Government distances itself from Prof. Oquaye’s comments on Jerusalem

05:21 - 10 December 2017

The Speaker is quoted to have told Israeli based iNews24 that “whatever Israel wants, we in Ghana will go by that, because that is essentially an internal decision.”

Government has distanced itself from comments made by the Speaker of Parliament,

His comments follow US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In a statement, Ghana's Foreign Ministry said emphasised that the Speaker's views on Jerusalem are his personal views which he is entitled.

”Ghana has always supported the position that the Palestinian-Isreali conflict should be resolved peacefully between the parties themselves and all the stakeholders involved. It is therefore important to all stakeholders and observers to remain neutral until final resolution by partners,” it said.

The statement added that: “While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration does not wish to stifle debates on this issue which is of international concern, the Minister will appeal to all well-minded persons to take cognisance of the sensitivity of the issues."

Israel seized Arab east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

The Palestinians want the eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

The international community does not recognise the ancient city as Israel's capital, insisting the issue can only be resolved in negotiations.