PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi expressed the Palestinian leadership's grave concern about a possible
shift in Australia’s foreign policy and reports that the Australian government may recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s
capital in the near future.
In a letter to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Dr. Ashrawi called on him to ensure Australia's strict
adherence to its obligations under international law and advised against any violation of or deviation from relevant
United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In her correspondence to Prime Minister Morrison, Dr. Ashrawi called on the Australian government to reconsider such a
move, affirming that violating the legal status of Jerusalem "would be unilateral, illegal, and would jeopardize the
chances for peace.” She warned that such a step would be a provocation that threatens to further destabilize the region.
She also stressed that a potential change in Australia’s foreign policy position would constitute a departure from the
global rule of law and undermine its standing and economic interests worldwide.
In response to media inquiries concerning possible Australian moves regarding Jerusalem, Dr. Ashrawi said, “The only way
to resolve the issue of Jerusalem would be to recognize the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital in
line with international law.”
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