NEW YORK, December 8, 2017 (WAFA) - The United Nations General Assembly Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) Friday strongly urged the Government of the United States of America to rescind its decisions to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to transfer the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
In a press statement the committee said, "These unilateral actions are in flagrant violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 476 (1980) and 478 (1980) and most recently resolution 2334 (2016), as well as a number of General Assembly resolutions, including resolution 181 (II) and most recently resolution A/72/15."
The Committee strongly denounced the decision and added that it "will only further embolden Israel, the occupying Power, in pursuing its illegal actions, including its unlawful annexation of East Jerusalem, and heighten tensions, with far-reaching repercussions and unimaginable consequences in the wider Middle East region and throughout the world."
"The City of Jerusalem, a fulcrum of the Question of Palestine, is of special importance to both Israelis and Palestinians and holds unique spiritual, religious and cultural dimensions and heritage as a sacred city to the followers of the three monotheistic religions,” and reiterated that "The international community, through the United Nations, has condemned all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem and stated that it will not recognize changes to the 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.”
The Committee further said that the international community has repeatedly underscored that a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of the City of Jerusalem should take into account the legitimate concerns of both the Palestinian and Israeli sides and should include internationally guaranteed provisions to ensure the freedom of religion and of conscience of its inhabitants, as well as permanent, free and unhindered access to the holy places by people of all religions and nationalities.
Stressing the need for urgent collective efforts to promote peace and security through an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, the Committee called for the intensification of all international and regional undertakings towards this goal, including those related to the preservation of the two-State solution, based on the pre-1967 lines and with East Jerusalem as the capital of the independent State of Palestine.
Lastly, the Committee reaffirmed its longstanding support and solidarity with the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and legitimate national aspirations, including their right to self-determination and freedom in an independent State of Palestine, living in peace with all its neighbours.
M.H
