Jerusalem:The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan praised the United Kingdom on Thursday for rejecting Israel's claims regarding its legal right to close the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem.
According to Jordan News Agency, the ministry expressed appreciation for Britain's commitment to keeping its consulate open and functioning independently in Jerusalem. This decision supports the Palestinian people and maintains the UK's presence in the city, reinforcing its backing for a two-state solution.
The ministry spokesperson, Fuad Majali, criticized any illegal Israeli actions against the diplomatic post and its personnel, opposing attempts to interfere with its operations or diplomatic immunities. Majali also welcomed UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's statement recognizing East Jerusalem as occupied territory, asserting that Israel has no sovereignty over it.
Majali emphasized that operational arrangements should not change the legal status of East Jerusalem or imply recognition of Israeli sovereignty claims. Jordan also welcomed the UK's recent measures, introduced with international partners on September 8, which include a trade ban on products from illegal Israeli settlements and restrictions on services supporting settlement expansion.
He reiterated Jordan's support for the Palestinians' right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and the two-state solution.