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.
