On Monday 26 February, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, warned against any missteps being taken in the Middle East.
At the end of the Foreign Affairs Council at which ministers met several of their counterparts from the Arab League, she warned, "We are concerned because any missteps taken in the Middle East peace process, particularly on Jerusalem, with its very sensitive religious angle, could reinforce radical positions and close down an area for those wanting to live together and transform a conflict with a political aspect into one with a religious aspect”.
The High Representative highlighted the importance of respecting status of Jerusalem, the holy city of the three monotheistic religions. Earlier in the day, during a press briefing with the Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Al Safadi, Mogherini said that she hoped a solution can be found very soon with regard to yesterday's closing down of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, in protest against certain Israeli measures. The High Representative added, "Jerusalem is a holy city for the three monotheistic religions. This particular status and character of the city must be preserved and respected by all”. Mr Al Safadi said that, “Jerusalem is essential for peace. Jerusalem is the holy city and must be a symbol for peace” and not “a hostage of fear and despair”. Since Sunday 25 February, the leaders of the main Christian churches in Jerusalem closed down the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to protest against an Israeli plan that seeks to impose the building of Israeli properties.
Jean Asselborn from Luxembourg said that if they are going to be able to safeguard a two state solution, "This gesture of transferring the US embassy to Jerusalem should not be made”. He emphasised that the Arab and EU partners should continue to put pressure on the Trump administration. According to the latter, if the Americans transfer their embassy to Jerusalem, “This will be the end to the two state solution”. The US has announced that this transfer will take place next May, whereas it initially announced that it would take place in 2019. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)