Russia: US veto on Jerusalem 'regrettable'

By Emre Gurkan Abay

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Tuesday regretted the U.S. veto of the UN resolution on Jerusalem, saying Washington went against the will of international community.

"It is regrettable that the U.S., being a permanent member of the UN Security Council and claiming itself as a key mediator in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, demonstrates approaches that are contrary to the international community's will.

"This dilutes the international legal basis of the Middle Eastern settlement," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement comes a day after the U.S. vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that rejects the establishment of diplomatic facilities in the contested city of Jerusalem.

Almost two weeks ago, Washington moved to recognize the holy city as Israel's capital and begin the process to move its embassy there from Tel Aviv -- the city where all other nations house their main diplomatic facilities.

Fourteen council members voted in favor of the Egyptian-sponsored resolution that would have demanded President Donald Trump reverse course on the decision. The U.S. was the sole dissenting vote.