US, Botswana differ on Jerusalem's status

07 Décembre 2017

Gaborone, Botswana, December 7 (Infosplusgabon) - Botswana has condemned the United States of America’s ‘regressive decision’ to recognise Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel.

“This decision is condemned in that it is contrary to the strong international consensus which affirms that the status of Jerusalem should be determined through a negotiation process between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine,” reads a statement issued by foreign affairs ministry on Thursday.

Jerusalem is being claimed by Israel and Palestine as their capital city.

Botswana’s statement said the status of Jerusalem is critical to the amicable resolution of the protracted Israeli and Palestinian conflict.

“The policy stance taken by the United States will therefore not only undermine international efforts towards a negotiated settlement, but it also compromises the role of the USA as a neutral facilitator in the Peace Process.”

Botswana has urged the United States to reconsider its decision in the interest of preserving the integrity of the peace process and the efforts invested in it thus far.

In addition, the foreign affairs ministry says the call is for the advancement of international peace and security.

Botswana said US should observe that the international community has refrained from making any pronouncements in favour of one side or the other.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/IYT/GABON 2017

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