In a statement on Russia’s official Foreign Ministry website, the Kremlin adjusted its previous policy that Jerusalem should be under control of a permanent int’l authority, to being the Capital of the State of Israel.

By i24NEWS

The Kremlin on Thursday declared that it views West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official website, making Russia one of the first countries to recognize any part of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, is located in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish State. – Photo: IsraelandStuff/PP

“We reaffirm our commitment to the UN-approved principles for a Palestinian-Israeli settlement, which include the status of East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state,” read the statement. “At the same time, we must state that in this context we view West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”

Moscow’s stance up until now was that Jerusalem should be put under the control of a permanent international regime in the context of a peace agreement, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The ministry statement further said: “The concrete parameters of a solution for the entire range of issues regarding the status of Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, should be coordinated at the direct talks between the parties involved.

“Using its opportunities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a co-sponsor of the peace process and an active member of the Middle East Quartet of international intermediaries, Russia will continue to provide assistance to the achievement of Israeli-Palestinian agreements,” it continued. “We will focus on ensuring free access to Jerusalem’s holy places for all believers.”

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http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/142063-170406-moscow-views-west-jerusalem-as-capital-of-israel-says-foreign-ministry