Russia alarmed about US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

MOSCOW, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- Russia on Thursday expressed concerns about US President Donald Trump's declaration to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and declaring the holy city as the capital of Israel.
"It is alarming that the US' new position on Jerusalem risks complicating further Palestinian-Israeli relations and in the region as a whole," the Foreign Ministry said in statement. "We call on all sides to show restraint and refrain from actions which could have unforeseeable consequences." The ministry urged free access to religious sites in Jerusalem for people of all faiths.
"Russia's position on the issue remained unchanged," the ministry said, adding that Russia believes that Israel and the Palestinians should work towards, "a peaceful and secure Israel within internationally recognized borders, while recognizing the Palestinian people's aspirations for their own, independent state." "Russia considers as a possible solution the declaring of eastern Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state and western Jerusalem as the Israeli capital," the statement said. (end) as.mys