Abul Gheit warns of escalation in Jerusalem situation

CAIRO – 3 December 2017: Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit said on Saturday that he was deeply concerned about the U.S. administration's intention to transfer the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognize it as the capital of Israel.

The Arab League is following up on all details of the matter, because this event would have important implications not only for the political situation, but also for the security and stability of the region and the world, said Abul Gheit in a statement.

"It is unfortunate that some insist on trying to accomplish this step without the slightest attention to the great risks it poses to the stability of the Middle East as well as the whole world," said Abul Gheit.

He added, "We have already encouraged the U.S. administration in its efforts to resume the political settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Today, however, we say clearly that such action is not justified. It will not serve peace or stability, but will feed extremism and resort to violence. It only serves one side – the Israeli government that is hostile to peace."

Abul Gheit pointed to the existence of contacts with the Palestinian government and Arab countries to coordinate the Arab position towards any development in this regard.

He left Cairo for Rome on Wednesday, November 29 to take part in the activities of the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue held in Italy for the third time, which discussed different issues concerning the Mediterranean Sea countries, including protecting the political stability in these states.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and representatives from GCC and Arab countries, along with EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini, were present at the meetings.