EU's Mogherini says Jerusalem status must be solved 'through negotiations'

As Trump weighs recognizing city as capital of Israel, world leaders warn him not to jeopardize peace negotiations

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The EU’s diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said Tuesday that the status of Jerusalem must be resolved “through negotiations,” as US President Donald Trump mulls recognizing the city as the capital of Israel.

“A way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both states, so that the aspiration of both parties can be fulfilled,” Mogherini said after talks in Brussels with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Trump on Monday delayed a decision on the highly contentious issue — a crucial question in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — after public warnings from allies and private phone calls between world leaders.

The EU, which supports a two-state solution to the conflict, has warned against doing anything that would jeopardize peace prospects.

“The European Union supports the resumption of a meaningful peace process towards a two state solution,” Mogherini said.

“We believe that any action that would undermine this effort must absolutely be avoided.”

International leaders have warned Trump that he risks outraging Muslims and jeopardizing Middle East peace efforts if he goes ahead with a proposal to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and move the US embassy there.

Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 war, and extended its sovereignty throughout the city. The Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, and previous peace efforts have failed, in part, over the issue.