Malaysia urges U.S. to reconsider decision on Jerusalem

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysian government on Thursday expressed "extreme concern" and urged the United States to reconsider its decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the country is "extremely concerned" over the U.S. announcement, saying that the decision would "put to an end all efforts made towards a resolution of Palestinian question."

"It would have grave repercussions not only towards the security and stability of the region, but would inflame sentiments, making efforts to combat terrorism all the more difficult," said the statement.

Any attempts to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, establishing or transferring any diplomatic mission to the city are considered aggression against the Arab and Islamic Ummah (Islamic community), infringements on the rights of Muslims and Christians alike and on the Palestinian people's national rights, as well as a grave breach of the international law along with the UN Security Council's relevant resolutions, said the Malaysia Foreign Ministry.

Recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is not a recognition of the reality on the ground but an expression of support for Israeli policies, the statement added. Enditem