Palestinians Insist Opening US Embassy in Jerusalem A Violation of International Law

Rasa - As the date to open the US Embassy in Jerusalem set for May 14 approaches, Palestinian officials reiterated on Monday warning that this move encompasses a grave violation of international law.

News ID: 437572

Date: 08 May 2018 - 22:02

RNA - Saeb Erekat, Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), told foreign diplomats he met with that opening the US Embassy in Jerusalem violates international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, WAFA reported.

“By recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving its Embassy thereto, the [US President Donald] Trump administration is violating its obligations under international law, including UNSCR 478, and the US own commitments towards the peace process,” he said

“As Washington pursues a policy of encouragement of international anarchy and disregard for organizations and international law, we call upon all diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, and religious authorities to boycott the inauguration ceremony of the US Embassy in Jerusalem, lest they lend legitimacy to an illegal decision and to continued Israeli policies of occupation, colonization, and annexation,” the Secratary General stressed.

Erekat warned that this move “is not only illegal but will also thwart the achievement of a just and lasting peace between two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 borders, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Those who attend the ceremony will thus be sending an ominous message, a message that they encourage flagrant violations of international law and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people”.

The West Jerusalem municipality started Monday putting up road signs for the US Embassy, which will be located where the current visa section of the US consulate is located in an area close to pre-1967 armistice line.

847/940