ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday joined the international community in expressing its strong opposition and condemnation of the US decision to recognise the occupied city of Al Quds Al Sharif / Jerusalem as the so-called capital of Israel and the plan to relocate the American embassy there.

“It is deeply regrettable that pleas from states across the globe not to alter the legal and historical status of Al Quds Al Sharif have been ignored, more out of choice than necessity,” a statement issued by the Prime Minister Office said.

This decision represents a serious violation of international law and applicable UN Security Council resolutions, particularly the UNSCR 478. It is a serious setback to the rule of law and international norms. It signals a severe blow to the Middle East peace process as well, the statement said.

Pakistan shares the international outrage and is deeply concerned over the implications of this decision for international peace and security, especially in the Middle East, it said and added that Pakistan called upon the UN Security Council to take cognisance of this situation and take steps in accordance with the UN Charter.

Pakistan urged the United Sates to revisit its decision as soon as possible in order to avoid the potentially grave repercussions in the region and beyond.

The government of Pakistan welcomes the announcement by Turkey to convene an extraordinary Islamic Summit next week to discuss this issue.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2017