Saeb Erekat, head of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Executive Committee, on Saturday criticized Australia over its recognition of western Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“All of Jerusalem remains a final status issue for negotiations, while East Jerusalem, under international law, is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Australia's announcement to open a trade office in the city negates its very claim that it abides by UN Security Council Resolution 478, which refers to Israel’s annexation of Jerusalem as null and void and calls upon countries to withdraw diplomatic missions from the city,” said Erekat in a statement.