Pakistan joins the international community in expressing its
strong opposition and condemnation at the decision of the US Administration to
recognize the occupied city of Al Quds Al Sharif//Jerusalem as the so-called
capital of Israel and the plan to relocate its 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.
This decision represents a serious violation of international
law and applicable UN Security Council resolutions, more specifically 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.
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. Pakistan calls upon the UN Security
Council to take cognizance of this situation and take steps in accordance with
the UN Charter.
Pakistan urges 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
serious issue.
*****