Australian government’s announcement of its intention to officially resume use of the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories” in its correspondences and dealing with the Palestinian file, as an “exemplary” international political step, Secretary-General of the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs (RCJA), Abdullah Kanaan, said. The move, he noted, reflects Australia’s commitment to the Palestinian people’s right to their occupied land and a diplomatic implementation of the international legitimacy resolutions related to the Palestinian issue. In statements to “Petra” on Sunday, he said Australian declaration is in line with the international position, and Jordan’s stances, under its Hashemite leadership, which assumes custodianship over Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites that fully defends Palestinian people and supports Palestinians’ rights. He said the committee reminds the world of Australia’s position last October when Canberra retracted a previous move of its government to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, calling for a two-state solution and principle of negotiations to achieve peace. Kanaan also referred to Australia’s decision as a ” important” diplomatic strategy, which reflects Canberra’s commitment to the EU position and the free people of the world. Kanaan added that all these stances enhance principles of peace and security and adherence to the peoples’ right to self-determination, including the occupied Palestinian people, and reflects a global diplomacy that would eliminate policy of double standards and bias towards Israel. Kanaan said Australia’s step affirms that the Palestinian cause and its nexus, Jerusalem, is the “key” global file for justice and peace. Moreover, he pointed to importance of international diplomatic dialogue and action in support of peace based on international legitimacy, law and norms.
Source: Jordan News Agency