Foreign Ministry: Proposal to recognize east J'lem as Palestinian capital not new
The Foreign Ministry said in response to the Swedish proposal published in Ha'aretz that Europe recognize east Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, "There is nothing new in the European position, but the process being led by Sweden damages the EU's capability of being a significant player in the mediations between Israel and the Palestinians."
The Foreign Ministry's response asserted, "Following significant steps taken by the Israeli government to allow for the renewal of talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Europe must put pressure on the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table. Moves such as the one spearheaded by Sweden have an opposite effect." (Roni Sofer)
