MOSCOW, December 19, 2017 (WAFA) – Russia Tuesday expressed regret over the US veto of a draft resolution that would require the US to rescind its decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, said a press release by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The statement said, “Washington’s reaction to the resolution contradicts with its role as a peace mediator for the Middle East peace process. The US veto came against the international community’s stance on the issue of Jerusalem.”

The draft resolution proposed and drafted by Egypt affirmed that “any decisions and actions which purport to have altered, the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”

The resolution, which was backed by 14 nations, came in reaction to US President Donald Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a step that was condemned by world leaders.

T.R./M.H.