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UN Security Council may study resolution on Jerusalem on December 18

On December 6, US President Donald Trump stated that it is time to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

UN, December 15. /TASS/. The Arab countries may submit a draft resolution against recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to the UN Security Council on December 18, diplomats said at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday. The document will become a response to a decision taken by the Donald Trump administration this month.

One of the officials explained that the goal of the draft resolution, which was already distributed among the Security Council members, is to strengthen the existing principles of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement, according to which Jerusalem’s status should be determined during direct talks between the parties.

Status quo

The document, excerpts from which TASS is familiar with, confirms that "any decisions, measures and actions which have altered, or purport to alter, the character, status and demographic composition of Jerusalem have no legal validity, are null and void and must be rescinded." Neither the US, nor Trump’s decision are mentioned in the text, but it contains an appeal to all states "to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in Jerusalem, pursuant to resolution 478 (1980) of the Security Council." It was adopted by the Security Council in 1980, after Israel declared Jerusalem its "single and indivisible" capital. Besides, the draft resolution points to the need to renew the peace process.

A diplomat from an Arab country told TASS that the US will definitely place a veto on the document if it receives nine votes necessary for the adoption. He also expressed confidence that the draft resolution will be certainly widely supported by other Security Council members. The diplomat said they wanted to see all 14 votes in favor of it.

A UN Security Council official told TASS that the voting date has not been determined yet. He said that the Security Council might hold closed consultations before the draft resolution is placed for consideration.

On December 6, US President Donald Trump stated that it is time to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and ordered to move the US embassy there.

Last Friday, the UN Security Council held a special session in the wake of the US decision. Commenting on the results of the held meeting, Palestinian envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour noted that all 14 Security Council members, except for the US, are protecting the international law and the resolutions concerning Jerusalem. He also stated that Palestine is waiting for a resolution from the Security Council calling on the US to revoke its decision.