Russia envoy, Israelis to discuss W. Jerusalem’s status

By Kaamil Ahmed

JERUSALEM (AA) - Russia's ambassador to Israel is set to meet with Israeli Foreign Ministry officials to discuss the prospect of Russian recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Israeli daily The Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday.

According to the newspaper, Ambassador Alexander Shein will confirm Russia’s intention to take the momentous step -- while also acknowledging East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital -- at the meeting.

In a Russian Foreign Ministry statement issued earlier this month, Moscow abruptly announced it was considering the move within the framework of a “two-state solution” to the perennial Middle East conflict.

While Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its “undivided and eternal” capital, the international community views the city as “disputed” and foreign embassies remain based in Tel Aviv.

U.S. President Donald Trump brought the issue to the forefront by promising during his election campaign to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Three months into his presidential term, however, no concrete steps have been taken in this regard.