to the international consensus reached within the UN.”

It appealed to “the sense of responsibility of all actors in Palestine and in the region to avoid accidents and violence from which no one would benefit.”

“For Italy, it is now, together with the EU partners - and in contact with regional and international actors - to assess the situation and reflect on possible European initiatives to contribute to a substantial re-launch of the peace process with the prospect of the two states solution, which must be preserved as it remains the only one that is realistically possible.”

K.F/M.H