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Israel fights EU proposal to divide Jerusalem

December 3, 2009 12:30
Palestinians at a gate to the Old City: Swedes want the EU to earmark east Jerusalem as the future Palestinian capital

ByAnonymous, Anonymous

2 min read

Israel is urging EU members to defer the vote on a Swedish proposal to recognise east Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, due to be tabled at next week’s meeting of foreign ministers.

The UK government, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the Swedish plan, with senior sources saying that Jerusalem is not the place to start negotiations for a peace settlement because the division of the city is “too provocative”.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says Sweden, which currently holds the EU presidency, and its foreign minister, Carl Bildt, is the main force behind the measure.

The plan calls for the division of Jerusalem and recognition of the eastern part as the future capital of the Palestinian state.