Maldives condemns US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

The Maldivian government, political parties and opposition leaders have strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In a statement Wednesday, the government called the move “a flagrant disregard of international law which could have dire consequences not only for the Middle East peace process and to the peace, security and stability in the region, but also, to the maintenance of international peace and security as a whole.”

It added: “The Maldives considers East Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian territory. The Maldives therefore calls on the United States to respect the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and not hinder the international efforts to advance the peace process.”

The statement reiterated the stance that an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital was the only solution to the decades-old conflict and denounced “Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.”

Both the ruling party and opposition parties also put out statements expressing outrage over the Trump administration’s decision.

The recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is clearly an act of support to injustice and aggression. It will further destabilise the region and obstruct the peace process.

— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) December 6, 2017

Pursuing a policy that will cause further discord in a space such as Jerusalem will only serve to antagonise extremist views on all sides of the conflict.

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 6, 2017

The unilateral decision by the US to recognise Quds as the Capital of the Jewish State is a slap on the face of all 1.2 billion Muslims around the World. The decision reflects arrogance & rule of jungles when it comes to its own interests!

— Dr. Abdulla Khaleel 🌐 (@abkhaleel) December 6, 2017