Trump’s decision denies US role in peace, says foreign minister
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CAIRO, December 9, 2017 (WAFA - Official PLO news agency) - Foreign Minister
Riyad al-Malki Friday said US President Donald Trump's decision deprived his
country of the ability to play a role in the peace process.

Al-Malki said in a press conference held Saturday evening in Cairo that the
US has excluded itself from having a role in the peace process in the
region, including its role in the Quartet, because the decision shows the
extent of US’s bias towards Israel and against the Palestinian people.

"We came today to attend an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers to
discuss the issue of US recognition of Jerusalem and to know what action
could be taken. We will ask all countries that recognize Palestine to
recognize East Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the state of Palestine,
for both Christians and Muslims.”

He said the state of Palestine rejects the US decision in its entirety and
will not deal with it, describing it as illegitimate.

He added, “All options are open to the Palestinian leadership to deal with
the US move, and we will act at the highest diplomatic, political and legal
levels.”

“By making this decision, the US administration transferred itself from the
role of mediator to becoming a side in the conflict. This is incompatible
with any role the US can play in the peace process.”

Al-Malki said Israel had tried to pressure other countries to recognize
Jerusalem as its capital.

He pointed out that he will ask many countries to reject the US decision and
deem it illegal, stressing that the silence of some countries is not only
unacceptable but is a contribution to the crime.

He explained that next Wednesday will see a meeting of foreign ministers of
Islamic countries in Istanbul, at the invitation of Turkey, and will be
followed by the summit meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC).

M.H