US decision on Jerusalem threatens peace process in Middle East: Afghan leader

Almaty. December 8. Silkroadnews - The U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel threatens efforts for the Middle East settlement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said, the Afghan Telegraph Agency (AFTAG) reports with reference to official statement posted on the presidential palace’s site on Thursday.
“The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan understands the deep concerns of the Muslim people of the country and the Muslims world. The government of Afghanistan has already shared its deep concerns with US leadership through diplomatic channels about recognition of the Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the transferring of US embassy to the city,” the statement said.
On Wednesday, Trump stated that “it’s time to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.” The head of the White House also instructed the U.S. State Department to start preparations to reset the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. At the same time, the president assured Washington retains “the desire to promote a peace agreement acceptable to both sides.” According to Trump, the US will support the decision on the two states’ formula, if both sides agree to this.
The status of Jerusalem is one of the key issues in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The Israelis captured the eastern part of the city during the 1967 war. They insist Jerusalem is the “single and indivisible” capital of Israel. The Palestinians want to make the eastern part of the city the capital of their state.