Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON ISRAEL'S CABINET TO EXTEND THE BORDERS OF JERUSALEM
The Department of Foreign Affairs today expressed regret at the decision by Israel's Cabinet to extend the borders of Jerusalem in order to increase the city's Jewish population.
The status of Jerusalem is an issue which is particularly sensitive to Israelis and Palestinians and is one which evokes a strong emotional response on all sides, the Department said. It is for this reason that the question of Jerusalem's status has been defined as an issue in the Oslo Accords, requiring a negotiated diplomatic solution, involving all parties.
The Netanyahu Government's decision to ignore appeals from Israeli opposition leaders and pro-peace activists as well as Israel's peace partners and the international community to avoid unilateral actions which damage the peace process, demonstrates a cavalier attitude to the requirements of peace making.
The Netanyahu Government's willingness to continue with its pattern of unilateral and provocative actions, raises serious questions about its commitment to making peace and adds to the growing perception that a concerted international response is needed, to restore faith in the stalled peace process.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 22 JUNE 1998