The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) today welcomed the decision by Australia not to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“We welcome Australia’s decision with regards to Jerusalem and its call for a two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy and its affirmation that the future of sovereignty over Jerusalem depends on the permanent solution based on international legitimacy,” tweeted Hussein al-Sheikh, the Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the PLO.
Australia announced today the revocation of its recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing the decision taken by the previous conservative government.
Foreign Minister Benny Wong confirmed the decision, stressing that “Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people.”
She said that Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which the future Palestinian state and Israel coexist in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders, adding that Australia would not support an approach that would undermine this.
“Australia’s Embassy has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv,” said the Foreign Minister.
The decision to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was made by former Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, in 2018.
However, Australia’s new Labor government said it would reverse Morrison’s move.
Source: Palestine News & Information Agency