Mayor of Dublin Says US Position on Jerusalem a Severe Setback for Peace

Dublin, MINA – The Lord Mayor of Dublin Mícheál Mac Donncha Ardmhéara said on Monday that United States recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is a backward step and a severe setback for peace, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

Ardmhéara made this remark upon his travel to Ramallah at the invitation of the Palestinian Authority to attend a major conference on the status of Jerusalem planned for April 11 and 12.

“Jerusalem is a place of huge cultural and religious significance for people all over the world, including in Ireland. It is, of course, a place of immense importance to the people of Palestine,” he said.

“The decision of the United States government to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel was a backward step and a severe setback for the cause of peace, reconciliation and justice in Palestine and Israel.”

Ardmhéara added, “As Lord Mayor of the capital city of Ireland I am here to acknowledge that East Jerusalem is the designated capital of Palestine under the two-state solution, recognized by the international community, but forcibly prevented from being implemented by successive Israeli governments.

“Jerusalem can and should be a symbol of reconciliation and hope, a reminder that only a negotiated settlement, based on inclusive dialogue, recognizing all electoral mandates, is the way forward. This has been our experience in Ireland and this month we recognize how conflict resolution can be achieved as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.”

The mayor of Dublin said that he is coming to Palestine “to express solidarity with the people of Palestine who are suffering violence from Israeli forces, as witnessed in Gaza most recently with the shooting down of protesters.”

He said that all victims of the conflict, Palestinian and Israeli, deserve a peaceful future and a way forward based on justice, human rights and dialogue. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)