Saudi Arabia denounces Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel

RIYADH, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia denounced on Thursday a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Royal Court, in a statement, warned of serious consequences of such an irresponsible and unwarranted step, including further complicating the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Trump announced Wednesday his official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and instructed moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The decision represents a great bias against the historic and permanent rights of the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, which have been affirmed by international resolutions and recognized and supported by the international community, the Saudi statement said.

Calling the decision a pivot from the "historically impartial position" of Washington in regard to the issue of Jerusalem, the statement said the decision exemplifies a drastic regress in efforts to move the peace process forward.

Saudi Arabia calls on the U.S. administration to reverse this action, and support the international will to enable the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights.

The status of Jerusalem remains one of the core issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. So far, the international community does not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and no foreign countries base their embassies in the city. Enditem