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Reacting to the US’ announcement recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, India has said its position on Palestine is independent, consistent and not determined by any third country.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said : “India’s position on Palestine is independent and consistent. It is shaped by our views and interests, and not determined by any third country,” he said.
It may be recalled that U S President Donald Trump had yesterday recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of US and international policy on the holy city. The declaration came in a press conference which was held in the White House with Vice-President Mike Pence accompanying the 45th US President.
“I have determined that it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I direct to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the new embassy will be a magnificent tribute to peace. For over 20 years every previous American president has exercised the law’s waiver, refusing to move the American Embassy to Jerusalem or to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city, under the belief that it will advance the cause of peace,” said Trump in his presser.
“We cannot solve our problems by repeating same failed strategies of the past. Old challenges demand new approach, my announcement today is a new approach to the conflicts between Israel and Palestine,” he said.
“Israel is a sovereign nation with the right to determine its own capital and acknowledging this is necessary for peace in the region. Jerusalem is not just the heart of three great religions but also the heart of one of the most successful democracies in the world,” he added.
