Israel: EU initiative to support division of Jerusalem 'dangerous'

Sun, 06 Dec 2009

Jerusalem - The European Union initiative to support the division of Jerusalem and the status of East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state "could hurt efforts to resume (peace) negotiations," Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said Sunday ahead the EU vote Monday. "The Europeans should not dictate the outcome of negotiations in advance," Ayalon said. "This declaration is a dangerous initiative that could hurt efforts to resume negotiations between the parties and will harden the Palestinian position," he added.

The Swedish presidency of the European Union presented a draft document last week giving support for the division of Jerusalem and the recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

The document is set to be discussed by EU foreign affairs ministers on Monday in Brussels.

The Israeli deputy minister insisted Sunday that "this initiative contravenes the principles of the international community and the decisions of the Quartet whereby the parties reach agreement by direct talks."

Israeli and Palestinian governments have launched their own diplomatic battles last week in attempt to influence EU vote.

Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war and incorporated it into the city's municipal boundaries shortly afterward.

In 1980, Israel formally annexed East Jerusalem, a move not recognized internationally.

Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a hoped-for independent state.