Sunday, January 22, 2017

ABBAS MEETS KING ABDULLAH TO COORDINATE MOVES AGAINST POSSIBLE US EMBASSY RELOCATION

Palestine auhority President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordanian King Abdullah II met in Amman on Sunday to coordinate moves against the possible relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 

“Abbas and King Abdullah II discussed the possible ramifications of moving the American Embassy to occupied Jerusalem and agreed to take a number of measures if the embassy is relocated,” Wafa, the official PA news site, reported Sunday afternoon.

The Palestinian leadership launched a campaign two weeks ago to appeal to the world against the possible relocation of the US Embassy.

Abbas sent letters to US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, and many other world leaders, warning that relocating would have “disastrous” consequences and spell the “destruction of the peace process.” 

Trump said on Thursday that he plans to follow through with his campaign promise to relocate the embassy. 

“Of course I remember what I told you about Jerusalem. Of course I didn't forget. And you know I'm not a person who breaks promises," Trump told Israel Hayom, an Israeli daily, referring to the relocation of the US Embassy.

According to Wafa, Abbas said that his visit to Jordan was “necessary” because King Abdullah will soon visit Washington, D.C. and Moscow. 

Jordan considers itself the “guardian of Jerusalem” and takes particular concern over holy sites and other matters in the city. 

Abbas added that he hopes the US administration “will stop talking about moving the embassy to Jerusalem…and engage in serious negotiations between us and the Israelis to reach a political resolution.”