Australia announced on Tuesday that it has decided to no longer recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel, reversing a decision made by the previous conservative government, AFP reports, accordin to Agerpres.

„The issue of the final status of Jerusalem must be resolved in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people” and not in unilateral decisions, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

„We will not support an approach that undermines that perspective,” she said, adding that „Australia’s embassy has always been and remains in Tel Aviv.”

The conservative government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison was highly criticized in 2018 when it announced it recognized West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. An announcement made following a similar decision by US President Donald Trump.

„I know this has caused conflict and confusion within part of the Australian community, and today the government is looking to resolve this,” Wong said.

Agerpres