The Italian Embassy in Beirut distributed a statement issued by Italian Foreign Minister, Angelino Alfano, on the position of his government over the Jerusalem issue.

"The Italian position on Jerusalem remains based on the European stance in this regard and on the international consensus reached in the scope of the United Nations," the statement read.

"Efforts must be exerted to solve the issue of Jerusalem, as the future capital of two States, the Israeli and the Palestinian, through negotiations in the context of the two-State peace process, taking into account the legitimate expectations of both. Until that happens, Italy will continue to comply with the relevant United Nations resolutions and keep its embassy to the State of Israel in Tel Aviv," the statement added.

"We are concerned about the repercussions of the announcement of the new US approach, and we solicit a sense of responsibility from all the concerned parties in Palestine and the region so as to avoid incidents and violence that serve no one."

"For Italy, in cooperation with EU partners, and by contacting regional and international actors, it is now necessary to assess the situation and to think of possible European initiatives to contribute to the re-launching of the peace process effectively and from a two-State perspective, for it remains the only realistic option possible," the statement concluded

Source: NNA