Jerusalem: France condemns US' 'regrettable' decision

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS (AA) - France "does not approve" the U.S' "regrettable" move in recognizing Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday officially recognized Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Trump also instructed the U.S. State Dept. to “begin preparations” for the American embassy in Israel move to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

Speaking at a news conference in Algiers, Macron said: "It is a regrettable decision, which France does not approve [of] and which contradicts international law and UN Security Council resolutions."

"The status of Jerusalem is a matter of international security that concerns the entire international community. The status of Jerusalem must be determined by Israelis and Palestinians in negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations," Macron added.

The French leader recalled "the commitment of France and Europe to the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security in internationally recognized borders with Jerusalem as capital of the two states."

Macron called "for calm, appeasement, responsibility from all parts" and said his country "is ready to take all the useful initiatives".