FDFA clarifies Switzerland's position following announcement of recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israeli state by US president on 6 December 2017
Bern, 07.12.2017 - Switzerland considers that, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 478, any solution to the conflict in the Middle East must be based on a comprehensive and negotiated agreement on the final status of Jerusalem which respects the rights and aspirations of all concerned parties.
Switzerland considers that the recognition by the United States of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel constitutes an obstacle to a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on a negotiated two-state solution. Switzerland has duly noted that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem will be respected.
Switzerland considers that this decision in no way affects the applicability of international humanitarian law – particularly the fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 – and of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in East Jerusalem.
Switzerland does not recognise Israeli authority beyond the 1967 borders and is committed to the establishment of a viable, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. Switzerland will not recognise any change to the 1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, unless it results from a negotiated agreement between the parties. This position has notably been affirmed in UN Security Council resolution 2334.
In the absence of an international agreement on the status of Jerusalem, Switzerland will maintain its embassy in Tel Aviv.
Switzerland calls on all parties to refrain from violence and any other action that may contribute to undermining the prospect of a just and lasting peace.
Switzerland reiterated its position this morning to the US embassy in Bern.
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Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
