Jerusalem: Bahrain opposes unilateral actions

Cairo : Bahrain has called for halting unilateral steps aimed at changing the status of Jerusalem as such steps would be null and void under international law. 

Speaking at an Arab League meeting at its headquarters in Cairo, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Regional and GCC Affairs, Ambassador Waheed Mubarak Sayyar said that unilateral steps would only lead to further tension, jeopardising the security and stability in the region. 

During the meeting, the undersecretary stressed that the international community’s rejection of the US administration’s recognition of the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel proves that the Palestinian cause is globally regarded as a just cause. He added that this was clear in the resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly with a majority of 128 votes which called on the US to withdraw its recognition, stressing that there is no legal effect by the unilateral decision that aims to change the status of Jerusalem.

“We must invest in this supportive international atmosphere for the Palestinian rights and for our clear Arab position and intensify our efforts with the international community to achieve our goal of halting all unilateral steps aimed at imposing a de facto policy on the ground,” he said.

Support for Palestine reiterated

Ambassador Sayyar reiterated the firm position of Bahrain in support of the Palestinian cause and all the efforts aiming to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region in addition to recognizing East Jerusalem as part of the territories occupied in 1967 and one of the final status issues that will only be resolved through negotiations between the two Palestinian and Israeli sides in accordance with the international laws and the two-state solution. 

“We will focus in particular on halting the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and stop Israeli settlement construction, confiscation of land and attempts to empty it of its Muslim and Christian Arab population in a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.” 

The meeting adopted  a resolution calling for Arab action to counter the US administration’s decision and welcoming the decision of the UN General Assembly in its 10th special emergency session under the slogan of “Unity for Peace”, issued on December 21, 2017. 

The meeting also reaffirmed rejection of any resolution recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of the Israeli occupying forces, and the transfer of diplomatic missions to it.  It also affirmed support for the decisions of the Palestinian Central Council of January 15, 2018 in response to the recognition of the US administration of Jerusalem as the capital of the occupying state, and to work with international actors to establish a multilateral mechanism under the UN. This in order to adopt the peace process, Palestine’s efforts to gain full membership in the UN and to strengthen its legal and international status.