Putin: US Decision on Israeli Capital Destroys Middle East Peace Prospects

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, criticized the US President's decision to recognize Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as the capital of Israel, warning that this action would lead to instability and potentially end the peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. According to the Associated Press, Putin stated in Ankara after his trip to Latakia and Cairo that Donald Trump's administration's actions do not help resolve the Middle East issue; rather, they exacerbate the already complex situation in the region. He added that this decision likely destroys the prospects for the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis. On Wednesday, December 6, the US President officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in a historic speech, despite regional opposition. This decision has sparked widespread international reactions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also criticized Trump's decision regarding the Israeli capital during a press conference on Monday. Erdogan emphasized that Israel is using Trump's stance as a pretext to increase 'pressure and violence' against Palestinians. He also noted that the meeting with Putin showed that Russia and Turkey have a common position regarding Jerusalem. Erdogan stressed that cooperation between Russia and Turkey is important for regional stability. Israel considers Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians want East Jerusalem, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, to be declared the capital of an independent Palestinian state. The 1993 peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization stipulated that the final status of this historic city would be determined in advanced peace negotiations between the two sides; however, the peace process has been stalled for years.