Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday, announced that Australia recognized west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but the shift of embassy from second largest city Tel Aviv would not be done until peace settlement will be achieved.
Canberram, one of the a few government over the world, to follow the United States President Donald Trump’s order and lead and recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, though, Morrison also said that they are committed over to recognize east Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
According to news reports, while delivering a speech in Sydney, Morrison said, “Australia now recognizes west Jerusalem – being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government – is the capital of Israel.” Now, both Palestine and Israel will claim Jerusalem as their capital.
Most of the foreign embassy are avoiding to move their embassy to the claimed capital, until and unless Trump does not allow to move its US embassy over there early this year.
Citing that the work over a new site for the embassy under way, Morrison said, “We look forward to moving our embassy to west Jerusalem when practical, in support of and after final status of determination.” Morrison also announced that Australia would be establishing a trade and defence office in west Jerusalem.
Morrison, further saying, added, “Furthermore, recognizing our commitment to a two-state solution, the Australian government is also resolved to acknowledge the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with its capital in east Jerusalem.”
Canberra told its citizen on Friday, who were travelling to Indonesia to “exercise a high degree of caution”, a warning over protest in capital Jakarta, including Bali. Morrison claimed that it was the interest of Australia to support the “liberal democracy” in Middle East.
In an official statement, shadow minister for foreign affairs Penny Wong said, “Recognizing West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, while continuing to locate Australia’s embassy in Tel Aviv, is nothing more than a face saving exercise.” She further said that “this is a decision which is all risk and no gain”, and it puts the Australia “out of step” in accordance with the international community.
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) said on Saturday, the move taken by Morrison “serves no Australian interest”. In an official statement, APAN President Bishop George Browning said, “This sabotages any real possibility for a future just agreement and further emboldens Israel to continue with its daily human rights violations of Palestinians.”